The Edina Lifestyle team isn’t just a crew of talented editors and publishers – they’re also a squad of devoted pet parents. Behind the scenes (and often on the keyboards) are a handful of charismatic, quirky and completely spoiled furry companions who run the real show. From toy-naming prodigies to fashion-forward felines, these pets have plenty to say about their pampered lives. So let’s hear it – straight from the paws that run the place.
Charil
Spokes-cat for Editor Sarah Knieff
Let me make one thing very clear: I’m royalty. You may call me Queen Charil, Feather Connoisseur. My hobbies include executing three a.m. hallway zoomies and flinging feather toys like I’m stalking prey in the Amazon – although I do it with far more grace, obviously. My favorite indulgence? CATNIP TREATS. They turn me into a goofy goddess and then knock me out for a cozy six-hour nap. My go-to lounging spot is wherever the sunbeam hits just right – bonus points if it’s on top of clean laundry. You’ll find me out on the deck in my stroller (yes, stroller – I am a lady of luxury). My mama is the absolute best, despite the fashion crimes she occasionally commits by dressing me in silly outfits. I’ll allow it, for five minutes. I’m also incredibly gifted. I can knock anything off a table without breaking eye contact. And my purr? It’s a tactical weapon. That broken vase? Gravity’s fault, darling. Not mine.
Olly
Feline-in-Chief for Publication Director Susan Shannon
Please, call me Olly. Mister Olly if you're new. I spend my days in dignified solitude -- except during my sacred morning cream ritual with Mother. I supervise this ceremony daily, often needing to alert her through operatic reminders. My most prized possession? A catnip squirrel, which I methodically dismantle in private. As for rest, I’ve curated the cashmere drawer as my personal retreat; the humans’ surprise at this is laughable. Outdoors? A dismal experience. I far prefer overseeing household operations from a wool-blend throne. My staff (Mother) tends to my every whim, though the secondary human is showing promise. Promotion pending. I maintain discipline within the household, particularly where the canine is concerned – swift paw swats maintain order. My talents include appearing wherever I am least expected and dictating the wardrobe rotation by claiming drawer space. I am not a pet – I am the curator of this home. Now, please close the drawer gently on your way out.
Peanut
Neighborhood Rule Enforcer for Publisher Alex Patty
Hi! I'm Peanut, and honestly—I am the fun. I take walk patrols very seriously, ensuring all dogs (and squirrels, leaves, or oddly placed cones) follow the rules I invent on the spot. I’ve trained my mom well; these days, I get a treat for just looking at her with my signature side-eye. When it’s nap time, I rotate between my many beds, but my fave spot? On the sunny patio, or snuggling on the loveseat with Mom. I avoid the car unless I know it’s Grandma’s house or the cabin – we're talking 50/50 odds here. Mom is my ride-or-die. She gets me, spoils me, and even lets me snuggle like the bottle-fed baby I once was. I also adore Grandma – she’s all love, no rules. My talents? I know my toys by name. Sharkey, Pierre Bear, Raffie – you call it, I fetch it. I'm also a seasoned boater and paddle boarder, and always suited up in my adorable lobster costume for Halloween. Spa day? Love it. Snuggles? Constant. I'm basically living the dream.