Fifth annual Pet Photo Contest: Valley pets sure can pose

The winning photograph in the adult category of The Gleaner’s fifth annual Pet Photo Contest is, as owner Jessica Barrette suggests, a ‘portrait of a cat bath.’ Our panel of judges enjoyed the artistically composed photograph of T-Rex the cat posing in a bowl on a table, as they tend to do.

1 Pet photo - ADULTS 1st place Jessica Barrette - The Gleaner — PHOTO Jessica Barrette

The first-place photograph in the children’s category is of nearly two-year-old brothers Tiger and Pooh taking a nap together. Emond says her cats are sweet, and that Tiger loves kisses and snuggles while Pooh prefers a good petting.

1 Pet Photo - KIDS 1st place Eva Emond - The Gleaner — PHOTO Eva Emond

Second place, in the adult category of The Gleaner’s fifth annual Pet Photo Competition, went to Renata Rosa, who took this close-up photo of her loving, independent cat Violet, who died of heart complications earlier this year at the age of seven. Renata Rosa explains that there was something in Violet’s eyes that spoke to her.

11 Pet photo - ADULTS 2nd place Renata Rosa - The Gleaner — PHOTO Renata Rosa

The judges selected this colorful image of Spin, a one-year-old parakeet, for second place in the children’s category. Junior photographer Kenny O’Connor explains that his family was inspired by his great-grandmother Jennie, who also has a budgie, to adopt this brightly colored animal.

11 Pet photo - KIDS 2nd place Kenny O_Connor - The Gleaner — PHOTO Kenny OConnor

There is no shortage of super pet snaps: honourable mentions

11 Pet photo - ADULTS Hon Mention 1 Véronique Jodoin - The Gleaner — The judges couldnt resist Beaus beautiful eyes The lovable pup will be two years old in August Owner Véronique Jodoin describes him as a walking heart on four legs PHOTO Véronique Jodoin

11 Pet Photo - KIDS Hon Mention 2 Hailey O_Connor - The Gleaner — Junior photographer Hailey OConnor snapped this lovely photo of her dog Barney She says the five year old mixed breed is sweet and affectionate and loves belly rubs PHOTO Hailey OConnor

11 Pet Photo - Hon Mention 3 - Charlotte Lukassen - The Gleaner — Junior photographer Charlotte Lukassen captured all three of her familys handsome farm dogs Bolt Cooper and Ridge lounging around on the back deck at their home on a warm summers day PHOTO Charlotte Lukassen

11 Pet photo FR - Hon mention 4 FR - Olivia de Wit - The Gleaner — Oreo is an eight month old kitten who loves to play and nap His owner Olivia de Wit says he purrs constantly PHOTO Olivia de Wit

11 Pet Photo FR - Hon mention 5 FR - The Gleaner — Samson the Newfoundland dog loved to sit in his chair and look outside His owner Brenda Scott says Samson was eleven and a half years old when he died last September PHOTO Brenda Scott

11 Pet photo FR - Hon mention 6 FR - The Gleaner — Touille named after the movie Ratatouille was found about five years ago as a skinny stray His owner Corri Morison says he has bounced back and is now a valued member of the family He may have been a little grumpy when this photo was taken It was snowing and he couldnt get out PHOTO Corri Morison

We received a total of 22 photographs of some of the Valley’s most photogenic pets for our contest in celebration of National Pet Day on April 11. The Gleaner thanks all who participated.