This dynamic duo lives with former Perks guest and author Christina Consolino. They like to chase each other, wrestle with hair ties, and snuggle with just about anyone. And their favorite time to play? Yes—4:30 am!

Phoebe is one of several pets who lives with Perks guest Gwenda Bond. She has a cat best friend as well as three dogs who she reluctantly recognizes as housemates.

Rye is a lionhead rabbit who belongs to former guest Alia Volz. He has the sexiest fur flopping over his eyes, a big bun personality without making a sound, and is the most well-traveled bunny around.

Meelo, who lives with book sculptor, Valarie Saverie, is named after the priest in The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell. (We love a pet whose name was inspired by a book.) Valerie says, “Almost sixteen years ago, on New Year's Eve, I was feeling quite lonely and decided I needed someone special to start the new year with. I met Meelo (then named Velour) at a no kill shelter. A large hairy beast who knew how to work the room, he melted my heart with a head nudge and a purr that not only was heard but felt.”

Meet Auggie, a Shih Tzu and Brussels Griffin mix and a rescue who belongs to Jeremy Hance, our guest from Episode 113. Jeremy says his family calls Auggie a “cat dog because he has many traits you might think of as cat-like. He doesn’t like our attention if he’s not in the mood for attention.”

NoBunny belongs to Sam Miller, Perks’ regular guest and Carmichael’s bookseller. Sam says, “We adopted NoBunny in April 2021 to fill the cat-shaped hole in our heats after we lost two cats in a year. She’s a sweet, long-haired Manx whose hobbies are paper ball soccer, making biscuits, and occasionally getting trapped up a telephone pole.”

Jax and Wallace belong to our guest from episode 111, Bailey from the To Read List podcast. Jax (black tabby) came into the family from a coworker because he was “too affectionate.” Wallace was adopted from the shelter and as soon as he entered his new home, ate a piece of a shoe and cost Bailey thousands in medical expenses.

Coda is a havapoo puppy who belongs to former Perks guest (Episode 48) author and screenwriter James Markert. James says Coda likes walking up and down the sidewalk like she owns it and taking her food from her bowl across the room to nibble it. James has a new novella out that is a nod to “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.” We’re excited to read “The Strange Case of Isaac Crawley,” which is in stores now.

Former guest Melonie Johnson (Episode 96) has a writing buddy who goes by the name Franny. Franny is a herding dog who doesn’t like her schedule to change. Melonie says when walk time comes around Franny will do her Jedi mind trick and stare at the leash, then at Melonie, then back at the leash. Melonie also says Franny is an excellent writing buddy who serenades Melonie with her gentle snoring when Melonie writes late into the night.

This week Dylan joined with his human, Kendra Winchester of @readappalachia , to talk about his strong feelings for the her podcast @thereadingwomen .

Dylan @thebookcorgi is the token family extrovert, carrot enthusiast, and reluctant beach corg. Kendra recently adopted his little sister Gwen, who possesses an enthusiasm for life that Dylan finds to be just a bit too much for him most of the time. But she already loves him with an unending level of devotion and adoration. But, quite frankly, Dylan just wishes she would stop nipping his butt floof.

This is Bruce, who belongs to Diane Neu, our guest from Episode 42. Bruce steals all the cookies, and who can blame him?

St. Clair Detrick-Jules has two adorable cats, one of whom did some shoutouts during this week’s episode. Louis and Suni enjoy looking cute and hiding in paper bags.

This week’s Perky Pet is Misty, a rescued bunny who belongs to Melissa Hart, our guest in Episode 102. According to Melissa’s Instagram, Misty loves leftover carrot tops and the chickens who share her backyard home.

This week’s Perky Pet is Smudge, who lives with and likely lords it over former guest (Episode 86) Melissa Joulwan from the podcast Strong Sense of Place. She says, “Smudge is 11 years old...not at all adventurous and likes to sleep in the closet." I feel that, Smudge.

This is Lila who is Ellen Birkett Morris’ pup. Ellen was our guest in Episode 59 in which she talked about her book “Lost Girls.” Lila would like to take credit for the various awards and honors Ellen’s book is receiving.

Merlin is one of the pet companions of this week’s guest, Brook Lauren Davis.

“My cat Merlin however is less helpful, often butting his head against my laptop, curling up on top of the keyboard, or going so far as knocking the thing off the desk. However, he’s a much more agreeable reading buddy, always eager to curl up with me and a good book.”

Lilly is one of the pet companions of this week’s guest, Brook Lauren Davis.

“My dog Lilly is an excellent writing partner, always determined to squeeze herself into whichever chair I’m in (however small) to keep me warm. Unless, of course, she’s busy barking at all the dogs that dare walk past our house.”