Brenda Meyer, 60, of Festus took this picture in 2012 of Journey, her then 1-year-old treeing walker coon hound. “Journey was a sweet gentle girl notorious for stealing any food left within reach, including cat food cans that she would chew open. Her favorite was the extra gravy type,” Brenda said.
Brenda Meyer, 60, of Festus took this picture in 2019 of Sookie, a then 1-year-old calico. “She’s always getting into places she does NOT belong. Sassy tabby!” Brenda said.
Colette Clifton of Festus took this photo in May 2020 of her then 6-year-old labrador retriever, Sky. “Our son and wife were building a home, and we went out to see how things were going,” Colette said. “Sky would go nowhere without her tennis ball. She could play fetch for hours. Well, we didn’t have any water for her when she got hot. She went and found a big mud puddle and laid in it. She was so happy. She did get a bath as soon as we got home.”
Sandi Green of Festus took this picture at Christmas dinner in 2024 of Dempsey, 11. Dempsey loves to eat and is always asking us, by a gentle paw on our arm, to share whatever we have,” Sandi said. “As we all sat down to eat, Dempsey promptly jumped up in a chair at the table and waited for her plate to be filled.”
Tammy Newkirk, 63, of Hillsboro sent this picture taken in May of herself and Bently, her 17-year-old poodle mix. “Bentley and I shared a profound connection,” Tammy said. “Sunday morning, May 17, he injured his hind leg, and after five months of coping with leg issues, I selflessly made the difficult decision to let him go. This is one of our last pictures together – a snapshot of our eternal love. He was my best friend, my little boy and my guiding light. Though I'll miss him dearly, I'll cherish the memories we created together, and I know he's now in heaven, waiting for me. For now, I'm grateful for the precious years we shared, and I know his love will continue to inspire me.”
Charles Bennett, 65, of Hillsboro took this picture of Sam, a boxer, sitting on Lacode, a bulldog.
Teresa Nunn, 66, of Herculaneum took this picture of her cat, a 4-year-old part Siamese rescue. “He loves his Jack in the Box head,” Teresa said. “We were having a fun time playing fetch when he stopped long enough for me to take his picture!”
Stefanie Stephens, 53, of De Soto took this photo in 2009 of Bandit, then 12 weeks old. “Bandit was a rambunctious kitten, always getting in to everything.” Stefanie said. “This was one of the few pictures I was able to get of him sitting still. He was just a fun kitten. He has since passed away.”
Stefanie Stephens, 53, of De Soto took this photo in 2016 of her then 8-month-old rescue, Satan. “Satan always begged for food at the table. This day he was going for my Pogolino’s pizza – my cat has good taste!” Stefanie said.
Carol Clements, 75, of Herculaneum took this picture about 10 years ago of Chili, a Chihuahua mix, and her grandson. “Every day when I cared for them, I'd say ‘it's almost time for grandpa to get here.’ They'd run to the door, anxiously waiting for him to arrive,” Carol said. “It's just one of the best-timed pictures I've ever taken.”
Kim Sculthorpe, 59, of Festus took this picture in September 2024 of BooBoo, her then 6-month-old tortoiseshell-patterned cat. “BooBoo is the sweetest kitty I’ve ever had, and she looks so precious relaxing on top of the lump under the covers, which happens to be her sister, Sammie,” Kim said.
Tom Black of Crystal City took this picture about a year ago of his “great-granddog,” Porkchop, a 12-year-old mini Chihuahua. “He was rescued off the side of the road,” Tom said. “Even though he’s blind and deaf, he always finds the beautiful things in life!”
Betty Black of Crystal City took this picture of her “great-granddogs.” “They love to go out on the lake and swim and suntan,” Betty said. “I love this picture because it shows the true meaning of a ‘dog’s life!’” Pictured are Niko, a 10-year-old; Lola, a 12-year-old dachshund; Pork Chop, a 12-year-old mini Chihuahua; and Daisy and Layla, both 6-year-old Shi Tzus.
Ellen Spindler, 64, of Arnold took this picture in March 2024 of her cat, Tater Tot. “She showed up as a tiny kitten on May 21, 2021, hiding under my husband’s truck in the driveway,” Ellen said. “She has provided us with endless love and attitude ever since.”
Carla Carlin, 62, of De Soto took this picture around 1990 of Zachary, a 3-year-old gray longhair cat. “He was the greatest cat ever,” Carla said. “He thought he was one of us/a human, and the picture was so spontaneous and unexpected.”
