Pets/Wildlife

Lily is a rescue from Hillsborough County, as part of a multitude of dogs seized from abuse. Lily is the first dog her owner, Marissa Walrath, has ever adopted. Marissa said the poodle changed her life forever, and Lily can now live her life in peace, love and safety.

The anhinga and cormorant are often confused. They share similar characteristics, such as long, snake-like necks, and can be seen perched along the coast, rivers, lakes or ponds, often cohabiting in the same areas. Cormorants have striking crystal-like blue eyes and anhingas display a striking blue-green eye ring in its breeding plumage. Betsy Crisp said she couldn’t get close enough to decide on which bird this was, when she snapped this photo on Treasure Lake in Land O’ Lakes.

Pixie is 5 years old and Chase is 15 years old. They both love going to the beach in their buggy. The pups are good at helping their owner relax. Pixie and Chase live with Rita Debeer in Zephyrhills.

Steve Vinik followed this great egret from his yard in Wesley Chapel, where it was snatching little lizards from a tree. The bird wandered down the street, and in trying to escape Vinik’s prying eye, flew atop the pool house in the Lexington Oaks neighborhood. The egret then magnificently launched itself in another direction.

Arturo is a 2-year-old Coton de Tulear rescue. He loves cooling off on the patio floor. The Coton de Tuléar is a breed of small dog known for its cotton-like coat and named for the city of Tulear (also known as Toliara) in Madagascar. This breed is thought to have originated from a group of small white dogs that swam across the Malagasy channel following a shipwreck. Arturo lives with the Blomstrom family — Maddox and Jeff — in Land O’ Lakes.

Cathy Vitone found this anole on a crepe myrtle tree in her backyard, in Land O’ Lakes. These lizards inhabit many different types of ecosystems, including deserts, rainforests, scrublands, caves, and even urban areas such as parks and gardens. A variety of the species either live most of their life in trees, or part of their life in trees. The lizard’s colorful chin flap (a dewlap) is used to attract a mate, defend territory, or deter predators.

Maximus is 9 years old, and just always wants to be where his humans are. Maximus lives in Wesley Chapel with his owner, Heidi Davidson.

Dawn Rodriguez snapped a photo of this beauty at her parents’ home in Wesley Chapel.

Vincent, a Siberian cat, bonded from the beginning with his owner. Vincent, aka Vinny, had a rough start to life, as he was rescued from the snow in Manhattan, New York. Now living in Wesley Chapel, Vinny has loved the Florida sun from Day One, He sits in the screened-in pool area during the day. He also loves to snuggle in bed with his owners. When the family decides to rescue or to train a dog or cat, Vinny is their support fur-baby, as he is gentle and assured, as he shows the pets how to behave. He is kind and gentle, and so unique — almost human. Vinny is 18 years old and is slowing down a little. Eileen said she sometimes wonders, who saved who? Vinny lives in Wesley Chapel with Eileen and Robert Halczyn.

Laser is an 11-year-old short-haired red mini dachshund, but don’t tell him he is a mini because he will never believe you! He’s has been part of the Jackson family since he was a puppy. Laser has always been a very high-energy dog, even now in his senior years. He loves to take walks in the neighborhood and visit everyone along the way. In fact, Laser is more well-known in our community than his parents. He doesn’t even mind going to the vet because he gets to meet and interact with new people. Laser has been through a several medical issues, but none have slowed him down. Sarah and Paul Jackson, of Land O’ Lakes, love their little Laser Beam.