Best Friends Pet Photo Contest

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Best Friends Pet Photo Contest 2026

Sponsored by Just Animals Shelter and August Hill Winery

This is your opportunity to share your BEST shot of your pet and have them on a wine bottle label from August Hill Winery! Just imagine giving a bottle of your favorite wine as a gift and your “Best Friend” is on the label!
 Make sure you read the Contest Rules below so that your submission qualifies. This is very important!

April 3-6: Enter the “Pet Photo Contest” to have your pet’s photo on a wine label!

Enter your pet’s photo for a chance to be one of the top 3 winners in each of the 2 categories (Dog and Cat), and 2 Wild Card winners, who will have their pet’s photograph on an August Hill wine label. Enter April 3 through April 6 at 9 pm. $10 donation to enter with all proceeds from the contest benefiting Just Animals shelter’s spay/neuter program. 

April 7-12: Vote for your favorite pet photo

For $1 per vote, you get to help pick the winner.  Voting begins on April 7 and ends on April 12 at 9 pm. $5 minimum vote since this is a FUNdraiser. The Pet Photo Registration section will go away after voting begins on the 7th.

May 2: Winners Announced at Sip ‘N’ Snip Festival

The winners will be announced at the Sip ‘n’ Snip Festival on May 2!
Top Dog – 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place
Coolest Cat – 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place
Plus 2 Wild Card Winners!

It’s for a Great Cause!

Proceeds from the event and the photo contest support the spay/neuter program of Just Animals Shelter.

Pet Photo Registration

Important information:

Pet Photo Registration: April 3rd – 6th
Pet Photo Voting: April 7th-12th
The Pet Photo Registration section will go away after voting begins on the 7th.
Votes are non-refundable and may not be moved from one entry to another after they have been placed.

Submissions are now closed.

Pet Photo Voting

Leaderboard

1
Izzy Marie Sacia

Izzy Marie Sacia

Izzy (only Izzy Marie when she is in trouble) Is 6 years old. She goes to work with me everyday. She loves to swim,go on side by side (ATV) rides, visit and build Veterinary clinics, ride on wave runners.....basically anything we can do together. She literally matches my energy if Im fired up and want to go out and do something physical and fun, she's in! If I want to relax by the pool or hot tub, she thinks that's great too! The wave runner story is a fun story. We were at a friend's house, they were doing fantasy football ball draft and went long. It was a beautiful day so Izzy and I decided to go out on the waverinner. I was thinking she might be scared at first and would probably just ride on the side by my feet and I would go real slow. NOPE! not my Iz she climbed on the back by herself jumped up on the seat and said "Let's GO!" We road around all day not with her laying down and holding on for dear life, but with her sitting up behind me like she had done this her wholelife! She is literally my best friend! I tell her things I would not tell anyone else. I love her and sadly I am losing her to cancer. F$#! Cancer!!!

505 votes
2
Jeorgi

Jeorgi

Jeorgi could do anything - even walk on water. She loved dock diving and K9Noseworks. Whatever I was doing - she was my assistant. We found a baby kitten only and bottlefeed it back to good health. Jeorgi was that kittens bodyguard. She slept beside it's cage at night. They ran and played. Jeorgi had a heart of gold.

504 votes
3
Thomas O'Malley

Thomas O'Malley

Thomas is a 14 year old self proclaimed teddy bear. He loves kisses, snuggles, and snacks. Some of his nicknames include: Cheechies, Buggle, Bubbas, and Mr. Jefferson (the last one is only when hes getting up to trouble). Thomas was given to my family by the cat distribution system when my uncle found him in a dumpster in the alley behind his apartment! He enjoys playing with ribbons and eating treats every chance he gets! He loves to meow at you and His favorite thing to do is share your pillow and blankie at night but dont forget to put your arm over him and hug him close!

