Pets
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Jewish Atlanta Pets of 2026 Winners
Our 11th annual pet issue is finally here. We received 61 submissions, including a wide variety of dogs and cats.
Our 11th annual pet issue is finally here. We received 61 submissions, including a wide variety of dogs and cats. The first-place winner went to Maddie with her cute glasses and pearl necklace. Lexi, the mahjong pup, came in second place. Third place went to Oiro in his lovely shower cap. Nice Jewish Boy, Churro, graces our cover this issue. We also have a special new “cat”egory featuring the staff’s favorite kitty. This special place goes to Doozy. Winners will be notified via email.
Maddie
11-year-old Jack Russell terrier
Jenny and Jonny Mopper of Dunwoody
Maddie is very energetic for a senior pup! She loves trips to Temple Sinai’s preschool and Home Depot. We just try to keep up with her!
Lexi
6-year-old Schnoodle
Stacey and Darren Davis of Dunwoody
Lexi loves playing with her toys, chasing birds and rabbits, and being wherever her people are. One of her favorite things is sitting with her family while everyone plays Mahjong.
Oiro
4.5-year-old Golden Retriever
Erica and Harris Plofsky of Dunwoody
Oiro is a loveable boy who believes personal space is optional and belly rubs are mandatory. He loves any sort of attention even if it might mean it’s bath time!
Doozy
5-year-old Rescue
Martha Jo and Jerry Katz
of East Cobb
Saw Doozy in a photo. We knew she was OUR kitty. Her DNA shows she is a mixture of Rag Doll, Maine Coon, Egyptian and MORE! She loves her purple mouse and pink sock.
Churro
6-month-old Maltese/Dachshund mix
Stephanie Stahlman
of Midtown
Churro is 8 pounds of Challah eating puppy playfulness. He lives in Midtown Atlanta with his two moms and two teenage human brothers. He was adopted from Homeward Bound Rescue in Blueridge, GA
All Submissions
7-year-old Golden Retriever
Adam Dreyer of Acworth
Very outgoing, a little bossy at times but a great dog.
13-year-old Havanese
Havanese of Atlanta
Cocoa loves belly rubs, but requires us to come to her. She is tiny, so she loves to perch up high to see everything, and frequently tricks us into letting her outside just to lounge in the sun!!
3-year-old Australian Labradoodle
Marilyn and Jonathan Arkin of Sandy Springs
Cocopuff is the best pup! Her favorite hobbies are riding shotgun in her Mom’s convertible, having her tummy rubbed, and getting cheese from Daddy when he makes his breakfast.
8-year-old Havanese
Pearlann Horowitz
of Buckhead
Cosette adores playing dress-up, and our matching hats make the occasion even more special. Made for us and inspired by Lady Astor’s timeless style, they capture the charm and sophistication of the St. Regis in its earliest days.
13-year-old Beagle
Bernice Isaac of Marietta
Ditty was kept in a cage for eight years before coming to me. When we lost our sweet Pebbles, I adopted her. She is a fun-loving, sweet beagle who loves to dance and prance around with her stuffed animals.
6-year-old Golden Doodle
Matt and Liz Ames
of Inman Park
He’s a fluffy muppet
13-year-old Mixed Rescue
Lissie Stahlman
of Brookhaven
Dyna is a 23 lb. bundle of love who has been with me since she was 10 weeks old. She is granddog to my mom who will be 102 in July. Dyna is the love of my life.
14-year-old Rescue
Lisa & Kenny Gordon
of Dunwoody
Sweet as sugar! Ella loves walks with best friend, Chewy, rides happily in the car and joins family vacations. A true lady, she’ll gladly work for food because she’s always hungry and loves everyone.
12/13-year-old Maltese
Shelly Kaplan of Buckhead
Elli, a sweet 4-pound dog, was abandoned during the COVID pandemic. Elli has disabled back legs and can’t jump, but she still runs. She can’t completely roll over, but she still wants belly rubs.
3-year-old Cavachon
Laurie and Jonathan Gaby
of Dunwoody
Ginger loves everyone and everything. He is amazing with kids. His favorite activities are feng sui of his bed and pillows, and stealing paper towels.
9.5-year-old Miniature Poodle
Hallie Pinstein
of Buckhead
Guinness is a labrador trapped in a poodle’s body. He’s obsessed with playing fetch. He loves playing with any kind of ball!
7-year-old Cats
Eliza Cherry of Dunwoody
They’re both adorable cuddle bugs. Scout is crazy at times, obsessed with popcorn, and a princess who loves to be pet. Hobbes is slightly cross eyed, a total goofball, and sometimes I wonder if she’s the reincarnation of my late dog Latke!
3-year-old Golden Retriever
Barry Ritz
of Sandy Springs
Homer is a handsome Golden Retriever who thinks everyone is a new friend. A regular at our local CVS drive-thru, he works his charms for treats, leaving smiles wherever he goes.
8-year-old
American Staffordshire Terrier
Traci Sampson
of East Atlanta Village
Homie is a happy, sweet boy who loves everyone-people and dogs! He enjoys long walks, car rides, squeaky toys, the kiddie pool, and REALLY loves peanut butter. Homie is also Canine Good Citizen certified!
