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These Are The Pets of Our Lives

My name is: Tucker My mom is: Joani Delezen, Production/Website/Advertising Manger & A&E Editor She loves me because: I've got those classic puppy dog eyes. How I spend my time: Watching “The Newsroom” on HBO, napping and playing tug of war with my main man Forrest.My best trick is: My "gimme a treat" dance that includes spin-ning around and dropping it low. I'm also real gassy—it's not a trick per se, but it does entertain Joani from time to time. I don't always get treats, but when I do I like: Turkey bacon

My name is: SakeMy mom is: Samantha Crooke, Art Director & Photographer She loves me because: I give everyone kisses on the mouth, even strangers.How I spend my time: Plotting ways to sneak food from my human baby brother, Donovan. My best trick is: Catching bubbles mid-air.I don't always get treats, but when I do I like: Please, I get treats all the time, but ice is my all time favorite.

My name is: ElvisMy sister is: Jennie McKeon, Staff Writer & Office Manager She loves me because: I let her hold me up like Simba in "The Lion King"How I spend my time: FlirtingMy best trick is: I can do aerobics.I don't always get treats, but when I do I like: Anything in sight

My name is: Marlin (named after a White Marlin)My mom is: Kate Peterson, Freelance A&E Writer She loves me because: I'm courteous and loving, and just want to be in your lapHow I spend my time: Chillin', going to the camp and swim-ming in the riverMy best trick is: Giving a high fiveI don't always get treats, but when I do I like: Fresh Yel-lowfin Tuna scraps (but really, I get 'em all the time)

My name is: Baby RedMy mom is: Hana Frenette, Freelance A&E WriterShe loves me because: I try to sleep on her head at night and I'm really cute.How I spend my time: Lounging atop bookcases, attacking anything with feathers on it, and hiding in shoeboxes and laundry basketsMy best trick is: Jumping really high and biting people a little when they pet my bellyI don't always get treats, but when I do I like: Turkey, from the deli. None of that prepackaged crap.

In general, the IN staff are pet people. It's not a requirement for getting hired or anything, it just sort of worked out that way. Our mutual love for our pets fuels a lot of our office banter most mornings and served as the primary inspiration for putting together this Pet Issue. So, of course, we had to take up some time (and valuable page space) and show some love to our personal pets. And yes, we did

take professional studio photos of each pet, so if you know any of us personally get ready to see these photos again and again on Facebook, holiday cards and maybe even a coffee mug or two…

Meet The IN's Beloved Staff Pets

My name is: CharlieMy dad is: Ed Banacia, Freelance A&E Columnist He loves me because: I dig beautiful holes in the backyard. They're works of art really, but also functional storage space for his flip-flops. I'm so thoughtful. How I spend my time: Well, when I'm not digging those holes he loves, I'm usually scouting around for something to eat. I like to taste everything my dad eats, just to make sure it’s good enough for him. My best trick is: Retrieving things. Duh.I don't always get treats, but when I do I like: BACON!

Photos by Samantha Crooke

"When a man's best friend is his dog, that dog has a problem." —Edward Abbet

August 23, 2012 13

My name is: Sammy My mom is: Sarah Kathleen McCartan, Freelance A&E WriterShe loves me because: It's no secret she loves blondies. But I think it's mainly because I am the cutest, cuddliest Craigslist find ever and have a heart of gold. I've even been told I look like a muppet. Oh, and my ears blow in the wind.How I spend my time: I like taking all of my stuffed animals outside at once and running laps in the yard with them. I also enjoy cruising through the drive-thru at the Rave Starbucks for some treats and attention from my favorite baristas. My best trick is: Sure, I'll sit and shake and jump and flip, but who doesn't these days? Not sure how tricky it is, but I do like to sit with Sarah while she plays piano; I put my paws on the keys and sing along. I don't always get treats, but when I do I like: What do you mean I don't always get treats? Of course I do! I even get to go to the store to pick them out. Since I love peanut butter just as much as my mom does and eating healthy is important to me, my favorite treats are Oven Baked All Natural Peanut Butter Biscuits by Three Dog Bakery. 

