Two dogs, Max and Bear, have taken an early lead in the Humane Society of Pike County’s 2012 Pet Photo Contest. So, it looks like this year’s contest could be going to the dogs.

Lisa Howard, contest chair, laughingly, said that it’s too early to count out the cats.

“For three years, cats have been the winners and featured on the front of the Pet Photo calendar. “So, we know that cat owners don’t want the title to go to the dogs but dog owners seem very determined to win this year.”

The deadline for contest entry was Aug. 22 and 86 entries were recorded.

Howard said there were 87 entries in last year’s very successful fundraising contest. She is expecting as much interest and friendly, high-spirited competition this year.

“Already Max and Bear, owned by Jennifer W. Garrett and April Garrett, have 200 votes and another dog is right behind them with 100 votes,” Howard said. “Voting ends on Sept. 16, so we encourage everyone to vote for their favorite pet or pets.”

The Pet Photo Contest is an annual fundraiser for the Humane Society of Pike County and supports its spay and neuter program, feral cat program and the in-school education program.

All votes are one dollar and votes may be cast online or at Troy Antiques, the Little Framery and Guynn’s Income Tax and Bookkeeping Service, all in Troy, and at Hillside Antiques on Highway 231 between Troy and Brundidge.

To make site voting more convenient, Howard said there will be envelopes available for the pet’s name or number and the votes being cast.

The Pet Photo photographs will be on display at Troy Public Library and at Troy Antiques. The photographs may also be viewed online at www.pikehumane.org.

“We have some really beautiful and interesting photographs this year,” Howard said. “I have the best job ever because I get to look at the photographs every day. It would be hard to pick out just one pet to vote for, so you don’t have to. You can vote for as many pets as you like and as many times as you like. I encourage everyone to get out and vote.”