Dogs reigned supreme in our 11th Annual Pet Photo Contest, which garnered thousands upon thousands of votes this year, but there was one exception to that rule. Read on to meet this year’s winners and get to know them a bit better…
1. Kody Renninger
715 votes
Nickname: Kody Beans Age: 5 years
Owners: John and Diane Renninger of Spring Township
What would you say makes your pet a superstar? Kody is very smart; he understands what people are saying.
Prize possession: His original baby blanket
What could your pet teach us about life? Kody wants everyone to be kind to the people they meet.
Fun fact: Kody must greet everyone at the front door with a toy in his mouth. He is also 100 pounds and still thinks he is a lap dog
2. Diesel
532 votes
Nickname: Big D Age: 3 years
Owners: Alex and Alicia Lupco of Sinking Spring
What would you say makes your pet a superstar? His uniqueness! Diesel is a superstar because we always get stopped on walks for people to ask what type of dog he is. Hardly anyone has heard of a Giant Schnauzer! He loves the attention.
Prize possession: He loves his tennis balls, but if it were up to him, he would snatch up every pair of socks we own.
What could your pet teach us about life? Face each new day with enthusiasm and excitement!
Fun fact: He loves to play hide-and-seek.
3. Dutch (Dutch Yani Lape Doyle)
516 votes
Nickname: Little Man Age: 11 months
Owners: Cherrie Doyle & Jack Fenstermaker of Sinking Spring
What would you say makes your pet a superstar? Dutch comes from a long line of champion show dogs. He feels he is a superstar due to his marvelous looks and his demeanor. We feel he is a superstar because he is a wonderful, caring and loving puppy who just wants to play and have fun!
Prize possession: Any rubber chew stick and his stuffed elephant
What could your pet teach us about life? Dutch teaches us that life is short. Great Danes only live 8-10 years, and while it is such a short period of time to be with him, the love and joy he gives us makes it worth it.
Fun fact: Dutch loves everyone he meets and wants everyone to give him attention! He adores kids and is truly a "Gentle Giant!”
4. Sage
431 Votes
Nickname: Pupperoni, Silly Sage, Puppy Girl Age: 3 years
Owners: Maddie & Scott Hertzog of Sinking Spring
What would you say makes your pet a superstar? Sage wags her tail in complete circles!
Prize possession: Her Kong toy
What could your pet teach us about life? To take joy in the simple things in life: a stick, a ball, a quiet spot in the sun. Simple things can bring such great joy!
Fun fact: Sage was standing on death’s door in an Alabama “kill shelter” when PA PitStop Rescue stepped in to save her and her litter of puppies from imminent doom! Sage was our foster first, now she is our family.
5. Kelce
405 Votes
Nickname: Kelce Jane (KJ) Age: 2 years
Owners: Duane & Kelly Barbon of Mohnton
What would you say makes your pet a superstar? After spending her first 21 months in a puppy mill, Kelce made her way to a wonderful rescue organization (Rylie’s Rescue in Skippack, PA). She spent three weeks with a loving foster family and was quickly adopted by her forever family. Kelce has learned to embrace her new, peaceful life of being spoiled and is treated like a queen.
Prize possession: Soft Vera Bradley blankets
What could your pet teach us about life? Kelce can teach us that your present situations can change swiftly for the better. Her life started where she had no human interaction and she was never shown love. Kelce is now in a caring home where she is adored by her human family. Always have faith! Fun fact: Kelce is named after Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles!
6. Telluride
391 votes
Nickname: Telly Age: 5 years
Owners: Heidi Reuter & Chris Lincoln of West Reading
What would you say makes your pet a superstar? His resilience. Telly was found chained to the side of the road in a little hut in Texas. He was heartwormpositive and has several bullets in him to this day, but he is still the cuddliest, happiest guy.
Prize possession: His rope toys
What could your pet teach us about life? No matter how bad things are, there is always someone out there to love you.
Fun fact: Telly has a bowtie for every occasion, and his eyelashes are two different colors.
7. Cooper & Cassie
390 votes
Nicknames: Cooper – Buddy, Coop, Coopster; Cassie – Sissy, Pumpkin, Cupcake Age: 10 years
Owners: Justin & Lisa Schrum of Mohrsville
What would you say makes your pets superstars? Cooper is our protector. No deer, squirrel, rabbit or cat will dare enter our yard. Cassie overcame two CCL tears with the help of My Pet’s Brace and now continues to live a normal Beagle life.
Prize possession: Their owners, of course, but treats are a close second. They will do anything to get a treat! Milk bones and carrots are their favorites.
What could your pets teach us about life? Have unconditional love, no matter what the situation may be. Love conquers all.
Fun fact: They sleep in bed under the covers every night. They love camping and have even been to Disney World. Cooper loves to cuddle – even if you want some space, you’re not going to get it. Cassie loves to steal your seat. If you move your feet, you will lose your seat.
8. Tony Taters
366 votes
Nickname: Taters, Tater Tot, Bun Bun Age: 1 year
Owners: Ryan & Gabrielle Topper of Wernersville
What would you say makes your pet a superstar? Tony Taters is gentle and sweet with our 1-year-old daughter, Clara. "Bun Bun" was one of her first words. Taters lets Clara give him hugs and kisses. Tony Taters can also eat his weight in kale.
Prize possession: His girlfriend and bunny roommate, Camden
What could your pet teach us about life? To eat your veggies!
Fun fact: Tony Taters was rescued from the Animal Rescue League of Berks County after they found him outside in the woods. He is named after Baltimore Orioles outfielder Anthony Santander. His favorite food is strawberries.
9. Pearl
365 votes
Nickname: Pig, Piggy, Wig, Wigitha Age: 1 year
Owners: The Unger Family — Mary, Eric, Samantha & Trace of Wyomissing
What would you say makes your pet a superstar? Pearl is everything a Frenchie is. She is funny, smart, affectionate and loves everyone she meets, whether that is a person or another dog.
Prize possession: Her orange cat brother, Mango. Her eyes light up every time she sees him. Sometimes she loves him a little too much.
What could your pet teach us about life? Pearl can teach us to wake up every day with a smile on our faces.
Fun fact: Pearl smiles when she snores.
10. August
359 votes
Nickname: Aug, Auggie the Doggie Age: 1.5 years
Owners: Emma, Laura & Justin Strunk of Reading
What would you say makes your pet a superstar? Despite her rough start in Mississippi (where she was rescued by To Love a Canine Rescue, Inc.), she is very loving, loyal and happy as a PA pup!
Prize possession: Her “pumpkin ball” — the Pumpkin Prodigy super chewer by BARK
What could your pet teach us about life? To take time each day to enjoy nature, a good walk and laughter!
Fun fact: August has black speckles on the back of her tongue, just like the ones on her fur.
