Pets/Wildlife

Milo, a Shih Tzu, came from a sweet elderly lady who was no longer able to take care of him. Kaitlyn Walrath, of Lutz, said Milo has blessed her home for two years now and brings her joy and companionship. Milo loves spreading Christmas cheer in his many themed outfits and loves walking the neighborhood scoping out the decorations.

Even Kathy and John Draper’s little boy, Quiche, loves the magic of the holidays! Quiche lives with the Drapers in Land O’ Lakes.

This dragonfly appears to be smiling at Meagan Rathman-Urena as it sits on a fence post at her home in Lutz.

Stanley ‘Cup’ O’ Connor is a 9-year-old rescue and is the sweetest pup you’ll ever meet. He was named after his family’s love of hockey and his three human brothers who played hockey. Stanley loves to nap all day and chase lizards on his walks. He lives in Land O’ Lakes with the O’ Connor family.

Nick Marek likes to watch the deer come through to play and graze in Eagle Island, in Lutz.

Lucy is 8 years old and full of energy. She is super playful and loves people of all ages. Lucy lives with her owner, Lisa Munoz, in Zephyrhills. Munoz feels very blessed to have this little one in her life.

Shirley Arnold snapped this photo of a great blue heron about to enjoy its catch, at Zephyr Park in Zephyrhills. Great blue herons wade slowly or stand statue-like when they are hunting. They stalk fish and other prey in shallow water or open fields. These birds use their strong bills to stab their prey with a lightning-fast thrust of the neck and head.

Attie has grown from a young pup into a 115-pound bundle of love. When she is tired, she grabs her binky (her chew toy) and climbs onto her dad’s lap for a nap on the couch. Who could say no to her face? Attie lives with Randy Jones in Dade City.

Steve Warrener, a teacher at Learning Gate Community School in Lutz, caught this rooster in the act, as it eagerly inspected the discarded and donated pumpkins that were collected as part of a compost project involving students at the school.

All dogs are special, but Trip is the champ. Nearing the golden age of 13, he has the spunk of a puppy that his owners fell in love with at first sight. Trip does his own shopping, even taking his purchase to the checkout where he waits for Dan and Pat Weaver to pay — which they gladly do as a reward for the good boy that he is. Trip lives in Dade City with the Weavers.