The Pet Parade 2023

Toby was adopted from an animal shelter at 2 years old. My parents got him after the death of our family dog. Toby lived with my parents until he was run over by the mailman. He had emergency surgery to repair his fractured pelvis and hernia caused by the accident. The day after this surgery, he was ready to be the pup he was before his accident. After taking him in during his recovery, my family decided it was best I take him in as my own. His recovery was a long and difficult one, but he was a very tough little guy and pushed through it. Apart from running a little funny, no one would ever know what he’s been through. He’s the sweetest little dog who wants to give EVERYONE so much love. - Kenia Figueroa
Toby was adopted from an animal shelter at 2 years old. My parents got him after the death of our family dog. Toby lived with my parents until he was run over by the mailman. He had emergency surgery to repair his fractured pelvis and hernia caused by the accident. The day after this surgery, he was ready to be the pup he was before his accident. After taking him in during his recovery, my family decided it was best I take him in as my own. His recovery was a long and difficult one, but he was a very tough little guy and pushed through it. Apart from running a little funny, no one would ever know what he’s been through. He’s the sweetest little dog who wants to give EVERYONE so much love. - Kenia Figueroa
Peyton is a 10-year-old black lab/Plott hound mix! Fun fact: The Plott hound is the North Carolina state dog. Peyton is full of life and love at 10 years old. Her favorite things include car rides, tennis balls, swimming, and bringing sass to the room. She loves to bring the drama with a side eye and let you know she is the queen. She is one of the sweetest pups who just wants to be loved and talked to. The past 10 years with her have been the best, and I cherish my time with her. I love her good, bad, and always. - Will Bryant
Peyton is a 10-year-old black lab/Plott hound mix! Fun fact: The Plott hound is the North Carolina state dog. Peyton is full of life and love at 10 years old. Her favorite things include car rides, tennis balls, swimming, and bringing sass to the room. She loves to bring the drama with a side eye and let you know she is the queen. She is one of the sweetest pups who just wants to be loved and talked to. The past 10 years with her have been the best, and I cherish my time with her. I love her good, bad, and always. - Will Bryant
We brought our sweet Knox home March 2020, the weekend Covid started shutting down the world as we knew it. Having him with us at that time was such a gift. We cuddled him during Zoom calls, spent extra time walking him around the neighborhood, and he brought us so much joy during that overwhelming time. He has grown into the happiest, sweetest boy who is perfectly content as long as he is by our side. We love you, Knox! - Cali Wilson
We brought our sweet Knox home March 2020, the weekend Covid started shutting down the world as we knew it. Having him with us at that time was such a gift. We cuddled him during Zoom calls, spent extra time walking him around the neighborhood, and he brought us so much joy during that overwhelming time. He has grown into the happiest, sweetest boy who is perfectly content as long as he is by our side. We love you, Knox! - Cali Wilson
Tonka is an American Bully, who was born deaf. I was fostering him from a rescue, and he quickly became my foster fail! He loves everyone and everything, and really loves his treats! He’s the best cuddle bug and best boy! - Hanna Baker
Tonka is an American Bully, who was born deaf. I was fostering him from a rescue, and he quickly became my foster fail! He loves everyone and everything, and really loves his treats! He’s the best cuddle bug and best boy! - Hanna Baker
Oliver is a 10-year-old mutt who is pure love. Rescued out of Durham from Hope Animal Rescue, he stole our hearts at first glance. He loves to hike, go to the beach, and spend every Sunday at Two Roosters Ice cream ... his favorite treat. - Rebekah and David
Oliver is a 10-year-old mutt who is pure love. Rescued out of Durham from Hope Animal Rescue, he stole our hearts at first glance. He loves to hike, go to the beach, and spend every Sunday at Two Roosters Ice cream ... his favorite treat. - Rebekah and David
Kip came to be mine early this year after many friends and family encouraged me to get a pet after my husband died last year. I was casually looking at dogs, and this cute lil face captured my heart. Sure enough, Kip’s a sweet boy and mischievous as well. It’s guesstimated that he’s 2 years old. We look out for each other. PS: Kip is three types of terrier with a touch of Labrador retriever (yep, he points!). - Carolyn Zahnow
Kip came to be mine early this year after many friends and family encouraged me to get a pet after my husband died last year. I was casually looking at dogs, and this cute lil face captured my heart. Sure enough, Kip’s a sweet boy and mischievous as well. It’s guesstimated that he’s 2 years old. We look out for each other. PS: Kip is three types of terrier with a touch of Labrador retriever (yep, he points!). - Carolyn Zahnow
Kai is known as the 65-pound tiny little baby and is the favorite “child.” We first fostered him for 3 months and then adopted him last year. He was born incontinent but is doing well after his extensive surgery sponsored by Hope Animal Rescue. He is a happy, funny boy and very smart. We love our Kai! - Jessica Bowers
Kai is known as the 65-pound tiny little baby and is the favorite “child.” We first fostered him for 3 months and then adopted him last year. He was born incontinent but is doing well after his extensive surgery sponsored by Hope Animal Rescue. He is a happy, funny boy and very smart. We love our Kai! - Jessica Bowers

Could it be animal magnetism, or what about puppy love?

We asked what makes your pet special, but we already knew. Big or small, canine or feline, pig or guinea pig — our critters are special because we love them. They give us good-morning kisses, take us on walks through the park, and cuddle with us on the couch.

The question was just an excuse to collect adorable photos and stories.

Thank you to everyone who participated in our first annual Pet Parade. Keep reading for cuteness that will raise the woof!

More From Our Sep-Oct 2023 Issue
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