In the January issue, we asked Indiana Connection readers to send in cute photos of their pets, and they delivered. After receiving almost 450 submissions of pets of all shapes and sizes, our team chose their top 10 favorites. Congratulations to our winner, Cheddar Bay Biscuit! Read on to learn more about our finalists.

Submissions edited for clarity.

Cheddar Bay Biscuit — Blue Ribbon

Submitted by Kristin Riesenbeck 

“Cheddar Bay Biscuit is a Feline Infectious Peritonitis survivor. She loves to play fetch and chase ribbons. She enjoys tablet games like smacking swimming fish. Her favorite treat is Churu. You can follow her on Instagram at @cheddarbaybiscuit.kitty.”

Lila

Submitted by Audrey McDaniel

“Lila is a 3-year-old Ragdoll and loves snuggling, stroller rides, and bird watching. She is obsessed with her ‘big brother,’ our male Ragdoll cat, Grayson, and follows us around like a puppy. She is also very playful and chatty.”

Benny

Submitted by Jamie Bridges

“Benny is a 2-year-old Pembroke Welsh Corgi with quite the personality! He loves rolling in the snow and cuddling on the couch. He is rambunctious and uses his voice when waking up in the morning with a rolled growl that sounds like Chewbacca.”

Butterball

Submitted by Andrea Battista

“Butterball is the king of our property and will be turning 10 years old this year, which is quite old for a turkey. He is truly a lovable guy. He likes all baked goods and will not turn down any type of pasta, preferring mac-n-cheese. Although he isn’t a traditional pet, he has quite a following of people who have met and adored him.”

Hank, Rosie, and Mr. T

Submitted by Kendra Stoll

“Hank in the back is an English Springer Spaniel. The Miniature Dachshund in the front is Rosie. Mr. T is a tan, mixed breed. They are completely spoiled rotten and living their best lives. I had a Springer before Hank and just love the breed, so I had to get another one. Rosie and Mr. T are rescues and had rough beginnings in life, but now they receive unconditional love from us.”

Daisy and HeiHei

Submitted by Kathleen Book

“We first got our rooster, HeiHei, and then our dog, Daisy, shortly after. We wanted Daisy to be raised with chickens so she would protect and be friends with them. They quickly became great friends and love to play together. HeiHei loves to run under Daisy, while she loves to roll on top of HeiHei. After playing, they are content to sit side by side. Daisy always looks for him in the chicken coop first thing in the morning so they can be together.”

Ellie

Submitted by Haley Whittington

“My pup’s full name is Eleanor Elephant Whittington, but we call her Ellie. She is almost 2 years old and loves fetch, sunbathing, and her baby brother. Although she can shred a toy in a matter of minutes, she has the sweetest and gentlest personality.”

Carlos

Submitted by Emily Stenger

“Carlos is a Nigerian Dwarf Wether and my first 4-H goat. I’ve had him since he was a baby. In this photo, he is 8 years old.”

Leo and Liam

Submitted by Eric and Susan Newman

“The yellow cat is Liam, and Leo is the grey cat. Liam was found in a barn a week after Leo was born, and Leo’s mother let Liam join their family. He was super small, and we thought he would be a runt. Well, that didn’t happen. Liam weighs 18 pounds, and Leo is 8.5 pounds. They are super spoiled.”

Irwin

Submitted by Martha Martin

“Irwin was adopted as a puppy from the Dubois County Humane Society in January 2021. His mom is a blue heeler, and a DNA test showed he is half Great Pyrenees. Irwin enjoys traveling with his human mom, Gillian Martin of Roanoke, Indiana, and has dipped his paws in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans in the same year! Irwin’s hobbies include catching frisbees, watching birds, and meeting new friends at the dog park.”