This spread displays the culmination of a two-month-long pet photo contest, where we invited our readers and members of the Addison County community to submit their best photos in six different categories. More than 100 photos poured in over email, through our web form and through the mail, submitted by proud parents promoting their furry or feathered friends’ adorable expressions.
Winners were chosen by popular vote through our Facebook page, where several thousand “likes” were used to tally winners in each category. Each first-place winner will not only receive the title badge of champion pet in their category, but also can go on a shopping spree to Agway in Middlebury with a gift certificate worth $25.
The Addison Independent has also selected our top three “editor’s picks” — photos we believe really show the love and admiration we all know for our pets.
We would like to thank all of you who participated in our pet photo contest this year. Whether you submitted a photo, sent in a vote, or just enjoyed browsing the photo albums and seeing these cute faces within our pages, we appreciate your support.
ACTION SHOT
FIRST PLACE: Lila dives to retrieve a stick in Lake Dunmore, showing off her four-year-old grace and agility. 
Photo submitted by Al Karnatz, New Haven
SECOND PLACE: Penn and Judge
Photo submitted by Maxine Saville
THIRD PLACE: Onyx
BEST PALS
FIRST PLACE: Mazey (second from left) and her pals pose for a photo shoot at Button Bay.
Photo submitted by Moriah Sullivan, Vergennes
SECOND PLACE: Beck and Judge
Photo submitted by Maxine Saville
THIRD PLACE: Nell with Cooper and Penelope
Photo submitted by Maxine Saville
COUCH POTATO
FIRST PLACE: Tyson lounges on a couch, living the good life.
Photo submitted by Tiffany Clark, Middlebury
SECOND PLACE: Penn and Taffy
Photo submitted by Maxine Saville
THIRD PLACE: Nellie
Photo submitted by Andrea Way, Middlebury
FUNNY FACES
FIRST PLACE: Hubble is an 8-month-old golden retriever mix. His mom says this is the sad face he gives when he wants extra treats — and it usually works!
Photo submitted by Melissa Jarmel, Addison
SECOND PLACE: Neve and Judge
Photo submitted by Maxine Saville
THIRD PLACE: Tyson
MODEL SHOT
FIRST PLACE: Romeo poses for a shot in a picturesque gazebo. 
Photo submitted by Theresa Nolan, Orwell
SECOND PLACE: Dakota
Photo submitted by Ruth Visser, Panton
THIRD PLACE: Randall
WORK COMPANIONS
FIRST PLACE: Alana and Blondie are quite the pair for getting things done — if smiles and building friendships count!
Photo submitted by Alice Quesnel, Shoreham
SECOND PLACE: Randall
THIRD PLACE: Ellie and Pee Wee
Photo submitted by Ruth Visser, Panton