Well, just be dog gone!

The cats have done it again.

The winner of the Humane Society of Pike County’s 2013 Pet Photo Contest is Calli the lovely and lovable cat of Stan and Jo Ann Echols of Troy. She will be the cover pet on the humane society’s 2013 Pet Photo Calendar.

“The voting came down to the wire,” said Lisa Howard, contest chair. “Calli had more votes than I can ever remember being cast in the contest. It was an exciting finish.”

Molly the cherished dog of Stella Hughes was nipping at Calli’s heel so it was a fight to the finish.

Calli was named the winner with 2,597 votes and Molly was right behind with 2,095 votes. Donna McLaney’s CoCo came in third with a whopping 1,060 votes.

The tally sheet on all 82 entries in the 2013 Pet Photo Contest is online at pikehumane.org.

“The total number of votes cast at a dollar each was 9,700,” Howard said. “When the entry fees are added, the total comes to $10,400. So, we had a very good year. We’ll also be able to add the money from the calendar sales and that makes this a very large fund raiser.”

Although the 2012 Pet Photo Contest had the same number of entries, Howard said that more votes were cast this year.

“The contest started a little slow but in one week jumped from 20 entries to 82,” she said. “People love their pets and this is a fun way for them to showcase their pets and raise money for the Humane Society of Pike County at the same time.”

According to the number of votes received, pets will be recognized on the calendar as features of the months and weeks. The photographs of all entries will be included on the calendar.

The 2013 Pet Photo calendars will be available before Christmas and will make great gifts for pet lovers.

The county will benefit from the tremendous support of the contest through the programs offered by the Humane Society of Pike County.

“The funds that we raise through the Pet Photo Contest will fund the Humane Society of Pike County’s spay and neuter program, its feral cat program, the in-school educational programs and the families in need program.”

Howard expressed appreciation to all of those who entered their pets in the contest and to all of those who voted and made it such a great success.

“Without the support of the community, we would not be able to do the things that we do for abandoned and neglected animals or continue our programs to educate young people on the proper care and treatment of animals,” she said.

For more information about the Humane Society of Pike County, visit pikehumane.org.