Pets on Parade 2023

Sep 29, 2023

Q-Ball is a 3-year-old hairless Xoloitzquintli from Ohio. He is the uncle of my coated Xolo, Xochi. Q’s personality is very typical of the breed. He is shy and standoffish with people he doesn’t know, but is very closely bonded with his family. Q-Ball and Xochi are best buddies and will wrestle and play all day long. — Amy Felkins

Legend is simply legendary in our home. A small dog with a big personality! He’s a “protector,” but loves to be cuddled, scratched, rubbed, and even carried. He hates to get his feet wet, simply must sit on something soft, and can play fetch or tug of war with his favorite bone for hours. He’s also pretty addicted to chewing ice. — Siti Lowery

Charlie is our 11-year-old Shih Tzu. I refer to Charlie as my “love affair.” He has the sweetest personality, and can often be seen living his best life while being pushed in his stroller on weekends. With the Town of Cary being as dog-friendly as it is, Charlie loves being out at the many patio establishments with his humans. Charlie loves to wear this scarf around the house. I think he likes the coziness of it around his neck. — Janice Manning

Mojo is a 12-year-old lab/hound mix. He and his littermates were taken in by Best Friend Pet Adoption when they learned that a backyard breeder had an unwanted mixed-breed litter. Mojo was the first of well over 100 fosters that have come through our house, and our first foster failure. Mojo is a gentle giant who loves everyone and everything. He’s the best boy ever! — Amy Felkins

Leo is a rescue from Freedom Ride Rescue! We fostered him and quickly “foster failed” because we knew he belonged in our family! He is so funny, sweet, and playful. He puts up with us dressing him up for Halloween! He’s our best friend! — Jordan Saukaitis

Chase was 6 months old when we rescued him. During his first few days at home, he was very shy, but little by little he learned that this is his forever home. At 2 years and 3 months old, he now owns the home! He is the sweetest dog you can wish for, and he brings so much joy into our lives. When we get home, he looks at us with those beautiful eyes and does these crazy wiggles showing how happy he is that we are back. He is sure to melt anyone’s heart. We are thankful and blessed he is part of our lives. — Giselle and James

Dash and Patch joined our family in April. Our oldest son has asked for a guinea pig since he was 2 years old. After 7 years of patient persuasion, his dream came true when we surprised him and his little brother with these two sweet guinea pigs. Dash and Patch love getting treats, going for walks in a baby stroller, and riding in toy trucks. They squeak with excitement when they see us. We can’t imagine life without them! — Jaime Ramsbottom

This is our full Shih Tzu mama (Bugatti), the Shih-poo dad (Bentley), and two of their pups, Cougar and Jaguar. They love playing with their chew toys, eating snacks, and doing their “zoomies” together in the evenings. Always entertaining us with some kind of antics. They love traveling with us to the lake and hanging out on their float or swimming. — Sharon Croteau

Xochi is a 2-year-old coated Xoloitzquintli from Pennsylvania. She is a very loving girl who rarely leaves my side. She loves attention, gives kisses frequently, and will hug my arm with her front paws. Xochi is a mischievous little girl and will take anything she can get her mouth on. She will parade around with her prize and proudly bring it to you so you can see that she has something. As soon as you show interest, she will prance off with her head held high. — Amy Felkins

Caroline joined our family this past April when we adopted her from Freedom Ride Rescue! She visited us several times to get socialized with other dogs, and on the final visit, we couldn’t let her leave. Caroline is a Great Pyrenees. Despite her 80 pounds, she is a big lover. She loves hugs and treats. We absolutely love her and are so grateful to Freedom Ride Rescue for saving her. — Jennifer Browne

Cous is a gentle and patient SPCA rescue. He’s the chief box inspector, bag swatter, and window watcher of the house. In addition, he’s patient with his kitten brother, Fishy (named after Aho). And his loud, loving, and baritone purr sounds like an old diesel engine. Together, we’re all humming along. — Graham Duncan

