Alpharetta’s Furriest Family Members

By Wyndi Kappes and Reagan Kelly

We know pet parents are more than just food-bowl refillers—they’re lifers. They’ve adopted a long term commitment filled with joy, loyalty and a whole lot of hair. They know that pets bring out our best, providing laughter, comfort and purpose; and they’re part of the family in every way that matters. Whether you share your home with a bouncy puppy or a mellow senior cat, the bond between pets and pet parents is undeniable—and we can’t get enough of it! Check out some of Alpharetta’s most devoted pet parents, the animals who make their lives better and the incredible local pet charities helping our city’s best residents thrive. 

David Ellis and Daisy the Beagle

What makes your pet special?
She’s my bike-riding buddy, who keeps me company all day and night. Sweet, fun and loyal.

How did your pet change your life?
We brought her home during the pandemic and it was so nice to have someone else in the house to keep me company while I work from home.

What’s your pet’s favorite thing to do?
Going for walks each day, checking in on new smells and meeting up with her doggy friends.

What’s your pet’s favorite trick or unique quality?
She loves to ride in our backpack when we go on bike rides.

Paige Spooner and Tally, Nola and Milton, the Golden Retrievers

What makes your pets special?
I couldn’t imagine living without them. They bring joy to living, actually. They’re kind and loving and truly a man’s best friend.

How did your pets change your life?
Watching the three of them play and snuggle warms my heart. They complete my days.

What’s their favorite thing to do?
They cannot get enough of wrestling with each other, despite the fact they’re very different sizes.

What’s their favorite trick or unique quality?
“Jazzy Morning” on Spotify music puts all three of them to sleep.

Rony Ghelerter and Aubie, the German Shepherd

What makes your pet special?
Aubie knows no fear! He thinks the world revolves around him, since they day we brought him home. He loves everyone, including his ball!

How did your pet change your life?
When my twins left for college two years ago, I thought I would lose it. They were our “two and done.” But before the girls left for college, we got a call from a breeder we had met two years earlier during COVID-19 but had to decline at that time due to work obligations. When she shared that she had a litter, I told her we would take the puppy without hesitation. I didn’t know then how much he would get me through the first year the girls were gone. We picked him up at eight weeks, weighing nearly 12 pounds. He saved me from a broken heart — oh how I missed my girls. We all adore our crazy boy!

What’s your pet’s favorite thing to do?
Aubie is ball driven. He could play with the ball all day, and tries to bring his balls in the house to play at night.

What’s your pet’s favorite trick or unique quality?
Aubie loves dragging the tree branches around the yard and helping my husband clean up the yard by pulling the trees out of his hands. He also loves to play with the kitty, although she doesn’t like playing with him. He chases her trying to play.