Regular readers should be familiar with The Bend’s bi-annual Cutest Pets contest — however, this year, we decided to switch things up a bit. We put out a call in search of Corpus Christi pets who just happen to have an uncanny resemblance to their owners. After sifting through tons of nominations featuring adorable pets and their lookalike humans, we selected the eight dynamic duos you’ll meet in this feature. Judge the resemblances for yourself while we tell you a bit about the couples, and the humans conduct playful interviews with their animal companions.
From the effortlessly chic pairing of a Shih Tzu named Simon and his stylish person Jennifer to the gorgeous, almost identical brown curls of a Micro Goldendoodle named Chessie and her beloved friend Leslie, these local pet/owner pairs are sure to bring a smile to your face.
Britt Wendl-Aoshima & Hanna the Shiba Inu
Striking a pose comes naturally for both Britt Wendl-Aoshima and her four-year-old Shiba Inu named Hanna. The pair’s model tendencies can be seen in full effect as Hanna has perfected her runway strut and Britt has walked actual runways. Aside from matching blonde hair, the glamorous duo’s similarities can be found in their shared love of an accessorized moment, entertaining guests at home, eating banana chips and binging their favorite TV shows.
Britt: What are your favorite activities to partake in while home alone?
Hanna: Tormenting the cat and taking long naps in my banana bed.
Britt: What’s your least favorite piece of furniture in the house?
Hanna: The cat’s bed and litter box.
Britt: What’s your favorite thing about living with our family?
Hanna: Being spoiled like an only child.
Britt: If you could be adopted by any celebrity, who would it be and why?
Hanna: Kevin Costner, with the hopes of becoming a family dog on the “Yellowstone” series.
Britt: What’s your favorite song to jam to and why?
Hanna: “I’m a Banana” because it’s all about my nickname, “Banana.”
Britt: Go-to snack?
Hanna: Banana chips.
Britt: Who would play you in a movie and why?
Hanna: Hachi [from the movie of the same name] because it represents my love for my parents and how I would be if y’all ever left.
Britt: If you were to go on a reality TV show, which one would it be and why?
Hanna: “Selling Sunset,” so I can cruise around in a nice car while looking at luxury properties.
Britt: What’s your biggest pet peeve?
Hanna: Being told “No.”
Jennifer Saski & Simon the Shih Tzu
There’s no better word to describe Jennifer Saski and her two-year-old Shih Tzu named Simon than chic. The stylish set often travel together and, if you’re lucky, you might just catch a glimpse of Simon casually lounging in his papoose riding with Jennifer on her motor scooter. Aside from the duet’s effortless style, the most striking resemblance comes from their multi-colored hair and ability to smize for the camera. Tyra Banks would be so proud.
Jennifer: What are your favorite activities to partake in while home alone?
Simon: Well, I usually stare out the window when you leave me at home. I mope and sometimes I fall asleep until I hear your car pull up.
Jennifer: What’s your least favorite piece of furniture in the house?
Simon: Are you kidding? There isn’t a piece of furniture I haven’t been able to utilize and enjoy.
Jennifer: What’s your biggest pet peeve?
Simon: Oh geez! I have many pet peeves. I would have to say it would be loud clanging noises. I am terrified of thunder, and I can sense it from many miles away. I also don’t like ironing boards, noisy baking pans and angry music like Korn.
Jennifer: What’s your favorite song to jam to?
Simon: “It’s a Good Day” by Peggy Lee.
Jennifer: If you could be adopted by any celebrity, who would it be and why?
Simon: Lady Gaga, because she is a dog lover, she sings and would make sure my hair is always on point.
Jennifer: If you were to go on a reality TV show, which one would it be and why?
Simon: “Million Dollar Listings,” since you’re a realtor and that means we could be together all day.
Jennifer: What’s your favorite thing about living with our family?
Simon: Wow, where do I start? It’s difficult to narrow it down to one thing, but it would have to be that y’all are with me most of the time and I get to sleep in bed with you every night
Jennifer: Go-to snack?
Simon: During the summer it’s watermelon, hands down. And you know how much I love steak night!
Mayra Zamora & Mancha the Tuxedo Cat
In a moment that can only be described as destiny, Mayra Zamora and her Tuxedo cat named Mancha came into each other’s life by pure fate. The cat was hanging outside of Mayra’s apartment one day and immediately came running when she called. Mayra and Mancha’s similarities range from both being homebodies — though always up for an adventure — to their love for giving hugs, charming folks with their dashing good looks, great fashion sense (Mancha permanently wears a tuxedo, after all) and ability to unabashedly tell it like it is.
Mayra: What are your favorite activities to partake in while home alone?
Mancha: I love looking out the window (because I’m chismoso). Other than that, sunbathing and taking naps.
Mayra: What’s your least favorite piece of furniture in the house?
Mancha: I’m a cat…no furniture or room is off-limits.
Mayra: Who would play you in a movie and why?
