Meet the Pets of Our Library Staff

Libraries are built on community, and that community extends well beyond the library walls. Beyond our work at service desks, in classrooms, and behind the scenes, many of us are also supported by beloved companions at home who bring joy, humor, and occasional chaos to our lives.  

We invited library staff to share the pets who are part of their lives, and we’re pleased to introduce a few members of our extended library family.  

Martha 

Human: Mike Curcuruto 

Breed: Calico 

Martha, named after domestic icon Martha Stewart, lives up to her distinguished name. Her favorite activity is curling up in her human’s lap (especially when he’s reading a library book) and falling asleep – shrimp style. Martha loves to give nibbles and hates other cats. She does not like to wear costumes but will do so begrudgingly for her favorite wet food.  

Tanner the Adorable 

Human: Marian Matyn 

Breed: King Charles Spaniel 

Tanner is an enthusiastic and sociable King Charles Spaniel who enjoys meeting new people and exploring new places. He knows he’s adorable and can work-it with the ladies. He enjoys swimming in Lake Michigan, eating, sleeping, barking at his evil arch-nemeses -deer and cats, and snoring – a lot! But most important to Tanner is being adored by his human parents; Dad preferred.  

Mittens 

Human: Corey Zeneberg 

Breed: Domestic Long Hair 

Mittens, described affectionately as “the sassiest old lady,” balances personality with loyalty. While she may keep her humans on their toes, she remains a constant devoted companion who loves nothing more than to put up with her human’s shenanigans. 

Leone, Cane Fifone 

Human: Gabriella 

Breed: Chihuahua mix 

Named after Courage, the Cowardly Dog, this tiny hero faces his greatest foe often in Michigan: Chilly weather. Easily cold and aware of it, he has an impressive wardrobe of sweaters and shirts – which of course he has curated for both warmth and style. Don’t be fooled by this little one’s size; he’s a discerning fashion critic who will absolutely judge your outfit before approving your presence.  

Cupid & Leo 

Human: Kathy Irwin 

Breed: Domestic Short Hairs 

Cupid looks white, but she is actually a reverse tuxedo - a white cat with black spots - and the black has faded with age. In the photo, she is striking her favorite Super Cat pose. Leo is sweet and spicy and a little nutty – he is his family’s Kung Pao kitty! Like Garfield, Leo hasn't met people food he doesn't want. 

Ninja 

Human: Rebecca Renirie 

Breed: Medium Hair Tabby Cat 

Ninja is a sweet, string-loving stealth expert who lives for pets and ear scratches.  When she’s not indulging in her favorite hobbies – eating, napping, birdwatching, and chewing on packing tape -- you’ll find her protesting the existence of closed doors and plotting her escape from the dreaded vacuum cleaner.   

Ginkgo & Moose 

Human: Noelle Charbonneau 

Breed: Domestic House Cats 

Ginkgo (affectionately known as Ginks) and Moose are best buddies who are never far from each other's side. When they aren't napping together, they're typically putting the "crime" in partners-in-crime.  
Ginkgo has ambitions of becoming a plumber's apprentice, and she can often be found doing routine inspections of the sink--even practicing her trade by taking out the drain stopper to get a better look at the pipes. When Moose isn't busy breaking-and-entering into Noelle’s closet, he loves to sit back and enjoy whatever is playing on the television. He's a big football guy and loves watching the Lions, but he is just as happy to catch up on the latest episode of Amy Poehler's "Good Hang" podcast. 

Winifred & Norman 

Human: Amy Christensen 

Breed: Black Cats 

Norman found his way to Amy during an ice storm over winter break. She had just come home from the airport and heard howling coming from her back yard. Knowing something was in distress and needed help, Amy went outside with a box and a blanket. The second I said "come here" a little black cat pranced into the box from under my deck, and Winifred and I have been stuck with him ever since. Norman’s favorite activities include stealing Winifred's food and walking in-between Amy’s feet. Winifred's favorite activities are batting at her new brother and telling Amy what a horrible mistake she made. The cat distribution center strikes again! 

