Pets/Wildlife

Leia is a 2-year-old miniature Australian Shepherd. She was the runt of the litter, born to her owner’s daughter and son-in-law’s dog, but is scrappy and keeps up with her brother, Clark, in backyard frolicking. Her name came from her preference for laying on a pink pillow, thus crowning her with the name Princess Leia. Leia likes long walks and dislikes being dressed in costumes, even Star Wars costumes. She anxiously awaits squirrel sightings in the backyard, while perched on the back of the sofa. Leia is a member of the Hamilton family in San Antonio.

Sharon Thompson, of Wesley Chapel, snapped this photo of an osprey high atop a tree in Country Walk. Osprey wing beats are slow and deep; they flap more than they sail. Their call is a series of loud, clear whistles. They leave the U.S. after breeding season, but return early from wintering grounds in Central and South America.

The Cuchel family was devastated when their daughter lost her cat of 16-plus years in September 2017, and was not planning on getting another pet. But, one day, the family saw Benjamin Mittens on a cat rescue group’s page, and the rest is history. The woman who runs the rescue told the family that they were saving him but, as it turns out, Benjamin was the one saving the adopting family. The Cuchels, shortly after, even rescued a little sister to keep Benjamin company. Benjamin likes plenty of attention and is comfortable sprawling out with his belly exposed. He has a shoe fetish, and loves to wear shoes, when he can get his paws on/in them. Benjamin even celebrates birthdays, albeit, begrudgingly. Benjamin lives with Cathy Cuchel and family in Land O’ Lakes.

This red-shouldered hawk settled itself on the roof peak of Max Rathman’s home, in Wesley Chapel. Apparently it made for a good lookout, as these hawks hunt small mammals, amphibians and reptiles from perches or while flying.

Seamus is a 6-year-old border collie/lab/terrier mix, and was on the streets for a year before his owner was lucky enough to find him at the local animal shelter. Seamus passed all his training in record time to qualify to be his owner Colleen Davis’ service dog.  Seamus sleeps with Davis, and one morning woke her by scratching her shoulder. Davis woke and couldn’t breathe, and was rushed to the hospital, diagnosed with a blood clot. Davis said she is alive and well because of Seamus, and he means the world to her. They live together in Lutz.

Jack is a 10-year-old golden retriever. He loves chasing squirrels, eating Starbucks pup cups, and spending time outdoors with his family – Mike, Marabeth and Samuel Ward, of Wesley Chapel.

In the early morning light, Karen Whitenton snapped this photo of a sand hill crane family out for a stroll near a dried-up pond looking for bugs. Whitenton lives in the Willow Bend subdivision in Lutz.

Levi is a standard poodle who likes to run and romp with his friends at the dog park. His owner, Barbara Marbell, says Levi is the ‘love of her life.’

Michelle Mullis says this barred owl is a frequent visitor to a tree in front of her house in the Cypress Bayou, in Land O’ Lakes. On this particular day, it was happy to let her snap a few photos. The barred owl usually roosts quietly during the day. Mullis was excited for the opportunity to see the owl’s beauty up close.

Lexie (left) loves to dress up and prance around to show off. Abbie, on the other hand, tolerates her mom’s wardrobe selections. Lexie is 16 years old and Abbie is 13 years old. They are sisters to each other, but not by blood. Abbie and Lexie live with their proud owner, Debbie Wright, in Land O’ Lakes.