Linda Mercer, 74, of High Ridge sent a picture taken in August 2025 of her 6-year-old west highland terrier. “This picture of Bella is special to me because she enjoyed her day at the lake,” Linda said. “She loves being with us, and the picture shows how happy she was to be going boating.”
Rebecca and James Riegerix of Arnold sent a picture James took in March 2025 of Cruiser, their 8-year-old golden retriever. “Every year at Bee Tree Park, behind the mansion, the daffodils bloom,” Rebecca said.
Karen Studyvin, 66, of Barnhart sent a photo of her cats, Mulder, 2, and Sculley, 3, “enjoying time together watching the birds!” Karen said.
Karen Studyvin, 66, of Barnhart sent a photo of her cat, Chase, 3, “posing” for a picture.
Karen Studyvin, 66, of Barnhart sent a photo of Aubrey, 1, and dog Tucker, 2. “Besties!” Karen said.
David Boyher, 71, of Eureka took this picture in March of Dana Marie, his 6-year-old Australian shepherd and poodle mix. Dana Marie had just caught her first mole. “She pounced at the sound and came up with her prize. She was so proud she carried it around for half an hour before I could trade her a treat for it,” David said. “Since then, she’s gotten two more. She’s always listening to the ground for any scurrying.”
Eric Allen, 51, of Festus sent a picture of Polly, his calico cat that is almost 3 years old. “She is a very fancy, laidback kitty that loves to sit on the air vents!” Eric said.
Cindy Maulhardt, 69, of Imperial sent a picture she took in December of her 3-year-old goldendoodle, Dallas. “Dallas is cuddling his stuffed animal, which he has done before, but I finally got a good photo of him doing it,” Cindy said. “He loves playing with his stuffed animals. Dallas is a real sweetheart.”
Tammy Fallert, 57, of Festus sent a picture taken in 2009 of Annabelle, her then 6-month-old Jack Russell terrier. “Our guard dog,” Tammy said.
Sue Williams of Arnold sent a picture taken in March of Callie, her 6-year-old cat. “We adopted Callie when she was 6 months old,” Sue said. “She loves to play with her toys, help us make the bed, jump into suitcases when we are packing for trips and go outside on her leash. She is so loved and precious to us.”
Ed Pyatt, 56, of Eureka sent a picture he took in 2015 on the Lake of the Ozarks of his 11-year-old mini labradoodle, Bailey. “Bailey is looking at me like, ‘what are you doing letting Mom drive the boat?’”
Tim and Debbie Dismang of Imperial sent a picture of their 9-year-old beagle and dachshund mix, Grampa, who they adopted last year from the Jefferson County Animal Shelter. “He is our sweet senior,” the couple wrote.
Angie Sutton, 53, of De Soto sent a picture from February of Gracie, her 3-year-old cavalier King Charles spaniel. “I mean, look at those brown eyes; how can you ever tell this sweet baby girl ‘no’? Of course you can have another treat!” Angie said.
Angie Sutton, 53, of De Soto sent a picture she took on the Black River in May 2025 of her cavalier King Charles spaniels, from left, Gracie, then 2, and Tilly, then 9. “They are always up for an adventure with Mom—kayaking, fishing, hiking, camping, let’s do it!” Angie said.
Angie Sutton, 53, of De Soto sent a picture she took while hiking. Pictured are, from left, Buddy, Tater and her cavalier King Charles spaniels, Gracie, then 2, and Tilly, then 9. “Hiking with my best buddies. Say no to ticks and yes to fun!” Angie said.
Victoria Henry, 56, of Festus sent a picture of Winston, her then 6-month-old Maltese and poodle mix. “He loved playing with the basket his toys go in instead of the toys. He is 3 years old now, and he is a wonderful pet,” Victoria said.
Victoria Henry, 56, of Festus sent a picture of Murphy, her 7-year-old Chihuahua and yorkie mix. “He was hiding in my cat’s bed, and I caught this cute picture of him,” Victoria said.
Cindy A. Foster, 67, of Arnold sent a picture taken last year of her 1-year-old sheepdog and poodle mix. “Scout loves being chased by the boys at the dog park on ‘Doodle Day,’” Cindy said.
Kathy Wisor, 62, of House Springs took this photo in May of Bayley, her 8-year-old terrier mix that she adopted in October. “She looks like she’s preparing for the nation’s 250th anniversary,” Kathy said.