303 votes
4
Tilly Ferguson

Tilly Ferguson

She is 2.5 years old, She loves all the foods, there is nothing she hasn’t wanted to eat. She loves her Dad so much, she will lick inside his mouth to wake him up. She is an epic snuggler but will help mom in the garden all day long. Work from home she is there for every email and meeting, except when she is barking at any moving thing outside the fence. She is the queen of the household and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

303 votes
5
Gaston

Gaston

My name is Gaston. I’m almost 1. I was an orphan bottle baby from Just Animals and am a little wobbly when I walk. I was born with bad coordination but that doesn’t slow me down. I adore play time, snuggles, and riding in the pocket of my new Mom’s special hoodie she got just for me. It’s pretty awesome that I get to go to work with my people everyday and meet all kinds of new friends.

289 votes
6
Onyx

Onyx

Onyx is 4 months old. She is an active pup who loves people. Fetching her ball is her favorite activity. She rings the bells on the doorknob when she wants to go outside to potty or to just lounge on the porch. As you can see, she is a lanky, legged girlie! While looking for my reading glasses, apparently she knew I needed help finding them as she proudly prances to me with my folded glasses in her mouth. So smart or just devious? She came to us from a breeder, New Life Kennels, who had had a litter present with sickly puppies. We decided to go ahead and adopt her and take on the immediate vet costs of getting her well. So happy we did! Our Onyx, the Labradoodle, has brought laughter, love, and life into our home.

215 votes
7
Moose

Moose

Moose is a 4 year old momma's boy. He loves to play fetch with his mouse.

171 votes
8
Niko

Niko

Niko is a 5 month old Russian blue kitten I adopted from Just animals in Mazon in February. He is a smart, playful, affectionate boy who loves everyone. He loves to play with his Pom Pom balls and his toy anchovies. He also loves to cuddle. When he is told it is bedtime he likes to lead me around the house to shut off all the lights, lock the doors and help with the bedtime routine. When all that is done he hops up the bed and loves to cuddle with me all night long. Usually cheek to cheek. He is a little love bug.

141 votes
9
Lily

Lily

Lily, is a three-year-old beauty, has an outgoing personality. She loves everybody she meets and enjoys playing with her toys and big sister. She also loves eating, sunbathing on the patio, and snuggling with her humans.

118 votes
10
Lucky

Lucky

Last August, Kyle found Lucky laying in the road as a small kitten. He was dirty, flea infested and weak. We guestimate that he was approximately 5 weeks old. He was feral. We weaned him back to health. We vaccinated, neutered and chipped him. We named him Lucky for obvious reasons 😀

101 votes
11
Dixie

Dixie

Don't let the face fool you! Dixie is a 12 year old snuggle bug who is so full of life and personality. She was adopted when she was 6 years old and has made herself right at home. If she's not playing with her favorite toys, you'll find her in the front window, soaking up the sun.

79 votes
12
Anakin

Anakin

He is 5 years old. His name fits him as he rules the house. Loves to strut around the house being top cat in the house

50 votes
13
Roy

Roy

Roy is a 10 year old terrier mix. We adopted him from the Livingston County Animal Shelter. Roy is a real friendly guy. He loves everyone! He is very smart and has lots of tricks up his sleeve. He can do the basic tricks of sit, stay and come. He can also roll over, dance, play red light green light, tic tack toe and the shell game. He loves snacks and will do anything for a treat.

48 votes
14
Nash and Koda

Nash and Koda

Both of our best friends are rescues. Despite the age difference, they are bonded and best pals. Our youngest, Nash, has brought new life to our 9 year old Koda.

48 votes
15
Rosie

Rosie

Rosie is one year and a few months old. She is the funniest and goofiest dog I have ever met. She loves to make people laugh and smile. Her favorite activity is treating her bones like it’s ice-skating. She loves to stand on her bones and run across the floor with them. She loves playing with her siblings, and especially loves to interact with our bird at home.

37 votes
16
Indiana Jones

Indiana Jones

We adopted Indiana Jones (6) in 2022 from Just Animals as my husband's retirement buddy and he has filled a void in our family we never expected. He is the best son, brother, and uncle we could ever ask for. He enjoys long walks, securing the yard from all birds and squirrels, zoomies, and playing catch.