Lily came to us at three days old, orphaned with her siblings. Her chance of survival was less than 10%. I “was not a dog person,” but I decided to foster during Covid for my boys to have the love. After many sleepless nights, emergency tube feeding, and bottle feeding, she is our forever princess. We continue to foster bottle feeders. — Laura Irvin

Lexie and Trixie are tabby kitties who look alike — one skinny, one chunky. They are sisters, though not biological sisters. Lexie is 16 and Trixie is 11. Lexie got scared of a hammer on a bed she was under and flew down the stairs — she’s the flying cat. Trixie — scratch her tickle spot on her back and she gives you kisses. She also lets me know when it’s dinner time if I’m late from work. — Robin Anne Barham

We adopted Cary 14 years ago from Almost Home Animal Shelter. She was at a kill shelter in NC and was brought up to NJ where we met her, and it was love at first sight. Her name was Cary when we met her — fitting, as we relocated from NJ to beautiful Cary. Cary loves to sun bathe, nap, go on walks, loves babies, belly rubs, the mountains, and car rides. She is a picky eater and hates the rain and thunder. She is our first fur baby and makes our family whole. We love our sweet and beautiful Cary. — Lisa Kropilak

Can a dog be a baby after they are no longer a puppy? This one is. Mel is definitely the biggest “baby” ever seen, doubling in size in a very short time. And with those gams, no one puts this baby in a corner. That is, unless it’s the corner of the furniture — her favorite spot. — MG

This is Suna, also known as Suna Bee because she is sweet as honey! Suna was rescued in 2016 and will be 7 years old in October. She loves to go on walks, give kisses, chase balls, and snuggle like nobody’s business. And like so many dog owners say, Suna rescued me! — Marie Callahan

Clyde is an 8-year-old domestic shorthair. He and his sister, Bonnie, were found at about three days of age and brought to the Wake County shelter. We took in both as bottle feeding fosters. Sadly, Bonnie did not make it, but Clyde thrived and stole our hearts. He became our third foster failure. Having been raised by four dogs, Clyde is very dog-like. He greets everyone who comes to the house and loves to be petted. —Amy Felkins

Cam is a 2-year-old mixed breed that we call a “Himalayan Barker,” because he loves to bark! Cam was found as a stray at only 4 months old, but was saved by Freedom Ride Rescue. It was love at first paw for us, and we are so grateful for Freedom Ride Rescue for saving him. We love him to pieces and can’t imagine our family without him. — Jennifer Browne

This little cutie came to Freedom Ride Rescue at just a few weeks old with his two sisters. They took such good care of him, and eventually he came home with us. We couldn’t help but fall in love with his beautiful blue eyes and quirky personality. He is a big goofball, full of energy, and loves to play, play, play. He will also lick you to death, so be careful. He’s a boxer, pit, Staffordshire mix with a little husky and Rottweiler in the mix, too. Gotta love mutts and rescues! — Tiffany Allen

Missy was a young stray who was fostered by my daughter. She arrived with five newborn kittens! My daughter and son-in-law fostered Missy for several months, until her kittens were old enough to be weaned. I then took Missy to be spayed and adopted her through Meow House Cat Rescue. She had been with me almost a year and is adjusting to indoor life quite well! — Christy Hanson

Smiley is a sweet, lovable, and ever-curious 5-year-old goldendoodle from Cary. He loves to play ball outside, enjoys belly rubs, and indulges in an occasional Puppuccino or some watermelon slices. At home, he’s known as the kitchen helper for always being around to steal extra food. Overall, he has a happy-go-lucky personality and is fun to be around. — Sri Pillutla

Cooper is the most loveable, snuggliest good boy! He is obsessed with the tennis ball, and we often call him the MVP due to his impeccable skills of catching the tennis ball right out of the air. Cooper is a rescue who went from the streets to the sheets — he literally naps in the guest bed all day when he’s not chasing tennis balls. His adorable mask as we call it brings so much character to his outgoing personality! — Anna Sonday

