You voted for this year’s most adorable pets. Now, it’s time to get to know the winners as well as some equally cute honorable mentions.
BUDDY
Photos by Joe Brooks Photography
Pet Parents: Adam and Pamela Powell Community: Williamsburg What are some of Buddy’s favorite things? Buddy’s favorite activity, by far, is swimming in the lake and jumping off the dock at his grandma’s house. He loves to chase anything that moves, especially tennis balls and chew toys. He also enjoys playing with his 14-month-old baby sister, Kaisley! How did you meet Buddy? Back in 2015, I (Adam) decided it was time to get a dog, so I began looking online. Since I was living on a lake at the time, I wanted a dog that enjoyed the water. Surprisingly, a lot of the dogs on the kennel websites didn’t have much of a description; however, Buddy was one of the few exceptions. He was described as a 2-year-old pit mix who loved the water and would do great at a home with a pool or lake. I took this as a promising sign that Buddy might be the right dog for me. I went to meet him at the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando’s Sanford location and found out that this was his second time at the kennel after being returned by previous owners due to being “overly hyperactive.” I could tell that Buddy hadn’t been properly trained, as he didn’t respond to commands and seemed to have very little experience with fetching a tennis ball. I decided that he probably just needed some proper training and a good owner, and I took him home! He improved immediately, learning to sit, stay, lay down and speak within a few weeks. His hyperactivity was never really an issue. I think he just needed regular exercise and play that he wasn’t getting before. What is your favorite story with Buddy? I think his adoptive history — being returned to the animal shelter by two separate owners before being adopted by me is probably his most triumphant story. I think a lot of new pet owners underestimate the time and effort that is required with dog ownership, especially with a powerful and energetic breed like Buddy’s. He has truly become a member of our family and we could not see ourselves without him in our lives.
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Central Florida Lifestyle | July 2021
