Page 24 - South Mississippi Living - April, 2026

COAST NOTE
More Than Realtors
The Animal Activists of Coldwell Banker Alfonso Realty
story by Lynn Lofton
photos courtesy of the Coldwell Banker Alfonso Realty
They’re not only realtors—at Coldwell Banker Alfonso Realty it’s a pet-friendly offiffice where they’re not just pet owners but also animal welfare activists.
“Around here, loving animals is just part of who we are,” says CEO Carlene Alfonso. “Between our agents and staffff you’ll fifind dogs, cats, horses, birds and even the occasional exotic lizard; most of them rescues who ended up exactly where they were meant to be.”
She added that they are big believers in supporting rescue groups and making sure animals are cared for properly, including spaying and neutering, and often paid out of their
own pockets. They are proud to support SadieFest, which benefifits the Hancock County Animal Shelter, as well as Tired Dog Rescue, Wild at Heart Rescue, the Humane Society of South Mississippi, and organizations that contribute funds to the spaying and neutering of cats.
“On any given day you might walk into one of our offiffices
and see a meeting happening with a dog under the desk or a
cat supervising from a chair,” says Alfonso. And honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way.”A Bearded Dragon Lizard named Critter is the offiffice’s most unusual pet. Other breeds include Cavalier King Charles, long-haired Dachshund, English Bulldog, Shi Tzu, Scottish Terrier, Golden Retriever, and a beloved Mutt.
The offiffice also has offiffice cats, feral cats that over the years became offiffice pets and live on the offiffice’s back porch just offff
the kitchen. “The kitchen is always busy with activity, so the cats slowly get used to seeing people and not being so frightened,” Alfonso said. “There are many great stories to share.”
Carlene Alfonso | Girlie
24 | April 2026 www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living