The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Pets/Wildlife

Usually shy and quiet

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Two ducks come up to the home of Sharon Thompson, in Wesley Chapel, every day to be fed. They are not shy when it comes to begging for food. The Muscovy ducks have sharp claws for perching in trees, but are mostly seen in slow, goose-like flight at dawn and dusk.

True best friends

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Bonkers and Lacy are both pure-bred American Eskimos. Bonkers is a 7-year-old male and Lacy is a 1-year-old female. Most of all, they love going to the park for their daily walks with their proud owner, Lisa Lionetti, of Land O’ Lakes.

A stakeout in progress

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Betsy Crisp, of Land O’ Lakes, caught this little cattle egret hanging outside Arby’s, probably hoping for some lunch. The cattle egret is a cosmopolitan species of heron found in the tropics, subtropics and warm temperate zones.

Prince loves his sister

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Prince is about a year old and loves water, going outside, playing with his sister, and playing with cat toys. He was found on the side of the road and given to his owner. Prince was very little, but healthy. He has a sister named Duchess, a Maltese-Pomeranian, who is his best friend. Prince’s proud owner is Abigail Wicker and her family, of Lutz.

Special deliveries from Skeeter

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Randall Grantham, of Lutz, has a cat named Skeeter that has a habit of bringing him captured or deceased ‘prizes.’ If it is a rat, it is usually dead. However, with other species, Skeeter somehow gets them to the doorstep fairly unharmed. He has delivered live lizards, swamp rabbits, flying squirrels, and even the fuzzy critter known as a round-tailed muskrat, a species common to the wetlands in the area.

Lottie is a social butterfly

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Lottie is an 8-year-old Labrador Retriever. She is an ‘ambassador of goodwill’ in her neighborhood, as she always greets passersby with a wagging tail and a roll over onto her back to elicit a good belly rub! Lottie likes other dogs, but prefers people company. A little bit sneaky, she enjoys slinking onto her owners’ bed after they have fallen asleep for the night. Lottie owns Gary and Barb Clark, of Land O’ Lakes.

Every gardener’s nightmare

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Ritchel Klingensmith found this worm on a tomato bush. Tomato hornworms can’t sting, and the caterpillars are harmless to humans and can be picked off plants without danger.

Grai is lovable and smart

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Grai is 5 years old. He will pat you with his paw when he wants to eat or go on the screened porch. Here, Grai is sporting his Halloween bandana, anticipating the upcoming holiday. Nicole Tuzzolino, of Land O’ Lakes, is Grai’s proud owner.

Soaking up some rays

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This alligator was sunning itself on the bank of the pond behind Karen Whitenton’s house, in Lutz. Karen likes the photo because the gator’s mouth was open slightly, revealing his teeth, and because of the reflection in the pond.

Duchess is a sweet dog

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Duchess is a Maltese Pomeranian. She is about 3 years old and loves belly rubs. Duchess knows how to sit, stay and lay down. She enjoys playing, going on daily walks, meeting new people/dogs and hanging out with her brother, Prince, the cat. Her favorite food is sliced turkey, and she stands on her hind legs and begs for it whenever she can. Duchess is part of the Wicker family of Lutz.