Gimme five for an awesome contest!

Samantha

Photo by: Penny Reese, Las Vegas, Nevada

After 13 weeks of beautiful, funny, strange, silly and heartwarming pet photos, our little contest is about to draw to a close. But although we are no longer accepting submissions, we still need your input! We'll be announcing our final Weekly Winner and the Grand Prize Winner next Wednesday, December 20. We'll be posting polls soon, but in the meantime visit all your favorites and comment, comment comment!

And we have great news--although the contest is over, we've decided to make pet photos a permanent addition to AARP.org. So after we all ring in the New Year, we'll also be posting new pet photos--so stay tuned! Thanks so much for a wonderful contest--and good luck to all the finalists!

Daily Winner, December 14

On Dasher, on Dancer, on Slobber...!

Jack Pratte the Bulldog and his Maltese cousins

Photo by: Patsy Pratte, Desloge, Missouri

Honorable Mention, Week 13
Daily Winner, December 13

Meowy Christmas!

Simba

Photo by: Bob Garas, Clermont, Florida

Weekly Winner, Week 13
Daily Winner, December 12

Why should only my name be in lights?

Rocky

Photo by: Debbie and Jerry Carroll, Bristol, Virginia

Debbie writes, "This is our 9-year-old Australian Shepherd mix, Rocky. He is a good sport, even about decorating for Christmas!"

Daily Winner, December 11

You Write The Caption!

Scampi

Photo by: Ann Robertson, Dallas, Texas

We're back! Due to polling software issues, we decided to hold off on posting Friday's winner to give you more time to vote. Now, tell us what you think about Scampi's "makeover" by clicking the "Comments" link below!

Daily Winner, December 8

Sometimes it's the little gestures that mean the most.

Gracie and Timmy

Photo by: Becky, Lexington, Texas

Becky writes, "My kitty 'Timmy' has since passed away but he and Gracie were such pals--always playing. He was my 'lap cat' for 12 years. He’s in a better place now but he sure is missed."

Do you have fond memories of a beloved pet who has passed away? Tell us in the "Comments" section below.

Daily Winner, December 7

We cloned ourselves--now we're waiting for the mothership to beam us up.

Skippy and Logan (front row), Sutton and Roman (back row)

Photo by: Chandra Pivo, Inglewood, California

Says Chandra, "These four have so much fun together--but who's who?" Roman, who can take a bow, has helped his owner Chandra who was born with Cerebral Palsy. Chandra trained Roman from a pup to help her with walking through crowds of people, up and down stairs, picking things up, and much more. Roman and Chandra also visit retirement centers and schools to give demonstrations on the importance of Service Dogs as well as giving everyone an amazing show when he performs all of his tricks.

Weekly Winner, Week 12
Daily Winner, December 6

I woke up on the wrong side of the dog bed this morning!

Isabella Karamella Capriccio, aka "Izzy"

Photo by: Nancy Eileen Langworthy, Hudsonville, Michigan

Says Nancy, "Izzy is our adorable 7 month old Chihuhua...She enjoys dressing up and going bye-bye because she always gets lots of attention from people who see her and wonder what type of dog she is because she is cuter than the average Chihuahua!...She has an older brother Dexter who is a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and weighs 10 times her weight, but that doesn't hold her back from playing chase with him in the yard. She also has 3 cat sisters who she loves to play with."

Daily Winner, December 5

"Why I oughtta..." "Nyah nyah nyah!"

"T" and Louie

Photo by: Kris Hughes, Hampton, Virginia

Daily winner, December 4

You Write the Caption!

Hoagan

Photo by: Mary Smith, Smithville, Tennessee

Says Mary, "His name is 'Sir Hoagan, Master of the Warriors.' Hoagan is fun loving, and quite a little clown. He's very healthy. He's just spoiled rotten!"

What do YOU think Master Hoagan is saying here? Let us know in the "Comments" section below!

Daily winner, December 1

Tiny, but tough!

Amos

Photo by: Jack Pflug, Aumsville, Oregon

As Mark Twain once said:

It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog.

Daily Winner, November 30

FEEL the FURY that is FURBALL!!!

Furball

Photo by: Daisy Wohlford, Salinas, California

Weekly Winner, Week 11
Daily Winner, November 29

Hey, you want summa DIS?

Georgie

Photo by: Amy Skyles, Elk Grove, California

Daily Winner, November 28

Our families will eventually accept that we've married outside our faith.

