Photos by L.G. Patterson

Each year, we set out to find the cutest dogs, cats and critters in the city. Columbia’s pet population reflects everything that makes our city special — companionship, unique stories and unlikely bonds between owners and their perfect pets.

All of the submissions were especially adorable, but there can only be four winners. After 1,353 votes, we’re ready to reveal who was crowned cutest in Columbia! From a huge hound and a compact canine, to a furry feline and one very unique pet, we’ve rounded up the winning companions. We had the treat of these pets and owners visiting our studio and posing for their model moments. Without fur-ther ado, meet the pets!

Meet Eustace, the two-year old French bulldog with an old soul. When owner Mackenzie Harrelson first saw this puppy, she named him after Eustace Bagge, the crotchety old anti-hero from “Courage the Cowardly Dog.” When Eustace waddled into our studio, snorting and wagging his tail, we were all enamored with the little old man.

Eustace — Compact Canine

Harrelson had never owned a French bulldog before, but a friend recommended Eustace’s breeder. She says when she first saw him, she instantly fell in love and knew he was her dog. Eustace proved his perseverance quickly when his litter fell ill with canine parvovirus. Tragically, half of his litter passed, but Eustace was able to fight through and make it home to Harrelson. “Even after a rough start, he exudes nothing but love to everyone he meets,” Harrelson says. “He is and always will be the best boy.”

Harrelson says Eustace has never met a stranger and keenly approaches anyone as a new friend. His joyful demeanor is contagious — it’s impossible to look at this pup without smiling!

Leo — Furry Feline

Leo, the gentle giant, comes in at a whopping 20 pounds at the age of only three. This regal European Maine Coon comes from a breeder in St. Louis, but his parents hailed from Russia. From his shiny green eyes to his beautiful brown, white and gray coat, Leo is a fluffy ball of playfulness. His owner, Melanie Fender, says he is calm in public but frisky and fun-loving at home. The Fenders took Leo home after their last cat passed away at 21 years old. They say it is difficult to find reliable European Maine Coon breeders, but got lucky with Leo after doing their research.

“He came to us in 2022 and has blessed our home with 20 pounds of snuggliness and sweetness ever since,” Fender says. Leo plays well with their other cat, Frankie, and has a relaxed, friendly demeanor that makes him the sweetest, most chill cat out there!

Maverick — Huge Hound

Maverick is a huge hound with a big personality! This smart and spunky lab mix was the last of his litter at the Central Missouri Humane Society in 2022 when Abby Backes fell in love. Backes says she has only ever owned little dogs but always loved the personalities of big dogs. Maverick is energetic, quirky and very intelligent.

With Maverick being the last pup in his litter and Backes seeking a big dog on a whim, they met out of fate and are the perfect duo. Maverick is sporty and loves going on runs with Backes, who plays basketball at Columbia College. When they’re not going on runs and staying active, Backes says he loves paw rubs and cuddling.

“The second we met, we knew it was a perfect match,” Backes says. “We love him endlessly and couldn’t imagine our lives without him.”

Maverick stole all of our hearts with his soft, beautiful coat and adorable quirks. If he’s stolen your heart too, consider fostering or adopting from the Central Missouri Humane Society at cmhspets.org. Many dogs like Maverick are looking for their Abby!

Fiona — Pet-icularly Cute Pet

If crawly little critters make you nervous, you’re not alone! However, this docile spider has captured the hearts of voters, our staff and her owner Sabrina Michael. In 2016, Michael was driving from her home state of New Mexico to Columbia for graduate school. Along the desert highway she discovered Fiona — a small, struggling tarantula on the side of the road, likely injured from a passing car. Michael scooped Fiona up in a shoebox and brought her new companion to Missouri. They haven’t left each other’s sides since.

Fiona is now approximately 10 years old, enjoying a long life thanks to the care and love that guided her recovery. Michael is now an assistant professor in the Honors College at Mizzou and says Fiona has charmed her students. Many are hesitant to hold Fiona at first, but end up fascinated by the tarantula by the end of the lesson.

“She teaches (the students) that science is not just about the big and bold, but also about the small and misunderstood,” Michael says. “From surviving a New Mexico road to thriving in Missouri, Fiona is a symbol of resilience and transformation.”

Misunderstood indeed, tarantulas like Fiona are incredibly meek, timid and pose little threat to humans. Fiona is featherlight and smaller than she may seem — you’d be surprised at how soft she is in your hands! Gentle spiders like Fiona teach us to never judge a book by its cover and to extend our care to the smallest creatures, because they make the biggest impact on our hearts.