Meet the stars of our Pet Search!

From playful pups to cuddly cats and even a beautiful bearded dragon, these beloved pets captured our hearts.

The Out-Of-This World-Spectacular Pet Star 2024: Ruckus

Owner: Tammy Bartz

My 13.5-year-old Black Labrador Retriever is a superhero! He started his life to be a show dog, but when he didn’t meet the criteria, the breeder donated him to Leader Dogs for the Blind. He came to live with me at eight months old and he has been the light of my life ever since. He became a Leader Dog Dad, producing puppies to be trained for guiding visually impaired people. He is an excellent therapy dog, enriching the lives of adults and children. He has been a literacy coach (helping kids feel more comfortable reading), a grief counselor (helping adults and kids grieving the loss of loved ones), and emotional support for middle school kids who had a hard time getting into the classroom. He would meet students in the school office, walk them to class and spend time there until they felt comfortable. Ruckus also donated blood for eight years, saving the lives of 30 dogs – he loved his job! He also has earned titles in many dog sports; he may not be the fastest, but always gets the job done with a wagging tail. Ruckus has been there for so many people and now, I am there for him as he battles cancer and other issues. Even with his medical setbacks, he still greets everybody he sees in a calm manner with a wagging tail. He is the best boy!

1st Runner Up: Sonny

Owner: David Ritter

I’m Not a Beagle
Hey, it’s me, Sonny, your loyal hound,
Once lost and lonely, now joyfully found.
From the tough streets where I used to roam,
To a warm, cozy place I now call home.

I need to clear the air, just once and for all,
Sometimes a beagle is what I’m called.
They see my floppy ears and wagging way,
“Is that a beagle?” they always say.

But beagles shuffle with bellies that swing,
Sniffing around every boring old thing.
I’m tall and sleek, built for the chase –
Lean muscle, all grit, setting the pace!

For miles a day, I will trot by your side,
With speed and focus – no belly to hide!
My owner’s the one with the belly, you see.
He’s got the snacks but leaves the running to me!

And let’s not forget my most prized skill,
A nose that’s unmatched, tracking with thrill!
With a sniffer so sharp, I can find any treat,
Even the ones you thought you could eat!

So next time you see me, don’t be misled.
I’m no beagle – get that out of your head!
I’m Sonny, the Walker, loyal and true,
Your forever friend who always loves you!

2nd Runner Up: Ella

Owner: Melissa Healey

Our four-year old Great Dane-Husky was rescued from a horrific hoarder situation in Kentucky and then transferred to Adopt-A-Pet in Fenton where our family was volunteering. We fell in love with her and decided to bring her home for a test-run. She made herself right at home by climbing onto our couch and falling asleep – almost two years later, it’s still her favorite spot. We ultimately realized we couldn’t live a life without her and committed to adopting her outright. Weeks later, we settled on her forever name “Ella” – with eyes as piercing as CinderELLA’s blue dress. She may be sleepy for 22 hours out of the day, but those other two hours are filled with tireless excitement, love and affection, outdoor exploration and chewing on squeaky toys as loudly as possible. She loves peanut butter, jerky and can hear a package of cheese being opened from, like, 400 yards away. Ella’s not a big barker, but she will cry like the half-husky she is. She’s patient, highly intelligent and can feel when we need snuggles to help cheer us up. She also has the ability to stop strangers in their tracks to ask what kind of dog she is while being showered with compliments.

3rd Runner Up: Linus

Owner: Terese Allen

On a cold and rainy morning two years ago, my son and I heard the cries of two tiny kittens that had been born outside in our retaining wall, wedged between massive boulders. The poor things still had their umbilical cords attached and I had to use a stick to get them out; sadly, one only lived a few days. The bottle-feeding of Linus was a family effort – we took shifts working around our schedules. We all became quite fond of him and he is certainly right at home with us. The things he loves most in life include sleeping in his “office” bed while I work, hanging out on the deck, cuddling with mom every chance he gets, watching “Cat TV” … and French fries.

Cuddle-Worthy Contenders

Wizward

Owner: Jessica McCormack

Wizward the bearded dragon is approximately 15 years old and living her best life! She suffered from metabolic bone disease early on in life that shortened her snout and she somehow lost most of her back left foot long before she found her way into my heart. She still enjoys climbing, hunting bugs and exploring her home, inside and outside.

Minnie Pearl

Owner: Marcia McCree

An energetic and fun, 2.5-year-old Australian Labradoodle, Pearl was born in Houston, TX and raised in Flint, MI. What makes her unique are her confidence and sense of humor. She is the only female and youngest of three canines in our home – but make no mistake, she is the alpha!

Legend

Owner: Jeremy Thibault

Legend is our 3-year-old English Bulldog. His hobbies include napping, eating, swimming (wading, really), trips to the dog park and playing with his basketball. He is a great cuddler and not-so-great watchdog!

Gizmo

Owner: Sandi Talerico

Gizmo is a 3 1/2 year old GoldenDoodle – a Therapy Dog who loves to make people smile. He also loves competing in several dog sports and spending time with his human and dog friends.

Ruby

Owner: Lucy Abela

We adopted this bubbly pitbull mix in March at eight years old. Our family rescues and fosters cats and she has taken the motherly role to some of the bottle-fed kittens that have come into our home. Ruby really shows that pitbulls are gentle souls and if given the chance, can be the best pets and family members!

Duke

Owner: Victoria Hopkins

My three-year-old GoldenDoodle loves car rides and chasing balls. His favorite shows are westerns – he loves watching horses! His favorite activities with his mom include camping, watching TV and cuddling. His favorite snack is a cup of water from McDonald’s! He also loves to be fashionable by choosing one of his 30 bandanas to wear each day.