By Haley Mitchell Godwin

“I am a hypoallergenic, non shedding, milkbone loving, bell ringing, cuddling machine! My name is Branch and I am almost four years old. I’m a miniature schnauzer and my favorite thing to do is cuddle with my humans. I also enjoy cuddling with my full brother Horatio. My brother is awesome! We love to play hard and we are the best of friends. My cat brother Ozzie is a pretty cool cat as well. I am an inside dog and my brother Horatio and I sleep in our crate every night, all wrapped up in a warm blanket.”

According to Branch’s owners, Jeff and Amanda Hudson of Dozier, Branch is a smart and loving boy that loves to have fun. When Branch needs to go potty, he rings a bell with his nose to alert his owners. Branch knows several tricks. He can play dead, give hugs and high fives, shake, and dance in a circle. Since Branch is hypoallergenic, he has been a great help with his family’s allergies. Branch loves to eat. He can hear a banana being peeled or a crumb hitting the floor from across the room and will come running. Branch loves playing with his toys and playing his version of fetch where he makes his family chase after him. He is a healthy boy and his name was influenced by Branch Connally from the T.V. show Longmire and from a character named Branch in the Troll movie.

“Pet of the Week” and the quarterly feature, “Pet of the Season,” are sponsored by Crenshaw Animal Clinic and Dr. Alethea Gammage of Luverne – (334) 335-5309. Crenshaw Animal Clinic is a full-service small animal clinic that provides comprehensive health care for pets. They offer a full range of services to help keep pets happy and healthy- including vaccine administration, routine preventive care, wellness exams, dental care, allergy care, flea/tick/heartworm control, parasite control, routine surgical procedures, microchipping, early detection, and treatment of a wide range of conditions and diseases with in-clinic diagnostics, ophthalmology, spay and neuter, and more. During the quarterly “Pet of the Season” contest, animals featured in “Pet of the Week” will go head to head, and the animal with the most votes will win a personalized prize package from Crenshaw Animal Clinic valued at $250. At the end of the year, all quarterly winners will compete for “Crenshaw County Pet of the Year” and the grand prize. To submit your furry (or scaly, slimy or feathery) friend, visit https://www.luvernejournal.com/pet-of-the-week/#/rounds/1/gallery and click on post your own. If participants have submitted a nomination for a pet, and the pet hasn’t been featured, don’t fret! We have rolled all entries over into the next contest.