Pets/Wildlife

Barry Herscovitch captured this incredible photo of a bald eagle at Circle-B-Bar Reserve in Polk County. The bald eagle, of course, is our national symbol, chosen in June, 1782, to represent the United States.

Leslie is almost 7 years old. Her owner, Jim Spencer, rescued her from a wooded area in his backyard. One of the many things that makes this cat special is her name, as she was named in honor of Leslie West of the band Mountain, famous for the song ‘Mississippi Queen.’ West had wild hair back in the day, and so does Leslie, so it was a perfect fit! All of Spencer’s cats have been named after rock-and-roll stars. Leslie lives in San Antonio.

This male cardinal and male painted bunting opted to share the bird feeder in Lillian Cucuzza’s yard, in Land O’ Lakes. The birds’ colors are equally striking and really complement each other.

Franke (pronounced Frank-ee) is a 10-year-old Boston Terrier and the companion dog of his owner, Jeff Fruth, of Zephyrhills. He was named by his grandma after Frank Sinatra (‘ole blue eyes’). Franke truly loves people, children and other dogs. He a natural runner, even in his advancing age. Franke has slowed down a bit and enjoys his naps. Franke craves Milk-Bones and can’t seem to get enough of them.

This gopher tortoise lives underneath the front ramp at Karen Cole’s house in Zephyrhills. Every time Cole mulches, the tortoise burrows under, again. Since gopher tortoises are protected, Cole feels privileged to have this one stick around.

Mocha is 1 year old and the sweetest beagle you will ever meet. She loves to play with a soccer ball, likes to find and carry sticks, and to walk around the neighborhood to say hello to anyone that passes by. She can be shy at times, but once she sniffs you out, her little personality shines. Mocha lives in Wesley Chapel with Fabiola Reyes.

Lonna Vizzari has named these cranes, Mr. and Mrs., as they have been coming to her home for many years. She thought the female might be too old to have babies, but this year they were blessed. Vizzari enjoys watching them at her home on Lake Stemper, in Lutz.

Loki is a 2-year-old Boston Terrier. He is obsessed with playing fetch and running in the waves on the beach. Loki puts up with his mom dressing him up in silly costumes, for his own Instagram account. Loki lives with Christa Boyle and family in Land O’ Lakes.

A maintenance crew recently mowed a drainage pond in a neighborhood village in Zephyrhills. But after 2 inches of rain, resident Barbara Tabor woke up to find a mother duck with her brood in the pond. She wondered if the ducks had been there before the rain, and how did they all get there? She is still trying to figure out the mystery. Tabor said it was hard to count the ducks, as they kept moving, but she counted 16!

Abby is an unsighted, smart, loving rescue dog. She came in second place, in the cutest costume category, at this year’s Dogs Day in Dade City. Abby has won that same category for the past two years: Last year, she wore a Brownie Girl Scout costume, and recently she portrayed ‘The Little Mermaid.’ She reads The Laker Lutz News with her family every Tuesday. Abby lives with the Mountain family in San Antonio.