Jennifer Brye, 50, of Festus took this picture “on a cold, foggy January morning in Festus,” of her dog, Dolly, that died in March 2025. While on a walk, they paused to look at a pond. “This photo captures exactly how beautiful and deeply loved she was and how we’ll always remember her,” Jennifer said.
Cathy Hanna, 51, of Festus took this picture in 2018 of Wally the beagle, Bugsy the Dutch rabbit and Maggie the pug and beagle mix. Her husband, Mike Menke, 45, of Festus put the photo on a pillow as a Christmas gift to her. “All of our pets were hand-me-downs/rescues,” Mike said. “My daughter rescued Bugsy from a family who was moving from our old apartment building and couldn't take him with them. Bugsy’s favorite past time was carrying one of his many stuffed girlfriends off for date night. I rescued Maggie from my sister’s house. She had a habit of chewing up newly installed hardwood floors and needed more supervision. (Maggie, not my sister.) Lastly, we rescued Wally from a family we met while we were going door to door soliciting votes for a Jefferson County candidate in the Arnold area. The family’s son could no longer care for him. So, after telling the kids we wouldn’t be getting any pets once we moved into the new house, these three pets that weren’t wanted by their owners anymore became part of our family.” Bugsy and Maggie died in 2020, and this is the last picture Cathy captured of all three pets together.
Stephen Chappell, 50, of Barnhart sent a picture of Marigold and Teddy, 9- and 8-year-old golden retrievers, who are half siblings. “(They are) bonded for life!” Stephen said.
Stephen Chappell, 50, of Barnhart sent a picture of Marigold and Teddy, 9- and 8-year-old golden retrievers, who are half siblings. “(They are) bonded for life!” Stephen said.
Stephen Chappell, 50, of Barnhart sent a picture of Marigold and Teddy, 9- and 8-year-old golden retrievers, who are half siblings. “(They are) bonded for life!” Stephen said.
Tami Anderson of Arnold sent a picture from May of her 3-month-old mini Australian shepherd, Luna. “This baby has brought our blended family together,” Tami said. “She has brought so much joy to our girls, who recently lost their mother. The smiles on the girls’ faces are back, thanks to the love this little pup has provided. We are so thankful to have been blessed with her.”
Katie McAtee, 73, of Festus sent a picture from May 2023 of her “grand dog,” a 4-year-old dalmatian and American bulldog mix. “He was adopted by my daughter and son-in-law, but in truth, Floyd adopted them,” Katie said. “This photo says it all, just how happy Floyd is.”
Thomas Zacher, 70, of Fenton sent a picture of Stormy, 3. “We just got Stormy from Open Door (Animal Sanctuary) this year,” Thomas said. “They named her Stormy because she was very afraid of storms. When we brought her home, she would run and hide whenever a storm came. She's getting better now and doesn't run when it storms.”
Jennifer Shannon, 53, of Eureka took this picture in November 2025 of Sophie, her 5-year-old tortoiseshell cat. “Sophie loves to stand on our breakfast table with her front feet on one of the chairs to beg for treats,” Jennifer said. “As I took this photo of her, she reached out one of her paws toward my phone. The result is what looks like a selfie!”
Donna Hartmann, 76, of High Ridge took this picture in November 2025 of Simon, her 5-year-old Shih Tzu. “He absolutely loves his grinchy and takes it everywhere,” Donna said. “He had ‘misplaced’ it somewhere in the house. We looked high and low and were shocked when one day it appeared. I had to snap this photo. He was very happy to find his grinchy!”
Donna Hartmann, 76, of High Ridge sent a picture taken in February 2018 of Cooper, her 10-year-old Shih Tzu and coton de Tuléar mix. “Cooper is not a fan of the camera, but this is a great photo of him looking at his daddy with his full-on ‘love you’ eyes!” Donna said.
Donna Hartmann, 76, of High Ridge sent a picture taken in June 2017 of Oreo, her 10-year-old tuxedo cat that died in October 2025. “Oreo was such a special cat,” Donna said. “He came to us as a feral and was very much loved. This photo was taken shortly before he decided he wanted to be an indoor cat and is one of my very favorite photos of him.”
