Pets/Wildlife

Joel Jackson captured the image of this limpkin at Lettuce Lake Conservation Park, a 240-acre park in Northeast Hillsborough County. Jackson last year was honored to have the nature center at Lettuce Lake Park renamed the Joel E. Jackson Nature Center for his conservation efforts over the last 50 years. These leggy birds seem to limp as they walk across uneven wetland surfaces — hence the name, limpkins.

Violet is a 4-month-old Basset hound; her nickname is ‘Loop.’ She is a fun, shy, loving, happy-go-lucky pup. She loves to play with her brother, Rusty, a beagle/whippet mix. Violet lives in Zephyrhills with her owner, Joseph Yingling.

John Oddo lives in San Antonio and enjoys taking photos of the wildlife in his area, as is evident in this incredible snapshot of a reflection of a gator in a pond. Oddo lives in the Tampa Bay Golf & Country Club community.

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.