I have wanted a cat for forever. For 3 years of her existence, GoosePippa wanted me too, I am sure. My mom says that her personality matches mine 100%, and she wonders how it is even possible. I did not choose her — the chance presented itself, and there I was with the cat, taking her home. GoosePippa is quiet, chill, and tranquil, laid back and very gentle. Appreciative of vintage quality. I cannot read her mind, but I feel that we share the vibes that unite and calm us. — Rafik Khismatov

Dino is the most loving dog ever! He is our furry bambino! He loves carrots, lettuce, and Ben & Jerry’s pumpkin doggie ice cream!! He does some tricks which include giving paw and high fives. We are super blessed, and Dino is a great addition to our family! — Tanya Occhipinti

Brownie is a 13-year-old Boykin Spaniel who is a real gentleman. He is a loving pet who greets everyone who visits our house with joy and happiness. His whole body wags, not just his tail! He is a happy fellow. Brownie loves to go for long walks early in the morning and enjoys sleeping on hot summer days. He is always ready for a car ride and eager for new adventures and meeting new people. His favorite toy is his ball, which he loves to retrieve as well as chew on. — Barbara Johnson

Surrendered to the shelter because she is an escape artist — she can scale a chain-link fence like Spider Man. Rescued and living her best life. Georgia can amazingly smell a mole and scoop it out. She prefers to be on her back, getting her belly rubbed all day long. Her soft, velvety head, and sweet, gentle demeanor will make a person want to do just that! — Anthony Amsheyus

Woody is quirky, loving, and very protective. He loves when his mom has foster puppies! He makes the best big brother, knowing to play with the little ones gently, get on their level, and teach them the ropes about being a good dog. He loves giving kisses, and he keeps his older sister and brother active with all of his energy! Photo cred @fivefreedomsphotography — Jennifer Browne

Q-Ball is a 3-year-old hairless Xoloitzquintli from Ohio. He is the uncle of my coated Xolo, Xochi. Q’s personality is very typical of the breed. He is shy and standoffish with people he doesn’t know, but is very closely bonded with his family. Q-Ball and Xochi are best buddies and will wrestle and play all day long. — Amy Felkins

Legend is simply legendary in our home. A small dog with a big personality! He’s a “protector,” but loves to be cuddled, scratched, rubbed, and even carried. He hates to get his feet wet, simply must sit on something soft, and can play fetch or tug of war with his favorite bone for hours. He’s also pretty addicted to chewing ice. — Siti Lowery

Charlie is our 11-year-old Shih Tzu. I refer to Charlie as my “love affair.” He has the sweetest personality, and can often be seen living his best life while being pushed in his stroller on weekends. With the Town of Cary being as dog-friendly as it is, Charlie loves being out at the many patio establishments with his humans. Charlie loves to wear this scarf around the house. I think he likes the coziness of it around his neck. — Janice Manning

Mojo is a 12-year-old lab/hound mix. He and his littermates were taken in by Best Friend Pet Adoption when they learned that a backyard breeder had an unwanted mixed-breed litter. Mojo was the first of well over 100 fosters that have come through our house, and our first foster failure. Mojo is a gentle giant who loves everyone and everything. He’s the best boy ever! — Amy Felkins

Leo is a rescue from Freedom Ride Rescue! We fostered him and quickly “foster failed” because we knew he belonged in our family! He is so funny, sweet, and playful. He puts up with us dressing him up for Halloween! He’s our best friend! — Jordan Saukaitis

Chase was 6 months old when we rescued him. During his first few days at home, he was very shy, but little by little he learned that this is his forever home. At 2 years and 3 months old, he now owns the home! He is the sweetest dog you can wish for, and he brings so much joy into our lives. When we get home, he looks at us with those beautiful eyes and does these crazy wiggles showing how happy he is that we are back. He is sure to melt anyone’s heart. We are thankful and blessed he is part of our lives. — Giselle and James

Dash and Patch joined our family in April. Our oldest son has asked for a guinea pig since he was 2 years old. After 7 years of patient persuasion, his dream came true when we surprised him and his little brother with these two sweet guinea pigs. Dash and Patch love getting treats, going for walks in a baby stroller, and riding in toy trucks. They squeak with excitement when they see us. We can’t imagine life without them! — Jaime Ramsbottom

