Spring has sprung. Enjoy it while you can because summer is on the horizon.
We’ll take it and love it all: warm temperatures, sunny skies and pop-up showers. And, per our annual tradition, a treasure trove of Good Pets goodness.
The best news of all? One of Doing More Today’s most popular features is back. Once again, we asked for submissions and our readers responded in record numbers. In fact, there are so many great photos that we are going to have multiple editions.
So, stay tuned.
This year, we’ve got photos of Good Pets from Maine to Utah and from Florida to Texas. America, it seems, is covered with four-legged stars. And our readers have provided us with photos that will set your heart aflutter, bring a smile and a deep sigh of contentment.
Don’t believe us? Take five minutes to stroll through the photos. You’ll thank us. And so will your blood pressure because this is better than meditation.
So, let’s get started.
Danica / Human: Jennifer Busma / Cedar Falls, Iowa / Danica is 17 years old and does have trouble getting around every now and then, but she is sweet and she will not hesitate to let her humans know that her food bowl is empty. She is a vocal cat and loves to talk and will sometimes walk out of the room and will start crying because she can’t find me or my husband.
Tyson / Human: Kalee Thompson / Horn Lake, Mississippi / Tyson, a Belgian Malinois, is the protector of the family.
Tucker / Human: Tim Cooke / Birmingham, Alabama / Tucker loves playing with balls and ropes and chasing the grandsons around. He enjoys going to work at the vet clinic with his mom, and snuggling with dad at night. He is also very good at snoring!
Simon / Human: James Turner / Tyler, Texas / Simon is a Snowshoe Siamese mix cat who loves to run around the backyard and meow for attention. What makes Simon special is that he offers unconditional love, entertainment and that emotional companionship you need when you’re having a rough day.
Seamus / Human: Erin Feller / Wilmington, North Carolina / Seamus is a 13-year-old Border Collie/Aussie rescue. He’s favorite place is the beach where he likes to dig holes and bury his ball. He is a best friend and holds a special place in our heart.
Mayor Pete, Grey Goose, Kato and Jolie / Human: Frances Scott / Tampa, Florida / They are constant entertainment and a goofy, loving pack of fun.
Sassy Sable / Human: Glenda Cunningham / Birmingham, Alabama / Sable is an adventurous “treat bandit.” He’s loving, likes playing with her toys and soaking up sun on the balcony.
Roxy and Riggs / Human: Tressa Ogles / Memphis, Tennessee / They are not brother and sister, but they come from the same kennel in Georgia, Carter Brittany Kennels, and were born one month apart. They are fierce upland hunting dogs (pheasant and quail). When Roxy isn’t hunting upland birds, she is constantly running around the backyard hunting butterflies. It’s an obsession!
Roman / Human: Margarita Gauvin / Cypress, Texas / The newest member of the family. He was adopted by my daughter and will be her companion once she purchases her house.
Regina / Human: Kelsey Key / Knoxville, Tennessee / Found as a kitten in the back room at the bank, thanks to scratching on the window. Wasting no time running outside to get her, her human discovered a tiny and scared Tabby, took her home – and the rest is history. She was named Regina (since she was found at Regions Bank!) and of course she has become the branch’s mascot.
Rebel / Human: Michael McSwain / Helena, Alabama / Rebel was one of a litter of Labrador/Husky-mix rescue puppies in Oxford, Mississippi. Our daughter adopted him while in school there. Sadly, he is the only surviving dog of the bunch. We “inherited” him from our daughter as she now has a 2-year-old and is soon to be moving away with her army husband. Rebel is very friendly, energetic, loves lap time and thinks he is only 15 pounds, not 65!
Pumkin / Human: Timothy Rye / Erin, Tennessee / This is Pumkin, a 1-year-old miniature long-hair Dachshund and Yorkie Breed. She loves to sleep and steal toys from the other two dogs and run through the house
Pearl / Human: Kristen Logan / Sheridan, Arkansas / Pearl is a 5-year-old Schnauzer and loves trying to catch squirrels and going on adventures around the house and yard with her sibling, Sully.
Panson / Human: Andrea Arreguin / Clarksville, Tennessee / A 7-year-old Pitbull whose energy never quits - unless it’s a very sunny day. Then he will lay in the grass and sunbathe all day! He is very loyal and a snuggle bug and will do anything for a treat!
Ozzy / Human: Kalee Thompson / Horn Lake, Mississippi / Ozzy is special because he is a gentle giant who can pick up on human emotions and give love when need most.
