In a world where dogs rule the roost, Baloo has captured our hearts and our magazine cover! This four-legged superstar is not just your average pup: He’s a self-proclaimed beach bum, squeaky-toy connoisseur, and part-time nap enthusiast. With a personality as big as he is, Baloo has graciously agreed to sit down with us for a hilariously insightful interview.
Get ready for a tail-wagging good time as we uncover Baloo’s thoughts on fashion, his favorite places, and how despite a rough start he’s living his happiest life. Join us as we celebrate the quirks and charm of our 2025 Pet Parade cover star!
Baloo enjoys a pup cup from MilkShake Factory. Contributed photo.
How did you meet your humans?
My foster mom volunteers at the Wake County Animal Center. While checking on another dog in the back, she noticed me: a cross-eyed pup with a sign on my kennel that read, Please hide my meds for me in cat food. I had been hit by a car, and both of my back legs were broken. The shelter was searching for a rescue to take me in, but when no one stepped up, they approved my now foster mom to foster me.
Is your personality anything like your namesake from The Jungle Book?
100%. The shelter had actually named me Bryan Conner (not sure what that was about). After discovering more of my personality, my foster mom renamed me after Baloo the bear, since I am big, goofy, and love to make friends with everyone.
If you could talk, what would be the first thing you’d say to your humans?
It would likely be, “Let’s go to Bond Brothers” or, “Let’s go to the beach!”
What’s your favorite way to get out of trouble when you’ve done something you shouldn’t have?
Sad puppy eyes and a frown. Or sometimes I act like it wasn’t me at all (sometimes it’s Luis, my alter ego).
Baloo belongs on a beach. Contributed photo.
What’s your go-to move when you want to get your humans’ attention?
Whining or smacking them with my paw.
Where do you like to hang out?
In Cary, I love visiting the Downtown Cary Park, but my favorite spot is Bond Brothers. I try to go there every day, and I’ve become best friends with all the staff. They’re my favorites because they always give me lots of attention and plenty of treats!
Do you have any brothers or sisters?
I have one foster brother, Kubo (and one human foster brother).
What’s your secret for looking so adorable?
I just embrace being extra big, extra goofy, and living life with one brain cell and maximum just happy to be here vibes.
Tell us about your favorite toys and whether you like to share!
Anything that squeaks (although I’m a stuffy destroyer) and Benebones! I prefer swapping to solely sharing (I have major FOMO).
If you had to pick a favorite human food, what would it be?
A plain hamburger, but I also love strawberries and mango.
Despite being a 110-pound “baby bear,” Baloo likes to frolic in the surf. Contributed photo.
What’s your opinion on cats? How about squirrels?
I haven’t been officially cat tested, but I’m curious about squirrels and enjoy watching them. I’ve met Mogwai, the pig at Mosa Pet Spa & Resort, and I really liked him!
What’s the funniest thing you’ve seen your humans do?
Clipping toenails. That was weird and a little scary!
Baloo was hit by a car and has endured surgery on three of his legs, though you’d never know it from his happy-go-lucky demeanor. Contributed photo.
What’s your favorite way to annoy your humans? Do you have a signature move?
I mostly refuse to accept that playing with a toy is something I should ever do alone. My signature move? I grab the toy, march right over, and plop it directly in my human’s lap, like, “Congratulations, you’ve been chosen. Playtime is now a team sport.”
What’s your treat strategy? Any favorites?
Simple: Act like I’ve never eaten a day in my life. My go-to strategy is the wide-eyed stare mixed with just enough drool to make it convincing. As for favorites, well, whatever you’re holding in your hand at the moment suddenly becomes the greatest treat of all time (although I did spit out a peach once).
Baloo and his neighbor, “foster grammy,” are besties. Contributed photo.
If you had a theme song that played every time you entered a room, what would it be?
Easily “The Bare Necessities.” I’m all about having fun and enjoying the little things … like snacks, belly rubs, and accidentally knocking things over with my tail. I really am just happy to be here!
Are you a barker, growler, or whiner?
Definitely a whiner. My bark is normally more of a squeak.
Do you have any besties? Arch nemeses?
Everyone and everything is my bestie! No arch nemeses, but I did meet a sheep once and it was a little scary.
How do you feel about wearing costumes? Are you a fan or do you prefer to keep it au naturel?
I don’t like things on my head, but I am a good sport about accessories like muscle tees, PJs, and bandanas!
What’s your comfiest nap spot or position?
My comfiest nap spot is sprawled directly on top of my foster mom (or any human), starfished out like I’m trying to fuse into them. Maximum weight distribution, zero personal space. If they can’t breathe properly, that just means I’ve achieved peak comfort level.
Though Baloo has never met a stranger, his customized name tag helps break the ice. Contributed photo.
What do your humans love most about you?
I think what my humans love most about me is that despite all I’ve been through — being hit by a car, all the surgeries, all the tough stuff — I still choose to be happy. I find joy in the little things: watching birds, following bumblebees, or just soaking up some simple affection. I don’t really get offended; I just keep loving life. Honestly, my foster mom says humans can learn from me — to not take everything so seriously, to appreciate the small moments, and to just be grateful.
A word from Baloo’s foster mom, Leanna Camara:
Shelter dogs deserve a chance — maybe even more so than others, because for them it’s truly a second chance at a better life. Fostering doesn’t just change lives; it saves them. Baloo is proof of that. If I hadn’t stepped up through our local shelter, he wouldn’t be here bringing so much joy today. Dogs, like people, aren’t perfect — they each have their own personalities, quirks, and pasts. But that’s also what makes them special. And if we let them, they’ll show us how to live with more gratitude, joy, and unconditional love.
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