Mancha: A white Bengal tiger, because they are unique and strong like me.
Mayra: Go-to snack?
Mancha: Lasagna! Just kidding, I’m not Garfield. I go crazy for tuna.
Mayra: What’s your favorite thing about living with our family?
Mancha: I love living with y’all, but my secret favorite thing is when dad takes me on walks by the water. It’s our bonding time.
Mayra: If you could be adopted by any celebrity, who would it be and why?
Mancha: I’m already adopted by a local celebrity — my mom is the Chicana art queen of Corpus Christi. Shoutout to you!
Mayra: What’s your favorite song to jam to and why?
Mancha: “Techno Cumbia” from Selena. I love the mix of old and new. Plus, I get to see you do your silly dance moves.
Mayra: If you were to go on a reality TV show, which one would it be and why?
Mancha: Nombre! They’ll want me to go home week one ’cuz all I’ll want to do is sleep.
Mayra: What’s your biggest pet peeve?
Mancha: When you and dad kiss me too much. It’s like hello, I just want to sleep in peace.
Leslie Hipp & Chessie the Micro Goldendoodle
Never ones to turn down a chance for self-care, Leslie Hipp and her partner in crime Chessie love a good rest and relaxation moment. Whether they’re lounging in the sun (yes, Chessie has her own mini lawn chair complete with an attached umbrella) or brushing out their gorgeous brown curls, they love a good pampering. Leslie and her husband Harris lovingly refer to Chessie as the “queen of the house.” With a title like that, one might expect drama, but another similar characteristic shared by Leslie and Chessie is their naturally calm demeanor and ability to make friends wherever they go.
Leslie: What are your favorite activities to partake in while home alone?
Chessie: Collect your and dad’s clothes and cuddle them in my bed.
Leslie: What’s your least favorite piece of furniture in the house?
Chessie: The Roomba. You and dad have never seen this, but it comes to life when you’re gone.
Leslie: What’s your favorite thing about living with our family?
Chessie: I’ve trained you all to pet me on command.
Leslie: If you could be adopted by any celebrity, who would it be and why?
Chessie: My country queen Dolly Parton.
Leslie: What’s your favorite song to jam to and why?
Chessie: “Dancing Queen” by ABBA because it makes my heart sing and my body move.
Leslie: Who would play you in a movie and why?
Chessie: Shakira, because like hers, my hips don’t lie.
Leslie: If you were to go on a reality TV show, which one would it be and why?
Chessie: “The Real House Dogs,” because as RHONY icon Carole Radziwill put it, “all play and no work makes me a happy girl.”
Leslie: Go-to snack?
Chessie: Peanut butter anything, no contest.
John Welsh & Charlie the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Outdoorsmen through and through, John and Charlie are two peas in a pod. Charlie’s breed, Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, is a versatile hunting breed and makes a wonderful family pup, as well. A family man with a love of nature? That statement could be used to describe either John or Charlie! Since bringing the pup home from a family farm in Kansas when he was just nine weeks old, John and Charlie have been inseparable. The fact that both sport fabulous brown hair with salt-and-pepper coloring and great beards is just the cherry on top of this doppelganger duo.
John: What are your favorite activities to partake in while home alone?
Charlie: I love shopping in my human sister’s bedroom. She has the best stuffed animals and socks to chew up. I also love to dribble water from my beard all over the floor.
John: What’s your least favorite piece of furniture in the house?
Charlie: Our leopard couch. It’s soft but way too small for when I like to lay out lengthwise. I’m a 5-footer, after all.
John: What’s your favorite song to jam to and why?
Charlie: Herbie Hancock’s “Watermelon Man.” It’s a real head-turner.
John: Who would play you in a movie and why?
Charlie: Sam Elliott. He has a terrific mustache and a cowboy hat.
John: What’s your favorite thing about living with our family?
Charlie: Between my puppy siblings Brown Dog and Bullard and human siblings Ginny and Jack, I always have someone to play with! I do not like being alone, which is why I think you and mom call me “Velcro dog.”
John: If you were to go on a reality TV show, which one would it be and why?
Charlie: I would be the super cute dog in one of those dramatic house-flipping shows in SoCal like “Flipping Out.”
John: What’s your biggest pet peeve?
Charlie: Loud music, especially at the boat ramp.
John: Go-to snack?
Charlie: Fruit! Hand-delivered by you or mom. I also love an almond butter-stuffed Kong toy.
Penelope Fisher & Daphne the Goldendoodle
Similar in more ways than one, Penelope and Daphne are living out their teenage dream era together. Sleeping in and lounging around the house on a Saturday morning happens to be a favorite pastime for both. The duo also enjoys acting — while Penelope is active in the theatre scene, Daphne takes her role as a human very seriously … sitting upright on the couch watching TV like a real person and all. The pair also describe themselves as a bit clumsy. However, the striking resemblance between them with those luscious brown locks is what really seals the deal for this twinning team.
