Shiimsa came to live with Liz in Mtigwaki when Liz really needed a friend. The kitten was a stray discovered by Jesse, one of Liz's students. Jesse saw a cat needing a home and a person in need of a pet, so he manipulated Elizabeth into keeping Shiimsa. At first, Elizabeth resisted; the expense, the mess and the cat hair was too much for her! However Shiimsa (meaning "little animal friend" in Ojibwe) quickly grew on her and is now part of the family, hairballs and all!

The offspring of Farley and Sera (Connie's dog), Edgar was part of the Patterson family from the first time April and Connie convinced Elly to hold him. That was the plan! At nine years of age Edgar is still full of energy. He bounds after squirrels and after Butterscotch bunny. He usually escapes from John when he gets caught going through the garbage, and avoids being trained as much as possible. Edgar is Farley's son in every way and has secured his position as the "Alpha" member of the Patterson pets.

Named for her colour, Butterscotch is the second house rabbit the Pattersons have owned. When the kids at school learned that April's pet had died, they let her know that a schoolmate was looking for someone to take his rabbit! April was happy to adopt an unwanted bunny and brought her home. More delicate than her predecessor, Butterscotch is still full of mischief and has her own bad habits - one of which is emptying her cage of all wood chips - onto the floor! She now lives with Mike and Deanna and gets lots of attention from Meredith and Robin.

Dixie is the dog Grandpa acquired from a friend who moved into a senior's residence - then Elly acquired Dixie - when Grandpa moved into a senior's residence! At first, Elly was against taking in another pet, but knowing how important Dixie is to her father she agreed to welcome her as part of the household. Although Dixie misses Grandpa, she has become quite comfortable at the Patterson's and is Eddie's faithful follower in all of his adventures - Dixie knows how to make a clean break when Eddy gets into trouble, however. Grandpa must have taught her that!

In the fall of 2002 the Pattersons lost another pet. Mr. B, the fuzzy white house rabbit became ill and died in April's arms. Elizabeth had brought Mr. B home from Manitoba where she had bought him at a farm auction. Elly was not pleased to see her daughter picking up a cage along with her suitcases. However, April was delighted to see a new pet arrive and Michael, motivated by his love for vocabulary named him Sheldon Fuzzlewhite Bunsworthy; "Mr. B" for short.

Mr. B had spunk. He had attitude. He chewed the carpets and tore the wallpaper. He gnawed baseboards and table legs and more than once Elly threatened to give him away. He was more trouble than the dogs! But he was loved!

From the beginning, Farley was a significant part of the Patterson's lives. He was "one of the kids" to Elly and John, trusting friend for Elizabeth and Michael during their teenage years, and a protector to April. When Farley passed away, saving young April from a raging river, it was a bleak day for the Pattersons. At the age of 14 Farley's old heart could not withstand the cold and the stress. Determined to hold April's head above water until help arrived, he made it to shore and died a hero, surrounded by the family who loved him. The Patterson's buried him under a big leafy tree in the ravine behind their house and visit him often. Sometimes they swear they can still hear the sound of his collar and the gentle patter of his paws - as though he was walking beside them! Mr. B is buried beside him. Remembering Farley.