28 votes
17
River

River

River is 2 years young. She is part pitbull part lab. She is a great dog. She joined our pack when she was 2 months old. She loves her(my) boys and enjoys playing with her shitzu bestie Woofie. Her momma Mossy passed this year so she is learning to be queen of the house all while grieving the loss of her momma. She loves to spend her days chasing birds, squirrels and rabbits. She also really enjoys jumping on the trampoline with her boys. She is sneaky though because when she is on it, Woofie her shitzu bestie can't reach her. So she taunts him every chance she gets. She is so spunky and sassy. She is known to give a big loud sigh and turn away when she isn't getting what she wants. 😆

26 votes
18
Odin

Odin

Odin is the sweetest boy 10year old DSH. He loves to meow early in the morning demanding he’s breakfast and to cuddle up right next to you for bed time.

26 votes
19
Wylie

Wylie

Wylie is about 6 he’s the sweetest shyest boy you’ve ever met. He loves hiking and boat rides. He’s been camping many times.

23 votes
20
Bo and Penny

Bo and Penny

Bo, a 3yr old French Bulldog is full of energy and excitement. He can sniff out any tennis ball or hear a squeak of a toy from miles away. He loves to fill your lap with his Willy tush. But beware his big eyes look so innocent when any foul smells float in the air. Penny, a 4 yr old micro bully loves her walks. This shows off her commanding look as she trots down the sidewalk with complete control. Even though she has this presence, she is nothing short of a lover. She lives her relaxation time with her brother Bo. The two of them have a contest on who can snore the loudest. Besides their brother sister relationship you can referee a WWE match with equal wins between the two. They are a great combo of sugar and spice with a pinch of attitude. Bo is a graduate adoption from Just Animals back in December 2025. Penny is also an adoptee from Magnificent Mutts in Hillside back in October 2025.

20 votes
21
Harley

Harley

Harley is an ole 12 year old girl chocolate lab. Her personality is happy, loving and big protector of grandma. Harley loves her daily walks, ball ball and playing. Harley has lived a rough life contracting a airborne illness that almost took her life, she’s a tough pup and fought it after a intensive week in the animal hospital and constant medication she’s been back to healthy ole self. Harley loves to soak up the fresh air and sunshine. She’s the light of many of our lives

19 votes
22
Mira

Mira

Mira is approximately 6 years old she has such an outgoing personality and loves everyone she meets especially kids. She loves a few things besides that, playing tug if war, swinging her toys around and playing fetch, belly and butt scratches and loves her naps!

16 votes
23
Miller

Miller

Miller aka Millie Miller, a 2 year old wild child! Miller was rescued from a kill shelter with her days numbered to be euthanized. She was found as a 10 month old puppy and no one wanted her due to her high energy. Miller was then adopted by me and it wasn’t just those eyes that melted my heart, her loving and caring personality held a special place in my heart. With some training she’s become the bestest pup ever! So loving, caring. Miller loves her daily walks with her best friend Harley they are two peas in a pod. Inseparable! She loves her ball ball and testing the durability of Barkbox super chew toys. She will steal your heart with these beautiful eyes

14 votes
24
Puffles

Puffles

Puffles is 5 yrs old. Shes the BEST Cat!

12 votes
25
Apollo Ferguson

Apollo Ferguson

Apollo is almost 2 years old and is an Irish doodle. He's a super picky eater and if it's not meat or cheese, he's not interested. He is super social and loves to go everywhere with us.

11 votes
26
Norton Campbell

Norton Campbell

Norton is our 12 year old friend. We picked him up from Just Animals in Mazon around October of last year. He had one owner before us who was no longer able to take care of him and his much younger siblings. After watching his siblings get adopted, Norton found us and melted our hearts.

