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October 03.2025
3 Minutes Read

Discover Teddy, Our Award-Winning Pet: A Goldendoodle’s Heartwarming Journey

2025 Pet Photo Contest Winner: cheerful golden doodle in a forest.

Meet Teddy: The Heartwarming Goldendoodle Who Won the 2025 Pet Photo Contest!

Amidst a flurry of creativity and heartwarming stories, the 2025 Pet Photo Contest garnered over 400 adorable entries featuring a diverse range of pets from canines to cats and even a horse! Ultimately, the shining star was Teddy, a lively Goldendoodle whose captivating picture taken by Rusty Williams near the trails of Seven Oaks Nature Preserve stole the judges' hearts.

Teddy's Tale: From Veterinary Patient to Beloved Companion

Initially, Teddy entered the life of Dr. Flavia Crovesi, a veterinarian, as a patient facing serious health challenges due to a mischievous tendency to eat things he shouldn’t. After a successful surgery, which saved his life, Teddy found a loving home with Dr. Crovesi and her family. This heartfelt story illustrates the transformative power of love and care offered by veterinarians across the country. In fact, every entry in the contest not only showcased charming personalities but also highlighted the importance of shelter and rescue animals in our communities.

Other Contest Entries: A Celebration of Pet Personalities

In addition to our winner, the contest allowed for numerous runners-up that emulated the joy and quirks of pet life. Notable mentions included:

  • Ollie, a 7-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who rules his household from his favorite sofa.
  • Biscuit, a playful 16-week-old Golden Retriever delighting in belly rubs and tug-of-war with mom.
  • Odin, 10 years old, a rescue dog seeking love and enjoyment despite health challenges, reminding us of the resilience and joy pets embody.

This contest not only shone a spotlight on beloved pets but also encouraged a community of pet lovers to share their bonds and experiences, thus fostering deeper social connection and awareness about pet care.

Why Pet Photography Matters: Capturing Life’s Joys

Both the finalists and their stories serve as an incredible reminder of the responsibility and pleasure of pet ownership. Pets enhance our lives, offering companionship that brings joy and fulfillment. Capturing these moments in photos allows pet owners to relive those special memories while also helping raise money for local shelters through contest entries. Each submission came with a $10 donation aimed at supporting animal welfare, which is a win-win in celebrating our furry friends.

What’s Next: Embrace the Joy of Pets in Your Life!

Now that we’ve seen the engaging photos and heartrending stories behind the contest, what next steps can you take? Consider visiting local animal shelters not only to appreciate the stories behind the hopeful pets but perhaps even adopting a new family member or volunteering your time.

The heartwarming connections we foster with pets remind us to appreciate life’s small joys, and participating in pet photo contests or simply going out for a walk with your furry friend enriches not only your life but also enhances community spirit.

If teddy and his friends taught us anything, it’s the power of sharing and caring for our four-legged companions.

So grab your cameras, get outdoors, and celebrate the pets who make each day a bit brighter!