Beauregard
6-year-old Australian shepherd
The Williams family
of Toco Hills
Huck is the sweetest dog though a bit on the rambunctious side. His favorite activity is listening to the books we read with our grandsons.
9-year-old
Rescue- Beagle/Spaniel mix
Jamie and Ilan Weismark
of Peachtree Corners
Junie B. was named after the children’s book character, Junie B. Jones. Just like her namesake, she is mischievous and silly. She is now a big sister to a human puppy, and she has been so gentle.
7-year-old Lemon Beagle
Esther Shultz of Roswell
She’s a rescue from Angels Among Us. Loves to keep me company in the kitchen when I’m cooking. Sleeps next to me in bed. She inadvertently makes me laugh a lot with some of her actions.
14-year-old Cat
Charna Perloe and Howard Kaufman of Virginia Highland
They call me Lanier. Here I am helping prepare for the Paws-over seder. I think I’m 14 years old, but I play like a little kitten. People love me because I’m so cute, chill, and I give free hugs!
5 and 8-year-old German shorthair pointer and Labrador Retriever
Amy Rosenberg
of Dunwoody
Lily loves chasing any thing that moves: balls, frisbee, squirrel, bird!! Breaker is the sweetest boy who loves a good backscratch.
1.5-year-old 43% Chihuahua, 41% Dachshund, & 16% Pug
Harvey Kaufman
of East Cobb
When excited she dances on her hind legs and then plops down on her back.
5-year-old English Cream Golden Retriever
Alanna Grossman
of Sandy Springs
Luna is the sweetest and happiest little girl! She loves everyone she meets! She will greet you with her “Lamby” & loves to brawl with us-when she’s in the mood!
6-year-old Puggle
Susanne Katz Karlick and Philip Karlick
of Sandy Springs
Mazel is full of love and loves to make friends
2-year-old Golden Retriever
Kathie and Sid Gottlieb
of Johns Creek
Meet Milly, our 2-year-old golden! She loves the beach, long walks, and swiping shoes (never chews them). Neighborhood kids can’t resist her.
8 and 5-year-old Shishon
Thea and Gavin Cohen
of Sandy Springs
They love their Shabbat challah.
6-year-old Dog or small pony
Lenny and Sarah Felgin
of Sandy Springs
Molly is a goofy dog that thinks she can play with other dogs on TV. She also thinks that one day she will catch a squirrel, though she’s never caught one.
6-year-old Rescue
Melanie Mailman
of Dunwoody
Molly is a lovable, friendly rescue pup. She loves everyone she meets, walks, and puppy play dates with her besties. She is the happiest having her tummy rubbed.
6 and 3.5-year-old Rescue breed – Chihuahua mixes
Joan Borchardt
of Brookhaven
Moxie and Bitsy love patrolling the backyard for chipmunks and squirrels. When they are not on patrol, you’ll find them on hiking trails around town. They are both rescues and are so sweet! Adopt, don’t shop!
14, 10 and 2.5-year-old
Rescue, Rescue and Havanese
Patty & Gus Small
of East Cobb
Rosie is a purebred Havanese who is a delight! She is a hilarious little girl who brings her choice toy to me in bed every night!
9.5-year-old Boxer/Coonhound mix
Deborah, Nitzan, Aviyah & Oriyah Tzuberi
of Sandy Springs
Meet Negev, a 9.5-year Boxer/Coonhound mix. He loves his family, the outdoors, and has never missed Shabbat – when his crumb patrol duties commence!
Moo Cow
1-year-old Mixed rescue furbaby
Cheryl and Steve Dorchinsky of Alpharetta
Oscar is extremely curious. He wants to play with our cats but they have no desire to participate. He splashes water in lakes with his tail then jumps and tries to figure out who splashes. He is the most goofy sweet boy in the world.
8-year-old Cavachon
Dani Weiss of Decatur
Oscar was rescued when he was 1.5. Always looking for squirrels in the backyard, he spends his time lounging on the furniture, playing and carrying around his stuffed toys. He is cuddly and very loud.
6-year-old Husky Mix rescue
Valerie Kassel, Jr. & Kassel Leventhal of Roswell
Oswald LOVES people and other dogs. He can sing solo and duets. He loves to snuggle. He knows what you’re thinking all the time. He was rescued in 2020 and we brought joy into each other’s lives.
1-year-old Shih Tzu
Mara Hewitt
of Smyrna/Vinings
Ovechkin(Ovi) has been blessed to be able to bring a smile to the face of everyone he meets. He contorts his body with love to his family, and makes it impossible to say no when it’s belly rub time.
2 and 4-year-old Bulldog and Goldendoodle
Jodi, Zak and Seth Vrono
of East Cobb
We call them the odd couple. They’re always wrestling and if there’s a ball around, Ozzie will find it! Will play fetch for hours.
5-year-old Aussie doodle
Rabbi Larry Sernovitz
of Marietta
Peaches is extremely friendly and has never met a stranger. She enjoys fetch, long walks, being pet at all times and sharing human food. Her favorite thing is when dog friends can join her to play.
