Celebrity Pet Tales

Written by Bakersfield Magazine

Steve Gradowitz-DJ, KUZZ Radio

Though we have dogs, they’re technically my wife’s. We did have a turkey as a pet once—we got it for the kids...and for Thanksgiving. We named it Noodle Nose and it would rub its head against you and wander around our farm. He was part of the family. When Thanksgiving came around, we were just hoping the kids didn’t realize what they were eating...but I think they did; they’re in therapy now. It was a true family Thanksgiving that year.

Michael Rubio-Fifth District Supervisor, Kern County

My chocolate lab, Levi, has been a great friend and companion for many years. In spite of being hit by a truck a few years ago, Levi has persevered and rejoined me during my long triathlon training days. When I go on my 2-plus mile swims, 100-plus mile cycle rides, and 20-plus mile runs to prepare for triathlons and marathons, Levi is right there alongside me. Truth be told, he out swims and outruns me every now and then, but he has never been able to beat me on the bike. Lucky for me, he has trouble reaching the pedals. Though he is definitely more of a listener than a talker, I can always count on him to give me 110 percent of his attention and love at all times.

Kevin Bartl-VP, Communications and Voice of the Bakersfield Condors

Back in March, I got a fish tank for my office...I thought it would be a good way to relax. I had always wanted cichlids but they’re an aggressive fish, and they say not to put them in a communal tank with other species. So I got four African cichlids and named one of them Bucky after a co-worker who was leaving. One day, Bucky was missing a fin, the next day he was missing the other fin, and another day he was floating on the surface. These fish are vicious. I even got a red-clawed crab to put in the tank, but he would pinch the fish. One day, I came back from out of town and I couldn’t find the crab. A few days later, I saw his upside down shell on the bottom of the tank...empty. I guess he got his.

Francis Mayer-DJ, KRAB Radio

I was on my way to pick up a male chocolate lab pup when I got the call about this one...and at the end of the day, I had a female yellow lab pup with a black birthmark on her ear. And it’s been a great fit.

Belle followed me around from the minute we brought her home, and sometimes she follows me to work. Not that it’s a problem.

The whole KRAB team is into animals. Meathead’s house is more den than house; he’s got three dogs right now. Miranda has a German Shepherd she walks every day. The Real Bruce Wayne has two Miniature Pinschers, and Danny Spanks has, like, seven cats and a couple dogs. I think he also has some kind of reptile living on top of his TV. I’m not sure if Robin has a pet, but I’ll take a guess and say she does...and that it’s an iguana named Bruce Campbell.

My love of my pet even extends to my paycheck. I’ve told my boss that in lieu of a raise, he could just let me bring my dog to work every day, no questions asked. I’m still waiting to hear back on that one!

Jenn Neumann-DJ, KLLY Radio

When I first moved here, I took Aubrey everywhere with me, even shopping at the mall. She has her own mock-croc hot pink “purse” that I carry her in and she just sits or lays down in it and can poke her head out to look around when she wants.

One day I took her over to the mall to buy a gift for my friend’s son at KB Toys and was looking around with Aubrey and she had her head poking out, just quietly looking around. I found the gift I wanted and went to stand in line at the check out. Once I got up there, I was busy talking to the cashier and not paying any attention to Aubrey. I thanked the cashier and started to leave the store, when the sensors went off. I looked around and saw that I was the only one trying to leave the store. The manager hurried over and asked me if he could look in my bag. I said ‘Sure’ and handed him my bag and the receipt. He looked at it and said ‘OK, try going through again.’

I did and it went off again. He then asked me if he could look in my purse, so I handed it over to him. After finding nothing he asked if he could look in the pink bag, where Aubrey was. I said ‘OK,’ opened up the bag all the way, and there was Aubrey holding a tiny stuffed animal in her mouth looking up at us with her tail wagging. She was obviously very pleased with herself for getting a new toy when I wasn’t looking.

I was so embarrassed that I’m sure I turned the brightest shade of red anyone has ever seen, but I also couldn’t help laugh when the manager started giggling over what he found in the bag as well. I apologized and, thankfully, the manager just said it was OK and let me pay for it.