These Mississippi natives give the Brady Bunch a run for their money. Summertime is here and we are elated to present the Farmer family: Vontese, Doty, Will (17), Nolan (16), Elizabeth (11), Tucker, Abby, Bentley and Victor! Vontese is from Cleveland, MS, Doty from Benoit, MS and the two met while studying at Delta State University. They relocated to Oxford when Doty was offered a position as Opthamologist with Rayner Eye Clinic. While visiting Oxford’s Square one winter evening, the holiday lights adorned the Square, Christmas music echoed from the Courthouse and snow began to fall. The couple looked at one another and said, “I feel like I’m on a postcard”. It was that same picturesque feeling that laid the foundation for many more memories to come.
The Farmers could not call their house a home, without their beloved, four-legged members. Tucker and Abby are the Golden Retrievers of the bunch and Bentley is the baby, a golden-doodle. Being the oldest, Tucker is the leader of the pack and makes his presence known. Any time the family falls-in for family photos, Tucker marches front and center, and poses for the camera. His family knows he would have made an amazing service dog and has done so for his family. He predicts Vonteses migraines with accuracy, and communicates his predictions with clear body language signals. He typically presses himself against her as a clear signal. He once hovered over Doty for days accompanied by his signature “lean” against the leg. Doty said, “Well, I feel alright… hopefully I’m not going to die”. Thankfully, Doty is healthy, but the family had a good laugh about it.
Abby, the younger Golden and a champion swimmer, can be quite dominant in the pool. She swims laps around the others while also splashing them out of her path. Abby does not let the winter chill halt her favorite activity, she swims year round almost oblivious to the ice sickles hanging from her beard. Abby loves spending her downtime spooning her baby brother Bentley. At just 10 months, Bentley is still very much the baby of the family although almost standing just as tall. He certainly soaks up the extra attention that puppies often require. He likes to spend his evening watching TV with the family cuddling in an upright position on the couch- feet out-stretched, sitting like a person. Now all he needs is control of the remote for the younger perspective!
Victor is the only feline member of the family. At eight years old, he is the oldest four-legged family-member. Like most typical “house cats”, he likes to lead a semi-private life and keeps to himself, but isn’t afraid to play the role of “tough guy” if duty calls.
This family has adapted to the diverse personalities that inhabit their home. They can often be found watching movies with their parents; and while they have spent much time beach-side in their youth, they seem to prefer to couch surfing instead, especially after a long day of pampering by their favorite Homeward Bound groomer. Petflix and couch-chill anyone? Please welcome us in celebrating our June Pet Family of the Month!