RedDog

Photo by: Linda Hartmann, Coppell, Texas

Linda says, "This photo is of my African Grey parrot. His name is RedDog but he thinks his name is "baby," or "sweetie" or "cutie-pie." He loves to sing and is especially addicted to hard rock, although he also loves the Village People and "Macho Man" (but that is our little secret). He is almost 12 years old and I raised him right out of the egg (because I owned his parents at the time). When he wants attention he starts singing 'I love you' in a very operatic voice."

PS - Thanks, Linda, for the great caption! Less thinking for us after four days of turkey and football.

Daily Winner, November 27

You Write the Caption!

Boo and squirrel

Photo by: Alyce Stewart, Valrico, Florida

Alyce says, "Boo kitty likes to sit on the windowsill. The squirrel thought it was a great time to tease him. To me it looks as though Boo is saying, 'Look Buddy, I'm the bouncer and you can't come in, I don't care who you say you know!'"

What does this photo say to YOU? Let us know by clicking the "Comments" link below.

Daily Winner, November 24

I'm thankful this day only comes once a year.

Logan

Photo by: Vicki Packard, North Canton, Ohio

HAPPY THANKSGIVING to all our Pet Pals!

Daily Winner, November 23

Can't I come too?

Shiloh

Photo by: Ingrid Stamatson, Wichita, Kansas

Ingrid writes, "My Shepherd girl is peering over the fence watching me leave."

Daily Winner, November 22

The singing lessons are really paying off!

Kira

Photo by: Joan Janswig, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Says Joan, "She was caught while yawning, but it looks like she is singing. She was a darling little kitten who grew up to have four sons. They gave us hours of enjoyment watching their antics. One of her sons still lives with us, but he is now 15 years old. Another of her sons now lives with my brother."

Daily Winner, November 21

And visions of dog bones danced in his head...

Gizmo

Photo by: Patricia Trusty, Salem, New Hampshire

Could it be? Yes it could--we have TWO "Gizmo's" in a row! This Gizmo is a 2-month-old long haired chihuahua. Says his mom, "He is very quiet and very smart. He has 18 toys and knows the name of each one. So if I ask for the "chickey" that’s what he brings me. If I ask for the ball, he brings the ball. He is trained to a litter pad and never fails to use it no matter where we go. He is a very calm dog who loves everyone. Most Chi’s bond to only 1 or 2 people but Gizmo loves anyone who will hold him and love him."

Daily Winner, November 20

You Write the Caption!

Mr. Gizmo

Photo by: Carolyn Tracy, Sterling, Virginia

Once again, we've found that the readers provide the best captions for our photos! Add your caption for Mr. Gizmo here by clicking on the "Comments" section below.

Carolyn says, "Mr. Gizmo is a 2-year-old Imperial Shih Tzu. [Here he is] ready for bed. Mr. Gizmo is such a sweet, well behaved little guy. He rarely ever barks."

Weekly Winner, Week 10
Daily Winner, November 17

Shadow, shmadow--I'm not missing out on free carrots!

Buddy

Photo by: Lee Hamilton, Glen Gardner, New Jersey

Lee writes, "This is Buddy the groundhog. He is 3 years old. He is my wildlife friend who comes to see me every day. He was an orphaned animal that I took care of and now he's my best pal."

Daily Winner, November 16

Faster, Daddy, faster!

Bubba and Baby

Photo by: Heather Michelle Carnes, Baltimore, Maryland

Says Heather, "Bubba is a lot older than Baby, but they are practically inseparable."

Daily Winner, November 15

Clearly someone was bottle-fed.

Sebastian

Photo by: Jane Korbett, Dover, New Jersey

Sebastian, a baby Lesser Jardine is "the cutest baby" says Jane.

Daily winner, November 14

Helloooooo, ladies!

Sherlock

Photo by: Lena Gosik, Tampa, Florida

If you're noticing a few odd animals this week, you're right--we thought we'd share some of the offbeat critters people have been submitting. Like Sherlock here. And although we have no "clue" (ha ha) what Sherlock is (mouse? gerbil? Aunt Zelda's nightmare?) we do know he is adorable. So thanks Lena! And be sure to share your thoughts on Sherlock in the Comments section below!

Daily winner, November 13

You Write the Caption!

Harley

Photo by: Sue Carper, Coulters, Pennsylvania

Meet Harley, smiling for the camera--"he's such a 'ham'!" says Sue. (Insert rimshot here.)

You all sent such funny suggestions for captions last week, we thought we'd try it again. So go ahead--give it your best shot in the "Comments" section below!

