Judith Simms, 83, of Festus sent a picture from 2025 of Royal, her 2-year-old rough collie. “It is my favorite picture of him as it personifies his personality and the beauty of his breed,” Judith said.
Tony Stoker, 72, of Eureka took this photo in May of Roscoe, his 8-year-old Havanese. “This picture of Roscoe makes me smile because it captures his gentle stubbornness in the sweetest way,” Tony said. “That little bed was perfect when he was a puppy, and even though he’s long outgrown it, he still insists on curling into it like nothing has changed. Every time I see him half in, half out, I’m reminded of those early days when he fit in the palm of my hand and the world felt slower, softer and simpler. Somehow, in this tiny moment, time pauses again – and I get my puppy back for just a heartbeat.”
Judy Williams, 73, of Festus sent a picture from June 2023 of her late husband, Paul Williams, with their dog Mochi, a Maltese and poodle mix. “My husband was battling cancer, and Mochi was his comfort companion,” Judy said. “Paul took him everywhere he could, especially for car rides.” They are pictured inside a biker bar while in Colorado. “It was the last trip Paul got to take, and we went with Mochi and our granddaughter, Bella. He promised her to see the mountains in Colorado. Paul passed away in February of 2024.” The pair had adopted Mochi in Texas when he was 11 months old, and he had three previous owners.
Debra Morgan, 53, of Barnhart sent a picture from December 2024 of her foster dog’s litter. The 6-week-old puppies and their mother, Looney Tunes, were rescued from a vacant house by Stray Rescue of St. Louis. “Looney Tunes was very malnourished; she and her pups never would have survived had they not been rescued that day,” Debra said. “We took them in, nursed them back to health, posted their pictures online and found great homes for all nine puppies. This picture is special to me because these puppies are so sweet and precious, and it shows a stark difference from the condition these puppies were in just weeks prior. This picture posted online also helped all these babies find their perfect forever homes.” The puppies are Road Runner, Yosemite Sam, Sylvester, Tweety, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Lola Bunny, Elmer Fudd and Penelope Pussycat. Debra adopted Looney Tunes for herself.
Debra Morgan, 53, of Barnhart sent a picture from March 2025 of 2-year-old Gemstone and her litter of 14. “Gemstone was picked up by Stray Rescue off the streets of St. Louis on a freezing January day, scared, starving and very pregnant!” Debra said. “A week later, she gave birth to 14 healthy puppies. Her story could have been tragic, but thanks to Stray Rescue, it has a happy ending.” The puppies were spayed, neutered and adopted, and Debra adopted Gemstone. “This picture is special to me because it reminds me of what a great momma Gemstone was. The look on her face in this picture always makes me laugh.”
Terri Schnur, 65, of Arnold took this picture in September 2025 of her cats, Casper and Spooky, who were about 10 months old when she adopted them. “They were rescues from a city shelter, and they make me happy every day,” Terri said. “If anyone is interested in adopting a kitty, I would advise to get two of them if possible. Two times the joy! They're coming up on 6 years old and still play like kittens. They are just your average short haired kitty cats, but their personalities are huge. I turned ‘bird TV’ on and snapped this picture, which still makes me laugh. Casper loves TV and will watch whatever is on. He really likes football; too bad we don't have a team here in St. Louis for him to root for.”
Cindy Greer, 68, of De Soto took this picture in March 2025 of Scarlett, a 3-year-old Maltese and poodle mix, while on vacation in Cape San Blas, Fla. “We wouldn't even have her if we didn’t visit this area,” Cindy said. “Years ago, we met some nice people there; we both had our dogs with us and ran into each other several years in a row. When our vacation friends found out that Scarlett needed a family to love her, they thought of us and reached out to see if we might want her. We went to meet her – they live in central Missouri – and we have had her with us every day since. She loves vacation, and she loved sitting on the steps and looking out to the ocean and keeping an eye on us.”
Rich Hoefli, 70, of Arnold sent a picture taken on Christmas Day 2023 of Pasha, his 8-year-old calico tabby. “The photo shows her inquisitive nature and the wonder of Christmas,” Rich said.
Gary Brooks, 73, of Eureka sent a picture taken in 2018 by his wife, Cindy, of their border collie and Labrador mix, Oscar Wilde. “He was about 3 years old then and still establishing his reign. He’s 11 years old now and still runs the joint,” Gary said. “His favorite to-dos now are exploring the loop at Route 66 park and watching Little League games in Legions Park next door, hoping for the errant foul ball. He doesn't really care about the ball that much anymore, but each one brings the opportunity of a good petting from a new friend.” The couple adopted Oscar Wilde from Needy Paws Rescue in St. Louis.