Explore NC

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01.02.2026

Celebrate the New Year with a Refreshing and Delicious Mocktail

Update Effervescent Cheers: Discovering the Best Mocktails As the New Year approaches, many people engage in the timeless tradition of crafting sophisticated yet non-alcoholic beverages. This year, elevate your celebration with a refreshing Resolution Punch, designed to tantalize the taste buds while ensuring everyone has a fulfilling, alcohol-free experience. This delightful concoction combines a medley of vibrant flavors, perfect for gatherings of family and friends. Mixing Up the Magic: The Recipe That Delivers The key to our bubbly drink lies in its unique ingredients that create an upbeat and celebratory atmosphere. Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe which serves around 30 guests: 1 (12-ounce) can of frozen orange juice concentrate 36 ounces of cold water 6 ounces of elderflower syrup 1 (64-ounce) carton of white grape juice 2 (750-milliter) bottles of nonalcoholic sparkling wine or cider, chilled 1 orange, sliced, for garnish 10-12 strawberries, halved, for garnish Ice, if desired Start by mixing the orange juice concentrate and water until fully blended. In a large punch bowl, combine the white grape juice, elderflower syrup, and sparkling beverage. A dash of garnishing with fresh citrus and strawberries will also give a feast for the senses, both visually and taste-wise. Why Mocktails Matter: Celebrating Alcohol-Free Choices As more people choose to enjoy a non-alcoholic lifestyle, particularly during significant celebrations, mocktails have emerged as a thoughtful inclusion in social events. Not only do they foster inclusivity, but they also cater to designated drivers and those opting out of alcohol for health reasons. The mocktail trend promotes a sense of community while maintaining a celebratory essence. Punching Above Your Weight: The Benefits of Non-Alcoholic Drinks One of the biggest advantages of serving mocktails, such as the Resolution Punch, is their ability to provide festive flavors without compromising health. Low in calories and high in fruit content, this drink choice encourages hydration while being a fantastic route for creative culinary exploration. Those looking to explore more non-alcoholic beverage ideas will be pleased to find similar recipes, such as the ginger ale and white grape juice mix found in fantastic New Year’s Eve celebrations. These recipes often include fruity components and fizzy elements that harmonize perfectly, creating anticipation for each delightful sip. Go Green: The Future of Celebratory Drinks In the coming years, many will likely seek more sustainability-focused choices in their beverage selections. Mocktails provide a bright avenue for incorporating organic ingredients and lessening sugar intake. The rise in local farmer's markets allows for the use of fresh seasonal fruit, making it easier than ever to create vibrant concoctions right at home. Conclusion: Cheers to a Fresh Start This season, let’s raise our glasses—filled with sparkling mocktails! The Resolution Punch stands not only as a delicious drink but as a representation of inclusivity and health. As we toast to the possibilities of the New Year, embracing an alcohol-free lifestyle can be refreshing, exciting, and a whole lot of fun! Don't just celebrate your resolutions; savor them. Taste the magic of mocktails this festive season!

12.31.2025

Discover Wilmington's Hidden Gem: Join Little Loaf Bakery's Bread-Making Classes

Update Wilmington's Culinary Treasure: The Art of Bread Making In the heart of Wilmington, among its charming cottages and vibrant neighborhoods, lies a hidden gem known as Little Loaf Bakery & Schoolhouse. Here, the aroma of freshly baked bread wafts through the air, turning every passerby into a potential baker. Julia Castellano, the bakery's owner and an expert in the art of bread making, runs classes that invite novices into the world of sourdough and beyond. The Magic of Sourdough Starters One of the bakery's stars is a lively sourdough starter affectionately named Sue. Known for its distinctive aroma, which some say resembles champagne, Sue has been nurtured and fed by Castellano over the years, becoming an iconic element of her bread-making process. Each student in Castellano's class receives a portion of Dough-P Jr., another exceptional starter that links back to her French mentor’s 161-year-old culture. It's not just bread they make; it's history and tradition rolled into boules. Embracing Culinary Heritage Julia Castellano's passion for baking is deeply rooted in her family history, where Sunday dinners were a feast for the senses and included breads and pastries from their Belgian and Italian heritage. She recalls how, as a child, she preferred the Food Network over Animal Planet, dedicating her dreams to chocolate and culinary delights. Her classes aren't just about mixing ingredients; they're a continuation of her family's legacy of love for food. More Than Just Classes: Community Building Through Bread The Little Loaf Bakery is more than a place to learn how to bake; it serves as a community hub where friendships are forged over shared dough and laughter. Castellano's approach combines technical skills with heartfelt connections, creating a warm environment that encourages participants to not only learn but also to bond. Class participants often leave with more than just bread; they carry memories and new friendships built through shared experience. A Destination for Food Lovers and Travelers For those exploring Wilmington, this bakery is a must-visit attraction. With its rich offerings and hands-on classes, it beckons food enthusiasts of all ages to delve into the world of baking. Whether you're a local or a tourist, participating in a class or simply indulging in one of their fresh-baked goods, visiting Little Loaf Bakery is an immersive experience that adds flavor to your journey. Upcoming Classes: Join the Fun! Little Loaf Bakery boasts a calendar filled with various baking classes, from sourdough basics to specialty cake decorating. Each class is designed to cultivate new skills and enhance confidence in the kitchen. If you're looking for that next delicious adventure, check out their schedule and book a spot before they fill up! As the holiday season approaches, why not treat yourself and your loved ones to the sweetest gift of all—an experience in baking? By signing up for one of their classes, you'll bond with friends or family as you learn to create everything from crusty baguettes to delightful pastries.

12.31.2025

Snuggle Up: Exploring Cozy Reading Spots in North Carolina

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