The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Pets/Wildlife

Two by two

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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.

Caught in the act

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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.

Goldfinch brilliance

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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 likes to snuggle

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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.

The circle of life

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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.

‘Strut Your Mutt’ Fashion Show wows residents

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The Beach House at Wiregrass Ranch, 30070 State Road 56 in Wesley Chapel, hosted its inaugural ‘Strut Your Mutt’ Doggie Fashion show on March 16. All breeds were welcome to take part and free refreshments were offered after the show. Vendors sold goods and the event benefited the Alzheimer’s Association.

Joan Caldwell, a resident of the Beach House, gives her dog, Pumpkin, her attention ahead of the ‘Strut Your Mutt’ doggie fashion show. (Christine Holtzman)
Natalie Engel, of Wesley Chapel, walks the runway with her dog, Mr. Bean. The English Springer Spaniel wore a headband featuring two red hearts because, according to his owner, he is extremely loving.
Wearing a pink ‘Diva’ sweater and a straw hat, Gracie, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, acts just like a diva as she reluctantly marches down the runway. The little pooch is owned by Elly Patierno, of Land O’ Lakes.
Teresa Williams, of Wesley Chapel, struts Mya, a German shepherd, down the red carpet. The 7-year-old pup loves playing with toys, especially her Kong balls.

 

 

Mid-day snack

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Cheryl Fernandez snapped this pileated woodpecker eating termites, in the vicinity of Hanna Road and Sunset Lane in Lutz.

Duke is a rescue

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Duke is a 3-year-old mastiff pit mix. He loves his new home with Nadia and Harold Green, of Lutz.

Hung out, to dry

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Marie Hammer snapped this photo as an anhinga dries out its feathers after diving in Lake Thomas, at The Preserve at Lake Thomas, in Land O’ Lakes. Unlike other birds, the anhinga does not have oil in its feathers, which allows it to dive deeper.

Taz is very friendly

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Taz is a 5-year-old mixed breed. He loves to say hi to anyone and everyone. Every time Taz hears the phone ring, he does his happy dance because he’s hoping it means his best friend, Shiloh, is coming to visit. Taz enjoys going outside, chasing lizards, playing hide-and-seek, and chewing on his toys. And ‘chewing,’ means ripping the toys to shreds like it’s his job! Taz lives in Land O’ Lakes with his owners, Donna, John and Zach Schietinger.