The 2025 Pet Parade

They might tip over our trash cans, bark at every car that drives by, and leave fur everywhere, but we couldn’t imagine life without the animal companions that add love and laughter to our homes. Thank you to all the readers who submitted their furry family members for this year’s parade. Give them a belly rub for us!

MochaMocha has been with me for 15 years and just turned 16. I saved him from my neglectful roommate during grad school. He’s always by my side, my steady companion. He is the best shadow a gal could ever ask for. Since then he has gained a dad and three brothers and is loved and spoiled. — Allison Gilland

CheetahIs perception reality? How else to explain that I’m a little dog, but I insisted my pet parent name me after a big feline? Apparently I smell like flowers and can read, too. But just like with books, never judge an animal by its cover — otherwise you might miss out on some great ones! — MG

RockyRocky is a fun-loving guy who enjoys long naps, homemade food, and belly rubs. — Johanna Wilson

KobiKobi is an energetic 8-year-old red merle Australian shepherd who loves to keep her owner company at the barn! She is a personal shadow and is always excited to accompany the horses on a trail ride. When not at the barn, tennis balls are her favorite toy, and she also has fun in the agility ring. — Jaime Fordham

CoraCora is a rescue kitty adopted along with her sister, Edith. Cora’s friendly, laid back, and sweet. Her big loves are food and being brushed. She’s a fan of “bird TV” on YouTube and live bird-watching out the windows. Cora likes to supervise everything ... unless it’s time for a nap. — Robin Withrow

Rucker and BoeingRucker and Boeing are English Labrador retrievers who are the sweetest pups ever. We call them our App State labs because they are black and yellow. They love people and kids, especially our 3-year-old and 3-month-old granddaughters. They are very bonded to each other. They bring us joy. — Stacey Bishop

AtlasAtlas is our goofy energetic boxer. He is the best dog and loves everyone he meets. He’s super playful and still behaves like a puppy at 3 years old, but he also loves his naps (and we know when he naps because you can hear his snores all over the house). — Melissa Zeches

Goldie15-year-old best dog ever! — Jennifer Deatherage

MacdougallBeautiful 14-year-old West Highland White Terrier. Loves people who pay attention to her and sleeping in the sun. — Elizabeth R. Mebane

Piper and RomieWe have two Poochins, which are a Japanese Chin and toy poodle mix. They have brought so much joy to our family. We never knew that we needed a dog! — Ronna Pernell

MooseMoose is the sweetest lil’ cutie pie! You can find him sunbathing, head tilting, chasing lizards, crossing his paws like a proper gentleman, and performing his duties as the local Cheese Tax Collector. His favorite place is snuggled up on his mom’s lap, and she wouldn’t have it any other way! — Kori Mulholland

DashDash is a 5-year-old Cavachon (cavalier and bichon mix), and he is the sweetest dog ever! He LOVES playing outside (no matter the weather), trips to the dog park, and car rides with the occasional pup cup. At night, he’ll snuggle up next to us and fall asleep on our legs. — Christine Khandelwal

CamCam has the best personality, charm, and intelligence. He will use his sweet demeanor and big eyes to get love and treats. He is playful and sweet, adventurous and smart. — Maura Walter

RainaThis is Raina, our lab mix. We adopted her from a shelter after she was abandoned by her previous owner. Her favorite things are squeaky toys, lying in the sun, playing fetch, and chasing (but never catching) bunnies. — Wanda Riddel

Dolly PartonDolly is blonde and sassy just like her namesake, Dolly Parton. She loves to sneak up on squirrels, rabbits, and small fish … although they are too fast for her. She greets everyone enthusiastically, including people and other dogs. She is a boat dog who loves to be on the water! — Amanda Griffin

GeorgeGeorge is affectionate — especially when he’s hungry. He loves cuddles, head and belly rubs, and expects company (and scratches) while eating. Mealtimes are social. He wakes at 3 a.m. for breakfast and “helps” at my desk by blocking the screen until he’s fed. — Mark Darby

BanditBandit is a fun-loving husky. He enjoys going to the park and playing in his pool. — Emily Jache

MollyWe rescued Molly 11 years ago, and she is absolutely the best. Sweet disposition. — Jeannie Marusa

GracieGracie is a 6-month-old mini Bernedoodle who is full of sweetness, stubbornness, and sass all in one. She loves treats, her human siblings, and air conditioning. You can find her right by our side at all times in typical Velcro dog fashion! — Candra Hill

KokoKoko is one of the sweetest and most endearing dogs known to mankind. Every single person who came in contact with Koko loved her and she loved them back. Koko was playful and engaging when she pranced around with all of her four-legged friends. — Sue Gaebel

LeoHe has the sweetest nature of any dog I have ever met. He has a way of reducing the stress in my life and offers unconditional love. Everyone should have someone to love them. — Maria Flores

BeauBeau is a loving, intelligent, well-behaved cat. He’s pictured here on a chair on my small deck. He stays right on the deck and doesn’t leave it. I rescued Beau from a shelter when he was 8 weeks old. He’s been such a joy! He loves his food, chasing after treats, and relaxing on my deck with me. — Jeannine Koytek

Jimi T KirkWe rescued Jimi T from the streets of Los Angeles as a puppy. He had a hard life but now is living the good days with a loving family. He’s lived with us all over the USA — Miami, Chicago, and now his forever home in Cary. He’s a big fan of Star Trek and has his own Captain uniform. — Corielle Heath Laaspere