Weekly Winner, Week 9
Daily Winner, November 10

I thought I said "no calls!"

Bert and Ernie

Photo by: Diana Rhoads, Madison, Wisconsin

Says Diana, "While trying to make the bed, the cats decided it was time to snuggle!"

Daily Winner, November 9

I recommend tickling your prey before eviscerating them.

Zena

Photo by: Joy Leftow, New York, New York

Joy took in Zena when she noticed a homeless woman showing her to people. Zena was "only about 10 days to 2 weeks old, kind of looked like a little mouse." After nursing her to health, Joy gave Zena to "a nice Brazilian lady...who had left her kitty back home in Brazil with her mother." Joy named her Zena "because she was certainly a survivor and a warrior."

Daily Winner, November 8

Don't forget to vote! Then nap.

Photo by: Paula Bondy, White Lake, Michigan

After so many negative campaign ads, it's nice to see a bipartisan pup!

Shadow is a two-year-old Black Lab who "loves to lay by the flag!" (If only some politicians could be the same way!)

Daily Winner, November 7

Aloha! Oh, and the little wahine here left you some poi in the pool.

Limit and Brandee

Photo by: Ginny Andersen, Indio, California

Week 8 Daily Winner, November 6

You Write the Caption!

Rosie (and unnamed amphibian friend)

Photo by: Jeff Atchley, Collierville, Tennessee

We have fun writing the captions for these photos, but thought we'd let you have a try for this one! Share your ideas in our comments section below.

Weekly Winner, Week 8
Daily Winner, November 3

Turns out three's company after all--warm, snuggly, comfy company!

Tasha (left), Godfried (right) and Tia (top)

Photo by: Millie Gulledge, Urbana, Illinois

Writes Millie, "Tasha is 13 and Godfried is 4. We just got Tia about 6 weeks ago and they are finally getting along."

Week 7 Daily Winner, November 2

Table for two? (And by "two" I mean you at the table, and me under it)

Teddy

Photo by: Virginia Ertel, Frisco, Texas

Week 7 Daily Winner, November 1

Meow-loween frights

Bud

Photo by: Nikki Allenberg, Sarver, Pennsylvania

Says Nikki, "This is my cat Bud. He's a black domestic medium hair and he's about 6 months old. In this picture, he's doing his version of a scary Halloween cat!

Weekly Winner, Week 7
Week 7 Daily Winner, October 31

HAPPY HALLOWEEN to all our PET PALS! Tonight, may your bowls be full of candy and may your owners not humiliate you in some stupid costume AGAIN! (But if they do, be sure and send us the picture!)

Is dinner ready yet?

Ginger and Garbo

Photo by: Ky Mason, Shreveport, Lousiana

Week 7 Daily Winner, October 30

8-9-10...Ready or not, here I come!

Dewey

Photo by: Thomas Charles Coleman, Indianapolis, Indiana

Our apologies--our staff was in Anaheim meeting you, our fantastic AARP members, at the Life@50+ National Event, and computer access was minimal. We didn't forget you, however--here is the Daily Winner for last Friday, October 27. Monday's Daily Winner coming up, and today's too!

Week 7 Daily Winner, October 27

My left side is my best side!

Tater

Photo by: Jan Barnette, McDonough, Georgia

Jan shares, "Tater, a.k.a. Tater Tot, Tater Chip, Tater Puddin', is a rescue boxer-type and is certainly a Sweet Tater when she's sleeping!"

Week 6 Daily Winner, October 26

Could I be more cute?

Lovie

Photo by: Steuart Estep, Hagerstown, Maryland

Week 6 Daily Winner, October 25

You interrupted our nap for a photo!?!

Split and Hurley

Photo by: Thea Tsurumoto, Concord, California

Cats may not do tricks, but they sure make great photo subjects!

Week 6 Daily Winner, October 24

Trust me, if we smush our snouts close together like this, we'll get treats!

Benjie and Lucky

Photo by: Regina Galvin, Windham, New Hampshire

Regina writes, "I adopted a Boston Terrier in May. A month after we had her, to our surprise, she gave birth to two puppies. They were full bred Boston Terriers also, as we knew who the male dog was. This is a picture of the pups. They were six weeks old at the time. Their names are Benjie and Lucky, a male and female."

Weekly Winner, Week 6
Week 6 Daily Winner, October 23

Thank goodness for nine lives and kind souls!