11 votes
27
Spotty

Spotty

Spotty is very social. He is often the first one out of the barn in the morning to great you. That is, unless it is raining. Spotty hates the rain. He makes a scene like the rain will melt him. ❤️

8 votes
28
Lexi

Lexi

Lexi is 4 My absolute favorite food is peanut butter and I love to chase the frisbee. I hang out with my sister Luna and we go on walks and lay in the sun

7 votes
29
Kiba

Kiba

Kiba is my 11 year old alaskan malamute-wolf hybrid, my soul dog. He's magnificent, a true show stopper (literally people stop by everytime we're out to ask about him and pet him) . Kiba is the sweetest boy, a gentle giant. In his prime, Kiba loved hiking. We used to live in CO, so we'd hit the hiking trails every weekend. Nowadays Kiba enjoys walks in his neighborhood or forest preserve and his big cushy bed. He also loves being the protector of his new human baby brother. Kiba is a 2 time cancer survivor. He was diagnosed the first time with a rare form of bladder cancer in 2022, when he was only 7 years old. He had less than a 1% chance of beating it and guess what, he beat the odds and kicked cancers butt! In 2025, he was diagnosed with oral sarcoma which was removed from his mouth by no other than Dr. Mark. Kiba is truly the best dog and I'm so greatful he's mine ❤️.

7 votes
30
Ellie

Ellie

Ellie Mae was adopted December 13, 2025 from Just Animals. She is about to turn 1.❤️ She is the sweetest cat that loves her human momma most. She is very vocal and loving with everyone in the house. We call her Ellie belly because she has a very large belly and absolutely loves food! Besides eating, she loves to play and will throw her own toys and chase them. Mice and little fluffy balls are her favorite. She loves to nap every afternoon on a fluffy pink blanket on a bench in my bedroom. Fun story… my teenage daughter and I went to Just Animals to find a cat for me since her cat only cuddles her and I was jealous. The free roam cat room had so many choices but Ellie climbed right into my lap and started purring. I’m pretty sure she picked us! I couldn’t be happier. 😍

7 votes
31
Luna

Luna

Luna is 5 I love walks with my sister Lexi and hanging out on the deck just lounging in the sun and watching for squirrels.

6 votes
32
Raven

Raven

Raven is our Halloween baby - born 10/31/19. Midnight Raven is her name, but she goes by Raven. We adopted her from a couple that were getting stationed overseas and couldn't take her. She was 10 months old when she became our baby. She is very protective and makes the best walking companion a girl could ever ask for. Very picky eater... but loves her treats. Once she accepts you, you are a friend of her for life. Love her to the moon and back (50 million times over)...

6 votes
33
Juno

Juno

This is Juno, my 2 year old alaskan malamute. She's a wild child! Juno loves hiking, going for walks, playing fetch, chasing bunnies, and being the center of attention. She's definitely the goof of the house and keeps a smile on everyones face. Recently Juno became a big sister to a human baby brother and she absolutely loves him (sometimes I think she thinks it's her baby, haha)!

6 votes
34
Tank

Tank

Tank is a 5-month old Yorkie, and the son of Gypsy and Auggie. He's a rambunctious, precocious, and super sweet. He was the only survivor from his litter, and he shows his strength and determination every day!

5 votes
35
Belle

Belle

This is Belle she is 12 years old. She is the most loveable and affectionate cat I have ever met. She is constantly purring, wanting to be petted, and pressing her head into your leg. Loves her toys and laying outside in her tent to listen and watch birds.

5 votes
36
Tye

Tye

I’m absolutely thrilled to share my photo of Tye. He is a 2 year old Tuxedo! We adopted this charming boy last Fall. Thank you to the wonderful, and dedicated team at Just Animals. Tye is posed beautifully! I love his wide eyed wonder while watching a flurry of blackbirds land over the cornfield that stretches behind what we now call his Fur-Ever Home! 🖤🤍

5 votes
37
Rosie

Rosie

Rosie is 2 yr old Doberman Pincher. She loves going for walks and seeing all her friends in downtown Utica, especially visiting the bank and getting her treat!

