Wichita Wonder-Pets

Betsy Loftin and Tulip

Pet Name: Tulip, 10-year-old Juliana/pot belly pig mix

How did the name come about? I originally wanted a female pig, but my husband prefers male pigs because they have the adorable little mohawk. We compromised and brought home a male pig — which meant I still got to name him Tulip.

Personality in three words: Diva, stubborn, loving

Pet theme song? “Diva” by Beyoncé

Biggest way your life has changed because of your pet: Tulip is a great conversation starter. Over the years, he has become somewhat of a neighborhood celebrity and never disappoints with his big personality.

Robby and Kristin Rose With Moose

Pet Name and Nicknames: Moose Rose aka Moose Goose, Mooser, Moosie Boy, Foofin’-Cute Guy

Age and Breed: 3 years old, Bernedoodle

How did the name come about? We have a friend who has a cat named Mouse, and we thought naming your animal after another animal was just too cute and ironic. One of us said” Moose,” and we both looked at each other like, “Oh that’s the one.” 

Personality in three words: Affectionate, sensitive, wily

Pet theme song? For some unknown reason when he was a pup, we started singing the Scooby-Doo theme song, but replaced every word with Moose. Like “Moosie-Moosie-Moose, Moosie Goose, Moosie-Moosie-Moose-Moose”. 

Biggest way your life has changed because of your pet: He has helped create a sense of gratitude in our home. Having a happy pup to greet you when you get home never gets old. He is an endless, reliable source of joy that has brought lots of cuddles, laughter and walks into our world. 

Justin and Lacey Tisdale With Auggie and Rora

Pet Name: Auggie (short for Augustus), 10-month-old snowshoe cat

How did the name come about? After having to wait a few months, his much anticipated adoption day was August 1. Justin loves Roman history and Lacey loves Taylor Swift’s song “August.”

Personality: Mischievous, attached, food-motivated

Pet theme song? I would have to go with “August” by Taylor Swift, partly because it’s his namesake and also the line “I used to scream ferociously any time I wanted.”

Biggest way your life has changed because of your pet: I love having a talkative, cuddly cat. He certainly required us to be patient and communicate better when he was very young, but I love the way he seeks us out to snuggle up for a nap or get some nose boops.

Aurora

Second pet: Rora (short for Aurora), 9-year-old standard poodle

How did the name come about? She was already used to the name when we adopted her (she was 3-and-a-half years old) but it suits our sleeping beauty perfectly!

Personality in three words: Silly, sweet, particular

Pet theme song? “Everywhere” by Fleetwood Mac because she is happiest when we are all at home together but will follow her momma just about anywhere!

Biggest way your life has changed because of your pet: Rora has a chronic eye condition that affects her sight and requires daily medication and attention. We didn’t know that when we adopted her, but we’re proud to have helped her navigate the world as well as we can. We use a lot of sound cues with her where others might use visual cues, which definitely changed the way I view the world.

Poodle Rora with cat Auggie