09/25/2025
🐾Precious Pets: Three’s Company: Life With Bane, Zeus & Oreo
In Elliot and Shelby Kimball’s household, you’re never truly alone—not with a watchful husky in the yard and two feline roommates who decide nightly whose bed they’ll grace with their presence.
Bane, the husky, and Zeus, affectionately known as “the big fat kitty” were impulsive additions. While they were dating, Elliot mentioned wanting a husky and within days, the Kimballs found Bane through a fellow military family. Around the same time, knowing Shelby was going through a tough season and loved cats, Elliot took her to the humane society in Quantico, VA. When Zeus refused to leave their sides, they knew he was coming home. As for Oreo, he sealed his own fate with nonstop meowing at Elliot during a trip to Petland.
All three love spending time with the family, usually lounging in whatever room the Kimballs are in. At night, Oreo and Zeus rotate beds, picking a different room every night. Bane loves being outside with the kids, and never misses a chance to run off for adventures, even if it means the family is chasing him barefoot.
Bane loves playing with all animals, though most don’t share his excitement. His favorite is the neighbor’s dog, who keeps her distance, but that doesn’t stop Bane from being her biggest fan.
Then there’s Zeus, the intuitive snuggler. When Shelby was pregnant with her son, Maverick, Zeus would hug her belly all day. During her last pregnancy, she guessed she was having a girl because Zeus wasn’t nearly as affectionate.
It’s this deep connection that makes all three furry friends special. They’re incredibly in tune with the Kimballs. Bane never leaves Shelby’s side during health challenges, Zeus offers quiet comfort during emotional lows, and Oreo always checks in from a distance. Different as they are, they all share one thing - unconditional love for the Kimballs.
🖊By Jolene Chao, Staff Writer
