L E EB S EBSUTR PG E TT SO D A Y
AUGUST 17, 2012
31
Paws & Claws
You Have The Best Pet?
Apollo I want to nominate my Chorkie (Chihuahua/Yorkie Mix), Apollo as the best pet. He is a young dog, but very lovable. Not only is he so cute, he also is very loyal and protective of his family. Even though he is only about seven pounds, he acts as if were 70 pounds. Every night, he makes sure he gets his warm spot in the bed. He loves to snuggle with all family members. —Melissa Karagiannis, Hamilton
W
e asked Leesburg Today and Ashburn Today readers to tell us why their pet is the best pet. We got back lots of passionate and interesting nominations and a ton of cute photos. Now it is your turn. After reading through the entries, please go online to the newspaper’s webpage to vote for your favorite. We set up a poll at: www.leesburgtoday.com/more_a/special_sections/best_pets/. The winner will be awarded with a gift basket containing a gift certificate from DogGone Natural and other goodies. Online voting will end at midnight Friday, Aug. 24.
Go VOTE
Ace is a rescue Pit/Lab mix. When we adopted him he had been burned by cigarettes and possibly beaten by previous owners. He was also afraid of smoke and water. That was almost three years ago. Now Ace is trained and well behaved to the point that he waits for permission before allowing people to pet him. Pit bulls are scary to some people, but he is gentle and loving. He loves licking people and getting positive attention. He can high five and shake with both paws (dog lovers know, that’s a feat in and of itself!). He’s also an Auburn puppy—as he responds to “War Eagle” with two short barks. He loves long walks around the neighborhood, treats and his stuffing-free toys, which he takes to bedtime with him. He’s got a fantastic personality and isn’t afraid to tell his people what he needs. He really is the best dog for our family and is helping us show people that its not only about the breed—its about how they’re loved, raised and trained. —Meghan Kerns
Ace
Scout takes after her namesake from To Kill a Mockingbird. She’s fiercely independent, yet loyal, loving and sweet. She defends those she loves with every ounce of her being. Scout saved my life. I adopted her while I was going through a rough phase in my life. It was only her affection and love that kept me alive for a long time. Scout is my best friend. Her talents are many. She knows how to fetch and catch toys. She knows that to get outside, you need to open the door, and to open the door, you need to turn the doorknob. If she had thumbs, she would rarely be inside. She can talk to birds. She gracefully puts up with two cats she doesn’t like. She can pull herself around the couch while lying on her back using only her front claws. She is the smartest cat I’ve ever met. Scout is 11 years old, and she has arthritis in her back legs, making jumping, sitting and lying down painful for her. Yet, she still acts as sweetly as ever. One day, I hope I can be as great as Scout is. —Jennifer Hughes
Scout