Cindie Williamson, 57, of Fenton sent a picture taken in March of her 5-month-old English lop bunny, Butterscotch. “He is posing and has his two thumpers inside of his front paws!” Cindie said.
Julie Beasley, 60, of Festus sent a picture she took in October 2025 of Lexi, her 7-year-old Norwegian elkhound. “Lexi is my baby girl, and she hangs out in my office while I work,” Julie said. “This is her laying on the rug in my office.”
Brent Persoon, 52, of Eureka sent a photo of Babydoll, his Korat cat, “getting disturbed from her ‘break’ by a picture taker in February of this year,” Brent said.
Sue Frisch of Cedar Hill sent a picture of her cat, Lucy. “She loves to hunt for bugs and such in my hostas,” Sue said.
Sue Frisch of Cedar Hill sent a picture of her cat, Lucy. “She loves to hunt for bugs and such in my hostas,” Sue said.
Harold Bryan, 90, of De Soto sent a picture from 1979 in Ypsilanti, Mich. of his son, Jeff, 5, with the family dog, CoCoa, 5, a German shepherd and border collie mix. “Big snow. Jeff and CoCoa loved it,” Harold said. “CoCoa loved kids and was always with them no matter the weather. Sweet dog lived for 13 years.”
State Rep. Renee Reuter, R-Imperial sent a picture from April 2022 of herself and her 6-year-old labrador, Liberty. “Liberty became my constant companion and traveled with me nearly every week to Jefferson City during the four sessions I served in the House,” Renee said. “She and I took many walks around the capitol, and this photo was taken during one of those walks. It will always remind me of the blessings I experienced while serving our county as a state representative.”
Susan LaBarge, 70, of House Springs took this picture in April of Merwynna, an about 2-year-old domestic shorthair. “The kitchen cat helping me make dinner,” Susan said. “She is very much like a toddler, but toddlers don't jump on the counter and try to help the cook.” Susan adopted Merwynna and another cat, Alfred the Great, in 2025 from the Jefferson County Animal Shelter.
Susan LaBarge, 70, of House Springs took this picture in March of Alfred the Great, an about 5-year-old domestic shorthair. She adopted Alfred the Great and another cat, Merwynna, in 2025 from the Jefferson County Animal Shelter. “He was a scrawny cat with large paws,” Susan said. “He is now the lazy lion, just ‘lion’ around on the cat lounge.”
Julie Beasley, 60, of Festus sent a picture taken in March 2025 of Kevin, an 11-year-old Maltese. “Kevin was our granddog and lived with us for a while, and we watched him a lot for our son,” Julie said. “He was already pretty sick when the photo was taken and passed not long after. We miss him a lot!”
Laura Schmidt, 64, of Festus sent a picture from last year of Shorty, her 4-year-old basset hound she adopted in 2024 from Open Door Animal Sanctuary. “That smile is what made us fall in love!” Laura said. She and Shorty were visiting Record Exchange in St. Louis. “The owners, the Hafners, are very pet-friendly and love visits from our dogs. Shorty is their favorite, and this is my favorite photo of him.”
Laura Schmidt, 64, of Festus sent a picture from Christmas 2022 of Tonto, her 14-year-old bluetick coonhound. “We've had him since he was 8 weeks old,” Laura said. “As you can see, Tonto was less than impressed by our attempt to make a reindeer out of him. He is a cranky reindeer but a wonderful dog!”
John Pozzoli, 56, of Fenton took this picture in April of Queso, a 3-year-old Siamese rat. “I love this picture because it shows that rats aren’t always the gross monsters that people think about with rats,” John said. “His brother, Chips, is not pictured.”
Cindy Stewart, 64, of Imperial took this picture in April of Oakley, her 10-month-old miniature dachshund. “Oakley was laying on the couch after playing with her sister, Onyx,” Cindy said. “When I called her name, she looked over at me. She looks like a bat!”
Cindy Stewart, 64, of Imperial took this picture in April of Gracie Lou Freebush, a 6-year-old Czechoslovakian shepherd whose dad was a drug-sniffing dog in the Marines, and Owira, a 2-year-old schnauzer mix adopted from Stray Rescue of St. Louis. “They are both sitting on the couch, mesmerized by their favorite show, “On Patrol: Live.”