Thomasina

Photo by: Deb Usmanu, Cohoes, New York

This story brought a tear to at least one judge's eye! Shares Deb, "Thomasina is a true story of what love can do. She is an elderly kitty who was found this past winter by roadmen frozen in a puddle of water. She had no home and suffers from severe diabetes and neuropathy from long term neglect. The roadmen pretty much gave her up for dead, but with the dedication of the staff of the Guilderland Animal Hospital, they pulled her through. I have been fortunate enough to have her in my life. When I saw her picture at the animal hospital I had to ask about her. They said she needed a home and my heart melted after hearing her story. With love and affection she has kept our hearts a glow. She enjoys supervising her other rescued brother and two sisters and never has to worry again about not being able to have sweet dreams and love. "

What a wonderful story!

Honorable Mention, Week 6
Week 6 Daily Winner, October 20

It's tough having a roommate from another species, but the rent can't be beat!

Simba (kitten) and Zorro (rabbit)

Photo by: Rachel Crown, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

"The kitten crawled in the cage by himself as the cage was opened for the rabbit to get his exercise!" says Rachel.

Daily Winner selection, October 19

That warm water feels gooood. Hey - wait a minute!

Mouse, Ziggy and Sophie

Photo by: Robin Wilson, Hawley, Pennsylvania

WHEN RACCOONS ATTACK! "Saint Robin" went to great lengths to rescues these sisters, now five months. Says Robin, "Their mom was rescued as she was giving birth to them and their two brothers, Jack and CB, from raccoons who were circling her. We brought her in, she had the kittens, and they have been in the house ever since. Mom has been spayed, judged healthy and has adapted to living with four senior cats. The babies are another story, but so far there have been no serious confrontations with the seniors. A good time is had by all!

Weekly Winner, Week 5
Daily Winner, October 18

Boxer briefs.

Barney

Photo by: Lucia Smith, Bloomingdale, Illinois

Writes Lane, "This is a picture of my boxer Barney watching for his 'dad' to come home. He just had surgery, so he was in his underwear to keep him from tearing out his stitches."

Daily Winner, October 17

What, nothing for me?

Bubba

Photo by: Gail Picard, St. Louis, Missouri

Daily Winner, October 16

ROAD TRIP! Yeah!

Domino

Photo by: Deane Graf, Riverside, California

Daily Winner, October 13

You'll be so sorry you didn't invite me to the party!

Cricket

Photo by: Sally Wilson, Staunton, Virginia

According to Sally, "We were celebrating the Fourth of July with a huge backyard picnic. Cricket, an inside cat, was NOT happy!"

Daily Winner, October 12th.

Purrrr (snuggle). Purrr (snuggle). Purrr...

Stormy and Misty

Photo by: Barbara Searle, Fayetteville, NY

Barbara writes, "This is Stormy and Misty. They joined our family on July 12, 2006. They are from two different moms and about 3 weeks apart in age. They look very calm here but can sure stir things up when they are awake!"

Daily Winner, October 11

Since I got blue contact lenses, I see better and look cuter!

Squeaky

Photo by: Brenda Logue, Austin, Texas

Weekly Winner, Week 4
Daily Winner, October 10

I’ll never be bitter with a friend from my litter.

Impy and Sparks

Photo by: Laura and Mark Robichek, Sunnyvale, California

This one is painfully cute--it's as if the boys can't get enough paws around each other. The Robicheks write, "Impy and Sparks were are brothers that we adopted from an animal shelter. They couldn't be happier!"

Daily Winner, October 9

Morris just couldn't wait for AARP Life@50+ in Anaheim!

Morris

Photo by: Carol Saunders, Escalon, California

Carol says Morris has "attitude!" We think he just can't decide what's more humiliating--being forced to wear a hat, or being forced to wear a hat shaped like MOUSE ears!

Daily Winner, October 6

Spencer made sure to always brush his teeth before bed.

Spencer

Photo by: Tracey Jones, Chesapeake, Virginia

Says proud owner Tracey, "If AARP stood for retired pets Spencer would be a member. He is 15 1/2 years old. He knows the importance of drinking water to stay healthy!"

Daily Winner, October 5

Sometimes, Daisy felt like the third wheel.

Daisy, Neigal and Trooper

Photo by: Tom Turner, Herrinan, Utah

Trooper is a Belgian Tervuren, and Daisy and Neigal are Silky Terriers

Daily Winners, October 4

It's snack time!

Trump

Photo by: Dorothy Brock, Rochester, New York

Dorothy says that Trump, a 3-year-old 7-lb Yorkie, is "letting us know it's time for a treat."