This is our full Shih Tzu mama (Bugatti), the Shih-poo dad (Bentley), and two of their pups, Cougar and Jaguar. They love playing with their chew toys, eating snacks, and doing their “zoomies” together in the evenings. Always entertaining us with some kind of antics. They love traveling with us to the lake and hanging out on their float or swimming. — Sharon Croteau

Xochi is a 2-year-old coated Xoloitzquintli from Pennsylvania. She is a very loving girl who rarely leaves my side. She loves attention, gives kisses frequently, and will hug my arm with her front paws. Xochi is a mischievous little girl and will take anything she can get her mouth on. She will parade around with her prize and proudly bring it to you so you can see that she has something. As soon as you show interest, she will prance off with her head held high. — Amy Felkins

Caroline joined our family this past April when we adopted her from Freedom Ride Rescue! She visited us several times to get socialized with other dogs, and on the final visit, we couldn’t let her leave. Caroline is a Great Pyrenees. Despite her 80 pounds, she is a big lover. She loves hugs and treats. We absolutely love her and are so grateful to Freedom Ride Rescue for saving her. — Jennifer Browne

Cous is a gentle and patient SPCA rescue. He’s the chief box inspector, bag swatter, and window watcher of the house. In addition, he’s patient with his kitten brother, Fishy (named after Aho). And his loud, loving, and baritone purr sounds like an old diesel engine. Together, we’re all humming along. — Graham Duncan

Lily came to us at three days old, orphaned with her siblings. Her chance of survival was less than 10%. I “was not a dog person,” but I decided to foster during Covid for my boys to have the love. After many sleepless nights, emergency tube feeding, and bottle feeding, she is our forever princess. We continue to foster bottle feeders. — Laura Irvin

Lexie and Trixie are tabby kitties who look alike — one skinny, one chunky. They are sisters, though not biological sisters. Lexie is 16 and Trixie is 11. Lexie got scared of a hammer on a bed she was under and flew down the stairs — she’s the flying cat. Trixie — scratch her tickle spot on her back and she gives you kisses. She also lets me know when it’s dinner time if I’m late from work. — Robin Anne Barham

We adopted Cary 14 years ago from Almost Home Animal Shelter. She was at a kill shelter in NC and was brought up to NJ where we met her, and it was love at first sight. Her name was Cary when we met her — fitting, as we relocated from NJ to beautiful Cary. Cary loves to sun bathe, nap, go on walks, loves babies, belly rubs, the mountains, and car rides. She is a picky eater and hates the rain and thunder. She is our first fur baby and makes our family whole. We love our sweet and beautiful Cary. — Lisa Kropilak

Can a dog be a baby after they are no longer a puppy? This one is. Mel is definitely the biggest “baby” ever seen, doubling in size in a very short time. And with those gams, no one puts this baby in a corner. That is, unless it’s the corner of the furniture — her favorite spot. — MG

This is Suna, also known as Suna Bee because she is sweet as honey! Suna was rescued in 2016 and will be 7 years old in October. She loves to go on walks, give kisses, chase balls, and snuggle like nobody’s business. And like so many dog owners say, Suna rescued me! — Marie Callahan

Clyde is an 8-year-old domestic shorthair. He and his sister, Bonnie, were found at about three days of age and brought to the Wake County shelter. We took in both as bottle feeding fosters. Sadly, Bonnie did not make it, but Clyde thrived and stole our hearts. He became our third foster failure. Having been raised by four dogs, Clyde is very dog-like. He greets everyone who comes to the house and loves to be petted. —Amy Felkins

Cam is a 2-year-old mixed breed that we call a “Himalayan Barker,” because he loves to bark! Cam was found as a stray at only 4 months old, but was saved by Freedom Ride Rescue. It was love at first paw for us, and we are so grateful for Freedom Ride Rescue for saving him. We love him to pieces and can’t imagine our family without him. — Jennifer Browne

