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4 min read Pet Loyalty

Meet WellJoy's real-life pet stars

Ever wondered about the cats and dogs that grace WellJoy’s treat pouches and supplement packs? They’re all real pets, and this is the story of them, their secret names and their dedicated Pet Loyalists.

Meet Aurora, aka Perfect Angel Baby

Wherever Pet Loyalist Kayleigh goes, five-year-old Mini Goldendoodle mix Aurora goes too – whether that’s camping, hiking, swimming or enjoying some essential cuddle time on the couch. It’s a “one soul two bodies” situation, says Kayleigh. When Aurora’s not falling asleep with her trusty orange ball in her mouth, she loves being a “chair dog” – curling up in whatever seat is most conveniently located next to her Pet Loyalist. And when she’s feeling particularly adventurous, she’s been known to climb tables too.

“I can’t imagine my life without her now that she’s been in it for four years,” says Kayleigh. “We’re so entwined that it’s difficult to remember a time before her. She betters me every day by encouraging movement, joy, stress relief and rest. She is me, I am her, we are one.”

Meet Nori, aka Nortin

“She loves to love,” is how Pet Loyalist Julie sums up 12-year-old Long Hair Nori. In the evenings, she can be found cuddled up on the couch, making biscuits or curled into someone’s lap. 

But however much she loves her Loyalists (particularly the younger ones in the family), her favorite time of day might be the morning when breakfast is served. Or it might be calmly watching the world go by outside. Either way, Nori’s adored by her Loyalists for her calm, kind, patient, good nature.

“She has brought so much joy and love to our house,” says Julie. 

Meet Wake, aka Mr Wake

Wake is a three-year-old Labrador Retriever, a seasoned duck-hunter, who loves nothing more than eating watermelon (his favorite treat). He’s been with his Pet Loyalist Dylan since he was a puppy, and when they’re not chasing his dive bomb bumper toy together, they’re basking in the glow of his super shiny coat. Being active is a major part of their lives, even if it means Dylan sometimes has to rescue Wake (one particular paw injury meant his Pet Loyalist carried him all the way home).

“He’s changed my entire career,” says Dylan, “I now train hunting dogs and hope to do that full-time one day.” And Wake? He just wants to know when their next adventure is.

Meet Olive, aka Bug

When Pet Loyalists Alex and Geena planned their engagement photo shoot, they knew one thing would be essential: Olive, their four-and-a-half-year-old Pembroke Welsh Corgi, who they flew out to Arizona for the occasion. Beloved for her sassy personality and her love of playing chase, Olive goes everywhere her Pet Loyalists go, including the yearly vacation.

It’s created an unbreakable bond between the three of them – even if, secretly, Olive thinks she’s the boss of the family. “She’s completely taken over every aspect of our life for the better,” says Alex. “We love that she’s made us more present and active. She brings so much joy to every person she meets, and in turn has brought us so much joy.”

Meet Theodore, aka Cinnamon Roll

Pet Loyalists Will and Niki describe their bond with one-year-old British Long Hair Theodore as “atomic”. They’ve been best friends since the first moment they met, and that bond has only grown – particularly after Theodore had a medical emergency. “He’s part of the family,” they say. “We couldn’t lose him.”

Thankfully fully recovered now, Theodore – who also responds to Meatball, Gizmo, Teddy Roosevelt, Worm and Cinnamon Roll (he’s a cat of many names) – loves nothing more than being up high, or spending time with his mushroom scratching post. And his Pet Loyalists are always ready to play as well. 

Meet Peyote, aka Oats McGoats

This ten-and-a-half-year-old mixed breed (with some Working Bearded Collie) is a star athlete. He’s toured America for Agility competitions, run in finals at major events, and even appeared on ESPN. He sometimes dabbles in sheep herding and dock diving – and he’s even been known to keep on running in his sleep. Peyote has had some bumps in the road along the way, including a shoulder injury that needed a cross-country trip (with his Pet Loyalist Mary) to resolve. He paid the favor back with round-the-clock, right-by-your-side company when Mary had her own leg injury.

“Peyote has taken me to so many places I never thought I would go,” she says. “From agility national finals to dock diving nationals we have traveled to more than 20 states.”

Meet Grayson, aka Peace Cat

Five-year-old Bengal Grayson is the diplomat of his family. He earned his nickname for his uncanny ability to tell when his Loyalists are sad or when an argument’s starting – and then deploy some strategic meows to put a stop to things. Other than keeping the peace, Grayson’s favorite things are playing with his tunnels, and supervising his Pet Loyalists when they make the bed.

“He’s added so much joy, especially for my kids,” says his Pet Loyalist Jodie. “They needed a pet very badly and it feels like we’ve had him for 10 years, not one.”

Meet Love, aka Cutie Patootie with a Nudey Booty

“Love has been the one thing I’ve wanted for as long as I can remember,” says Pet Loyalist Tess. “She’s taken me through probably every emotion that comes with love, both the happy and the hard times.”

Despite being the runt of the litter, Love was the first puppy to head off to her forever home with Tess. Now five, her favorite activities are walking, sniffing, demanding attention (she’s been known to throw a tantrum), working through puzzle toys, and waking Tess up in the early hours of the morning to steal her warm spot in bed. The two have an absolutely unshakable bond, which has only deepened since Love was diagnosed with epilepsy.  “It’s made me understand the sacrifice and burden you sometimes have to carry as a pet parent,” says Tess. “No matter how hard it gets, I’d choose Love every single time, hands down.”

Meet Runa, aka Tuna

This seven-year-old Black Mouth Cur is a well-traveled pup, having road-tripped across an impressive 35 states with her Pet Loyalists. When they’re not journeying together they’re hiking, climbing, finding sticks, chasing after extra-large tennis balls, enjoying evening walks in the neighborhood, or having some downtime on the couch. When those TV binge sessions get a bit too long, Runa lets her family know by bringing them a toy, or sitting near her treat shelf. And by the way, she knows about all those times they broke a treat in half and pretended it was two.

“Runa has added color, humor and pushed us to be even more adventurous and curious with her,” says Pet Loyalist Tessa. “She really is our best friend and we’re always there for each other, no matter what.”

Discover the full line-up of WellJoy products, to see all 12 pets on pack!