Carla Carlin, 62, of De Soto took this picture around 2003 of Tiera, a Siberian Huskey about 3 or 4 years old. “She was majorly spoiled, with attitude,” Carla said. “She was being playful, waiting for us to chase her.”
Carla Carlin, 62, of De Soto took this picture in July 2018 of Avielle “Avi,” a gray longhair cat about 14 or 15 weeks old. “I had only had her for a couple of days and went looking for her,” Carla said. “Finally found her laying in the bathtub in the sweetest pose, looking at me. Too cute not to get a picture!”
Sue Amsden, 63, of Barnhart took this photo about five or six years ago of Missy, her 13-year-cat. “We adopted her from a rescue group at a cat show,” Sue said. “We started to walk by her, and we both stopped and remarked at how pretty she was. The woman with the rescue grabbed her out of the cage and put her in my arms, and she’s been there ever since. Missy came home with four ribbons from the show! She’s my ‘baby.’ She looks a little majestic, and with the ceramic mama cat with her babies on the floor below the rocking chair, I always thought it was a pretty nice photo.”
Sue Amsden, 63, of Barnhart took this photo in December 2021 of Chloe, who was about 5 months old in this picture. “We had just rescued her from being taken to the pound and possibly being put down,” Sue said. “She took to us pretty quickly and is very attached to my husband! She follows him around the house all day long! We had just had our fireplace updated, and she loves laying in front of it when it’s on.”
Renee Townsend of Byrnes Mill took this picture of Gypsy, an 8-year-old labrador retriever. “Gypsy is insane about retrieving, swimming and being with her humans as much as she can,” Renee said. “She loves everything and everybody. She is a treasure, and I am very lucky to have her in my life.
Susan Crouch, 59, of Arnold took this picture in June 2024 of Rambo, a 10-year-old Boston terrier. “Rambo is a rescued Boston terrier and our resident sentry,” Susan said. “He had not yet spotted the visitor in the driveway when I snapped this shot.”
Karen McGillis, 67, of House Springs took this picture of Jumpy, an American toad that has lived under her deck for a few years. “He is free to come and go as he pleases and eats all kinds of bugs in our yard,” Karen said. “He is very jumpy, thus his name. I take pictures of him when he decides to socialize, and then he hops back under the deck. All I have to do is water underneath the deck periodically to keep him happy – or is it ‘hoppy?’”
Marsha Boyer, 68, of House Springs took this picture in May of Oshie, a 2-year-old Catahoula leopard dog. “I’m blessed to have my ‘granddogs’ any time, any day,” Marsha said. “This one is Oshie, who was out and about, enjoying a car ride on the sunny day with the breeze hitting his face on the back roads of Jefferson County.”
David Batty, 67, of Dittmer took this photo in February 2020 of Cosmo, a 16-year-old Louisiana Catahoula leopard and labrador retriever mix. “It was Cosmo’s 11th birthday, and he was rocking out,” David said.
Carol Lane of Festus took this picture in November 2023 of Ginger, her 1-year-old dog. “She always gets mistaken for a boy because of her beard,” Carol said. “She’s my bearded lady, and she is a beauty even with her beard!”
Carol Lane of Festus took this picture in March 2023 of Cooper, her 9-year-old dog. “He is always ‘stealing’ something, and in this photo he is trying to look innocent while he got caught in the act,” Carol said. “Who couldn’t forgive those eyes?”
Charlene Lohman, 62, of Herculaneum took this picture in March of Lily, a 2-year-old Samoyed, and Willow, a 3-year-old Australian shepherd. “They are best friends,” Charlene said. “Sharing is caring, and smiles and happiness last a lifetime.”
Claudia Foran, 72, of House Springs took this picture in 1998 of her cat, Ninja. He was a great inside pet and caused no problems,” Claudia said. “Only got out once, somehow, and broke his leg. He had a cast on – it was so cute.”
Claudia Foran, 72, of House Springs sent this picture from 2010 of her niece, Lexie, at a camp with horses. “She loves horses and was helping out,” Claudia said. Lexie is the mother of two children and now lives in Chillicothe. “So proud of her.”
Claudia Foran, 72, of House Springs sent a picture of Gracie, her son Patrick’s German shepherd. “She was a good pet for my son and is now passed,” Claudia said. “She was given to him after a hospital stay. She was special to my son. (In this photo) she thinks she is the queen and rules the couch.”
