The Humane Society of 2019 Pike County’s Pet Photo Contest that ended

September 1 is shaping up to be a “photo” finish with the number one position jockeying back and forth between Maggie and Pepper.

With the Labor Day holiday coming on the heels of the contest, the votes cast at local voting sites could not be picked up until Tuesday and then time has to be allowed for mail-in votes.

“To make sure all votes are counted, we will not announce the 2019 Pet Photo Contest winner until Friday,” said Donna Brockmann, humane society president. “At that time, we’ll also announce the 13 pets of the month. The 52 weekly winners will be available on the website. Photos of all pets entered in the Pet Photo Contest will appear on the calendar.

The Pet Photo Contest is the Humane Society of Pike County’s largest fundraiser each year; however, the humane society members are on the ground running throughout the year.

And that’s good news for animal-loving parents of animal-loving children, because the first session of Reading PALS for the2018-2019 school year is set for 10:45 a.m. Saturday at the Pike Animal Shelter. The reading session will be one hour.

“Saturday, September 8 is the second Saturday of the month,” Brockmann said. “On the second Saturday of most school months, about seven youngsters in grades one through six will be invited to ‘Come read to the animals for an hour at the shelter.”

Brockmann said the main objective of “Come Read to the Animals” is companionship for the animals without partners.

“There are too many animals in shelters and not enough people to love them,” Brockmann said. “So our long-range goal is that these youth recognize the need for spaying and neutering and will grow into responsible adults that will have their pets spayed and neutered and, perhaps, become animal advocates themselves. Maybe, we’ll even have a future veterinarian in our midst.”

Brockmann said those interested in participating in Saturday’s read or a future event may visit the HSPC’s Facebook page or email the society at readingpals.hspc@gmail.com. Readers will be chosen on a first-come basis. A waiting list will be created if necessary.

Readers are asked to report no later than 10:30 a.m. The Pike Animal Shelter is located at 904 Henderson Highway in Troy.