Bernie DeCollo, 70, of Festus took this picture in July 2025 of Jasper, his 2-year-old tabby. “Jasper is a very social kitty and loves hanging out at the pool with us!” Bernie said.
June Arbogast, 70, of Arnold took this picture in March of June Bug, her 11-year-old terrier mix. “I saw June Bug’s picture on the Open Door Animal Sanctuary Facebook page. It was love at first sight, especially when I saw her name was one we share: June Bug!” June said. “She is a whopping 7 1/2 pounds and immediately attached as my shadow. The best part is, as a senior adult, I rescued a senior dog. She has a forever home and I have a forever furry friend – perfect!”
Don Arbogast, 69, of Arnold took this picture in the Fall of 2025 of his cats, from left, Lilly Ann, a 7-year-old Manx tortoiseshell, and Lucky Girl, an 8-year-old tabby. “They are sweethearts at times and rascals at other times,” Don said. “They have very different personalities, but they love each other and they love their pop (me)!”
Cheryl Martin, 69, of Pevely sent a picture from March of Moe, a goldendoodle, at St. Francois State Park among some bluebells. “I thought this was just a pretty nature picture with my best buddy!” Cheryl said.
Cheryl Martin, 69, of Pevely sent a picture from March of Moe, a goldendoodle, at St. Francis State Park among some bluebells. “I thought this was just a pretty nature picture with my best buddy!” Cheryl said.
Judy Smith, 67, of Hillsboro took this picture in July 2021 of DJ, her 5-year-old mini Australian shepherd. “I think he looks beautiful,” Judy said. “The breeder couldn’t sell him because his markings weren’t perfect. She had to get rid of him. I gladly took him into my home and heart!”
Ellen Corbin, 57, of Festus sent a picture taken in July 2024 of Rosie, her 11-year-old cat. “I found her hiding behind our television beside a light I had on late that night,” Ellen said. “The picture shows just how sweet and observant she is. We have had her since she was barely a year old.” Though uncertain of Rosie’s breed, Ellen says she seems to be part Persian and ragdoll.
PJ Burns of Eureka took this picture in April of Lexi-Roux, her 1-year-old poodle and schnauzer mix, carrying one of her favorite toys. “She is a sweet, loving little girl,” PJ said. According to PJ, Lexi knows several commands: sit, stay, dance give a paw and turn in circles.
Lorrie Potter, 65, of Hillsboro took a picture of her 10-year-old cat, Zoey. “She loves looking around our backyard for birds and chipmunks!” Lorrie said. “I caught her sitting so pretty on one of our rocks.”
Lorrie Potter, 65, of Hillsboro took a picture in about 2019 of Ruby Sue, her then 9-year-old bloodhound mix. “I recall that day so vividly – a beautiful, fresh blanket of snow had transformed our yard into a winter wonderland,” Lorrie said. “Ruby Sue, in her typical enthusiastic fashion, was perched on our deck, completely absorbed in her favorite activity: diligently watching for squirrels. She would spend ages out there, meticulously scanning the trees, her little tail quivering with focused intent. Her love for those simple, snowy days and her unwavering dedication to keeping an eye on those bushy-tailed critters brought so much warmth and laughter to our home.”
Lorrie Potter, 65, of Hillsboro took a picture of Rosey, her 5-year-old Welsh corgi. “You can often find Rosey absolutely delighted with her rope swing, her natural instincts to chase and playfully ‘nip’ on full display as she joyfully engages with her favorite toy,” Lorrie said.
Terri Adamson, 57, of Festus took a picture of her 3-year-old Rottweiler, Mamacita. “This was taken soon after she became a mama to the sweet little guy she’s cradling,” Terri said. “A moment so endearing it just melted my heart, and I was fortunate enough to capture it.”
Kelley DePauw, 63, of High Ridge took this picture in April of Ava, her 7-year-old pitbull. “My walk was intended to be on the paved walkway, but Ava started down the trail and parked herself there, letting me know she had a more interesting walk in mind!”
Shelly Cody, 62, of Imperial sent a picture from 2025 of Bob, her 2-year-old dog. “He would always snatch food off the table,” Shelly said. “One day he stole my Raising Cane’s chicken strips off the table. So that’s how ‘How to Misbehave and Still get Chicken’ came to be.
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The annual Senior Expo in Festus will offer many fun activities and helpful information incl…
