Pets we featured in our newsletter in December

In our newsletter in December, we featured seven dogs, 19 cats, two rabbits and one sparrow.

To see more pet photos from our readers, check out our November slideshow.

To sign up for the Morning Report newsletter, which is sent by email daily, follow the prompts at twincities.com/newsletters.

Wednesday, Dec. 31

A dog in front of a Christmas tree.
Sookie

“Sookie, Karen and Patrick’s rescue dog. approved of the festive holiday tree,” Geri writes. “Sookie politely declines to take any ornament as a personal toy. Probably because there’s not a ball, her favorite toy to play with is not easily accessible.”

Tuesday, Dec. 30

A cat near a Christmas tree.
Gracie

“This is Gracie, adopted two years ago from Feline Rescue,” Liz writes. “She is 11 now, and wants to wish everyone a merry Christmas.”

Monday, Dec. 29

A dog poses next to a worn stuffed toy.
Virgil and friend.

“We live on the North Shore and this December winter has arrived with a vengeance,” Lisa writes. “Here’s Virgil pouting because I wouldn’t take him out in sub-zero temperatures with the crazy wind howling to walk on glare ice last week. I call this his Mom-you’re-such-a-wimp face.”

Friday, Dec. 26

Two rabbits posing by a Christmas tree and a fireplace.
Merry Christms, Lulu and Tommy!

“Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Lulu and Tommy!”

Thursday, Dec. 25

A cat in a turned-over Christmas tree.
Fluff!

“Fluff has accomplished her mission and is so proud,” writes Sarah of St. Paul.

Wednesday, Dec. 24

A cat in a cat bed by a bag of catnip.
Nixie

“Here’s a picture of Nixie, all comfy in her little bed near a seasonal throw on the back of the couch,” Jeanne writes. “She agrees that this is as close she will get to dashing through the snow with a one-horse open sleigh.”

Tuesday, Dec. 23

A collage of four photos of a dog.
Tucker

“Good morning!!” Jeanette writes. “Here is the newest edition to our family, his name is Tucker. Our daughter adopted him after their dog Gunnar passed away suddenly. Tucker and his siblings were called the Brady bunch. He has brought healing from Gunnar’s passing and great joy to his family. They aren’t sure what his mix is, but he has endless energy and boundless love.”

Monday, Dec. 22

A cat in a window.
Missy

“We read that you are running low on submissions so here is one of our favorites of Missy,” write Diane and Jim of New Brighton. “She’s an old girl now at 18 but still active and fun. But slowing down. Here she is sitting on the glass topped table in our sun room. She loves watching the backyard critters around our pond and waterfalls so she spends much time there. Merrry Christmas and a great New Year too!”

Friday, Dec. 19

A photo of three dogs in front of a Christmas tree.
Brian, a Morning Report reader, sent us this holiday photo of Hank, Mila and Bauer that was taken by their mom, Jamie, and featured in our newsletter on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025. (Courtesy of Jamie)

“These three are ready for Christmas!” Brian writes. “Hank is the 2-year-old Labradoodle on the left, Bauer is the 11-month-old Bernadoodle on the right and Mila is the 11-year-old Lab front and center!! Our three boys are grown and out of the house so the puppies replaced them to keep the chaos in the house.”

Thursday, Dec. 18

A cat inside a cat shelter designed as a Christmas tree.
Trixie's tree.

“As you can see, Trixie is very merry about her new Christmas tree!” Amanda writes. “Happy holidays to you!”

Wednesday, Dec. 17

Three cats sitting together on a rug and a scratching toy.
Zelda, Loki and Cheddar

“We lost the second of our beloved duo Jingles and Bells before Thanksgiving last year,” Tom writes. “Decided we couldn’t have Xmas without a kitty … and went to adopt two but ended up with three! Cheddar just wouldn’t let us leave without him. With Zelda and Loki beside him, they bring so much joy and laughter to the house. Along with the occasional knocked-over plant!”

Tuesday, Dec. 16

A cat under a Christmas tree.
Nina

“Sweet little Nina loves it when we put the Christmas tree up,” Carrie writes. “It’s her favorite place to hang out during the season. Plus, she loves to drink water from the tree stand!”

