Pampered pets
6/4/2025Many pet owners view their animal companions as part of the family — deserving of the best care, lots of attention, and at least a few perks. Besides the usual walks, pet beds and toys, some of these pampered pets get extra special treatment: pup cups from drive-throughs, birthday parties, paw soaks and a special place in those important days of their owners’ lives — as well as in their hearts.
Alan Kinsey
A spoiled Baby
Alan Kinsey has owned both boxers and a pitbull, but since he is, in his words, “not a young man anymore,” he was looking for a new companion that would be a good match for his more relaxed lifestyle.
He found Baby, a 7-month-old miniature English bull terrier, from a breeder in Omaha in 2021. They were going to use her for breeding. She was untrained and being kenneled much of the day, being let outside only for brief times. She is now 5 years old.
Kinsey says he must keep her mind occupied or she is a bit like an insolent child. If she doesn’t get enough “good” attention, she will seek “bad” attention. She has a huge basket of toys. Being a terrier, she destroys them on a regular basis, so once Kinsey has picked up enough fuzz, he tosses them and gets more.
“She gets baths every couple weeks, and she loves the scratching part. She has her own chair on my little patio. She is a fast learner and a total treat-aholic. She brings me my slippers, one at a time. She knows sit, stay, heel, back up, and she gets her toys by name from her basket. We make a great pair.”
Source: Johnston Living, May 2025;
by Ashley Rullestad
Stacie Jones
Raising healthy, happy chickens
Stacie Jones began featuring the family’s “Cluckers” on social media mainly to humor and educate her family and friends about chickens. While they provide farm fresh eggs, chickens are hysterical little creatures full of personality and antics.
“People reach out for updates when I haven’t posted for a while,” she says. “I think those who don’t have chickens are curious about them.”
There are lots of toys and perches, as well as a variety of suspended produce that not only provides a healthy snack but serves as entertainment. Stacie’s dad said their flock is spoiled. In addition to their cozy coop, Barndomenium, and regular food, they are often served scratch grains, cracked corn, crushed oyster shells, dried black soldier fly larvae, a variety of spices that aid in health and combat parasite infestations and, finally, any leftovers the family doesn’t finish at dinner.
The chickens have distinct personalities. Some of their original four were cuddlers, and Rudy is a gentleman most of the time.
“Rudy makes sure his ladies eat first, plus he guards them from predators when they are free ranging,” Stacie says. “But don’t count on sleeping in, because he will make sure everyone is up at sunrise.”
Source: Indianola Living, May 2025; by Becky Kolosik
Scott and Ashley Bailey
A zoo crew
Bradley Miller once said, “Teaching a child not to step on a caterpillar is as valuable to the child as it is to the caterpillar.”
Ashley Bailey firmly believes this to be true and holds deep respect for nature and the vulnerability of all creatures..
Later in life, she met her husband, Scott Bailey. On their second meeting, he asked her if she wanted to feed one of his hermit crabs some plums.
“At that moment, I knew two things: that Dollar was the biggest hermit crab I have ever seen,” she says, “and that Scott, well, he was alright, too.”
Soon, they brought home an iguana that police had found wandering the streets of Des Moines. The Baileys fell in love with Avocado, Ava for short.
Ultimately, the Baileys spoil their pets simply because they love them. They want them to be comfortable and to ease any suffering they might experience.
“They say in life to pay attention to what brings you joy,” Ashley says. “I’ve always noticed I am the happiest when I am around animals, and so that’s how I plan to spend my life. As a hospice nurse, I also find my animals bring others joy. Many of my patients enjoy funny stories about my animals or seeing their pictures or videos.”
Source: North Polk Living, June 2025; by Lindsey Giardino
Andrea DeJoode
An all-around joy
Lloyd, middle name Dean, is an Irish wolfhound/poodle mix that Andrea DeJoode brought home due to a gut feeling.
“Someone’s sister on Facebook was rehoming him as a puppy,” Andrea says. “I was wanting a dog, and, for some reason, I just knew I had to have this dog.”
Lloyd has enjoyed the good life.
“I would say I ‘spoil’ him (rather than) ‘pamper,’ ” Andrea says. “He wears fun printed bow ties, and he gets them changed to a new one every month when I give him his bath. He has a light up one and themed ones for holidays.”
His birthday is special.
“On his birthday we go on a ‘pet store tour.’ I take him to all the local places and buy him a special treat at each one,” Andrea says. “Pet store employees also love him so they give him lots of treats, too.”
It makes sense to Andrea to give Lloyd the best.
“Lloyd deserves the best because he is the best,” she says. “I heard a quote once that said, ‘A dog is just part of your life for a time, but you are their whole life,’ and that really stuck with me. I have other people and things, but I’m his world, so I better give him the best life and world I can because he doesn’t have as long as I do.” n
Source: Altoona Living, June 2025; by Sean Dengler
