Pets/Wildlife

Doris Moore likes to take photos of the wildlife that appears near the backyard pond, at her home in Wesley Chapel. Here, a great blue heron snatches a snake from the water.

Puddles is about 16 weeks old and a bulldog/shepherd mix. Her owners named her after she left too many puddles in the house on her way to being house-broken. Puddles is loving her new forever home with Summet Underwood in Land O’ Lakes.

Theresa Sierra was sitting on her dock on Lake Thomas in Land O’ Lakes when she spotted what she thought was a very large duck. Upon taking a closer look, Sierra realized it was a brown pelican that was very photogenic. It circled her dock a few times before departing.

Nacho celebrated his fourth birthday in August. His favorite thing to do with his family is to ride in the car. Nacho lives in Land O’ Lakes with his parents, Danielle and Rich Stitt, and his siblings, Mercedes,  Luke and Janelle.

Doris Moore snapped this anhinga snatching its breakfast in the pond behind her house, in the Northwood Community in Wesley Chapel.

Oakley is a 10-month-old English cream golden retriever puppy. She is fun, loving and energetic. Her favorite activities include playing fetch on the beach and swimming in the ocean on boat days. Oakley is very welcoming, as she gives each and every person of the house a 6 a.m. wake-up call, which includes loud barks, tail wagging, and enough drooling kisses for a lifetime. Oakley lives in Land O’ Lakes with her owner Sophia Galan and family.

Mother duck and her babies emerged from their nesting place in a patch of mondo grass to visit the pond behind the Lexington Oaks home of Steve and Char Vinik, in Wesley Chapel. As the photographer approached slowly, the ducks went on high alert and daddy duck went scurrying across the pond, possibly to provide a distraction.

Dude Lee is shy, but he loves to play with other dogs, and to go for car rides. Although Dude’s mom rescued him from Pasco County Animal Services, Dude’s dad is his favorite human. Dude lives in Lutz with his family – Victor, Vanesa, Gabriela, Angelica and Daisy (the family’s other dog).

Kona’s ear reflects her silly personality. She loves walks, treats, her people, and chasing lizards and squirrels. Kona enjoys attention and has to be near her family all the time. Kona lives with her mom Tracey Canard, dad and brothers, along with a cat, tortoise and gecko, in Wesley Chapel.