Sharon Pigg, 60, of Arnold sent a picture from 2025 of Samuel, her 10-year-old Labrador retriever and rottweiler mix. “Sam loved wearing the reindeer antlers,” Sharon said. “Everyone got such a kick out of it, and my grandson took the picture.”
Tom Bowden of Festus sent a picture of his 5-year-old dog, Buddy.
Glenda Bass, 81, of De Soto sent a picture from 1985 of her son, James Bass, 8, and the family’s 2-year-old Labrador and pitbull mix, Gus. “Gus was very protective of my son and loved to be cuddled,” Glenda said. “He was the first pet we ever had.”
Debra West, 68, of Arnold took this picture in February 2013 of Einstein, her 13-year-old toy poodle. “Einstein was just a few months old, and this was his first snow,” Debra said. “He was running like the wind, and I was able to get this picture when he was running full speed toward me. And he has this huge smile on his face! Pure joy!”
Denise Patton, 71, of Crystal City sent pictures of her cats at 3 weeks old in October 2025 and at 6 months old in March. “I have watched Shadow and Zorro grow from the second they were born to the cats they are today,” Denise said. “Shadow and Zorro are very entertaining, and it’s fun watching them play and chase each other around the house. They think they are king of the hill. They are part of the family, and I wouldn’t trade them for anything.”
Denise Patton, 71, of Crystal City sent pictures of her cats at 3 weeks old in October 2025 and at 6 months old in March. “I have watched Shadow and Zorro grow from the second they were born to the cats they are today,” Denise said. “Shadow and Zorro are very entertaining, and it’s fun watching them play and chase each other around the house. They think they are king of the hill. They are part of the family, and I wouldn’t trade them for anything.”
Diane Boyer, 75, of De Soto sent a picture from 2024 of her great-grandson, Callum Cartee, with her Shih Tzu, Tucker, both 4. “Our precious babies bring joy to our lives,” Diane said.
Kayla Behling of Festus sent a picture of her dogs, Penny and Daisey. “These two are pure happiness wrapped in fur,” Kayla said. “Their goofy smiles, loving personalities and endless excitement bring so much joy into our home every single day. They are sweet, loyal and always ready to give cuddles and kisses and make us laugh. We couldn’t ask for more amazing additions to our family.”
Jan Milanowski of Cedar Hill sent a picture taken in May 2023 of her 14-year-old Norwegian forest cat, Gracy. “This photo is special to me because Gracy is so sweet and lovable,” Jan said. “Plus, she’s picked this basket to nap in. I wove it several years ago, and in it is an afghan I crocheted about 20 years ago. I guess my scent is permanently on these things.”
Sherri Steinmeyer, 59, of Festus sent a picture from March of Bo, her 4-month-old yorkie and poodle mix. “It was his first time camping at our river property,” Sherri said.
Rick Wichern, 70, of High Ridge sent a picture from Christmas 1999 of golden retrievers Colt, 9 months, and Sid, 5 years. “They were father and son, and they had their picture taken with Santa,” Rick said.
Will Solomon, 81, of Imperial took this picture in the fall of 2018 of Nina, then 10. “Nina was my buddy for over 15 years and, as you can see from this photo, she was part beagle,” Will said. “She loved to sit on the back of the couch and watch me when I was cooking. She knew I would eventually get my camera and take some photos of her there. I probably have a few hundred that I took over the years. This is one of my favorites. I like the way this one captured her eyes.” Will said he has entered the contest before, but not since Nina died in December 2024. “When I saw this contest in the Leader, I thought it was time to enter again.”
Terri Becker, 63, of Festus sent a picture from April of her son and his dog Max, a 10-month-old Australian shepherd and poodle mix. “Max is a bundle of joy,” Terri said. “He loves golfcart rides, too. He also has two different colored eyes.”
Marianne Chanda, 54, of Eureka sent a picture from summer 2025 of Bunny, her 9-year-old Maltese and poodle mix. “She is a very happy dog, loves people and loves to shower everyone with kisses,” Marianne said. “This photo captures Bunny at her happiest, on someone's lap and getting ready to shower with kisses.”
Linda Fielder, 76, of Pevely took this picture in April 2021 of Chessa, 12, who died in May. “I received Chessa after her adopted owner died,” Linda said. “I had her five years. She became my shadow. She was very loving and cuddly. She was a hunter. She was always hunting for mice, moles and other small animals.” Linda said she and her other dog, Parker, miss Chessa very much.
Linda Fielder, 76, of Pevely took this picture in February 2021 of Parker, her 12-year-old miniature Australian shepherd. “Parker is by my side at all times except when herding the horses,” Linda said. “He seems to play a game of tag with one of the horses. He is loyal, very smart and perfectly colored for an Aussie. He loves to play ball then lay in his swimming pool.”
Felecia Voss of Festus sent a picture of Ukie, her 2-year-old Labrador, border collie and German shorthair mix.
