Pets/Wildlife

This 5-year-old hound named Aileron is a New York shelter rescue. He is a ‘snow dog’ that also spends time in Wesley Chapel. While in Florida, Aileron loves to sunbathe, go for walks and visit with the neighborhood kids. In New York, he likes to chase rabbits and play in the snow. Aileron’s parents, Tim and Alma Shutt, say his nose gets him in trouble, but Aileron just likes to feel useful and keep an eye on the house, and his toys. Girls call Aileron ‘cutie’ and ‘handsome.’ A neighborhood photographer even asked Aileron to model for her.

This photo of three juvenile bluebirds huddled together was taken by Lorna Baker in her backyard, in Meadow Pointe 1 in Wesley Chapel. The birds seemed to anxiously scan the area for ‘mom,’ maybe wondering where the next meal is.

Smokie is a 9-year-old Russian blue. He is very vocal, and sometimes it’s like carrying on an actual conversation with him. Smokie came to his owners, Peter and Kelley Caporice, five years ago when Kelley’s mom passed away. The family could not let him go anywhere else, and Smokie quickly made himself at home. He loves snuggling on the couch, in his own time, of course, and enjoys going outside on the screened porch to nap and watch birds. Smokie mainly just watches the birds, but lizards better beware, and squirrels that dare to get on the screen will be told off in no uncertain terms. Smokie lives with the Caporices in Lutz.

The sweetbay silkmoth, named after the host tree (sweetbay magnolia), can be seen in Florida between February and October. This female made an appearance at the home of Meagan Rathman-Urena, in Lutz. This particular moth only has a lifespan of about two weeks, just long enough to mate and lay eggs. The female usually lays its eggs in short rows on the host plant leaves, but this one laid eggs on one of the homeowner’s window screens. Its habitat includes coastal swamp areas and moist areas in pinewoods.

Bodega is a 20-year-old orange tabby cat. Her owner’s co-worker was moving and could not take Bodega with her so Janna Rolfe, of Wesley Chapel, gave her a home. Bodega has fallen in love with her new family. Bodega’s favorite thing to do is watch the birds at the bird feeder, from the screened-in lanai. She does not like any cat treats or people food — only dry cat kibble.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Theresa Sierra and her husband, Frank, live on Lake Thomas in Land O’ Lakes. This juvenile green heron seemed to pose for Theresa, for more than 5 minutes.

Carl, a 5-year-old Pomeranian-Chihuahua mix, was rescued from a shelter in Round Rock, Texas. She — yes ‘she’ — was adopted by a loving family and moved to Wesley Chapel. Carl welcomed two new ‘people puppies’ into her life when her owner had twin girls. Her favorite way to spend time is to chew the special shoes (with beads or glitter) in the boxes, and going to Disney. Carl’s proud owner is Caitlyn Allan, of Wesley Chapel. Note: The dog’s name is actually Ava, but the family began calling her Carl, after a character in ‘The Walking Dead’ series — and the name stuck.

Wood ducks perch and nest in trees, and are comfortable flying through woods. They can be seen in wooded swamps, marshes, streams, beaver ponds and small lakes. The ducks usually stick to wet areas with trees or extensive cattails. Janna Rolfe, of Wesley Chapel, snapped this photo of a male wood duck, also called a drake.

Dixie Mae, left, and Colton are Goldendoodles, and are going to turn 5 in July. They were womb-mates, separated the first year after birth and then reunited when Colton was in need of a new, loving home. They both love a green apple yogurt ‘cookie’ before breakfast every morning. Their favorite toys are a stuffed sloth and duck. Dixie Mae can solve a strategy board and can stand on and walk on just her hind legs. Colton loves to give warm hugs to everyone – a feat since he weighs more than 97 pounds. He also can toss a tennis ball as far as a toddler. The duo shares the title of residential squirrel patrol at the home of their owners, Kimberlie and Stephen Glogowski, of Land O’ Lakes.

A monarch butterfly use its eyes to locate flowers, its antennas to smell the nectar and the receptors in its feet to taste sweet substances. Adult monarchs feed on nectar and water by sipping on it using a sucking tube, called a proboscis, that lies coiled under its head when not in use. Fred Perkins, of Zephyrhills, snapped this photo on his daughter’s property.