Life on Otter Drive in The Preserve is full of sunshine, laughter, and wagging tails, thanks to three very special residents who have taken the neighborhood by storm—Elmo, Finley, and Basil. Collectively known as “The Misfits of Otter Drive,” this lovable trio of rescue pups fills the home of Anne and Don Waite with joy, loyalty, and just the right amount of mischief.

The Waites have lived in The Preserve for four years and adore the friendly faces, natural beauty, and peaceful atmosphere of the neighborhood. Their fenced backyard offers plenty of space for the dogs to play, while Anne’s butterfly garden adds color and calm to their little slice of paradise.

Each of their “Misfits” has a rescue story—one that began with fostering and ended with forever love.

Elmo, the wise and gentle elder of the group, is a 14-year-old brindle Lab mix. He was just twelve weeks old when Anne and Don fostered him from a shelter in Baltimore, Maryland—and, of course, he never left. With his striking tiger-striped coat and soulful eyes, Elmo has always been the calm center of the household. These days, his favorite pastime is lounging by the front door, quietly watching the birds and neighborhood wildlife go by. Though spinal stenosis has slowed him down, he still insists on his daily walks—steady, slow, and full of purpose. Elmo may move a little slower now, but his spirit and devotion haven’t faded one bit.

Finley, now 13, is the family’s spunky pit mix with the softest white-and-tan coat and mesmerizing blue eyes. She came into their lives as a medical foster, recovering from back leg deformities. What was supposed to be a temporary stay quickly became permanent when Finley’s cheerful energy and loving heart won them over. Known for her goofy personality and boundless happiness, Finley has a signature move—whenever someone calls her a “pretty girl,” she bursts into a full-blown case of the zoomies, racing through the house in pure joy. Her happy-go-lucky attitude and constant grin bring a smile to everyone she meets.

Basil, the baby of the bunch at four years old, is a sleek black Lab mix with intelligence, charm, and a playful streak. Originally adopted by their daughter from a shelter in Pennsylvania, Basil became part of the Waite household when their daughter moved to Fort Lauderdale for PA school. The plan was to help out temporarily—but Basil quickly made herself at home, especially after bonding with Finley and falling head-over-paws for Don. She’s the social butterfly of the family, always ready for fun. Basil loves swimming, sunbathing by the pool, and hopping into the car for any excuse to go for a ride.

At home, the trio is inseparable. They share treats like bully sticks, lamb ears, and cheese, and they have a shared hobby of unstuffing every plush toy that crosses the threshold. As Anne laughs, “This is why they can’t have nice things!”

Their favorite times, though, are the quiet ones—when everyone piles onto the couch together for an afternoon nap or a cozy evening cuddle. “I’m most content when I’m home on the couch and all three dogs are sleeping beside me,” Anne shares. “It’s pure happiness.”

Around the neighborhood, Elmo and Basil enjoy leisurely walks through The Preserve, greeting friends and soaking in the fresh air, while Finley prefers her strolls through Isla Vista. Basil is also the family’s adventurous spirit—she’s always up for a car ride and would happily spend the day chasing waves and seagulls at the beach. Finley, the spa lover, would choose endless pampering sessions, while Elmo is content to simply bask in the sunshine and watch the world go by.

Together, Elmo, Finley, and Basil are the heart and soul of the Waite household—a perfect example of how love finds its way home. Each one was rescued, yet each in turn rescued Anne and Don in their own special way. Whether they’re napping in a heap of fur, playing in the yard, or greeting neighbors with wagging tails, The Misfits of Otter Drive have truly found their happily ever after—and Anne and Don wouldn’t have it any other way.