The Advertiser ran a National Pet Day competition for all animal lovers and owners to showcase their pets and tell us why they loved them.
The competition allowed residents to send through pictures of themselves with their animal best friends. The response was overwhelming.
Many pet owners entered the competition and judges had a hard time narrowing down the finalists. They finally decided on seven finalists with the winner chosen within the group.
Meet Buddy and his owner Leonardine Felix. Leonardine (19), a resident of Casseldale, says she was 13 when they found Buddy and immediately knew he belonged to them.
“He was behind a big bucket at a local pet store at the time and when we saw him we just knew we had to have him,” she reminisced.
She said they have more of a sibling relationship and she doesn’t consider herself his owner.
“Buddy and I give each other attitude. We communicate with each other in our own unique way. He’s like my baby brother with extra personality,” she added.
Leonardine said she is not a stranger to having pets as she has had birds, a spider and other dogs. Buddy loves playing, especially the game of hide and seek with Leonardine.
“Once he finds me, he likes to bully me,” she remarked with a laugh.
A very happy Buddy is said to also have a sweet tooth.
“He likes cookies and anything sweet, like bacon-flavoured treats, and he likes his favourite dog food,” she said.
Leonardine and Buddy received a R500 gift voucher from Pick ‘n Pay Springs Gate.