Carla Langston of Festus took this picture in May of Stella, a 4-year-old calico. “I loved that she set herself up for a great picture,” Carla said.
Carla Langston of Festus took this picture in April of Sarafina, a 9-year-old Pomeranian.
Melvin Oberkrom, 78, of Cedar Hill took this picture in March of Marley, a 4-month-old beagle. “I had a beagle for 14 years prior to getting Marley,” Melvin said. “I wasn’t ready to get another beagle until now, after 10 years. Enough time had passed. I’m glad I did. Marley is so playful and full of energy. He’ll be my lifetime companion.”
Rosemary Graham, 79, of Hillsboro took this picture of her dog and great-grandson. “Sadie was taking care of my great-grandson while I fixed breakfast,” Rosemary said. “My sweet Sadie passed three weeks after I lost my husband. She was 11 years old.”
Rosemary Graham, 79, of Hillsboro took this picture in 2022 of her then 4-year-old great-granddaughter, Celestial Rose Rhodes, and her ‘granddog,’ Emberlyn, a 6-year-old labrador retriever. “Sadie and Ember were pals!”
Thomas Mohr, 78, of Hillsboro sent a picture taken by his wife, Terry, in December 1984 of himself and Tabatha, a then 8-week-old cocker spaniel. Thomas captioned this photo as, “When your new dog attacks you the day you bring it home.”
Pam Kenney, 65, of Fenton took this picture in May 2024 of her “granddog,” Hazel, a 1-year-old Shih Tzu. “Hazel is spoiled and mischievous and drives me crazy,” Pam said. “I took this picture when I came in to get my iced coffee. She looked at me like she was telling me that my iced coffee tasted so good. She looked so cute and innocent. Can’t help but love her.”
Robert Shipton of House Springs took a picture of Starfire, a 5-year-old Dutch shepherd. “She goes everywhere with me. So sweet and smart,” Robert said. “Everybody says how pretty she is. She’s from a litter of (about ten). I had first pick.”
Debra Weber, 68, of De Soto took this picture of Stella, a 6-year-old Pomeranian, meeting Darla, a 3-month-old Chihuahua. “I love how sweet they look going nose-to-nose for their first meeting!” Debra said. “I wish I knew what they were thinking!”
Lisa Kutz, 68, of Festus took this photo in December of Chance, her 4-year-old rescue. “His first time going to Meert’s Tree Farm,” Lisa said. “He was guarding the tree we picked to take home!”
Judi Ronzio, 73, of High Ridge took this photo in May 2024 of Suzy, a 2-year-old tortoiseshell-patterned cat, and Scout, a 9-year-old mix. “Scout and Suzy have been besties ever since I brought Suzy, a stray kitten, home with me. The girls are great friends,” Judi said.
Steven Smith, 78, of Eureka took this “squirrel’s eye view” picture in May of Rookie, a 2-year-old beagle mix. “Rookie's favorite sport is to chase squirrels in our backyard,” Steven said.
Vincent Coleman, 73, of Festus took this picture in January of Bitsie, his 6-year-old Shih Tzu and Yorkshire terrier mix. “Bitsie loves to go for a walk and visit pets and people in her neighborhood,” Vincent said. “This picture is special because she is ready to go for a walk in her new Christmas sweater.”
Laurie Haller, 64, of Hillsboro took this picture at Autumn Lake in May of her 8-year-old labrador retriever, Maddie, and her 5-year-old granddaughter, Izzy. “This picture is special to me because it captures the joy of Maddie and Izzy playing together and celebrating the start of summer!” Laurie said.
Linda Christman, 72, of Imperial took this picture in July 2024 of her three Pomeranians, Rocky, 2, Riley, 6, and Tucker, 2, and Phineas, a 2-year-old Shih Tzu mix. “I think it’s the only time I ever got all four of them in the same picture looking toward me!” Linda said.
Candi Wagner of Fenton took this picture in January of her “granddog,” Koda, a 5-year-old pitbull. “He always loves seeing Larry,” Candi said.
Candi Wagner of Fenton took this picture four years ago of her 6-year-old hedgehog.
Candi Wagner of Fenton took this photo three years ago of Stubby, a 5-year-old longhair dachshund. Stubby was having health problems at the time. “He couldn’t do anything. Poor thing had to stay in a box for six weeks,” Candi said.
