A Parade of Pets

Jun 1, 2026

Jun 1, 2026

We can’t get enough of the sweet faces, silly antics, and the unconditional love only a pet can give. Thank you to all the readers who sent in their companions! This year’s roundup is a 10/10.

LarkLark is incredibly observant and full of personality. She loves chasing a simple wand toy and will happily spend time watching bird videos on YouTube, perched on the mantle for the best view. She’s obsessed with her favorite treats and loves to play, be silly, and have all eyes on her. — Kathryn Chappelle

Juno, Lollie & SnickersJuno is our 5-year-old pup. He is good friends with our son’s bunny, Snickers … who has not met a dog he doesn’t like. Juno is teaching our new puppy Lollie that bunnies are friends, not food! — Andrea Dusina

CookieCookie is our foster girl from Wake County Animal Center. When she first came to us, she was very shut down, but with time, patience, and love, she has blossomed into the silly, sweet, and loyal girl we know today. She is currently undergoing treatment for heartworm, and through it all she continues to shine. Cookie loves every pup she meets and is always ready to play. More than anything, she has reminded us how powerful even the smallest acts of love and kindness can be. — Anna Campbell

BusbyMeet Busby, my 9-year-old ginger kitty. He’s full of energy, running from room to room, and spends hours “watching TV” out the window. He’s charming, a bit flirty, and shows love in his own way — with a soft little nibble. — Marianna Pittman

LouieHe is Louie LongDog. An eclectic blend of all dogs, he doesn’t let just one breed define him. Pet his abundant neck fur while he dusts your low-level furniture with his luscious tail. If you’re lucky, he’ll say “ahwoo” at you. — Christina Stoffan

BusterWe rescued Buster at 2 years of age in October 2025 from a shelter in Montgomery County. We adore Buster, who has brought much joy and happiness to our household. He’s a fabulous watch dog with stunning eyes, slightly mischievous, and living his best life of boiled chicken, rice, yummy treats, numerous walks per day, and endless love and attention he so deserves. — Glenn & Susie Smith

RoachRoach is 5 years old and was adopted from the WCAC in March 2025. She loves Churu, chasing wand toys (her favorites are worm-on-a-string toys), and telling me about the birds she sees from the window. Her coat was pretty sad and dandruff-y when I first got her, but now she’s so soft and floofy. Her vet says that she has the most impressive ear hair she’s ever seen! — Esme Chiara

Maize & BlueMy husband Phil works in sales from home and is originally from Holland, Michigan. We married in 2001. We are huge Michigan fans, so why not name our dogs after the school colors, MAIZE and BLUE? Maize is a black 7-year-old female maltipoo, but she likes to be held like a toddler on your hip. And she believes she is human and a huge NCSU fan! Blue is a white 8-year-old male maltipoo, only 5 pounds. He loves to walk the trails of Hemlock Bluffs. — Hillary Strengholt

BelleBelle lives up to her name — entering every room like the belle of the ball. With her black-and-white tuxedo coat, she’s always dressed to impress. Her short, upward-pointing tail shows her love, and her playful spirit keeps things lively — chasing the dog or “tickling the ivories” at home like a true little star. — Janet Campbell

FinnFinn is a 4-year-old vizsla and a goofy, fun, smart, silly ball of energy. He makes us laugh every day with his antics. In spite of his size (at 85 pounds), he wants to be a lap dog and is true to his breed’s “Velcro dog” label. — Cheri Gray

Harper Lee GraceHarper Lee Grace (named after the writer and my mother’s middle name) is 2 ½ years old. I fostered Harper for almost a year until she became my first foster fail. She is now a permanent part of the family, joining her two older feline brothers, Jack and Keegan. Though it took some time to build trust, Harper is a very affectionate and loyal cat. Her brothers may tell you she’s bossy, and they wouldn’t be wrong. She has the heart of a lion in the shape of a raccoon! — Kelly Winner

MoxieMoxie is an old gray cat with the soul of a queen and the attitude to match. She spends her days ruling the house, judging from sunny window perches, and accepting affection strictly on her own terms. Mysterious, moody, and magnificent, Moxie proves that true star power does not need to ask for attention. — Sheri Erhart