5 votes
38
Ivy and Phoebe

Ivy and Phoebe

Ivy (5) and Phoebe (1) love to play chase and tug of war and they always snuggle at nap time. Best friends ❤️

5 votes
39
Reindeer

Reindeer

Reindeer is an 8yr old Great Dane. She loves basking in the Sunshine 🌞

4 votes
40
Bella

Bella

Bella is a 12 year old Chihuahua/miniature dachshund. She spends her time working as head of security. No one gets close to the door without Bella sounding the alarm. In her down time Bella enjoys snuggling under the blankets with her favorite people.

4 votes
41
Phoebe

Phoebe

Phoebe, originally “Sage” was adopted at four months old from Just Animals in Mazon. She is now almost fourteen months old and living her best life with her brothers and sisters. Phoebe is playful, laidback, and loves cuddling with her mommy.

4 votes
42
Dime

Dime

Dime is 10yrs old. She's a sweet gentle lady who loves heated blankets and naps.

4 votes
43
Willow & Moonlight

Willow & Moonlight

Willow is a purebred mini-hereford cow and Moonlight is a dwarf goat. Willow is very gentle and lets kids and goats alike ride her. She loves to be brushed, petted and treats. Moonlight is skittish. While he loves his animal friends, sometimes the humans are scary.

4 votes
44
Shane

Shane

This is my favorite picture of my wonderful dog Shane, he is seven years old in this picture

3 votes
45
Stella

Stella

Stella is the best girl! She was adopted from Help Save Pets in Shorewood. Although she is in her golden years, she still lights up around the grandkids. She loves the cuddles, pets and floor snacks!

3 votes
46
Duke

Duke

Duke is a 7 year old pit bull mix who love to lounge around and snuggle along with going on the occasional convertible ride with his mom.

3 votes
47
Maize

Maize

Maize is 7 years old. We named her after michigan maize and Blue! We adopted her when she was a year old. She's very eccentric, and energetic. Her favorite activity is begging for food, cuddling, and licking everything! Her least favorite activity is anything that involves water, including baths! Our first week after adopting her, we cooked corned beef. While we were eating in the living room, she snuck the corned beef from the counter, and brought it into the living room to eat with us. We didn't notice it right away!

3 votes
48
Coda and Trigger

Coda and Trigger

Coda is a lovely girl from the Williams County Animal Shelter in Williston, ND. She had a bad case of mites when we met her, and she was terrified to even get in the car. But with time and love, we got her skin cleaned up, and now she loves car rides! Her favorite spot, though, is the couch. Trigger was adopted from a dog rescue in Cody, Wyoming. His previous family had to many dogs, and he was the most adoptable because he was the youngest. He's a wonderful companion, and we call him our camo dog because he has stripes, spots, and mismatched whiskers. Trigger and Coda have become best friends, and they both think they are lap dogs!

2 votes
49
Kyro

Kyro

This is Kyro he is 5 years old and was adopted by us when he was 2 years old from Orlando Fl. He is very loving, affectionate, playful, and a little bit lazy. He favorite thing is car rides, going on walks, and his cheese bone. And he is a husky boston terrier mix.

2 votes
50
Millie

Millie

Millie is incredibly smart and very sweet. She loves to learn new tricks and to challenge her mind. Most of all, she loves her tiny hoomans.

2 votes
51
Bailey

Bailey

Bailey was our wonderful chocolate lab mix rescue. While she is no longer with us, we think about her every day. Bailey loved water, so we are sharing one of our favorite puctures of her😀

2 votes
52
Maverick

Maverick

1.5 year old Snow Bengal. He is silly loving and run the house!

2 votes
53
Spook Spook

Spook Spook

Spook Spook is a 19 year-old tuxedo mama. We adopted her from a museum worker in Cody, Wyoming. Her and the kid grew up together, and she's the house mama for all the other pets.

2 votes
54
Gypsy and Auggie

Gypsy and Auggie

Gypsy (4) and Auggie (2) are proud parents to their 5-month-old son, Tank. This fearless family takes their job very seriously: protecting their humans from the cats at all costs. Vigilant, brave… and just a little dramatic about it!

