Pets/Wildlife

These two beautiful yearlings were photographed by Sandra Smith, behind her house on the golf course of Lexington Oaks in Wesley Chapel.

Hendrix and Lux are only a few months old. They love to wrestle and cuddle with each other. Their favorite toys are their big sister’s hair ties. Both love cat treats at the end of the day. Hendrix and Lux live with James Dauenheimer in Lutz.

This handsome fellow came to visit the home of Tamara Hosch in Wesley Chapel and spent about 1½ hours just sitting on a fence, during a rainstorm.

Minnie was found on a rainy day last August meowing in a bush, and barely 4 weeks old. Being black and white with large ears and extremely tiny, the name Minnie fit perfectly. She is quite fearless and feisty, and enjoys trying to catch lizards through the screen, or playing hide and seek with her brother, Milo, a Dalmatian. Her proud owner is Gina Rehberg, of Wesley Chapel.

This resplendent cardinal decided to dine just outside the kitchen window at the home of Steve Vinik and his wife, in Lexington Oaks in Wesley Chapel. The Viniks said there are two male cardinals that visit from time to time, and sometimes simultaneously. The couple has also seen a female cardinal, a red-winged blackbird, a tufted titmouse, a red-bellied woodpecker, a house finch, blue jays and mourning doves.

Bob Harrigan snapped a photo of this white-tailed deer through his screened lanai, off Lutz Lake Fern Road, in Lutz. Harrigan said residents spotted ‘Gimpy’ years ago noticing his damaged right front leg and wondered if he got hit by a car, and if he would survive. This young buck seems to be doing just fine!

Lily is a 7-month-old King Charles Cavalier spaniel. She loves going to the dog park, eating ice, hiding under the bed, sleeping on her owners’ heads and playing with their other dogs. Her precious face warms their hearts and always elicits smiles. She loves giving kisses and cuddling on the sofa. Lily lives in Land O’ Lakes with the Galan family.

Ty is a 1-year-old rescue cat that absolutely loves to lay in sinks. Madison Lash, of Wesley Chapel, has been a cat mom to Ty since he was 5 weeks old, and she has loved every second of it. Ty is the most loving cat and always cuddles with Madison when she gets home, from anywhere. His favorite thing to do is catch lizards outside and bring them in. Ty is all around the best pet anyone could have.