It’s Valentine’s Day, and what do we love here more at DCist than cute animals? That’s right, nothing. We love nothing more than cute animals. But we thought we’d give the National Zoo lion cubs and otters a rest for the day and instead, talk about the cute animals closer to our hearts: the ones living in our houses and gazing adorably up at us while standing in front of a mess on the floor. Oh yes. The DCist Staff Pets.
We were actually spurred on by the cat battle that raged over at Gothamist, where the writers obviously wouldn’t know a cute pet if it bit in them in the delicious pizza slices.
So yes, this is mostly just an excuse for a cute animal post (with bonus in-your-face Gothamist digs) on a silly schmoopy holiday. Won’t you do your part and check out the purrfectly (oh yes I did) adorable DCist staff pets and choose your favorite? The top five cutest animals will be wrangled for a petting zoo at the next happy hour*, and the dog or cat (or pair) that most makes your icy hearts drip into puddles will be crowned and relieved of all trash-bag-destroying punishment for at least a year. We promise.
If, after you vote in our poll, you have a burning desire to share your own furry One True Love, well, consider this your open thread. We know who you’re really going home to cuddle with tonight.
(We have stuck by Gothamist’s rules of not revealing which pet cohabitates with which staff member, and merging sibling pets into one voting block.)
*lies, so many lies.
Amos
First up is Amos, the basement cat. He will steal your soul, but you’ll like it. Those beautiful eyes are worthy of your vote.
Phoebe and Chan
Phoebe and Chan are our next contenders. They don’t like to be photographed together, which might lead one to believe that, much like Superman and Clark Kent, they’re actually the same cat, just one with a much furrier costume. Cat superheroes are always a strong vote.
Focus and Oscar
These two cats getting their snuggle on are Focus and Oscar. They are cute on their own, but their matching eyes are mesmerizing. Who can resist two cats that are so in love?
Jack
This handsome fellow is Jack. He is 70lbs of pure cuddlebug, who sometimes like to rest with his back half standing and his front half laying on the furniture. His adorableness cannot be resisted.
Jack and Oakley
These cute puppy faces belong to our second Jack and first Oakley. These two pups are the Ebony and Ivory of the dog world. You can see their happiness in those big smiles.
Lola
Lola is a sweet pooch. It’s a mixed up, muddled up, shook up world, except for Lola. This pup is so cute that in her spare time she plays Nala in the Lion King.
Nelson and Marley
Nelson and Marley are our only dog and cat that live together. If they could breed, their adorableness could become one super cat/dog hybrid. Marley is the brain power of their duo, and has taught herself to use the facilities. Nelson is really, really good at being cute.
Max
Max may look like a sweet older gentleman dog, but it is all a ruse. He actually fights crime, and will hunt down wrongdoers in all D.C. wards, Maryland, and Virginia. His bravery should be rewarded.
Pavlov and Eliot
Our last cat combo is Pavlov and Eliot. If Pavlov’s beautiful black and white markings don’t ring your bell, Eliot’s missing eye is just the thing to see your vote. Seriously, this cat has one eye, throw him a bone.
Stinker
Last, but surely not least is Stinker. Don’t let Stinker’s name fool you, he is a fantastic kitty. His gaze will have you purring his name in no time, so go ahead and vote for him now.
Thank you for voting! We will leave the poll open until Friday, and announce the big winner next week.