Penelope: What are your favorite activities to partake in while home alone?
Daphne: If I had my way, chewing on things I can’t when the family is here. Y’all have an awesome schedule and I’m with humans most of the time, but on the occasion I’m left home, I just take a nap.
Penelope: What’s your least favorite piece of furniture in the house?
Daphne: The gate that keeps me out of the kitchen. Not sure if it’s a coincidence, but it was installed right after I discovered I can reach the countertops…go figure.
Penelope: If you could be adopted by any celebrity, who would it be and why?
Daphne: Jonathan Van Ness. We both have great hair and I’m sure every day would be a spa day!
Penelope: What’s your biggest pet peeve?
Daphne: When the squirrels are outside while I’m inside. So unfair.
Penelope: What’s your favorite thing about living with our family?
Daphne: There’s almost always someone around to play with.
Penelope: What’s your favorite song to jam to?
Daphne: “Dirty Paws” by Of Monsters and Men.
Penelope: Who would play you in a movie and why?
Daphne: Kristen Schaal. The curly brown hair and we’re both hilarious and high energy.
Penelope: If you were to go on a reality TV show, which one would it be and why?
Daphne: I’m very food-motivated, so something like “Top Chef” would be great.
Penelope: Go-to snack?
Daphne: Socks. But if no one feels like sharing their socks, dehydrated lamb lung pieces will do.
Kristiana Woods & Frank the Basset Hound
Like millions of others at the height of the pandemic, Kristiana Woods began searching the internet for a puppy to adopt. After seeing an adorable photo of a tiny basset hound with the floppiest of ears, the decision was made and that tiny pup came home with her. Kristiana and Frank share several traits outside the uncanny resemblance between his floppy ears and her long locks. An innate lackadaisical facade with a goofy side underneath and a loyal love for those in their pack top the list of similarities.
Kristiana: What are your favorite activities to partake in while home alone?
Frank: Sleeping and watching the nature channel on TV.
Kristiana: What’s your least favorite piece of furniture in the house?
Frank: The tall bed with no steps; my legs are too small to jump up!
Kristiana: What’s your favorite thing about living with our family?
Frank: Treats, snuggles, lots of toys and playing with my big sister Tilly (rottweiler/lab mix).
Kristiana: If you could be adopted by any celebrity, who would it be and why?
Frank: Betty White! She was a basset hound lover and would definitely know my quirks and how to take care of me. May she rest in peace.
Kristiana: Go-to snack?
Frank: Goldfish.
Kristiana: What’s your favorite song to jam to and why?
Frank: “A Day in the Life” by the Beatles. It’s a good song to just lounge and relax to, which, as you know, is my favorite thing to do.
Kristiana: Who would play you in a movie and why?
Frank: I can’t think of anyone off the top of my head, but he’d have to give off the vibe of an old man who lives on a farm…I feel like I just have the face of an 80-year-old farmer.
Kristiana: If you were to go on a reality TV show, which one would it be and why?
Frank: “The Voice.” You know I have an incredible howl.
Kristiana: What’s your biggest pet peeve?
Frank: When you and dad make me come inside and I just want to stay in the backyard and sniff things all day.
Michael Guerra & Dom the Pug-Zu
How ’bout them Cowboys?! As one can imagine from the photos above, this is a phrase Michael Guerra and his one-year-old Pug-Zu toss around on a regular basis. Seriously, you won’t find a more committed fan duo than this pair. Though their resemblance comes more from their shared interests and personality traits, Michael and Dom are truly kindred spirits. Outside their shared and fervent love for “dem boyz,” they both enjoy falling asleep on the couch, making TikToks together and savoring every delicious bite of a meal.
Michael: What are your favorite activities to partake in while home alone?
Dom: Finding clothes, especially socks, that do not belong to me! I even love Bailey’s (my human sister’s) beauty blenders.
Michael: What’s your least favorite piece of furniture in the house?
Dom: My dog bed! Although Bailey’s bed is way better…
Michael: What’s your favorite thing about living with our family?
Dom: The car rides and pup cups are my favorite! I also love watching the Cowboys play and making TikToks with you.
Michael: Who would play you in a movie and why?
Dom: Mel from “Secret Life of Pets” — we have lots of similarities and are a little bit hyperactive, yet somehow a dopey pug!
Michael: If you could be adopted by any celebrity, who would it be and why?
Dom: The singer Karol G so you can then meet her!
Michael: What’s your favorite song to jam to and why?
Dom: Parker McCollum’s “I Can’t Breathe,” mostly because I find it very relatable.
Michael: If you were to go on a reality TV show, which one would it be and why?
Dom: “America’s Next Top Model,” mainly because I have a vast collection of clothes that I wear daily! I just know Tyra Banks would love me.
Michael: Go-to snack?
Dom: I LOVE TREATS!!! Especially the bacon ones. I also love when my brother shares his human food with me when no one is looking.
