The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Pets/Wildlife

Local Wildlife: Are your feet tingling?

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Don Cimino was walking by a pond when he saw something creeping along on the sidewalk. Cimino didn’t recognize the creature at first. As he was taking the photo, Cimino said the little crawfish raised its claw at him. Perhaps the crawfish was warning Cimino. Or maybe the creature just wanted to say hey to a neighbor.

Adopt A Pet: Fun is aplenty with Skinny Minnie

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Meet Skinny Minnie, the spirited and playful 5-month-old kitten who’s ready to light up your life. With her boundless energy and affectionate nature, Minnie is a bundle of joy who thrives on human interaction. Whether she’s pouncing on her favorite toys, chasing after a feather wand, or curling up for a cuddle, Minnie’s zest for life is truly infectious. Her curiosity knows no bounds, and she’s always on the lookout for her next adventure. With a heart full of love and a playful spirit, Skinny Minnie is sure to bring endless smiles and laughter to her forever home. You can meet her at Pasco County Animal Services today.

If you would like to adopt Skinny Minnie, be sure to make an appointment at Pasco County Animal Services at 19640 Dogpatch Lane in Land O’ Lakes, by calling 813-929-1212. The adoption center is open Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 6:30 p.m. All adoption fees include spay/neuter, microchip and vaccines. Email for more information.

Adopt A Pet: Toyota is a handsome fellow

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Two-year-old Toyota has a heart as golden as beautiful as his champagne-colored coat. He is full of youthful energy and charm, and his expressive face is always ready to share his enthusiasm for life. Toyota’s personality sparkles, too. With his playful spirit and loving nature, he’s sure to bring joy and laughter into any home — whether he’s chasing after his favorite toy, snuggling up for some downtime or giving you those irresistible puppy-dog eyes. Toyota is looking for a family who can match his zest for life and provide him with plenty of love and playtime. If you’re ready for a loyal companion with a flair for fun, Toyota is your perfect match. Come meet him at Pasco County Animal Services today.

If you would like to adopt Toyota, be sure to make an appointment at Pasco County Animal Services at 19640 Dogpatch Lane in Land O’ Lakes, by calling 813-929-1212. The adoption center is open Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 6:30 p.m. All adoption fees include spay/neuter, microchip and vaccines. For more information, email .

Adopt A Pet: Artichoke is bundle of potential love

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Artichoke may be a bit shy at first, but don’t let that reserved demeanor fool you. At 4 years old, Artichoke is looking for a patient and understanding human who can help her come out of her shell to blossom and show her true colors. Though she takes a little time to warm up, once she feels secure, she becomes a gentle and affectionate companion. Artichoke would thrive in a calm and quiet home where she can take her time adjusting to new surroundings. With a bit of patience and a lot of love, she’ll reward you with a deep bond and the kind of loyalty that’s worth the wait. If you’re ready to give Artichoke a chance to shine, visit her at Pasco County Animal Services today.

If you would like to adopt Artichoke or Toyota, be sure to make an appointment at Pasco County Animal Services at 19640 Dogpatch Lane in Land O’ Lakes, by calling 813-929-1212. The adoption center is open Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 6:30 p.m. All adoption fees include spay/neuter, microchip and vaccines. For more information, email .

Local Wildlife: A beauty to behold

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Miguel Antonio Ortiz snapped a photo of this monarch at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in New Port Richey. These butterflies may be found throughout North America feeding on milkweed, their toxic host plant. Monarchs live mainly in prairies, meadows, grasslands and along roadsides, across most of North America.

 

Resting comfortably

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Barbara Carson snapped this photo of four baby raccoons, also known as cubs, 

rescued from a fallen tree. Raccoons may climb trees in order to rest safely during the day. Most raccoons, however, will rest inside one of their dens.

Winnie is a sweet girl

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Winnie will celebrate her 17th birthday on Sept. 16. When she was younger, she liked to be in the pool and enjoyed her walks. Winnie is laid-back and affectionate, and loves people, especially children and other animals. She has always loved stuffed animals. Winnie lives in Lutz with her proud owner, Linda Brunner.

Maria is an absolute angel

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Maria is a 2 ½-year-old rottweiler farm dog. She is great for herding horses, but doesn’t like chickens. Maria is house-trained and loves to swim and run through the woods. She resides with her proud owner, Jason Mooney, in New Port Richey.

Playful and photogenic

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Don Cimino, of Land O’ Lakes, goes for a daily walk around his Grand Oaks subdivision. At a small pond, he noticed swirling water and the next thing he knew, two otters jumped onto the grass and to the top of a drainage tunnel. The otters were nice enough to pose and even make some barking sounds, after which they dove back into the water for their swim. Cimino said he sees a lot of wildlife on his walks, but this is the first time he has seen otters.

Contemplating the next step

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Sumitra Gangavaram caught these black-bellied whistling ducks heeding the “No Trespassing” sign at Brooker Creek Preserve. Known as “squealers” in the waterfowl world, these ducks will usually hang out on power lines and rooftops, don’t like to swim, and act more like geese than ducks.