Felecia Voss of Festus sent a picture of her cat, Casper.
Felecia Voss of Festus sent a picture of her border collie and golden retriever mix, Atticus.
Pam Mulenex, 65, of Fenton sent a picture taken earlier this year of Rambo, who she believes is a 4-year-old Russian blue. “We think he is just beautiful,” Pam said. “He is a 15-pound gentle giant. The sweetest cat I’ve ever known.”
Pam Mulenex, 65, of Fenton sent a picture taken a few months ago of Klara, who she believes a 2-year-old Russian blue. “We think she is just beautiful,” Pam said. “So sweet and loves to be around little ones.”
Elaine Feager, 85, of Hillsboro took this picture in May of her 10-month-old cavalier King Charles spaniel mixes, Chelsey and Chumley. “They don’t sit still for long,” Elaine said. “Happy I had my phone nearby.”
Elaine Feager, 85, of Hillsboro sent a picture from the summer of 2012 of herself with her Doberman pinschers, Nadia, 3, and Pelli, 10. “It was their favorite way to sit,” Elaine said.
Elaine Feager, 85, of Hillsboro sent a picture from the fall of 1989 of her 4-year-old Doberman pinschers, Shaka and Cherub.
Steven Smith, 79, of Eureka sent a picture taken earlier this month of his 3-year-old beagle mix, Rookie. “This is a squirrel's eye view of Rookie playing his favorite sport, daring the squirrel to jump down and make a run for it,” Steven said.
Tracy Isenman, 54, of Arnold took this photo in February of Penny, her 3-year-old Australian shepherd. “This picture is special to me because it shows Penny’s sweet and intelligent nature,” Tracy said. “She is the friendliest dog and is always interested in what is going on around the house.”
Tracy Isenman, 54, of Arnold took this photo in March of Phoebe, her 2-year-old rescue cat. “This picture is special to me because it shows the trust that we have built since I rescued Phoebe and one of her kittens in January 2025,” Tracy said. “When she arrived, she was not friendly and skittish around the people and other pets in the house, even her baby. She rarely sits on anyone and she chose me! This picture proves that she now believes that our home is her safe place.”
Tracy Isenman, 54, of Arnold took this photo in April of Ted, a 1-year-old rescue cat. “This picture is special to me because it proves to the world that rescue cats are beautiful, loving pets that can fill empty spaces in our homes and hearts, sometimes becoming the soulmates we never knew we needed,” Tracy said.
Karen Mathis, 63, of High Ridge sent this picture from June 2022 of her then 2-year-old mixed breed dog, Nellie. “This is my ‘Nosy Nellie’ in her favorite spot in the house,” Karen said. “No delivery truck, mail carrier or jogging neighbor goes unnoticed when Nellie is at her post!”
Holly Wondell of Festus sent a picture from Finn, her 4-year-old nebelung cat. “The picture was taken when we were putting up Christmas decorations,” Holly said. “He always has to be wherever we are, in the middle of everything. He’s a good boy.”
Sheri Haas, 66, of House Springs sent a picture taken in the spring of 2010 of her dog, Seymour, then 2, with her granddaughter, Hannah. “I love this photo because of the contrast between the huge dog and the innocent baby. It shows how gentle Seymour was,” Sheri said. “He was so patient with Hannah as she was reaching out her little hand to touch his nose. Even though he was huge compared to her, she was not afraid! She was much more interested in the dog than in her little toy!”
Sheri Haas, 66, of House Springs sent a picture taken in January of her cat, Kitty Purry, as a 6-week-old kitten. “She was so small and fragile, and was experiencing snow for the first time,” Sheri said. “She was so wide-eyed and innocent as she looked around with her big blue eyes! Her little paws were so cold, but she loved it! She wasn’t afraid and wanted to stay outside!”
Christine Buttice, 72, of High Ridge sent a picture from January of Teddy, her 5-year-old bichon frise, and Beau, her 3-year-old goldendoodle. “These two are so comical and always keep me laughing!” Christine said.
Jeri Vollmar of Festus sent a picture taken in February of her 2-year-old labradoodle, Sofie. “Sofie likes to sit on our loveseat with her paws draped over the armrest waiting patiently for attention or treats!” Jeri said. “She looks at us with those big brown eyes and we can’t resist!”
Doug Canady, 66, of Hillsboro sent a picture from August 2025 of Annie Banani, his then 1-month-old domestic shorthair cat. “Early one morning last July, a stray cat that I feed was at my back door frantically looking at me with a newborn kitten in her mouth,” Doug said. “She was apparently only able to save one of her litter from forest predators by carrying it around all night, unable to save the others. I set up a box with air holes, blankets and a small fan on a table under the deck and kept them safe and dry until Annie Banani was old enough to leave mom and come inside permanently. Mom still likes to come to the door to see her little girl. My little backyard miracle.”