Monday, Dec. 15

A cat curled up in a bathroom sink.
Frank SinatraA

“This is Frank (Sinatra), who crossed the Rainbow Bridge last month after 19-1/2 years with me. He was a talker and an excellent listener (okay, he was deaf his last few years, but he at least SEEMED to listen) and in his last two years as my only cat, he became a lap cat when he didn’t have to fight for space! He was a very good boy and a wonderful companion, and I miss him.”

Friday, Dec. 12

A cat on a table near a Christmas tree.
Merry Christmas, Fanny Farmer!

“Fanny Farmer is a big help getting the Christmas decorations set up,” Kiki writes. “And sometimes she rearranges them more to her liking.”

Thursday, Dec. 11

A gray cat curled up.
Milo

“This is Milo, a 1-1/2-year-old Russian Blue rescue cat from Tennessee,” write Karen and David. “He was gifted to our son, Michael, and daughter in law, Taylor. Milo is getting used to his new surroundings. He certainly is a handsome little guy. He looks pretty relaxed in this photo.”

Wednesday, Dec. 10

A dog stretches in a yard, with chickens behind a fence by a coop.
Twiggy

“This is our daughter’s Greyhound, Twiggy, doing her version of the downward dog with the chickens observing,” Kristin Kissell writes. “She was rescued from the racing life in Texas and has her racing number tattooed in her ear. She’s the best dog, never barks or begs, is a joy to watch run, loves walks and sleeping. After being a working dog for so many years, she now gets to live her best life.”

Tuesday, Dec. 9

A sparrow flies over a wintry river landscape.
Catherine Johnson captured this photo of a sparrow flying over St. Paul.

Catherine Johnson captured this photo of a sparrow over Harriet Island Regional Park and the Mississippi River in St. Paul on Friday.

Monday, Dec. 8

A black and white cat on a dresser with a mirror.
Earl

“After our beloved 16-year-old cat Frances succumbed to kidney failure at the end of September, we were so bereft!” Carol writes. “A week later, we visited Prairie’s Edge Humane Society in Northfield and came home with Earl, who is a young love bug with charm and humor all his own.”

Friday, Dec. 5

A cat in a Christmas tree.
Franklin was featured in our Morning Report newsletter on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. (Courtesy of Sue and Bruce)

“Christmas with Franklin,” Sue and Bruce write.

Looks fun!

Thursday, Dec. 4

Three cats on a rug, with another nearby on a shoe rack.
From left: Puca, Mochaccino, Jello and Princess (on her throne!).

“Our four cats, with three of them honoring the queen of the house,” Dave writes. “From left: Puca, Mochaccino, Jello and Princess (on her throne!).”

Wednesday, Dec. 3

Two cats on a couch.
Jazzie and Ringo

Amy, a foster parent for No Kitten Left Behind, updated the Morning Report to tell us that Jazzie and Ringo, two young cats we featured earlier, are still waiting for homes.

“Jazzie and Ringo arrived at my home as tiny babies from a cat colony,” Amy wrote in this update for our readers. “They’ve grown into gorgeous, 1-year-old tabbies who add love and laughter to our lives. Ringo is a total snuggle-bug and Jazzie, more cautious, is a little scientist who studies the world around her. They are well-behaved but we also have a blast every evening when it’s time for the thundering zoomies.

“These sweet kitties are waiting for their own forever home.”

Get more info at the nonprofit’s Petfinder page.

Tuesday, Dec. 2

Two cats looking out a window.
Misu and Miyagi

“Misu and Miyagi are brothers who like to spy on the neighbors and then gossip and create drama!” writes Jimmy of St. Paul.

Monday, Dec. 1 (Memorial Monday)

A collage of four photos of a cat.
Boo

“Here are some photos of our beloved goof-ball, Boo, who passed away Dec. 14, 2024,” Jane writes. “Even people who professed to dislike cats loved Boo. Thank you, Boo, for 16 amazing years of goofy antics!”

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