This year’s PawsFirst Pet Photo Contest brought our North American teams together to celebrate the pets who brighten our lives, and to support animal rescue groups in the process. With 44 entries showcasing 48 beloved companions, the contest was a joyful display of furry, feathered, and scaly friends.
Dogs led the pack with 37 enthusiastic entries, always ready to charm the camera. Nine cats made their regal appearances, graciously allowing their humans to share their portraits. The contest also welcomed Winston, a charismatic reptile who stole the spotlight, and Kiwi, a vibrant budgie who posed like a true professional.
We netted $3,088.73 for animal rescue groups. The success of this year’s contest brings the total amount raised for local animal rescue groups over the past three years to $14,080.
Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this campaign a heartwarming success.
Our “voters” had quite the challenge casting their votes, but in the end, our top three finishers are:
First Place: Zola submitted by Suzie, California Closets
Charity: Pasadena Humane Society pasadenahumane.org
“For the past two years, Zola has been the heart and soul of our office—and arguably the most popular team member. As our self-appointed Director of Snacks & Emotional Support, she’s been paws-on in boosting morale, offering cuddles, and supervising meetings with laser focus.
Zola’s talents include interpretive dance (especially when treats are involved), expert-level butt scratch appreciation, and Oscar-worthy performances when asked, “Did you eat your lunch?” Spoiler: she did not (kibble is for sissies).
Through tough times and triumphs, Zola has been a constant source of joy, comfort, and comic relief. Whether she’s snoozing in the hallway or dramatically pretending to starve, she reminds us daily that love, laughter, and a little fur go a long way.
We had several of our designers (and my father) lose their homes in the Eaton Fire this year. The Pasadena Humane Society did so much for so many during that time, we’re thrilled to know they’re getting a little something back!”
$1,544.37 will be donated to the Pasadena Humane Society in Suzie’s name, and Zola will receive a one year subscription to Bark Box!
2nd Place: “Gordo” submitted by Maria, CertaPro Painters of Austin
Charity: Mutt Nation muttnation.com
“This adorable boy is CertaPro Painters of Austin’s hardest-working employee (see our Facebook for proof!) and the city’s PREMIER painter! Gordo’s hobbies include going to work every day, playing ball with his coworkers, getting lovies, napping, and earning as many treats as possible. He’s also our fierce protector—never missing a moment to bark away any potential motorcyclist or bicyclist threats. His smile and personality bring joy to our office, crews, and customers on a daily basis. His few PTO days are some of the toughest to get through. He may be small and short, but he’s filled with love… and chicken. A vote for him, is a vote for Pugs everywhere! #Gordo4Prez2028”
$926.62 will be donated to Mutt Nation in Maria’s name, and Gordo will receive a six-month subscription to Bark Box!
3rd Place: “Ruby” submitted by Iliana, Planned Companies
Charity: ASPCA www.aspca.org
“I’m a sweet Cane Corso with the biggest heart. I love meeting new people and giving paw to just anyone I see, especially if there’s a treat involved. I’m gentle, goofy, and always ready to make friends. Honestly, I just want to be loved (and fed snacks). “
$617.75 will be donated to the ASPCA in Iliana’s name, and Ruby will receive a three-month subscription to Bark Box!
About Pasadena Humane:
Pasadena Humane is more than an animal shelter; we are a community-supported animal resource center providing compassion and care for all animals. Since 1903, Pasadena Humane has offered lifesaving programs and services for animals and the people who love them in the Greater Los Angeles Area. At our Pasadena campus, we provide shelter, dedicated care and new beginnings for thousands of our community’s most vulnerable animals every year. In addition to pet adoptions and foster, we focus on programs and services aimed at helping people care for and keep their pets, such as free and low-cost spay/neuter and vaccines, a pet food pantry, and an animal support call center. In 2024, Pasadena Humane helped more than 55,000 animals through adoptions, wildlife rehabilitation, lost & found, veterinary services, training classes, and surrender prevention assistance.
About Mutt Nation:
Founded by country music icon Miranda Lambert and her mom, Bev Lambert, in 2009, MuttNation is a donation-supported 501c(3) nonprofit organization with a US-focused mission to support the adoption of shelter pets, advance spay & neuter, educate the public about the benefits of these actions, and provide assistance to shelters during times of natural disaster. Since its inception, the Foundation has raised over $11 million and assisted more than 1,000 shelters. MuttNation Fueled by Miranda Lambert, a pet line of toys and supplies that benefits the Foundation, is available exclusively at Tractor Supply Company stores throughout the US.
About ASPCA:
The ASPCA® (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) has been at the forefront of animal rescue and protection since our founding as the first animal welfare organization in North America in 1866. For more than 150 years, we have been the leading voice in animal welfare, bringing the critical protection of animals to the forefront of society.
We’ve led the way in fighting cruelty, rescuing and securing adoptions for animals in need, and driving significant legislative change that protects their lives and welfare — ultimately transforming how Americans value and care for animals.
Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s contest, and special thanks to all of the very good pets for their cooperation!
