Dede Remspecher, 67, Imperial sent a picture of her 5-year-old Australian shepherd, Marnie. “The photo was taken in the fall when my husband was splitting wood,” Dede said. “Marnie wanted to help!”
Tammy Mace, 61, of Festus took a picture in July last year of her 3-year-old Maine coon cat, Poof. “He was sitting so pretty!” Tammy said.
Kim Morgan, 54, of Pevely took this picture in September of Thaddeus, her 10-year-old pit bull mix. “This dog was rescued from a very abusive situation,” Kim said. “He has come to feel very safe and secure in our house, and he sits on the sofa and rests his head. He has no anxiety, and it shows so clearly in this picture. It just goes to show what caring for an animal can do.”
Karen Politte, 53, sent a picture from fall last year of Calvin, a 9-year-old American Eskimo and Pomeranian mix.
Alison Matthews, 63, of Imperial took this picture on the Big River in May 2021 of Bandit, a then 4-month-old miniature Australian shepherd, on his first kayaking trip. “Bandit was finally sitting peacefully on the kayak after jumping from the kayak to a canoe all afternoon,” Alison said.
Alison Matthews, 63, of Imperial took this picture in September, two days after getting Trixie, a then 3-month-old miniature Australian shepherd. “She was finally settling down and getting used to her new home,” Alison said.
Susan Kelly, 73, of High Ridge took this picture in May 2022 of her 8-year-old cat, Mr. Oreo, with a pillow Susan’s friend made. “The day I got it and put it on the couch, he jumped right up and high-fived himself,” Susan said.
Linda Smugala, 61, of Imperial took this picture of Koda, her then 6-year-old Belgian Malinois, keeping an eye on Linda in 2016. “Anytime someone was in the pool, Koda would lay on the first step to cool off and keep watch, like a lifeguard,” Linda said. “We miss her dearly but still feel her watching over us from the ‘rainbow bridge.’”
Sheila Stuthers, 63, of Imperial took a picture last month of Pickles, her 1-year-old cat. “Pickles has so much character,” Sheila said. “He’s very smart and intelligent.”
Beth Hudson, 61, of Herculaneum sent a picture of her four-year-old American shorthair tabby, Peanut Butter Cup, dressed as Batman for Halloween.
Doug Rethmeyer, 61, of Arnold took this picture in June 2020 of his 16-year-old dog, Buster. “It is a perfectly captured photo of my best bud smiling,” Doug said.
Susan Turner, 66, of Arnold took this picture in December of Chewy, her 5-year-old Chihuahua. “He’s quite small, except for his ears, and he loves to pose for pictures,” Susan said. “He’s a very well-behaved boy, friendly to all, and loves lots of cuddles!”
Marianne Chanda, 52, of Eureka sent a picture from February 2022 of her 7-year-old Maltese and poodle mix, Bunny. “I bought her a dog bed that ended up matching her coat,” Marianne said. “When she got in the bed, I quickly grabbed my camera to capture how perfectly she blended right into the bed! And she looked so relaxed!”
Arla Tweedy, 59, of Imperial sent a picture of Maggie May, her 13-year-old Chihuahua. “This picture of Maggie May touches the core of who my family and I are as Americans,” Arla said. “My father served during World War II, I served for over 20 years, and three siblings each served six years in the U.S. Army. This flag is precious, and so is Maggie May.”
Kim Pettit of De Soto sent a picture of her mother, Jane, with her 3-year-old dog.
Mike Daiber, 62, of Cedar Hill took this photo in September 2022 of Little Bit, then 1, a labrador and pit bull mix. “I work from home, and she is nearly always keeping me company on the bed behind me,” Mike said. “This picture really captures her eyes and her compassion.”
Mike Daiber, 62, of Cedar Hill took this photo in April of 8-year-old Pinchy. “She is 100 percent Chihuahua, about nine pounds of feistiness and princess of the house,” Mike said. “In this picture, she heard something out the front window and jumped up onto this divider wall to get a good view. Always on guard!”
Teree Davis, 68, of Imperial took this picture in 2023 of Chica, a 7-year-old terrier mix. “Each morning, Chica relaxes with me while I have my tea!” Teree said.
Dodie Lammert, 65, of Festus took this picture last July of 1-year-old Miss Pixie. “This was her first time hanging in a pool, and she enjoyed it very much!” Dodie said. “She is our baby girl!”
Dan Suedmeyer, 53, of Hillsboro took this picture of then 3-year-old labrador Lucy, who is now 11. “We had spent the day retrieving at the lakes of Busch Memorial Conservation Area,” Dan said. “She still loves water and swims any chance she gets.”