ColbySweet Colby will be 2 years old in July. She has a fun, charming, and playful personality that I hope she never grows out of. She loves going to her downtown Barkyard in Cary to play with the other ‘biggies’ (larger dogs) and getting chased by the dogs there. She stops along the fenced entrance to greet the ‘smalls’ (smaller dogs), and they seem to like her too. Love this girl! — Debbi Burns

Nutty, Baby & PooGunSay hello to The Tuxedo Trio: Nutty, Baby & PooGun. Three tuxedos cats, all adopted from a pet rescue weeks apart. Not related by birth, but related by adoption. Each about 4 years old. Our loves. — Danielle Clermont

ZoeZoe is the sweetest, friendliest puppy. She came into my life as a 2-month-old Pomapoo. She is almost 10 months old and she is one of the biggest joys in my life! — Sonia Weber

BanditBandit is a fun-loving husky who just became a big brother to his human sister! He loves walks, treats, and going to the park! — Emily Jache

MooseMeet Moose! He’s the cutest little guy with the best head tilt that melts everyone’s heart. He loves playing with his toys, showing off his tricks (shake, lay down, and roll over!), and will never say no to a good belly rub. — Kelli J. Bass

AspenAspen is our rescue dog who turned 13 in December 2025. She is happily sharing about the most recent children’s book in her mom’s book series about dogs who help. She has mentored seven service dog puppies and shares about her journey in her book Aspen, Life After Rescue. She loves to chase anything that moves but despises Southern thunderstorms. — Margot Bennett

Diesel & MaterThese two bullies keep a smile on our face and make us laugh out loud! Since our girls have flown the coop, they are our world. — Catherine F. Connors

PepperPepper is a mini Australian shepherd living her best life. Twice a week, she hops on her beloved Pup Park Shuttle bus for off-leash adventures with her dog friends. When she’s not riding in style, she’s sampling pup cups at her favorite local restaurants. Sweet, sassy, and always ready for fun, Pepper brings big joy in a little Aussie package. — Sheri Erhart

TammyMeet Tammy, our shy but incredibly sweet terrier who never says no to a tasty treat or a cozy nap. — Maura Walter

ChaseChase is the sweetest, most lovable pet you could ever ask for. He brings so much joy, comfort, and laughter into our lives every day. We love him deeply, and he truly makes our home feel complete. — Giselle & James

HeliosHelios and his siblings were found as babies abandoned and alone during the solar eclipse! He’s grown into a big snuggly boy who loves to play with his toys, run wild through the house, and just be the funniest, silliest guy! Nicknamed “He-Man,” we are so grateful we rescued this special kitty! — Julie Watson

PumpkinHey, what’s that tattoo on my dog’s belly? It’s typically a blue/green line letting you know your rescue has been spayed. It may fade over time, but it’s permanent, just like the mark left on our hearts by adopting a pet in need! Nothing says “I love you” to an animal like providing hope, care, and a forever home. They might not have seen fresh air, sunlight, grass, or playtime. Now, the windows of opportunity are endless. Pumpkin is looking out, ready to go! What breed is she? RESCUE! — MG

Tucker & DukeMeet Tucker and Duke, two silky-eared gentlemen who take porch sitting very seriously and have mastered the art of the soulful stare. They’re Cary locals, loyal companions, and genuinely believe they’re the most handsome dogs in any room. (They’re not wrong.) These two bring joy everywhere they go and would be honored to be Cary’s most beloved duo! — Sherry Riano

ElleElle is waiting patiently for her share of a Goodberry’s Concrete custard. — Laura Harpham

Rio & CairoMeet golden-hearted Rio and bold Cairo. A striking contrast yet a perfect bond as two shades, one heart. Together they balance warmth and strength. Calm yet full of character, both are natural posers, always camera-ready and effortlessly stealing hearts. The youngest, Cairo is full of playful energy, always nudging Rio to join in and keeping him on his toes. Proud rescues from Saving Grace in Wake Forest. Follow their journey @rio_cairopaws on Instagram. — Rina Yadav

KeeganKeegan is 5 years old. He is the sweetest boy in the world, which is why he is also known as my “pumpkin muffin.” Keegan loves belly rubs and basking in the sun. He gets along with dogs and other cats, including his siblings, but loves his mama the most. Although Keegan may not be the sharpest tool in the shed, he is the gentlest in the bunch. He is full of peace, love, and kindness. — Kelly Winner

More From Our Jun-July 2026 Issue

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