1 vote
55
Trixie

Trixie

Fun loving easy going best friend of mine . She is the best pup and friend ever

1 vote
56
Sydney

Sydney

Sydney and his sister came from a farm as kittens. He is easy going and loves cuddles and scratches. We live how white fur pops through the black!

1 vote
57
Rainbow

Rainbow

Rainbow is our 21 year old Orange Wing Amazon Parrot. She can live well into her 70s God willing. She bonded with both of us and she loves our dog Raven..... but stays away from our cats. When we got her, we named her Rambo, but after DNA realized she was our beautiful Rainbow. She doesn't talk as much as we would like, but our fault - we gave her treats instead of making her earn them...and my she loves grapes! She loves to snuggle and whistle.... she can get loud when she wants something!!

1 vote
58
Kai

Kai

My sweet Kai is my thirteen year old pit/ husky/sass mix. He's very talkative and friendly. I joke that he used to have a police record when he was young from escaping the house and yard any way he could. Police would open they're car door and Kai would hop on in. :)

1 vote

2026 Best Friend Pet Photo Contest Rules

  • Enter your favorite pet photo Friday April 3rd through Monday April 6th 7:00PM. There is a $10 donation entry fee for this fundraiser.
  • Photo must be at least 300 kb.
  • You can enter as many photos as you like. 1 photo per pet.
  • Tell us something unique, & interesting about this pet &/or photo. If adopted from a shelter/rescue – please provide shelter’sname.
  • There are 2 Categories: Coolest Cat, Top Dog (the top 3 in each category). ALSO 2 Wild Card winners– Our panel of judges will pick 2 photos from all entries. This winner is not judged by number of votes received.
  • No photos containing any US state, US military, or US government flag, symbol, crest, or seal.
  • No humans in photo. No text in photo. No PhotoShop or AI. Must be original photo. Cropping allowed.
  • Must be age 21 years or older to enter this contest.
  • All submitted photos are subject to review by Just Animals for inappropriate/offensive content. Inappropriate entries will not be permitted and any donations related to those submissions will not be refunded. Just Animals reserves the right to disqualify at any time any photo it determines to be unsuitable.
  • Photos become the property of Just Animals. You agree to indemnify Just Animals, August Hill Winery, and Utica Business Association and hold them harmless from and against any claims of any nature arising in connection with this Photo Contest.
  • Entrants grant Just Animals all rights of ownership, reproduction and royalty-free indiscriminate use of entries and photographs for any purpose. By submitting a photo to the Just Animals Photo Contest the photo owner agrees to give and grant to Just Animals, its employees, volunteers, nominees, agents, successors and assigns, unlimited authorization, consent and permission to publish and use, any and all information about the pet and any and all reproductions of pet’s likeness (photographic or otherwise), and with or without the use or disclosure of owner’s name.
  • Wednesday April 7th 12:01AM through Sunday April 12th 9:00PM vote $1 donation per vote, $5 minimum vote. Top 3 photos (highest votes) in each of 2 categories will be on August Hill wine labels. Also our Wild Card –winner(s) will be on August Hill wine labels. That is up to 8 winners.
  • Votes are non-refundable and may not be moved from one entry to another after they have been placed.
  • Wild Card – A panel of judges will pick their favorite photos. Open to all entries, regardless of how many votes you have. This winner(s) will appear on August Hill wine label.
  • Spread the word everywhere if you want your photo to win and help us raise donations! Share your pet photo page on social media. Ask family, friends, and co-workers to get online and vote for your favorite pet photo! Ask a business to sponsor your pet.  All donations are non-refundable for any reason.
  • TOP 8 winners will be announced by August Hill Winery at our Sip ‘N’ Snip Festival Saturday, May 2nd.
  • In accepting any prize, the winner acknowledges that Just Animals, August Hill Winery, Village of Utica, and/or Utica Village Business Association may not be held liable for any loss, damages or injury associated with accepting or using prize(s).
  • All profits will be distributed to Just Animals Shelter Spay and Neuter Program.