Pets/Wildlife

Sadie is a 4 ½-year-old Yorkie. She loves to chase little lizards, chew bully sticks, go for walks, and play with her best friend, Snowball, a Bichon Frise. Sadie’s parent is Sharon Riekki, of Land O’ Lakes, and Snowball’s parents are Maya Houston and Julie Riekki, also of Land O’ Lakes.

Lucy is 3 years old and patiently awaited the arrival of the Easter Bunny. Lucy lives with the Brucker family in Land O’ Lakes.

Woodstorks are the only stork native to North America. And, Sharon Thompson, of Country Walk in Wesley Chapel, gets to see them a lot. Due to a weak, almost nonfunctional voice box, Woodstorks rattle their tongues and clack their bills to communicate.

Bud and Sweetie love to visit the Easter Bunny at The Shops at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel.Their proud owner is Vicky McShane, of Wesley Chapel.

A couple of sandhill cranes visited the Treasure Lake neighborhood, in Land O’ Lakes. These birds are usually very friendly, according to Betsy Crisp, who snapped the photo.

Sarah Shannon, of Land O’ Lakes, caught her three pets being nice to each other, taking an afternoon nap together. Snoozing are Sundae, a 3-year-old English bulldog; 1-year-old Kenny and 4-year-old Kingsley.

Lillian Cucuzza, of Land O’ Lakes, has had male and female goldfinches hanging around her feeder, and said the birds are finally turning their beautiful yellow colors. The male goldfinch is bright yellow with a black cap on his head. Note: the background on the photo is not edited out, but is due to the aperture on the camera Cucuzza used.

Simon, who speaks with a British accent, is 7 years old and is the best little Yorkie. He is not a barker unless someone is at the door or if you mention the word ‘mail.’ Simon enjoys watching the birds come to the bird feeder, and his favorite treat is baby carrots. Simon’s proud parents are Beth and Ray Ross, of Land O’ Lakes.

Betsy Crisp saw this vulture standing proudly over his discovery in front of the emergency gates to Magnolia Point in Land O’ Lakes. Crisp suspects the soft shell turtle was probably hit by a car.