Pets/Wildlife

Three-year-old Luey, left, and 2-year-old Jax are both Shih Tzus. Although they are not biologically related, they love each other like brothers. They currently are adapting to life with their new (human) baby sister, Scarlett. Luey and Jax live with their proud owner Amy Hin in Wesley Chapel.

Elaine Parker said this curious woodstork came up to her truck while she was getting ready to take her dog for a walk in Zephyr Park. This bald-headed wading bird stands just over 3 feet tall, and roosts and nests in colonies in trees above standing water. Florida populations have declined as water management has become a more difficult problem.

Poppy is a Havanese and about 7 months old. She rarely barks, but she will whine when she wants something. She loves people and thinks everyone should stop and pet her. Poppy couldn’t wait for her owner to brush her teeth, so shown here, she did it herself (she really likes the toothbrush). Poppy lives with her proud owner Donna Denommee in Zephyrhills.

Carmen Harris, of Land O’ Lakes, enjoys bird-watching, especially in her own backyard. She was delighted to spot a painted bunting that frequents her feeder. These fairly common songbirds breed in the coastal Southeast and in the south-central United States, where they often come to feeders. Harris said the bird looks so tropical!

This is King George, a rescued feral cat. He is a very calm cat and grants his rescuer short brushing /petting time. King George stays in his outdoor ‘recovery condo,’ but loves the warmth of the car engine — his favorite spot during the winter. His face seemingly shows he does not approve of having his photo taken. Anita Cooney has rescued King George and five other ferals as a community service.

Sam Lopez captured this photo of a monarch butterfly emerging from its chrysalis at his house in Land O’ Lakes. A monarch will remain in the chrysalis for 10 days to 14 days, depending on temperature. When the chrysalis is completely transparent, the butterfly will emerge.

Nakita is a 10-year-old Cornish Rex. She originally is from Minnesota, where she was always cold. Nakita is happy to live in beautiful, sunny, hot Florida. Most days she lays outside on the lanai. She is very sweet and always greets visitors at the door. Nikita lives in Land O’ Lakes with her proud owners, Lynette and Patrick Condra.

Debbie Wright watched as this young gator swam away with her ball on the 18th hole at The Groves Golf and Country Club in Land O’ Lakes. Wright said she wasn’t fast enough to retrieve her ball from the water!

Five-year-old rescues Azalea (Husky mix) and Peppa (Schnorky) have had hard lives but are now finding friendship with each other and their proud owner, Julie Bluver.

Laurie Kimball, of Land O’ Lakes, said each year a pair of barred owls returns to a box in her backyard to have their young. This year, the pair was blessed with two owlets. Kimball said it is a pleasure to watch the parents raise their young, as recently, the owlets fledged (become capable of flight) after five weeks of age. Their parents will continue to watch over them for the next four months.