For this publication’s regular feature of the Critter Corner, freshman Noel Springer discusses his bond with his cats and his dogs.

Q. What are your pets names?

A. I have four pets, two dogs, named Milo and Theo, who are brothers and half Irish setter, half poodle. I also have two cats named Yuki and Sumi, who are half-brothers and they are snow bengals. 

Q. How long have you had your pets?

A. I’ve had my cat Yuki for seven years, and we got his half-brother Sumi four years ago. I got my dog Milo only two years ago, and my other dog, Theo, a bit over a year ago.

Q. How did you get your pets?

A. I got my older cat Yuki because I originally had an older cat, and my mom wanted him to have a playmate since our other cat had just died. I got my younger cat Sumi because my sister and I were bored during COVID and had a lot of free time. I got my dog Milo because I had originally wanted to get a larger dog, but my parents ended up getting him. He was lonely and had separation anxiety when I was at school and my parents were working, so we got his brother, Theo, to keep him occupied.

Q. What is your favorite thing to do with them?

A. With my cats, my favorite thing to do with them is play with them using a string toy, which they chase and cling on to, but I also like to just sit with them and relax. My favorite thing to do with my older dog is swim in the pool with him, which he is very good at. I play fetch with my younger dog and kick around a football for him.

Q. How would you describe your bond with them?

A. With my oldest cat, I would say I am very bonded to him since I feed him and take care of him and he also sleeps in my room at night. My other cat is weird, and some days, he will like to sit with me and other days, he is very isolated from everyone. I have a good bond with both my dogs, but they like my mom more than me. Sometimes they make me mad because they bark or pull hard on their walks, but I would still say I am very well-bonded with them.