Daily Winner, October 3

Maybe if I eskimo kiss him he'll turn into a prince!

Angel

Photo by: Janet Spencer, Helena, Montana

Says Janet, "Our pet bunny, Angel, a common cottontail, just has to investigate everything in her environment. Here she meets Kermit the Frog, and gives him a little kiss."

Daily Winner, October 2

I freckle easily, so a high SPF is simply imperative.

Minnie

Photo by: Mary Lyons, Pompano Beach, Florida

"Minnie is my 5 month old rat terrier," says Mary. "She loves to go in the swimming pool and when she wants to rest, she gets on 'her' raft and floats for awhile."

Weekly Winner, Week 3
Daily Winner, September 29th

Dog? Cat? Ha! A ferret's where it's at!

Pooh Bear

Photo by: Becky Watson, New Brighton, Pennsylvania

Sadly, Pooh Bear is no longer with us, but he "was the love of our life," says Becky. "He was such a gentle little man. He was forever making us laugh, he stole our hearts and in the end he pretty much took it with him. He is sorely missed here, but we have since fostered a little guy named Willy. Here is my picture of Pooh. Please enjoy as he was about 1.5 years old in this shot."

Daily Winner, September 28th

Duuude, what was in those Milkbones?

Nitro Fish

Photo by: Kathleen Fuller, Cincinnati, Ohio

Says Kathleen, "Those big blue eyes belong to my dog, Nitro Fish. She is the classic American mutt. Who knows what her lineage is? She is definitely daddy's girl and loves to cradle her head on his chest in the evening before going to sleep. She loves it when he gives her a piece of licorice (her favorite treat). She will eight years old this November."

Weekly Winner, Week 2
Daily Winner, September 27

I love the feel of the warm sun on my whiskers.

Toby

Photo by: Diane Mathieu, Falmouth, Maine

Says Diane, "Toby sometimes thinks he's a dog. He has protected my four children more than once and now takes care of our little dog. He is a remarkable and very beautiful kitty."

Honorable Mention, September 29
Daily Winner, September 26

Splendor in the grass.

Meanie

Photo by: Lilly Garcia, Houston, Texas

Daily Winner, September 25th.

"Maybe someone will drop one!"

Charlie

Photo by: Luanne Toohey, Wall, New Jersey

Says Luanne: "Charlie was spying the Christmas cookies and showing great restraint." Good dog!

Daily Winner September 22nd.

Hmmm, let's see here. N-E-U-T-E-R...Oh no.

"Smarty Cat" Ernie

Photo by: Carolyn Davis, Rancho Palos Verdes, California

Says Carolyn, "The love of reading is a value that everyone in our family shares, but we never dreamed that it extended to even the feline member of our family !"

DAILY WINNER September 21st.

It's TUMMY time! Pbbbbbbbbbtttttttt!

Alex (Mr. Mom) and Ford

Photo by: Jane Nygaard, St. Louis Park, Minnesota

Jane, a founder and board member of Retrieve a Golden of Minnesota, Inc. submitted this picture of her rescued Golden Retriever Alex. His puppy friend is 10-day-old Ford, who was found in a trashcan along with his siblings--he was the only survivor. Alex took on the duties of cleaning and caring for Ford from the time he was two days old and weighed only one pound. Ford was bottle fed, and Alex licked and comforted him. Alex helped raise Ford and died recently at 13 years old. The two visited elementary schools for two years together to teach children about pet responsibilities.

Weekly Winner, Week 1
Daily Winner September 20th.

Pssst, Mom? I love you!

Bettie and Barney

Photo by: Helen Trimble, Rising Sun, Maryland

When he's not with Mom, Barney also has the Trimble family's other "pets"--Harry the squirrel, Crickey the frog, Lab mixes Daisy and Spanky, Chip the calf and Buffy the pomeranian--to play with.

Daily Winner on September 19th.

Who needs paws for pillows when you've got your sister?

Begonia and Mia

Photo by: Jane Tallman, Belington, West Virginia

"Cute as buttons, both of these rescued kittens bring joy to our lives," says Jane. Ours too!

Daily Winner on September 18th.

"Sorry pal, can't let you in. You're not on the list."

Lily

Photo by: Patricia Mayer, Cincinnati, Ohio

Lily is a nine-year-old Basset Hound, "who will wear hats and costumes, ride floats and walk in parades to raise money for Basset Hound Rescue."

In her off hours she works as a bouncer at Kennel 54.

Honorable Mention, September 22
Daily Winner, September 15