This little cutie came to Freedom Ride Rescue at just a few weeks old with his two sisters. They took such good care of him, and eventually he came home with us. We couldn’t help but fall in love with his beautiful blue eyes and quirky personality. He is a big goofball, full of energy, and loves to play, play, play. He will also lick you to death, so be careful. He’s a boxer, pit, Staffordshire mix with a little husky and Rottweiler in the mix, too. Gotta love mutts and rescues! — Tiffany Allen

Missy was a young stray who was fostered by my daughter. She arrived with five newborn kittens! My daughter and son-in-law fostered Missy for several months, until her kittens were old enough to be weaned. I then took Missy to be spayed and adopted her through Meow House Cat Rescue. She had been with me almost a year and is adjusting to indoor life quite well! — Christy Hanson

Smiley is a sweet, lovable, and ever-curious 5-year-old goldendoodle from Cary. He loves to play ball outside, enjoys belly rubs, and indulges in an occasional Puppuccino or some watermelon slices. At home, he’s known as the kitchen helper for always being around to steal extra food. Overall, he has a happy-go-lucky personality and is fun to be around. — Sri Pillutla

Cooper is the most loveable, snuggliest good boy! He is obsessed with the tennis ball, and we often call him the MVP due to his impeccable skills of catching the tennis ball right out of the air. Cooper is a rescue who went from the streets to the sheets — he literally naps in the guest bed all day when he’s not chasing tennis balls. His adorable mask as we call it brings so much character to his outgoing personality! — Anna Sonday

I have wanted a cat for forever. For 3 years of her existence, GoosePippa wanted me too, I am sure. My mom says that her personality matches mine 100%, and she wonders how it is even possible. I did not choose her — the chance presented itself, and there I was with the cat, taking her home. GoosePippa is quiet, chill, and tranquil, laid back and very gentle. Appreciative of vintage quality. I cannot read her mind, but I feel that we share the vibes that unite and calm us. — Rafik Khismatov

Dino is the most loving dog ever! He is our furry bambino! He loves carrots, lettuce, and Ben & Jerry’s pumpkin doggie ice cream!! He does some tricks which include giving paw and high fives. We are super blessed, and Dino is a great addition to our family! — Tanya Occhipinti

Brownie is a 13-year-old Boykin Spaniel who is a real gentleman. He is a loving pet who greets everyone who visits our house with joy and happiness. His whole body wags, not just his tail! He is a happy fellow. Brownie loves to go for long walks early in the morning and enjoys sleeping on hot summer days. He is always ready for a car ride and eager for new adventures and meeting new people. His favorite toy is his ball, which he loves to retrieve as well as chew on. — Barbara Johnson

Surrendered to the shelter because she is an escape artist — she can scale a chain-link fence like Spider Man. Rescued and living her best life. Georgia can amazingly smell a mole and scoop it out. She prefers to be on her back, getting her belly rubbed all day long. Her soft, velvety head, and sweet, gentle demeanor will make a person want to do just that! — Anthony Amsheyus

Woody is quirky, loving, and very protective. He loves when his mom has foster puppies! He makes the best big brother, knowing to play with the little ones gently, get on their level, and teach them the ropes about being a good dog. He loves giving kisses, and he keeps his older sister and brother active with all of his energy! Photo cred @fivefreedomsphotography — Jennifer Browne

Q-Ball is a 3-year-old hairless Xoloitzquintli from Ohio. He is the uncle of my coated Xolo, Xochi. Q’s personality is very typical of the breed. He is shy and standoffish with people he doesn’t know, but is very closely bonded with his family. Q-Ball and Xochi are best buddies and will wrestle and play all day long. — Amy Felkins

By Cary Magazine
Sep 29, 2023

We at Cary Magazine love our pets, and from all the amazing photos we received for this year’s Pet Parade, we can tell you do, too! Thank you to all of our readers for taking the time to go online and submit your furry family members. Pets are so special, and we loved shining a light on each and every one of them!

More From Our Oct 2023 Issue

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