Expressions of Affection

See a slideshow of the winning photos.

When we put out the call for our Spay Day USA pet photo contest, I knew the competition would be brisk. But who would have thought more than 30,000 entries would be sent through humanesociety.org! 

The grand prize winning photo beautifully captured the bond between a cat named Gomer and his human companion Gabriella Pyle. But it was no easy selection, and there were many other animals who could have readily claimed the first prize.

The photos and stories are sure to brighten your day, and each of them showcases the contest’s theme—how our pets enrich our lives. From the sleek white cat Wally who lifts his caretaker’s spirits, to the playful horse Bailey who produces laughs “each and every day,” to the noble Great Dane Zion, whose owner writes: “I suffer from anxiety and depression and Zion has helped me to calm down and have a reason to push through.”

Take a look—and enjoy. And if you didn't participate this year, be on the lookout for next year's competition.