Too Cute

No matter what they’re doing, our pets have a knack for making us smile and laugh.

Taking care of a four-legged family member takes plenty of time and work, not to mention the expenses for vet bills, food, toys and other supplies. But we gladly welcome them into our homes because cats, dogs and all other pets repay us with unconditional love, emotional support, memorable moments—and many priceless photo ops that are just too darn cute not to share. BERGEN asked readers to show us their furry best friends doing what they do best: looking oh-so-adorable.

ONE COOL CAVAPOO

Dog: Daisy, 10-month-old Cavapoo Owners: Elise and Donny Dykowsky, River Vale Our pets may be cute, but they can play it cool too—especially when the camera is on them. “Daisy is such a ham, and she knows it,” says Elise. “Here she is hanging out on a table with her new shades. When she’s not posing for pictures, she likes to chase small woodland creatures and deer.”

BEGGIN’ FOR BACON

Dog: City, 8-year-old Labrador retriever mix Owners: The Georgiades family, Mahwah Some pups work hard for the money, er, snacks. In City’s case, however, it’s patience that pays off. “City has plenty of personality and knows tricks—here she is bringing home the bacon!” George Georgiades says. “We adopted City from a place in New York City, so we gave her the appropriate name.”

Dog: Yeezy, 5-year-old Yorkiepoo Owner: Ivelisse Rancier, Mahwah Santa has plenty of elves and reindeer to help him get through the holiday, but Yeezy provides the best support. “He’s Santa’s little helper,” says Ivelisse, even when the pooch winds up in a gift bag. We’d love to find Yeezy under our tree on a Christmas morning!

I GOT MY EYES ON YOU

Cat: Buddy, tuxedo cat Owner: Debbie Putrino, New Milford They say cats are always silently judging their owners, no matter what they’re doing. Buddy likes to make himself comfortable when watching his human. “He watches my every move,” says Debbie. “Buddy was abandoned by his mom and was approximately 3 weeks old and weighed less than a pound when we rescued him from under a bush in Sussex County.”

DRESSED TO IMPRESS

Dog: Carlos, 12-year-old Maltipoo Owners: Elizabeth and Chris Kaplanis, Ridgewood Our furry friends are already delightful, but it’s cuteness overload when they’re dressed in costume and holiday outfits. “We dress our dogs Carlos and Ernie is various costumes, and they love them,” says Elizabeth. “They wore Christmas sweaters, and Carlos here is dressed for Cinco de Mayo. I think Carlos is patiently waiting for a salty margarita.”

NO TRICKS, JUST TREATS

Dog: Tiger, 13-year-old brindle pug Owners: Neha Garcia, Waldwick An ever gracious host, Tiger always welcomes visitors to his home, making Halloween one of his favorite days. “Tiger loved waiting for trick or treaters on Halloween 2022,” Neha says. Oh, what a treat!

‘WATCH’ DOG

Dog: Avery, 4-year-old Labrador retriever mix Owners: Michele and Jeff Austin, Hackensack Cats and dogs love to watch (and chase) other animals in real life—and many show the same energy when they see creatures on TV. “Avery loves to watch television with her mama and daddy,” says Michele. “When a dog comes on, she runs up and whines and cries and barks, begging them to please jump out of the big box on the wall and play with her! Needless to say, we cannot watch any shows with a lot of dogs in them!”

PERFECT PRESENT

Dog: Teddy, 5-year-old Goldendoodle; Owners: Natalia and Olivia Hudak Sisters Natalia and Olivia received their pup for Christmas five years ago and couldn’t tell the difference between him and the plush toys. “That’s how Teddy got his name,” says mom Tammy. “He loves the snow and tries to catch snowflakes while helping his family deck the halls.”