Janine Lange, 63, of Cedar Hill took a picture of her 1-year-old Cavalier King Charles and Bichon Frise mix, Sophie. “She is a very happy little puppy who enjoys cuddling on my lap, playing fetch with sticks and taking walks in Don Robinson State Park,” Janine said.
Rick Brinley, 67, of De Soto took this picture in 2021 of his 8-year-old beagle, Bernie, next to a Halloween decoration. “He always sees rabbits in our backyard, so he was confused when he saw this one,” Rick said.
Margie Ross, 59, of Pevely took a picture of Bobbie, a 1-year-old tuxedo Manx, “helping wrap presents” last year. “Bobbie always has to be part of everything the family is doing, even at Christmas,” Margie said.
David Shetley, 63, of Pevely sent a picture taken last month of George, a 4-year-old orange tabby, “helping” fold laundry. “George supervises all activities around the house on a daily basis,” David said. “His duties include welcoming you at the door and rolling over for a belly rub, bird watching, and sleeping on the bed when he isn’t supposed to. We don’t have to worry about bugs in the house, for he is an excellent exterminator. If you ever have the opportunity to meet him, he’ll give you a high-five – that is, if there’s a treat in your other hand.”
Thomas Mohr of Hillsboro sent a picture taken by Terry Mohr in March 1985 of himself with Tabatha, a then 6-month-old cocker spaniel. “For 13 years, when I got up in the morning, that’s where she was sleeping,” Thomas said.
Belinda Wyrick, 68, of Imperial sent a picture from December of Stanley, her 12-year-old blind rescue yorkie. “This was his first Christmas with me,” Belinda said. “He loves relaxing in his bed.”
Randy Berkbigler, 69, of Eureka took this picture in November of his 10-year-old dogs, from left, Roscoe, Rustle and Mango, watching him rake leaves. “They were supervising,” Randy said. Roscoe is a golden retriever and vizsla mix, while the other two are golden retrievers.
Lillian Otto, 89, of Festus sent a picture of her 8-month-old Shih Tzu, Dino, after he graduated training school through Pet Smart in February. “He is so cute in his graduation cap,” Lillian said.
Kimberly Allman, 54, of Cedar Hill took this picture in April of Patrick, a 1-year-old domestic shorthair. “Patrick is such a helper and ‘supervises’ everything we do – including cleaning the gutters,” Kimberly said.
Kimberly Allman, 54, of Cedar Hill took this picture last month of her 8-week-old domestic shorthair, Purr Box, known as P.B. “I’ve raised P.B. and her sisters since they were 2 weeks old,” Kimberly said. “She is such a sweet kitty. I love watching her silly way of sleeping.”
Kimberly Allman, 54, of Cedar Hill took this picture in January of Nova, a 5-year-old Victorian bulldog. “She is such a lug nut but is always a happy girl who loves to snuggle,” Kimberly said.
Tracy Hasty, 56, of High Ridge took a picture in October of Dinx, a 4-year-old Newfoundland.
Tracy Hasty, 56, of High Ridge took a picture in May 2022 of her Newfoundland dogs, from left, Hazel, 6, Hero, 9, and Dinx, 4.
Mark Jung, 62, of House Springs took this picture last month of Buzz, who is about 10 years old. “Buzz is such a fantastic cat and deserves the recognition that comes with having your picture in the paper,” Mark said.
Kathleen Meier, 55, of Catawissa took a picture of her 4-year-old cats, Bangle, left, and Mango, perched on a ladder. “They do so many things together,” Kathleen said. “I was putting up Easter decorations, and they love hanging out with me. Once the ladder comes out, up they go.”
Carol Sanguinette-How, 75, of Festus sent a 2019 picture of herself and her family’s donkey, Sparky. “He is so friendly, guards the area and watches over the other farm critters, walking alongside us as though he were a large dog,” Carol said. “We believe him to be at least 14 years old and he has been a part of our family for 10 years.”
Warren Guese, 66, of Arnold sent a picture taken in March of Rusty, a 5-year-old golden retriever. “He loves chasing after tennis balls and stealing socks and shoes in the house so you have to chase after him to get them back!” Warren said. “He is the sweetest boy and is so loyal to his humans.”
Ganny Parker, 83, of Cedar Hill sent a picture from last month of Felix, her 10-year-old west highland white terrier. “Felix is the first dog I've had,” Ganny said. “I am having a great time learning his personality. He loves to get behind the curtain, and I think he looks so spooky and cute.”
Hal Hanstein of Arnold took a picture last July of his then 7-month-old Havanese puppy, Buddy Von Hanstein. “As a young puppy, Buddy is full of tricks – taking one of my cigars from my open humidor, then making me chase him to get it back,” Hal said.
