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Watauga Humane Society’s Pet Photo Contest Deadline August 8

Story by Katrina Benton The feline winner of the 2007 Watauga Humane Society pet photo contest was Callie, owned by Mrs. Yates of Boone. Callie is a rescued animal. Photos courtesy of Watauga Humane Society

It’s time to snap photos of your pets at their most adorable. The Watauga Humane Society’s annual pet photo contest will honor a canine king and queen in addition to a feline king and queen at the 11th Annual Fur Ball on Saturday, August 23.

The double royalty is a change this year. Formerly, the contest awards were limited to a single cat and a single dog.

The deadline for photo submission is Friday, August 8.

Congresswoman Virginia Foxx will announce the winners during the Fur Ball on Saturday, August 23. The owners of the pets named canine and feline king and queen will receive an enlarged photo and a collar.

“Not everyone can attend the Fur Ball,” said Sarah Gilley, public relations committee chair for the 11th annual Fur Ball. “The photo contest is the perfect way for the community to celebrate their pets.”

The canine winner of the 2007 Watauga Humane Society pet photo contest was Morgie, owned by Cathy and John Henniger of Blowing Rock. Morgie too is a rescued animal. A panel of animal experts, including local award-winning photographer Park Terrell, will select winners.

“Last year, over 60 photos were submitted, along with heart-touching stories,” Gilley said. “For example, both winners were animals that were rescued.”

Anyone can enter by mailing an animal photo with a $10 donation. Any photo including people will be disqualified, and only one photo per animal will be accepted. Winners need not be present at the Fur Ball to win.

To enter, mail the photo, along with $10 and your pet’s name and gender, plus your name, address and phone number to Fur Ball Photo Contest, c/o Watauga Humane Society, P.O. Box 1835 Boone, NC 28607. Make checks payable to Watauga Humane Society. For more info and to review the 2008 Fur Court after the conclusion of the contest, click to www.wataugahumanesociety.org.