![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=326dIQ_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=326dIQ_0uV4FnoV00)
T here isn’t a blood relation. Nor a marriage certificate to make things official. In fact, we’re not even from the same biological species.
But it’s quite true that the animals we hold near and dear to our hearts and bring into our homes to live with us rapidly become another valued member of the family. And whether that animal roams your home on four legs or slithers, swims or crawls, the old adage often seen on bumper stickers of “Who saved who?” definitely applies to the many people who submitted pictures of their “loved one” for this year’s Pet Lovers contest.
It’s obvious from the hundreds of adorable entries Florida Weekly received that our readers care deeply about the animal that brings them so much joy, love and companionship, in return for some scritches behind their ears and the occasional treat.
Even if you didn’t win this year, please know that we loved seeing the animals that put a smile on your face. Because in the end, that’s a prize in itself.
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=34XXqR_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=34XXqR_0uV4FnoV00)
COOPER | Sara Sardano
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1llvnB_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=1llvnB_0uV4FnoV00)
MINNIE | Todd Hildebrant
First place – Dog category
¦ Minnie – Todd and Nicki Hildebrant Ten-year-old Minnie, a Maltese, has been the “most incredible pup” since Todd and Nicki Hildebrant adopted her when she was only 10 weeks old.
“(She is) very sweet and loving, super funny and can bring a smile to anyone’s face,” Minnie’s parents said, adding that she never shies away from the camera. “She’s a total supermodel diva and loves to pose and dress up for any occasion. We often joke that her wardrobe is bigger than ours!”
Capturing photos of her is easy, they said, because Minnie’s offers her doggie smile and “strikes a pose.”
“Her favorite thing is to shop all the stores, go for rides in the car or long walks around the neighborhood,” they added.
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=01WXQq_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=01WXQq_0uV4FnoV00)
TANGO | Robert Sorenson
First place – Cat category
¦ Tango – Robert Sorenson
“The story of Tango is one of curiosity, scars and happy endings,” said Robert Sorenson.
He relayed a cute story about how he and his partner Gwen discovered a “fragile, curious kitten” outside their gym one morning last September. After numerous attempts to feed the kitten, the first day with chicken pieces from his lunch and the next day with wet cat food, Sorenson was finally able to grab the cat, but “not without consequence.”
“In his panic, the kitten slashed me across the ribcage, leaving a physical mark that would forever remind me of Tango’s fierce spirit,” he said. “What followed was nothing short of miraculous. Within mere minutes, the wailing hellcat we had captured transformed into a purring, affectionate bundle of joy. The transition was astonishing— this tiny, scrappy kitten had seamlessly integrated himself into our lives, becoming an unexpected member of our family. Tango has brought constant joy and laughter into our home. Not a day passes without his playful antics or loving purrs to brighten our day.”
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0wfkwp_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=0wfkwp_0uV4FnoV00)
LOOKOUT | Kathryn Taylor
First place – Other category
¦ Lookout – Kathryn Taylor
Kathryn Taylor said she thought of the perfect name for her 2-year-old Brangus cow, Lookout, since she is always “looking out for me to give her treats.”
“They like alfalfa cube treats from Rural King. I captured the photo just after giving her some of the cubes,” she said.
Taylor added that Lookout and her other cows act more like dogs because they get so excited when they see her.
“They come running when they see me,” she said. “I’ll give them apples and other treats as well.” ¦
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0zixRK_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=0zixRK_0uV4FnoV00)
JADA | Aimee Wise
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4CHM2r_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=4CHM2r_0uV4FnoV00)
LOKI | Kathleen Debiak
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=49kqr2_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=49kqr2_0uV4FnoV00)
ARCHIE | Jill Lundy
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0FanW7_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=0FanW7_0uV4FnoV00)
SANDY | Julie Dunham
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3giSGT_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=3giSGT_0uV4FnoV00)
DRAKE | Mark Middlebrook
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1Qz8i1_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=1Qz8i1_0uV4FnoV00)
MAX | Carol Burke
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3vpaZJ_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=3vpaZJ_0uV4FnoV00)
KOKO & LIZZIE | Heather Townsend
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1qITcy_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=1qITcy_0uV4FnoV00)
SMOKEY | Allie Kliegerman
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2VuqoQ_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=2VuqoQ_0uV4FnoV00)
SUGAR | Alisa Coccari
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0blJRy_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=0blJRy_0uV4FnoV00)
LIZZY | Tom DesRochers
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2S6pGR_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=2S6pGR_0uV4FnoV00)
LARRY | Sandy Lamboy
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1x5cSY_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=1x5cSY_0uV4FnoV00)
KALI | Kelley Findlay
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=23S9pl_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=23S9pl_0uV4FnoV00)
ACE | Sarah Mora Villalobos
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0FXIZl_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=0FXIZl_0uV4FnoV00)
MIMI | Kathy Enders
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3o2Ncl_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=3o2Ncl_0uV4FnoV00)
TOBY | Marylee Tirrell
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2unGEr_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=2unGEr_0uV4FnoV00)
ROXIE | Audrey Prost
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0IQ7w4_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=0IQ7w4_0uV4FnoV00)
MAXX | Robert G. Simko
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4UgDRn_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=4UgDRn_0uV4FnoV00)
BREWSTER Theresa Schrecengost
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0IPs4o_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=0IPs4o_0uV4FnoV00)
FERDI | Sue Curley
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=340p42_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=340p42_0uV4FnoV00)
OBI- WAN | Jessica Teets
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=25pfOY_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=25pfOY_0uV4FnoV00)
BEN | William Dukes
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1vtWcr_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=1vtWcr_0uV4FnoV00)
MEEKO | Mary McCown
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=11Sagj_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=11Sagj_0uV4FnoV00)
CAYLEE | Valerie Gottschalk
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4gLhsC_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=4gLhsC_0uV4FnoV00)
MANA OLA | Heidi Redmond
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3pOFav_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=3pOFav_0uV4FnoV00)
MANNY | George Robb