Cindy Roland, 60, of Arnold took a picture in April of Picket, her 8-month-old Bichon Frise. “In this picture, Picket is in a standoff with a robin in his yard,” Cindy said. “He doesn’t chase it off. He’s just curious. He’s learning about all the creatures in his world that come into his yard.”
David Bishop, 65, of Arnold took a picture in July 2018 of his then 4-month-old blue merle miniature Australian shepherd, Harry. “As a pup, Harry liked to hang out on the bottom shelf of an end table in our living room,” David said.
David Bishop, 65, of Arnold took a picture in March 2008 of K.C., his then 7-year-old Australian shepherd. K.C. was named after Kansas City, since she was adopted from a rescue there. “K.C. was watching intently for anyone – or any dog – to walk past our house,” David said. “I don’t think she even noticed that I took her picture, as she was so focused on the front yard.”
John Parker, 63, of High Ridge took this picture on Memorial Day in 2022 of Paco, a then 11-year-old beagle mix. “As a retired Air Force major, I took Paco to see his previous owner,” John said. “Paco is such a sweet and special boy. This picture, to me, shows the eternal love we have for our dogs and the love they have for us.”
Dotty Parker, 57, of High Ridge took this photo around Christmas 2022 of Paco, a then 11-year-old beagle mix. “This picture sums up the spirit of the season,” Dotty said. “Paco is the best boy ever.”
Wil Jernigan, 87, of Arnold sent a picture from last month of Lu Lu, 2. “She is always ready to help,” Wil said.
Delena Ehrenreich, 59, of Barnhart took this picture in July 2019 of Remmy, a then 4-year-old rat terrier and chihuahua mix. The photo was taken summer after Remmy was adopted from a previous owner who could not care for her due to illness. “She is in a party dress for my son’s 24th birthday,” Delena said.
Judi Ronzio, 72, of High Ridge sent a picture from October of Suzy, a 2-year-old tortoiseshell cat. “Suzy loves to play in the kitchen sink,” Judi said.
Dinah Hollmann, 81, of Barnhart sent a picture of Cody, her 25-year-old quarter horse, and Buffy, her 3-year-old cocker spaniel and poodle mix. “They are my two best buddies in the whole world,” Dinah said.
Carol Ledesma of Festus sent a picture of Tazz, her four-year-old chow chow and labrador mix. “It’s special to me to see him having so much fun with his toys,” Carol said. “He always made me laugh; what a joy.”
Debra West, 66, of Arnold took this picture in 2022 of her 11-year-old toy poodle, Einstein. “He is so darn cute!” Debra said. “He is wanting to go outside and is asking nicely for me to open the door.”
Mike Ramer, 56, of De Soto sent a picture of Cutie, a 9-month-old calico, and Sassy, an 8-month-old. “Both were extremely sick, and we nursed them back to health,” Mike said. “They became bonded, and each has their own personality. Cutie is very sweet and quiet where Sassy is skittish. Both are super playful.”
Dana Cobb, 50, of Imperial took a picture last July of Maximus, an 8-year-old toy Australian shepherd and poodle mix, who loves the water. “He gets on and off this raft by himself and knows what ‘do you want to go swimmin’?’ means!” Dana said. “He’s such a sweet member of our family and loves posing for pictures.”
Peggy Cole of Imperial took a picture at Mastodon State Park in 2023 of her 11-year-old chocolate labrador, Petey. “He looks so happy and is enjoying his day,” Peggy said. “He was a rescue at five years old and has been a joy in my life.”
Arlene Gabel, 79, of Imperial took a picture of Mr. Blue, an 18-year-old mixed breed, on his birthday on May 28. “He has been a very important part of not only my life, but my kids’ as well,” Arlene said. “He knows all 24 of his toys by name and can pick each one out if you ask him to go get that particular toy. He still enjoys hiking, chasing squirrels and playing with his cousin dogs. We feel very lucky to have him in our lives.”
Veronica Fernandez, 58, of Festus sent a picture taken on Halloween 2020 of Phil, a then 1-year-old barbet. “We put him in a Hard Rock T-shirt and a ponytail because we thought he looked like Gene Simmons from Kiss,” Veronica said.
Sharon Scott of Festus sent a picture of Awesome, her 7-year-old Australian shepherd. “He does everything with us – fishing, boating, camping, gold prospecting, gardening,” Sharon said. “Very good protector; very good at herding our grandchildren. Just a great all-round outdoor or indoor friend.”
Beth O’Connell, 69, of Imperial took a picture in December 2019 of Gracie Lou, a then 11-year-old tabby.
Beth O’Connell, 69, of Imperial sent a picture of Felix, her tuxedo cat. “Felix adopted me a year ago,” Beth said.