Obadiah and Petrie / Human: Jacob Gerdsen / Cypress, Texas / Ob, the Great Dane, and Petrie, the Parrot, are best buds; just like in the old cartoon movies, Petrie loves riding on Ob. Here we are at my lake house enjoying the beautiful views and weather.
Murphy / Human: Jennifer Byerley / St. Louis, Illinois / Murphy is a 1-year-old English Cream Golden Retriever. He is a ball of energy and loves nothing more than being outside with his kids playing!
Misaki / Human: Lindsay Haste / Indianapolis, Indiana / Misaki is a 2-year-old Shiba Inu who loves being outdoors and will only come inside for cheese.
Minnie / Human: Kristin Kilburn / Pittsburg, Texas / Minnie loves to play fetch in the pool and catch some rays on the surfboard!
Memphis / Human: Raven Burford / This is the best boy, Memphis! He’s 100 percent Siberian husky, but he always gets asked if he’s a miniature Alaskan malamute because he’s on the shorter side. Memphis is special because he hardly ever makes any noise, which is incredibly odd for a Siberian husky.
Meatball / Human: Trish Morea / Murfreesboro, Tennessee / He is always ready and waiting to go on car rides for Adventures with Meatball. He also has monthly advice called Meatball Monday, where he gives words of wisdom and encouragement to his Facebook friends.
Luna / Human: Melanie Tefft / Erin, Tennessee / Luna is a 3-year-old Chiweenie with lots of personality. She looks forward to every Fri-Yay when she gets her special toy to play fetch with all weekend. She only gets it on the weekend because she will wear out three adults throwing it for her.
Lotte / Human: Jessica Cooke / Enterprise, Alabama / Lottie is an energetic herding dog that loves to play fetch, run circles around children and other dogs, and keep her family company when working from home.
Liv / Human: Alex Whitfield / Birmingham, Alabama / Liv is a Yorkie! She’s a diva and we are obsessed with her.
Ladybug / Human: Kelly Townsend / Delphi, Indiana / Ladybug is a Morkie, so Maltese/Yorkie. Bug loves to play fetch, but she also takes time to smell the flowers, in between stealing all socks she can snatch.
Lady Camelia / Human: Travis Guest / Mobile, Alabama / Named after the state flower, Lady Camelia is a 5-year-old Border Collie that loves to chase squirrels and catch the Frisbee - and has never tasted a piece of human food that she dislikes.
Kona and Kalu / Human: Mike Myers / Sarasota, Florida / Two rescues, Kona is all about fun and Kalu is the intelligent one. Can you guess which one is which?
King Vance / Human: Shonda Vance / Hoover, Alabama / King is a 4-year-old Yorkipoo with a large personality! His favorite things are a holey sock that he stole as a puppy, and his chew bones. If he places either near you, he considers you special and worthy. But don’t touch it!
Grizwald / Human: Kyle Sederstrom / Fort Worth, Texas / He became a big brother last year and has been a huge help to mom and dad!
Callie / Human: Marissa Lahey / Mascoutah, Illinois / Callie arrived as a puppy shortly after human son, Greyson, turned 6 months old, so the bond they share is so special. Together, they keep each other company and make the best companions.
Frasier and Biscuit / Human: Deanna Milsap / Salt Lake City, Utah / Fraiser (a 4-year-old Cavalier King Charles) and Biscuit (a 15-year-old Dachshund) are the glue that holds the family together. They keep watch, they protect, and they keep everyone grounded.
Finnegan / Human: Stacey Sindon / Boynton Beach, Florida / Finnegan is a Longhaired Piebald Dachshund, this is his birthday picture, He just turned 3 on March 28th. He is special because he loves water, he LOVES his bath every week. He is the best cuddler ever and bird watcher.
Eleanor / Human: Angela Doyle / Birmingham, Alabama / Eleanor is a professional napper and does her best work on a warm, sunny afternoons.
Dolly / Human: Kayla Horton / Hattiesburg, Mississippi / Dolly is a 2-year-old house rabbit and announced her parents pregnancy this year. Some bunny is ready to welcome her sister in June!
Dinklage / Human: Ana Ramos / Huntsville, Alabama / He is the most affectionate, cuddly, people-loving and zany fur baby. He puts smiles on everyone that meets him.
Lizzie, B.B. Claire, Spike and Juju / Human: Shae Derouen / Franklin, Louisiana / These dogs love to play in the backyard. They help to round out our family along with our three boys and seven dogs.