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2iIwqV_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=2iIwqV_0uV4FnoV00)
FINN | Ashley Saravia
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1igfG6_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=1igfG6_0uV4FnoV00)
MONTY | Mark Hammerschick
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=30jel4_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=30jel4_0uV4FnoV00)
LOKI | Kim Klein
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=32mO48_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=32mO48_0uV4FnoV00)
ZOMBIE | Claus Bokelmann
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2sk6du_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=2sk6du_0uV4FnoV00)
PETREE | Mindy Sollett
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3BkPxG_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=3BkPxG_0uV4FnoV00)
BLAKE | Clifford H. Schneider
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1UEuvI_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=1UEuvI_0uV4FnoV00)
MOWGLI | Penny Ventura
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0COMEs_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=0COMEs_0uV4FnoV00)
SKYE | Terri Sanfilippo
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2YgluZ_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=2YgluZ_0uV4FnoV00)
BELLA PUFFY-PANTS | Shelley Sisler
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4Ms3nQ_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=4Ms3nQ_0uV4FnoV00)
BENTLEY | Gloria Maloney
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3XCQ7j_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=3XCQ7j_0uV4FnoV00)
MANNY | Bonnie Dunayer
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=443Zfh_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=443Zfh_0uV4FnoV00)
MURPHY | Mollie Therese Martin
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0h6nGV_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=0h6nGV_0uV4FnoV00)
RAINBOW | Rose Cooke
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0T6Ddc_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=0T6Ddc_0uV4FnoV00)
AUTUMN | Clara Wardein
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1VWl9d_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=1VWl9d_0uV4FnoV00)
ZOEY | Jennifer Joseph
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4b0Wxc_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=4b0Wxc_0uV4FnoV00)
LOLA | Myra Segui
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=27Ynay_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=27Ynay_0uV4FnoV00)
KEVIN | Jason Wise
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=47AMRd_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=47AMRd_0uV4FnoV00)
HIGGINS | Bob Sommerville
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1NNKs6_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=1NNKs6_0uV4FnoV00)
LUKE | Neil Glazewski
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0quzlQ_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=0quzlQ_0uV4FnoV00)
BUFFETT | Rick Tait
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=28PGZX_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=28PGZX_0uV4FnoV00)
BONDO & CASHEW Shannon Smith
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4JiCnh_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=4JiCnh_0uV4FnoV00)
SAGE | Pat Zelechoski
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0eECvf_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=0eECvf_0uV4FnoV00)
VADOR | Kendall Famulare
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0V1MRO_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=0V1MRO_0uV4FnoV00)
BOOBOO | Michelle Beaupre
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3M4kBo_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=3M4kBo_0uV4FnoV00)
NOELLE | Samantha Seekell
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=262ejo_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=262ejo_0uV4FnoV00)
FRANKIE | Bianka Argotti
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1LwuSh_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=1LwuSh_0uV4FnoV00)
MIKEY | Julie Murphy
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2b7HT9_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=2b7HT9_0uV4FnoV00)
PEACHES | Paulette Cooper
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=06tTi9_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=06tTi9_0uV4FnoV00)
FLETCHER | Gwen VanLoo
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=46KVaZ_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=46KVaZ_0uV4FnoV00)
BAILEY & BENTLEY Angela Fales
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3Mlc5Y_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=3Mlc5Y_0uV4FnoV00)
HUNTLEE | Sheila Sommerville
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1KnmSZ_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=1KnmSZ_0uV4FnoV00)
TOBY | Marc Schnee
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4YTKbW_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=4YTKbW_0uV4FnoV00)
HOLLY | Pamela Storrar
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=22j7LX_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=22j7LX_0uV4FnoV00)
LEONIDAS | Jessica White
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2pjrpF_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=2pjrpF_0uV4FnoV00)
NACHO | Trish Gillis
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1uS7k3_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=1uS7k3_0uV4FnoV00)
SUZIE | Michelle Beaupre
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3Dehnk_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=3Dehnk_0uV4FnoV00)
MARA | David M. Whitcomb
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0NJ7px_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=0NJ7px_0uV4FnoV00)
NUCKY THOMPSON L. Wagner
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1WiWiW_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=1WiWiW_0uV4FnoV00)
WRIGLEY | Jennifer Smith
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1ibTwI_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=1ibTwI_0uV4FnoV00)
BOB | David Grossi
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4PYuls_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=4PYuls_0uV4FnoV00)
KARMA | Sandra Lamboy
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3PrGKn_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=3PrGKn_0uV4FnoV00)
LUIGI | Ilona Pilotte
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=18ae1b_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=18ae1b_0uV4FnoV00)
OLIVE | Beth Gierhart
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=31ZU6v_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=31ZU6v_0uV4FnoV00)
BAXTER & REGGIE | Mike Gilbert
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1mOCMF_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=1mOCMF_0uV4FnoV00)
BOGEY | Sandi Teaberry
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=25pEoG_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=25pEoG_0uV4FnoV00)
ODIE | Jane Bubnis
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0RYIQp_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=0RYIQp_0uV4FnoV00)
SWEETIE | Joann Shiels
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4gF1ev_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=4gF1ev_0uV4FnoV00)
KIDDY | Britny Main
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0SP8GY_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=0SP8GY_0uV4FnoV00)
ANGEL | Cathy Dame
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0dv8Rs_0uV4FnoV00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=0dv8Rs_0uV4FnoV00)
BENTLEY POOHBEAR Laura Bonavico
The post 2024 Pet Lovers Issue first appeared on Bonita Springs Florida Weekly .
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