Jody Borgers, 60, of Cedar Hill sent a picture taken in 2025 of Abu, a 4-year-old German shepherd. “This photo was taken on top of Medicine Bow mountain range in Saratoga, Wy.,” Jody said. “Abu sat so handsomely in the middle of the yellow flowers and just seemed to pose perfectly. This photo of my ‘granddog’ reminds us of our memorable trip to Saratoga.”
Judi Ronzio, 74, of High Ridge sent a picture taken in February of her 3-year-old tortoiseshell cat, Suzy, curled inside a tote bag. “It’s just one of many fun things Suzy likes to do,” Judi said. “She fits ‘purrfectly!’”
Elaine Rauhut, 69, of High Ridge sent a picture from April of her blue and gold macaw, Gidget, 4. “Gidget is shy but loves to show off her wings!” Elaine said.
Lee Rauhut, 75, of High Ridge sent a picture from April of Heidi, a 13-year-old shorthair tabby. “Heidi loves to look like a hen sitting on her eggs!” Lee said.
Barbara Christensen of Imperial sent a picture of Casey, a cocker spaniel and Lhasa apso mix that her family got in 1976 at about three months old. “The main problem I had with Casey was keeping his curly, long hair trimmed. He ‘cried’ if I left him at the vet to do the trimming,” Barbara said. “Casey just loved to play in the snow. He had a big black dog next door called Puppy Dog. They’d play all day, just like two kids. Casey went through several operations. When he did, I’d put one of my husband’s T-shirts on him to keep his sores safe and covered. I think Casey looks better in the blue T-shirt than my husband, Larry Christensen, but I never told Larry.” Barbara said Casey hated water and hid when she used the hose. He died about 40 years ago.
Barbara Christensen of Imperial sent a picture of Baby Bunny, which she adopted from another family in about 1980 at about 6 months old. “The family had too many pets and didn’t want him,” Barbara said. “Baby Bunny was very full of energy, big time! We took him to the vet so he wouldn’t chew on everything. Baby Bunny got more gentle as he got older. He would lay on a pillow by my chair in the living room, but would never get on my lap or let me hold him.” In the photo, Baby Bunny rests on a vacuum cleaner cover decorated like the comic strip character Maxine. “Baby Bunny loved the grandkids when they’d come over, and he’d hang around with them.”
Larry Calvert of Festus sent a picture taken in 1956 in Berkley of himself, 10, on a motorcycle with his dog. Larry’s dad, Leroy, 30 stands nearby. “My dog had jumped on for a ride,” Larry said.
Cathy Naber, 68, of Imperial sent a picture from April of her basset hound, Josephine, on her fourth birthday. “Josie has a great life now that she is with my husband and I!” Cathy said. “We adopted her from GABR (Guardian Angel Basset Rescue) in Dwight, Ill. Josie had puppies with a breeder before she was a year old, and she also had heart worms before we adopted her. She was 2 years old and a little underweight. When we saw her, we knew her eyes were saying ‘please rescue me!’ Josie is now a healthy 4-year-old big basset who sleeps with us, not in a cage.”
Randy Berkbigler, 72, of Eureka sent a picture of his 12-year-old golden retrievers, from left, Roscoe, Rustie and Mango. “They were supervising me splitting wood,” Randy said.
Rich and Linda Hartsook of Arnold sent a picture taken in February of squirrels Bubba and Blanche. “They made their winter home in the strawberry planter on our back porch,” the couple wrote. “They stayed there for about six weeks.”
Alvin and Maryann Schuld of High Ridge sent a picture of Chica, their Pomeranian. “She is a rescue, and we got her from Texas last year in February,” the couple wrote. “We went out on our deck, and she just climbed into the flowerpot and was just sitting there, so we have nicknamed her our flower child. She is very special to both of us.”
Wanda Davenport of Festus sent a picture from 2022 of her dog, JoJo, and cat, Torri, both 6. “The world may be divided, but these two are inseparable,” Wanda said.
Donna Riegler, 60, of Arnold sent a picture from 2024 of her then 1-year-old American shorthair cats, Gavin and Finley. She adopted them together in 2023. “They were always together like this,” Donna said. “Unfortunately, we lost Gavin to lymphoma about six months ago, so that’s why this picture will always be special to me.”
Jane Boyd, 78, of Eureka sent a picture taken in May of Beau, the 8-year-old Chihuahua she rescued when he was 2. “Everything about Beau is special, but in this photo, his ears (always) and excitement about everything (are special)!” Jane said. “His ears serve him very well; he doesn’t miss a thing, no matter what room he’s in.”
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The annual Senior Expo in Festus will offer many fun activities and helpful information incl…