Marie and Larry Vogt of Festus sent a photo taken in April of Maggie May, their 5-year-old Shih Tzu. “Our Maggie May lets us do whatever to her,” Marie said. “She gets her hair put up in pigtails with bows every day, wears a raincoat when it rains and wears a winter coat when it gets cold. The sunglasses pushed her over the edge. She kept them on but refused to walk outside with them on.”
Doug Canady, 65, of Hillsboro took this picture in January of Zebulon, his 5-year-old domestic shorthair. “This photo is special to me because it shows Zebulon's adventurous and joyful spirit,” Doug said.
Doug Canady, 65, of Hillsboro took this picture in September 2024 of Otto Don Gato, his 8-year-old domestic shorthair. “This photo is special to me because it shows Otto Don Gato smiling with satisfaction for his new box with a built-in chin rest,” Doug said.
Doug Canady, 65, of Hillsboro took this picture in September 2023 of Buddy, his 3-year-old domestic shorthair. “This photo of Buddy is special to me because it reminds me how devoted he is to me,” Doug said. “He follows me everywhere like a pup and yells at me during morning showers, often looking to make sure I'm okay in there.”
Kim Beaman, 55, of Eureka took this photo about a year ago of Finley, her 5-year-old red merle Australian shepherd. “She is the most fun puppy I have ever known,” Kim said. “The picture is from our first RV adventure with her to the five national parks in Utah. This is actually Corona Arch in Moab, Utah. She loved the hike! She had to climb rock faces and ladders as part of her hike to get there. Just the pure joy in her face every time we hike warms my heart.”
Gale Ryan-Payne, 68, of Crystal City took this picture in July 2023 of Luke, a 7-year-old wolfhound mix, resting his head on Barry, an 8-year-old vizsla. “We rescued Barry and Luke one year apart, and the minute they met they were ‘brothers from another mother,’” Gale said. “Their love and affection for each other should be an example for us.”
Lynn Weinhaus, 59, of Festus took this picture in October 2024 of Winston, her almost 2-year-old tabby. “I walked by him several times while he was sitting there and didn’t notice him,” Lynn said. “I’m glad I finally did and was able to take this picture because it shows his fun personality.”
Tom and Bettye (Ruble) Juergens of Dittmer sent a picture from October 2024 of Jake, their 11-year-old Shetland sheepdog. “He loves rolling around in the backyard, and the fall leaves were a perfect opportunity to take a roll,” Bettye said. Tom and Bettye adopted Jake and their other Shetland sheepdog, Muffin, from Sheltie Shack Rescue in Shell Knob in 2021. “They were a blessing to the family!”
Tom and Bettye (Ruble) Juergens of Dittmer sent a picture from February 2024 of Muffin, their 11-year-old Shetland sheepdog. “She loves cold weather and would rather lay in the snow than be indoors,” Bettye said. “A fresh patch of snow is a delicious treat, and she buries her face in it.” Tom and Bettye adopted Jake and their other Shetland sheepdog, Muffin, from Sheltie Shack Rescue in Shell Knob in 2021. “They were a blessing to the family!”
Bob Baumann, 76, and Carol Ross-Baumann, 69, both from Eureka, took this picture just before Christmas of Annie, their rescue border collie and walker treeing coonhound mix who is about 4 years old. “It was her first Christmas with us. It’s hard to get a photo where she’s smiling – she’s usually a pretty serious dog,” wrote the couple.
Sue White, 67, of Blackwell took this picture in 2022 of her then 1- or 2-year-old pitbull, Xexa Star. “I named her before I saw her right side, otherwise her name would have been Minnie,” Sue said.
Sue White, 67, of Blackwell took this picture in 2017 of her then 7-year-old pitbull, Jessie Girl. “She’s anxiously waiting for her ‘daddy’ to come home,” Sue said.
Darren Coleman, 58, of Crystal City took this photo last year of Zellie, 2, and Seven, 3. “Took forever to get them to stand still for the picture, but both are very happy in the picture,” Darren said.
Darren Coleman, 58, of Crystal City took this photo in 2013 of Reese, 2. “Just a great picture of a great dog,” Darren said. “She just passed this year at 14 years old.”
Craig and Dorothy Partridge of Eureka sent a picture from July 2023 of Teeter, their 2-year-old Australian cattle dog. “One of the few times she appears to be relaxed,” the pair wrote. “Still, she’s a handful!”
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