Debbie Bongner, 57, of Eureka took this picture last June of Rocky, a 4-year-old Havanese, on his birthday.
Debbie Bongner, 57, of Eureka took this picture in March of Dixie, her 3-year-old Havanese. “It’s Dixie’s St. Patrick’s day photo, but she wasn’t very happy about it,” Debbie said.
Laquitha Schoenberger, 65, of Eureka took this picture in March that features Cashmere, a 2-year-old Staffordshire terrier. “There is nothing more beautiful than the innocence of children and animals,” Laquitha said. “They pass no judgement on color, breed, or origin – they just love.”
Joyce Ruble, 78, of Pevely sent a photo of her daughter’s long-haired dachshund mix, Paxton, then 2, shortly after he was adopted in August 2018. “I love this picture because it shows just how beautiful our little rescue is!” Joyce said.
Joyce Ruble, 78, of Pevely sent a picture from February 2023 of her daughter’s 10-year-old cat, McKinley. “I like this photo because it captures a rare moment of her behaving herself!” Joyce said.
Terri Adamson, 55, of Festus sent a picture of Ozzy, a 2-month-old pit bull and Huskey mix.
Lisa Jagow, 64, of Imperial sent a picture from April of Captain, an 11-year-old shepherd dog, and Precious, a 7-month-old cat. “We were hoping Captain would accept our new addition of Precious after being the only ‘child’ for so long,” Lisa said. “This is the day we knew he finally accepted his new friend. We were so excited and relieved. We did not want Captain to continue to be anxious and upset. They are now best friends.”
Michelle Stout, 50, of House Springs took this picture in 2021 of Bella, her 6-year-old German shepherd. “I love taking photos and just had to snap this picture of my dog Bella holding her bottle of water on a hot July day,” Michelle said.
Cyndi Lowry, 61, of Cedar Hill took a picture last month of Moon Doggie, an 11-year-old domestic longhair. “All my cats love boxes,” Cyndi said. “My son received a welcome mat in this box, so I just sat the box on the floor with other boxes, knowing that someone would try this one out. I was walking by, and Moon Doggie was sitting next to it, and I grabbed my phone ‘just in case,’ and of course he jumped in! He fit perfectly because he’s a fairly large and long cat, and it was just too cute.”
Cyndi Lowry, 61, of Cedar Hill took a picture last month of Shiloh. “His owner abandoned him when she moved, and he found his way to my house as most of the stray cats do around here, because I always have food and water for them, and they just hang out on the ‘catio,’” Cyndi said. “Shiloh really likes to lay and sleep on the cushion on the chair on the front deck. I was in the house with the front door open and looked out and saw Shiloh on the chair with his arms just hanging out straight in front of him. Just the way he’s lying there so chilled was too funny, and I had to take a picture.”
Georgia Johnson, 52, of Arnold sent a picture of her 10-month-old miniature dachshund, Piper. “She’s our new puppy, and she’s so smart!” Georgia said.
Susan Markland, 58, of House springs sent a picture of Stormy, a 12-year-old ragdoll and Siamese mix. “She jumped across the road in front of us, but with high winds – during a tornado watch – she was like Rudolph, jumping high as the headlights,” Susan said. “We pulled over, and she was hiding in the woods but would only come to my daughter’s voice.”
Lori Dunahee, 58, of De Soto sent a picture from about 2022 of Squirt, a miniature pinscher, who was then about 13. “She was a rescue that we adopted from Canines in Crisis five years ago,” Lori said. “When I met her, it was love at first sight. She brought so much happiness, love and sunshine to our home. Not a day went by that she didn't make me smile. She was queen here and she knew it, our other dogs knew it. She is deeply missed.” Squirt died last month from congestive heart failure. “I share her picture whenever I get the chance in hopes she will bring a smile to everyone's face, just like she did ours.”
Lori Dunahee, 58, of De Soto sent a photo from last August of Lany, a 12-year-old miniature pinscher. “I believe (this picture) shows the true Lany without words,” Lori said. “She’s a special little girl. Such a fun personality, she loves with everything she has, she’s bossy and she's beautiful.”
Lori Dunahee, 58, of De Soto sent a photo from May 2023 of Fred, a 2-year-old rooster. “He's handsome and he's an excellent protector for our hens,” Lori said. “He takes his job seriously all while looking beautiful strutting around our yard.”
Jim Patton, 72, of Eureka took a picture in April of his 2-year-old golden retriever, Bogey. “I love history, so I like how Bogey got to experience the historic eclipse with all of us through his pup glasses,” Jim said.
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Leader staff members experienced a cuteness overload while judging this year’s Picture Your …