MillyMilly is a smart, eager-to-please pup who knows every trick in the book. She loves morning cuddles, long walks, and visiting her best pals, Mrs. Zelda and Marvin. Loud noises spook her, but she’s warming up to outings at the Cotton House and Cary Park. — Mark Darby

Luna and BernieFull of personality, heart, and nonstop energy. Meet Luna and Bernie, inseparable best friends and beloved members of the family. Luna is a 4-year-old brindled beauty who is always on the move chasing her favorite ball. Bernie, a 2-year-old sweet chocolate lab, is inseparable from Luna. — Jody Butler

Tinkerbelle20 pounds of unconditional love. Loyal, very intelligent, obedient, and playful. People are drawn to her looks, personality, and calmness. Very gentle with children and adults. She’s a cuddle bunny and a welcomed visitor at a large known supermarket. Loves to catch frisbee, go fishing, and walks at Bass Lake. — Greg Schmidt

Sanibel Rose (Belle)Belle came into our lives at Christmas ’08 — best gift ever. She’s been a true trooper with no teeth due to periodontal disease, one eye gone to uveitis, and her CKD is in remission. She’s such a sweet-natured kitty who has brought us mostly joy, not to mention a few lizards, these past 16 years. — Laura Palka

JusticeJustice is our quirky creature. Adopted six years ago from Saving Grace, he enjoys taking long naps in unusual places throughout the house. When looking for him it’s like playing hide and seek! While on walks he meets, greets, and visits with his human and furry friends. — Margie Black

GoldieThree-year-old Goldie has been featured in calendars, television, and now located on a billboard in Angier, NC. Friendly, loyal, and affectionate, she has never met a stranger. Born to love. She is the diva of her daycare. — Marilyn Slinkman

ThorThor is a neighborhood favorite. He especially loves all the children that live close by. He’s never met a stranger, and strangers quickly become friends! — Sarah Marco

DollyA Good Samaritan found a wandering dog and took her to Triangle Beagle Rescue. She was later spayed and treated for heartworms and hookworms, bad teeth, and a belly tumor. Eight-year-old Dolly now lives at the Glenaire Retirement Community in Cary. She fits right in with seniors and other lucky dogs! — Jane Bass

MavisMavis is a Maltese/Yorkie Mix. She is 7 years old and the best company a person could have. She has brought me through a lot of happy and sad times in my life. A great companion! She will sit and give you her paw, and when she needs to go out she will ring the dog bell on the floor. Great dog! — Carol Davis

JoJoJoJo is a 10-year-old Boston terrier. Shhh, he doesn’t know he not a human. He loves to burrow under blankets and still gets the zoomies from time to time. Such a handsome boy! — Nikki Sargent

MabelThis is Mabel ... part poodle, part schnauzer, 100% schnoodle! Mabel was adopted from Freedom Ride Rescue in 2024 and has been the queen of the house ever since. Her favorite things include riding in cars, eating her mama’s homemade dog food, and stealing toys from her little brother. — Laura Americo

WillowWe lost our standard poodle last year. He’d slept in my daughter’s room since she was 3 — she was 17 when he passed. We said no more pets … too heartbreaking. But then came Willow: funny, loyal, sassy. We love her and she loves us right back. We believe Whisper sent her. She has helped us heal. — Margaret Sheerin-Hamill

Cookie and OreoOreo takes care of everyone in our family. She always checks on us and likes to eat at the same time as us under our dining table. Cookie is very sweet and curious. She is always two hops behind Oreo. Both of them jump onto our sofas when they know we aren’t looking and love to binky in the yard. — Alexander Felten

SmokieHe has a very “chillaxed” attitude and loves walks and sunbathing. He’s very humanlike and sensitive to strangers and loud noises. But once he warms up to you, he will be your best friend for life! — Dave Gaebel

WynterWynter believes the world exists to be with her! She loves all people! She loves to snuggle in bed and is unaware of her size. We call her a LAP-rador because that’s where she wants to be. She brings much joy to our neighbors, our youth that come and hang at the house, and our family. — Stephanie Williams

Ginger and RockyGinger (bottom) is a sweetheart and loves to play ball and lay in the front yard. She is an angel and a great big sister. Rocky is a spirited young man with a lovely singing voice (he loves to howl at squirrels) and a deep love for snuggles and his family. — Shannon Cawley

DakotaDakota is a rescue dog from South Carolina. She has a lot of spunk and is protective of our house. She is a very loyal dog and loves her walks. She also loves EVERY dog she meets! — Lauren Gentile

MiloMilo is 2.5 years old and is basically one of us! Smart, loving, energetic, and has never met a stranger (human or dog)! He doesn’t bark, unless he’s playing, and when he gets the zoomies it’s a spectacle! — Brandon Stevens

TheoTheo was adopted from SPCA on July 13, 2015. My oldest son (11) went with. They brought two dogs into the room. Theo immediately engaged him and wanted to play. He said, “Dad, let’s get this one. He likes to play!” and so we did. He’s old now, slow and doesn’t play much, but is full of love! — Brian Clarke

More From Our Sep-Oct 2025 Issue

• The 2025 Pet Parade
• Celebrated Spirits: Fo{u}r Friends
• Celebrated Spirits: The Old Wonderland
• Restaurant Profile: Cape Fear Seafood Co.
• Erica Chats: Crisp Air & Clean Closets
• Garden Adventurer: Dividing Irises
• Out & About in Wake County: September/October 2025
• Just BOO It!
• Building Connection
• Pay It Forward: Shop with a Cop
• Small Business Spotlight: Vintage Labrador
• Paws on the Go