Feature
Pets We Love
- Fred Lopez
Miso & Mochi
Humans: Nick Cepeda & Honey Delo
Some people go to Lowe’s for plants. Nick Cepeda and Honey Delo came home with two kittens. Found nestled in a planter when they were just days old, Miso (gray) and Mochi (white and gray) needed round-the-clock care and a crash course in kitten parenting. Weeks of syringe-feeding later, the tiny duo have graduated to solid food, mastered the litter box, and discovered the joys of playtime. At just six weeks old, they’ve even had their first professional photo shoot at Studio 22. Not bad for two little strays who started life in the garden center. As Nick puts it, they’ve been “a pretty unforgettable addition to our family.”
Dave
Human: Sharon Ward Keeble
Dave is a lot of dog. A nearly 4-year-old St. Bernard with boundless energy, a mischievous streak, and an impressive talent for home renovation. The damage tally? Roughly $12,000, plus two broken fingers and a dislocated one for his human, Sharon Keeble. But Dave came into Sharon’s life for a very special reason. Before her husband, also named Dave, passed away in November 2022, he asked their three daughters to find her a St. Bernard to help ease the loneliness. Doggy Dave arrived that December, bringing equal parts comfort and chaos. “He’s a LOT,” Sharon admits, “but he’s my boy and I’m his human, so I guess we are stuck with each other!”
Dogtor Seuss Moose Goose
Human: Ashley Wilt
With a name like Dogtor Seuss Moose Goose, you know there’s a story. Ashley Wilt’s third Dalmatian arrived with the name Moose, but the family couldn’t resist adding a little flair in honor of their beloved Dogtor Indiana Bones. The result? A perfectly ridiculous rhyme worthy of Dr. Seuss himself. Like his spotted predecessors, Moose has mastered the art of high-energy bursts followed by Olympic-level lounging. His specialties include burrowing under blankets, sticking to his humans like Velcro, and distributing enthusiastic kisses. Ashley calls it “#lifeinblackandwhite,” although occasionally she paints her spotted companion in brilliant Lisa Frank-inspired colors. Because apparently, even Dalmatians need a makeover.
Quill
Human: Denise Sweeting
Meet Quill. Or Star-Lord, if you’re a Guardians of the Galaxy fan and want to address him by his preferred superhero identity. Unlike his adventurous namesake, however, Quill has absolutely no interest in saving the galaxy. His priorities are considerably closer to home. Comfort? Absolutely. Cozy surroundings? Yes, please. A grand adventure into the unknown? Hard pass. As his human, Denise Sweeting, explains, “He doesn’t want to Go Big… He just wants to go home.” Some heroes wear capes. Others prefer the couch. And honestly, Quill might be onto something.
Mako
Human: Theresa Walsh
Is he a cat? Is he a dog? Depends on the hour. Mako is a feline with a serious identity crisis and an even more serious appetite. When he isn’t snoozing with his face adorably covered, he’s stalking his humans for snacks, scaling heights that make everyone else nervous, or demonstrating his impressive athletic abilities. His sport of choice? Fetch-and-swat, played with the finest equipment money can’t buy: a humble hair tie. According to his human, Theresa Walsh, he’s a “full-time snack enthusiast” with a knack for keeping the household entertained and occasionally on edge. Life with Mako is never dull. Especially when there’s food involved.
Stella
Human: Christine Gaines
Last puppy standing? More like first place in the Gaines family lottery. When Christine Gaines adopted Stella from the Lakeland SPCA in May 2024, the 13-week-old pup was the last of nine littermates waiting for a home. Christine took it as a sign. Turns out, she was right. Stella has grown into a lovable social butterfly who has yet to meet a dog or human she doesn’t like. Her favorite activities include neighborhood walks, trips to the dog park, and cruising downtown on the family golf cart. With a personality as big as her heart, Stella has clearly embraced the good life. And she’s taking her humans along for the ride.