Cruz / Human: Amber Simmons/ Clanton, Alabama / Cruz was returned to the shelter twice before he was 1. He loves to smile for the camera and cuddle up with his sister, Lety, and his human brother, Ryder. He LOVES card rides, snacks and any opportunity to run and get some of his energy out.
Cornbread / Human: Maggie Jordan / Charlotte, North Carolina / Cornbread is 3 years old and loves going to the beach. She is very lazy, and hates walks, but loves to sunbathe. She also loves cheese, pup cups, and barking at dogs 10 times her size.
Buttons / Human: Shawna Nsirim / Atlanta, Georgia / Buttons is an 18-year-old Shih Tzu Poodle mix. He is extremely spoiled and even though he is mostly blind, that doesn’t stop his energy. He still loves doing zoomies every night.
Butters / Human: Robin Knight / Dawsonville, Georgia / Found as a rescue and adopted two years ago, Butters can best be described as "three jelly beans in a tin can." Just goofy, sweet, and happy!
Boone / Human: Kim Arrington / Chatsworth, Georgia / Boone is what they call a Mini Auggie - a Corgi and Australian Shepherd mix. Boone loves outside and loves to play ball. He also loves to suddenly run several laps around the yard. He has lots of energy that needs to burn every day.
Bonnie / Human: Dawn Wilfon / Bonnie and sibling Buddy are great companions and snuggle buddies. Bonnie is quite the Beagle, checking out the flowers.
Biscuit / Human: Melita Hatch / Denham Springs, Louisiana / Biscuit is a true best friend. He’s the first to come lay under my son whenever my son starts having asthma attacks.
Bert and Gert / Human: Amber Horne / Gadsden, Alabama / These little angels were rescued from a man at a local store. We had talked about getting a little scruffy puppy and low and behold we got Two! They are the best Chiweenies ever!
Bella / Human: Tanja Grigsby / Garland, Texas / Bella is 6 years old, and sweet and very protective.
Fluffy / Human: Tanja Grigsby / Garland, Texas / Fluffy is 4 years old and she is so cuddly and friendly and loves to play with other dogs.
Baxter / Human: Jimmy Hale / Lincoln, Alabama / Baxter is a 7-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel enjoying all the festivities of Easter. He is such a blessing. He always has a magical touch to make you feel better. He greets you everyday asking, “How was your day today?”
Alfie / Human: Kim Jackson / Huntsville, Alabama / This picture is 4 years old now, and still a favorite. Alfie was preparing for his first hurricane, Hurricane Sally, which roared through Mobile, Alabama in September 2020. Alfie is one of three babies and was just rescued in January of that same year. He’s such an easy-going little fluffers and loves his raincoat!
Baby / Human: Chelsea McClain / Clayton, Georgia / A Plott Coonhound, Baby enjoys running the mountains of Northeast Georgia and Western North Carolina in hopes she can run a ringtail up a tree. She is the sweetest girl!
Wynonna / Human: Kelli Peek / Clanton, Alabama / The newest baby on the farm joins country legends, Dolly, Naomi, Patsy, Reba and Tammy. If you couldn’t guess it, her mom is Naomi. Wynonna’s markings and the fact that she is a girl, make her the perfect addition to the farm. She’s a keeper!
Wookiee / Human: Lindsay Brooke Miller / Atlanta, Georgia / Wookiee was saved from the local animal shelter during lockdown and is assumed to have escaped from a backyard breeder. Brussels Griffon (rough coat) dogs are known for their impressive beards and loving demeanor. He loves all children and thinks they are his babies but can be shy with adults he doesn’t know.
Wolfie / Human: Erica (Miller) Watson | Birmingham, Alabama / Wolfie is 100 percent German Shepherd and 90 percent bull in a China shop. He loves playing fetch, taking car rides, cuddling and protecting his “wolf pack.”
Vesper /Human: Olivia Harrison / Nashville, Tennessee / The adopted Russian Blue mix loves walks, snuggles and belly rubs. She turned 1 this month.
Toffey / Human: Diane Swartz / Belleville, Illinois / She’s enjoying a little Mardi Gras celebration in this pic. Toffey just turned 20 this year and we hope to have many more years with this little diva.
Stella / Human: Marelsy Cotto / Kissimmee, Florida / Naturally smart, 1-year-old Stella loves to help check the mail, carry your bags and, of course, bring all the branch sticks inside the house. Stella is clumsy and just by moving around the house, can destroy things with her fabulous tail.
Prissy / Human: Lisa Hayden / Prissy is a “COVID” kitty. She moved in when her human startde to work from home, providing instant joy. Here, she is checking to make sure the new plants in our container garden have been watered properly.