My name is: MouseMy mom is: Hana Frenette, Freelance A&E WriterShe loves me because: She has to. And I have a pretty spotted coat. How I spend my time: Eating, even things that aren't food, and sleeping. Especially on coats or things that look expensive.My best trick is: Knocking everything off the coffee table at once. I don't always get treats, but when I do I like: Cat Nip!

My name is: LucyMy mom is: Ashley McLain, Copy Editor She loves me because: I'm the best wingwoman and no one is as sweet as me. How I spend my time: Visiting the grandparents, patrol-ling for cats, and going on weekend car rides. My best trick is: Giving hugs. I also do a mean helicop-ter-tail. I don't always get treats, but when I do I like: Anything fancy from 3 Dogs and a Chick in Ft. Walton Beach. Or just plain ol' bones—I'm an easygoing pup. 

My name is: Ubu    My dad is: Jeremy Morrison, Staff WriterHe loves me because: I’ve taught him some good stuff.How I spend my time: Exploring, barking and sleepingMy best trick is: When I was young I liked to wrestle, now I flip biscuits off my nose. I don't always get treats, but when I do I like: Pasta, burgers, chicken vindaloo—whatever’s leftover from the dinner table.

The only thing better than taking an adorable photo of your pet is showing off said adorable photo on Facebook. But anyone who has ever owned a pet and tried to capture their cuteness can tell you that it's not as easy as it sounds. So if you're going to subject your friends, family and co-workers to regular pet updates or holiday cards with their mug on it, we suggest you look into getting some good photos taken. Or maybe even a professional portrait painted. Or both.

PET PHOTOGRAPHY If you're tired of your dog looking away every time you

pull out your iPhone, it might be time to enlist the help of a pro to get some good photos.

ALLISON SHAMRELL One quick romp around Allison's blog and you'll be ask-

ing yourself "Why don't I have professional photos of my dog yet?" She does natural light, on-location sessions and studio quality photos. allisonshamrell.com

BARE FOOT SNAPSHOTSWedding and portrait photographers who also take on

the tough task of pet photography. Check out their site for a slideshow sample of their work.barefootsnapshots.com

PET PORTRAITSIf you really want to go all out and immortalize your pet

in style, how about a custom portrait? We were surprised by how many local artists we found that offer this service once we started looking.

HEATHER MITCHELL FINE ARTAll you need to commission a portrait of your beloved

pet from Heather is a good snapshot and deposit. She's got work on display at Blue Morning Gallery so you can check out her style there to see if it's what you're looking for.heathermitchelldraws.fineartstudioonline.com

KATE OWENSKate does oil and pastel pet art commissions. She also

does cartoon style prints and caricatures of dogs. You can find her at The Spotted Dog Pet Boutique and Bakery Sept. 14 for Gallery Night. kateowensstudio.com

KATHERINE JOLINE TUCKERCaricatures or sketches from your pet's photos, avail-

able in 8x10 and 5x7 prints, note cards, greeting cards, memo sets, and bookmarks.katherinejoline.com

LOREN MILLER ARTFine art and commission portraits

facebook.com/lorenmillerfineart

RED HOT KITTIESPainted by hand by Mary W. Smith. They also offer cus-

tom pet memorial pendants.redhotkitties.com

OR DO IT YOURSELFFor the fun-loving, hands on pet owner, Painting With

A Twist offers a class called "Paint Your Pet." The next one is Saturday, Sept. 29 3-6 p.m. The classes are pretty popular and have been known to sell out, so early registration is encouraged. "Paint Your Pet" can also be done as a private party with a minimum of 10 painters and a maximum of 15. paintingwithatwist.com/pensacola

Sit. Stay. Say Cheese. Pictures (and Painted Portraits) Really Are Worth 1,000 Words

"If your dog doesn't like someone you probably shouldn't either."- Unknown