2-year-old Rescue
Audrey & Steve Helfman
of Roswell
Pepper is our newest rescue family member, recently adopted from the Dekalb County Animal Shelter. She is a smart, sweet, loving girl that bonded with our family immediately. We have determined her breed to be “ Pure American Good Girl.”
6-year-old Miniature Schnauzer
Lindsey and Jared Parker
of Buckhead
Piper is a six-year-old mini schnauzer who loves cuddles, tennis balls, and bringing joy to her family. Her favorite traditions are playing Bally and bringing Mr. Owl to bed every night beside her favorite humans.
5-year-old Cavapoo
Jaclyn Turner
of Brookhaven
Reese is my favorite love bug. He’s just like us, where he has moments where he’s by my side 24/7, or wants a little “me time.” His interests include playing ball (but only inside), chasing squirrels, barking at the TV if the Braves are on, and hogging the pillow.
2-year-old Labradoodle
Fredricka Kahn
of Dunwoody
Ripley is a rescue from Golden Retriever Rescue of Atlanta (GRRA). Although he is a retriever/poodle mix, his personality is 100% lab. He love his stuffies and it’s rare he’s not carrying one in his mouth.
9-year-old Yorkshire terrier, Maltese mix
Jacquelyn Allen
of Eastlake
We adopted this little man and brought him home to a household with 2 other dogs. They get along well. Rocky loves belly rubs and has an affinity for clothes.
9-year-old Basenji mix
Charlotte Rich
of Dunwoody
She’s a one-of- a-kind rescue. Her radar ears don’t miss a sound. She thinks that she owns our street so trespassers beware. Her favorite passtimes are eating and sleeping.
10-year-old Poodle
Helaine, David, Guy, Aiden and Ella Brill
of Decatur
Roxie’s favorite hobbies include cuddling, snuggling, a combination of both she invented called “snuddling” and being cute. Her favorite Jewish holiday is Purim.
3.5-year-old Cockapoo
Wendy and Rabbi Joshua Heller of Sandy Springs
Ruby is a velcro dog, she is happiest when she’s by my side – she’s also a huge fan of other dogs, she loves going to Dogtopia to see her friends.
11-year-old Rescues
Micah and Evan Staley
of Brookhaven
Sammy and Maggie love walks and treats. They also love their new baby sister!
9-year-old Bichon Frise
Carolyn Shenberg
of Buckhead
We call him Mayor Samuel because he runs the show. If anyone gets near me he parks himself right in between. Loves chicken.
5-year-old Rescue
Joel, Bethany, Reuben, Levi and Maya Friedlander
of Dunwoody
Rescued in Denver and enjoyed his move to Atlanta. He loves long walks in the neighborhood, lounging on the porch swing, staring down deer, chasing squirrels, watching movies & eating challah.
13-year-old Morkie
Lauren, Monica & Sydney Schwartz of Dunwoody
Sheldon’s snaggletooth makes him stand out in a crowd! He loves taking walks with friends and is always ready to “assume the position” for a belly rub! Sheldon celebrated turning 13 with a Bark Mitzvah!
6-year-old Bernedoodle
Nancy Schmidt
of Atlanta
Shiloh is sweet, lovable and the funniest pup. Her best trick is hugging. The friendliest dog, who is devoted to her family.
4-year-old German Shepard
Marissa and Matthew Persons of Marietta
Simba, rescued from The Humane Society of Forsyth County, is a classic velcro dog following us everywhere! Smart, loyal, very cuddly, with nicknames ranging all the way from Pancake to Sugar Monster.
6-year-old Pitt Mix
Amy and James Landrum
of East Cobb
Rescued from Cobb Shelter. She loves everyone she meets, especially kids.
18 and 13-year-old Cats
Risa Jennison
of Peachtree Corners
Spazzy and Kyya love to eat. Spazzy is 19 years old and still acts like a kitten. Kyya is a tripod orange female kitty!
4-year-old Cat
Tascha Katz
of Dawsonville
Meet Taz! Don’t let those innocent eyes fool you—he’s a total bundle of energy ready to zoom! But once his batteries drain, he instantly transforms into the sweetest cuddler, ruling the roost in his favorite spot.
9-year-old Maltese
Joyce Banner
of Brookhaven
Teddy is my constant companion and is super in every way – a most charming, handsome, sweet and smart little guy. He kicks around a mini soccer ball as he cheers on Team USA and runs around when he hears “gooooal”!
4-year-old Australian Labradoodle
Howie and Kathy Sachs
of Buckhead
Adopted from a breeder in NC. Sweet, affectionate, cuddly
8-year-old Fox Red Lab
Shelly and David Katz
of Johns Creek
Virginia is a coffee enthusiast, professional tennis ball chaser, expert swimmer, sunroof-loving road trip companion, and champion napper. Wrapped in a gorgeous fox-red coat and armed with endless sweetness, she’s the kind of dog who makes every day better
7-year-old American Staffordshire Terrier
Alyssa and Andrew Firestone of Alpharetta
Wally is a constant source of entertainment. He is the ultimate goofball. He is also a big baby. He thinks he is a lap dog (and he is 65 pounds). He catches wild animals in our backyard.