Diesel
Breed: English BulldogAge: 4 years oldOwners: Joseph & Brenda SpencerTown of Residence: Leesport
How and when did you meet your pet, and why did you choose to make him a part of your family?
“I have always wanted an English Bulldog since I was in high school,” says Brenda. “I looked and looked around and finally saw Diesel in October of 2009. It was love at first sight!”
What makes your pet unique? He skateboards! Really!
Do you and your pet share any special experiences together? Tell us about them!
We used to boat a lot and everyone would see Diesel on the back of our boat and yell his name. Everyone knew Diesel; he was a very popular bulldog in Baltimore. He would walk around and think everyone was there to see him (and a lot of times they were). Strangers always stop to pet him and ask many questions about him. He is one handsome boy!
If you had to describe your relationship with your pet to someone, how would you do it?
Diesel is my constant companion – so loyal and loving, ALWAYS! I absolutely could not have asked for a better boy than Diesel! He loves being part of our family. I could not imagine my life without him in it!
Chai “Bear”
Breed: Long-Haired Calico MixAge: Approx. 2 1/2 yearsOwner: Victoria ParisiTown of residence: West Reading
How and when did you meet your pet, and why did you choose to make her a part of your family?
I met Chai Bear two summers ago at the Animal Rescue League. I decided I wanted to adopt a cat since I work from home and needed a companion. I saw her from behind in the outdoor caged area in one of the cat colonies. Her calico coloring on her back reminded me of a childhood cat. As soon as I walked over she came over to me; I put my fingers in the cage and she just kept brushing her body on my hands, back and forth. She felt more like a bunny than a cat. I ran inside so I could ask to hold her. They handed her to me and she curled up and tucked her head under my chin, and I fell in love right there. I had to take her home with me that day.
What makes your pet unique?
Her coloring is so beautiful and unique — especially the markings on her face. She has long, fluffy tufts on all of her paws, which makes it entertaining when she tries to run on a hardwood floor!
Do you and your pet share any special experiences together? Tell us about them!
I gave her a new toy lobster the day I brought her home. Ever since then she carries “Lobbie” around the house and leaves him places for me to find. Sometimes she’ll bring him to me and she’ll meow while she’s carrying him. When I hear that specific meow I know she’s coming with Lobbie in her mouth.
If you had to describe your relationship with your pet to someone, how would you do it?
My cat is my companion. She crashes down the stairs like lightning while meowing when I come home. She’s my little shadow and she cures me of any boredom or loneliness. She’s truly a lifesaver and friend; my Bear is what makes my house feel like home.
How has pet ownership enriched your life?
Chai Bear is such a loyal cat; she’s more like a dog. She waits patiently in any room I’m in so she can follow me to the next, sleeps in my bed with me every night,and lies on the chair right next to my desk while I’m working. Working from home can get extremely lonely, and she keeps me company all day.
Ellie
Breed: PapillonAge: 6 monthsOwner: Jena StaabTown of Residence: Sinking Spring
How and when did you meet your pet, and why did you choose to make her a part of your family?
My fiancé and I discussed adding to our four-legged family a lot. Zoe, our 4-year-old Papillon, loved other dogs and we felt getting a sibling for her would ease her loneliness. We came across Ellie in December, without the intention at that moment of getting another dog. But all we had to do was look at that face and we knew there wasn't any way we would be able to leave her behind.
What makes your pet unique?
She has a floppy left ear, which can be uncommon in Papillons. The name Papillon comes from the French word "butterfly" because of their big butterfly-like ears. Having one floppy ear makes her even more special. Ellie is also fearless and curious. She loves everything and is always happy.
Do you and your pet share any special experiences together? Tell us about them!
Ellie loves to watch TV and play. I like to try to take her with me when I go places, like Starbucks for coffee. She is still young so everything is new and exciting to her.
If you had to describe your relationship with your pet to someone, how would you do it?
My dog is my fuzzy, four-legged child — a member of the family. I also ad-lib songs to apply to them using their name and sing it to them. They are a best friend who can't wait to see you every day.
How has pet ownership enriched your life?
I could not imagine my life without a dog. Dogs make being home alone not alone. You always have someone to keep you company. They make you smile even when you are having a bad day and love you unconditionally, even if you are being less than lovable.
Lefty
Breed: Pit Bull mixAge: 1 year 4 monthsOwners: Bonnie Pritchard & Pete MeshinTown of Residence: Bernville
How and when did you meet your pet, and why did you choose to make him a part of your family?
We very randomly decided to drive out to the Animal Rescue League in the midst of a snowstorm on a Saturday afternoon this past December. We were automatically drawn to Lefty (then, Elf), mostly because he was THE saddest thing there. We asked (incessantly) if we could take him home that night and they said we'd have to come back the next day since he wasn't there for 48 hours yet. We showed up the next day as soon as we could and luckily he was still there. This time, he actually picked his head up to look at us and then stood up on his back legs, almost showing off. We were sold.
What makes your pet unique?
Lefty got his name because upon walking him at the ARL the day we adopted him we noticed his left ear was cut horizontally across. We also think what sets Lefty apart is his uncanny human-like expressions and desire to be in the middle of all the action.
Do you and your pet share any special experiences together? Tell us about them!
Lefty's all-time favorite thing in the world is "ball.” He totes it around all day, plays fetch with himself and LOVES playing with it in the yard. Lefty is always up for an adventure; he's also always trying to climb in the car to go for a ride.
If you had to describe your relationship with your pet to someone, how would you do it? We are a family. The end.
How has pet ownership enriched your life?
We wouldn't say it's so much pet ownership that has enriched us, but moreso rescuing Lefty and giving him the second chance that he deserved from the start. It's so scary to think what he might have endured before us but so rewarding to know that no matter what, he'll never have to be rescued again.
What do you love most about your pet?
Hands down, what we love most about Lefty is how accepting and loving he is to absolutely everyone. He has no hostility or preconceived notions about anyone he meets. He gives everyone a chance to meet him with open arms (or paws). Despite often being discriminated against simply for what he may look like, he loves unconditionally, and that's what we love most about him!
*We'd like to extend a very special "THANK YOU" to Willow Street Pictures for the amazing photographs of our contest winners and to Awesome Dawgs for their prize baskets.
by Nikki M. Murry | photos by Darren Modricker, Willow Street Pictures
