Mission Viejo Pet Of The Week

MISSION VIEJO, CA — Patch loves pets. In fact, animals are some of the best people we know. This week, we asked the community of Mission Viejo to share their fur babies in a picture that showcases their personality, as well as a little something about what makes their pet so special.

I'll be honest. I never expected the overwhelming amount of photos and videos that would be posted, all in the name of celebrating unconditional love of the ones who share our lives. This week, over 75 hopefuls entered and here are our top finalists. Which one do you feel is Patch's pet of the week? They'll be our lead photo, so be sure and comment! If you entered and your pet isn't featured here, more will be added from our initial entries.

Your pet may be featured soon. Post your #PatchPetOfTheWeek to your local Patch facebook page!

In February we will be sharing many of the current entries, as well as new ones that capture our heart and the soul of the animals who share your home, hearth and hearts, so be sure to add your pet picture to this Facebook post in comments.

Our first entry is this silly boy, owned by Sonia Ball. Upside down grinning is just joy that cannot be measured.

Next, we have Maggie... a rescue from the Los Angeles Animal Shelter. "Her owner couldn't afford to pay for her parvo treatment, and she was hours away from being put down," owner Linda Dearinger said of the darling. "A rescue got and treated her, and that's when we found her online. At the first visit, we knew that she was part of our family."

Be careful, cars. Maggies in mirrors are closer than they appear.

Next, we offer you a look at this Mission Viejo darling. Rookie, as he is affectionately named, certainly enjoys his Red Bull, according to owner, Marla Lackey.

Then, there is Shadow, owned by Amber Briley.

Did you have any idea that sticks were this amazing? We did not, however I'm thinking maybe a hike and stick chasing would be just the thing.

Luckily, owner Amber Briley had her camera to capture Shadow with the stick that was "the most AMAZING thing Shadow's ever played with."

Puppy and kitty personalities shine through in the photos, but almost none more than this little Shitzu, owned by Alexandria Barker.

"Star thinks she's a nanny, always right by the kids," Barker said. "She loves to start howling or as we call it 'singing' when my son starts crying!"

Proof positive that pets make the best babysitters.

As with many of our Orange County friends, pets are more than just dogs and cats.

Lilly, owned by Heather Ikerd, apparently loves to stick her tongue out when offered treats. Just this photo of Lilly is a treat to us, Heather!

This old man... his name is Max. At 14, he is our most senior pet of the week and a long-time Mission Viejo resident. According to owner Keli Boyer Horton, "he likes to run away and has seen many people and many streets in our lovely city."

"He is grateful to you all for not running him over, or keeping him for good... even though he would likely make himself home pretty much at anyone's house (he is only loyal to TJ's cookies)," Horton says. Max enjoys pretending he doesn't know his family on the way out of the dog park. Or, perhaps he is senile. But LOOK at that face.

Then, there's Grace, who loves to run around Mission Viejo Lake.

"Grace joined our family almost four years ago," owner Deb Onlyy told Patch. "As a rescue, I'm not sure exactly how old she is, but she still enjoys running!"

Finally, what Orange County pet story would be complete without this guy who according to owner Nicole Cain, "is an OC beach snob."

Thank you to all who offered submissions. As one reader told me, "I don't envy you, having to choose from all of these pictures!"

So, until next time. Here's a wave goodbye from Anna Nelson Hogan, with her daughter's rescue kitty.

It was difficult, but the above are the pets who spoke to me, and received many comments. Every pet is unique and teaches what unconditional love is all about, in this humble Patch editor's opinion. So please, don't take my word for it.

Share YOUR Patch Pet of the Week with pride, on our Facebook page... along with a little story about what makes your fur, feathered or even scaled baby unique. You just may see them featured next week on Mission Viejo Patch.