Meet Sophie, Tampa Bay Newspapers' featured pet for October.
Sophie is a special beagle/corgi mix who was meant to find Geraldine Schirtzinger of Largo and her husband.
In 2002, Geraldine could no longer work and had to go on disability, and she wanted a dog to help bring her comfort. Her husband found Sophie at the SPCA Tampa Bay in Largo when she was only 10 months old and brought her home for Geraldine. The couple guessed that Sophie was born sometime in July, so they chose July 6 as Sophie’s birthday – on the anniversary of Geraldine’s breast cancer surgery.
Sophie is not just a dog but a huge part of their family. When Geraldine needs to rest, Sophie rests next to her, and the only command she knows is “group hug,” at which she will run and climb up on the bed to hug her family. When the family has to leave for a short time, Sophie enjoys watching cartoons on TV while laying in bed. She also likes dressing up if treats are involved.
As Tampa Bay Newspapers' pet photo winner, Sophie wins a $25 gift certificate to either Largo Feed or Park Feed in Pinellas Park.
Tampa Bay Newspapers is looking for local pets to feature each month. Send your pet photos to Alexandra Lundahl at alundahl@TBNWeekly.com.
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