Callie & Ella

Human: Alexis Hansen 

Breed: Domestic Short Hairs 

Callie is a cute gray cat who lives for forehead kisses and laser chasing adventures. Ella, who is a tortoiseshell, prefers the quieter pleasures in life, splitting her days between cozy naps and dedicated birdwatching.  

Mickey

Human: Katie Edmiston 

Breed: Orange Tabby Cat 

Mickey was found just outside the Park Library building when he was two months old! The User Services students took care of him all afternoon before Katie decided to take him home to join her two other kitties. He needed medical attention and has a permanent snaggle tooth from an injury he had when he was found. He is spunky, mischievous, and loves to cuddle! He is pictured here snuggling with Katie’s other orange kitty, Moze. 

Pipsqueak (aka Pippy) 

Human: Denise Pahl 

Breed: Rabbit 

When Pippy is let out of her cage, it’s pure joy. Her signature move is the delightful “binky,” an acrobatic hop of happiness featuring mid-air twists, playful kicks, and enthusiastic shakes of her head. This is a rabbit who is absolutely loving life! 

Ori 

Human: Ariel Wiborn 

Breed: Cat 

Ori is a fetch champion, happily chasing toys with humans or entertaining herself with her own lively rounds. Whether with a playmate or not, she’s always ready for another toss! 

Tiger & Katniss 

Human: Lisa Wilczak 

Breed: Cats 

Tiger is a total cuddle bug, happiest when soaking in all the affection he can get. Kat is an avid bird enthusiast who never misses a chance to watch her favorite winged neighbors. They are the perfect duo of comfort and curiosity.  

Zoey 

Human: Stephanie Mathson 

Breed: Rat Terrier  

Zoey has always loved watching TV! She annoyingly barks at most animals she sees on the screen, but she'll sit (or lie down) and watch basketball quietly. You can see her eyes track the ball up and down the court, but she does NOT like game stoppages! She will bark then as if to tell the players to get back to it. Stephanie thinks she likes the squeaky shoes as well as the bouncing ball. 

Donovan, Sweet Pea, and Bear 

Human: Thad Dickinson 

Breed: Domestic Short Hairs 

This trio of domestic shorthairs brings the full spectrum of personality to their home. Donovan is a master burrower, expertly disappearing, while Bear seems to be everywhere, all at once, all the time, filling every corner with boundless energy. Meanwhile, Sweet Pea watches it all calmly – mostly unamused by the antics around her.  

Maxwell 

Human: Thad Dickinson 

Breed: Manx 

If Maxwell had a human job, he’d be in security. With his steady presence and no-nonsense demeanor, Maxwell runs a tight (and very adorable) ship.  

Chloe 

Human: Thad Dickinson 

Breed: Bichon Frise-Poodle mix 

Chloe is the canine sister to four cat siblings: Donovan, Sweet Pea, Bear, and Maxwell. She often contemplates what she did wrong in a past life to end up in a household full of cats.  

Henry

Human: Jennifer Rundels 

Breed: Cockatiel 

In October 2011, Henry spent the night in a tree and was recused the next morning by the Mt. Pleasant fire department with the help of the fire truck hydraulic bucket and a tortilla chip. Henry is 25 years old and loves classical music played on the piano; car rides to Michigan's thumb coast to visit grandma and grandpa; and whistling The Andy Griffith Show theme song. 

Mason 

Human: Sara White 

Breed: Puggle 

Mason is a well-traveled pup with ten states under his collar! He only knew apartment living until moving to Mount Pleasant, where he now has his very own backyard…and has no clue what to do with it! He is powered by snacks, sunbeam naps, car rides, and is always ready to play with his human sister (who just happens to feed him lots of extra people food). Mason is always wagging his tail and waiting for his next adventure.  

Winnie 

Human: Claire Allen 

Breed: Tortie Longhair Cat 

Winnie loves a good brushing session, exploring outside, and sunshine naps. Her personality is on display when the laser pointer comes out. 

Luke and Cal 

Human: Claire Allen 

Breed: Rough Collies 

Luke (sable tricolor) and Cal (black tricolor) love a good adventure when it involves a boat ride! They love to enthusiastically bark at geese and chase each other around their yard. Their energy and companionship make every day a bit livelier.