Oliver / Human: Doyle Davis / Birmingham, Alabama / Oliver was a rescue from the Regions Center parking deck when he was 6 weeks old. He shares his home with three other feline rescues: Tallulah, Adam and Gabriel.
Neroe the Hero / Human: Nettie B. Roe / Birmingham, Alabama / Neroe arrived on the doorstep one winter night four years ago and made himself right at home. Now he enjoys his spring days rolling in the dirt and napping in his catnip kitty-pool.
Mila / Human: Andrew McIntyre / Noblesville, Indiana / This photo was taken when 5-year-old Mila got to witness over 3.5 minutes of totality during the solar eclipse. Mila was originally a foster dog but she fit in so well at home that she became a permanent member of the family. Now Mila plays the role of foster sister as her humans continue to foster other dogs pulled from shelters and work on finding them forever homes.
Mikaela / Human: Luz-Marina Godinez / Nashville, Tennessee / A 4-year-old adorable cat, who her human found on a busy road on a rainy day. She was soaking wet, and didn’t even have her baby teeth, but now that’s history and she is the most happy-go-lucky cat, very sweet and lovable - and she thinks she is a dog!
Maisy / Human: Amber Walker / Birmingham, Alabama / At only 8 months old, she’s the boss of the house. She loves napping in the sunlight and watching critters out of the window.
Luna / Human: Courtney Lawley / Auburn, Alabama / Meet Luna! She is a mixed breed (Golden Retriever, Basset Hound, Dalmatian, and the list goes on, totaling 18!). She just celebrate her 3rd birthday around. Luna has the sweetest disposition and zest for life.
Lit’l Bit / Human: Patty Hotmire / Safety Harbor, Florida / A photo of tiny Lit’l Bit taken on the deck of a VRBO in in the Bahamas. Lit’l Bit loved to travel as she never met a stranger. She brought joy to everyone she met. Sadly, her family lost her last year to complications from a heart condition at the young age of only 10.
Kona / Human: Mike Myers / Sarasota, Florida / Kona loves to swim! The pool is where she spends her summer.
Katie / Human: Trish Sprinkle / Indianapolis, Indiana / Katie was a rescue - she had lived in the shelter for 10 months. While at the shelter, she had an allergic reaction to flea medication causing her to scratch a large spot on the back of her neck requiring surgery. Although it has healed, she still will scratch the area if she is not wearing a shirt – due to this issue no one wanted her. Yet as soon as we met, she stole our heart.
Hala and Owen / Human: Laurie Barber / Leeds, Alabama / At 6 weeks old, Hala and Owen were dropped off on the side of the road, where they were discovered around Halloween of 2010 – hence the names. After gaining the trust of their rescuers, they joined a family of three cats and a dog.
Eddie / Human: Kimberly Rubright / Collegedale, Tennessee / Eddie is a 5-year-old beagle who enjoys long walks through the neighborhood and long naps wherever he can find a comfy place to settle. Here he is in his most common habitat, resting after a long day of eating the food his human sister and brother have dropped.
Dolly / Human: Timothy Rye / Erin, Tennessee / Meet Dolly, a 2-year-old Yorkie that is always barking at something. She loves to chase the other dogs and tackle them by grabbing their legs.
Bubbles / Human: Marelsy Cotto / Kissimmee, Florida / Bubbles is a 3-year-old mixed flat-coated retriever and Husky. Opposite of Stella, Bubbles is quiet, delicate, humble and asks for permission before taking or eating anything. Bubbles is sassy but loves to run after the birds and squirrels.
Bruce / Human: Martin Claussen / Birmingham, Alabama / A yellow Lab, Bruce wanted to audition for the Cadbury Bunny this past Easter.
Bonnie and Buddy / Human: Dawn Wilfon / Bonnie and Buddy are great companions and snuggle buddies. Bonnie is quite the Beagle, reguarly checking out the flowers.
Blue / Human: Niki Bourque / Maine / Blue is the most chill Lab ever. He goes everywhere and just hangs out and watches people or lays on his back and snores. He loves going fishing and rides in the car.
Blu / Human: Morenika Davis / Dallas, Texas / Blu is a 2-year-old white-and-black Chihuahua that provides unconditional LOVE. He’s named for the main character in his own Tyler Perry show.
Bentley / Human: Doris Zambito / West Palm Beach, Florida / What makes Bentley special? He loves stealing your socks.
And when you’re done, take a few minutes to enjoy these blasts from the past: