In April, more than 200 pets were entered into our annual pet photo contest. The competition was fierce, but these 10 garnered the most votes (we’re talking hundreds each!). And while man’s best friend took home the crown, we’re sharing the love with a few feline honorable mentions you’ve got to see.
Cosmotron Isosceles of the Glitterati Schoemaker
(Cosmo) | English Bulldog | 5 Years
Cosmotron is the funniest, most stubborn little guy, who quite literally thinks he's a human. Regardless of his physical stature, he carries himself like the largest dog in the room wherever he goes. Similar to most bulldogs, he is flagrantly flatulent. Therefore, not only can he swoon passersby with his adorable wrinkles and squishy face, but he can also clear a room when he wants to. His name is a combination of a nod to his dad (the award-winning Megatron), several Seinfeld references and the fact that he needed a “C” name like the rest of his family. He spends his days lounging and sleeping on his dog bed with his fur buddy Celeste and his nights on the couch with the rest of the Schoemaker clan. He lovingly became a member of our family in 2019, when LaTasha and Julio Quevedo of Incan Bullies in Schnecksville granted us worthy of his love and affection." –Chris, Christina, Chloe & Coen Schoemaker
Dolly Lamba
(Dolly) | Mixed | 2 Years | Instagram
Dolly is our sassy rescue dog that looked so much like a lamb when we brought her home at six months old that we named her Dolly Lamba (for Dolly Parton and with no disrespect to the Dalai Lama!). From day one she had a large personality and is seriously photogenic without even trying. Her coarse coat from her primary breed of Miniature Schnauzer is super adorable and often people comment that she has Grinch feet! Dolly constantly crosses her legs when resting and prances when she walks. We love her, and she's brought so much light and fun to our lives... and to her fur rescue dog sister, Lucy." –Lisa Daugherty & Dave Bender
Stanley
Golden Retriever | 7 Years | Instagram
Stanley is so full of personality you’d think he is a human! His daily ‘derp’ facial expressions are always causing us to laugh. Stanley lives and breathes retrieving his balls and would likely abandon us for one if it came down to it; however, we love him and wouldn’t trade him for the world! He’s a certified good boy!" –Courtney and Cody Demmel
Buddy
(Buddy Bud) | Golden Retriever | 4 Years | Facebook
Stanley is so full of personality you’d think he is a human! His daily ‘derp’ facial expressions are always causing us to laugh. Stanley lives and breathes retrieving his balls and would likely abandon us for one if it came down to it; however, we love him and wouldn’t trade him for the world! He’s a certified good boy!" –Courtney and Cody Demmel
Doki
Labrador Retriever | 4 Months | Instagram | TikTok
Doki is a friendly, silly puppy. He loves to snuggle, play with his ball and run away with my shoes. He enjoys going on walks and saying hi to everyone that walks by. He would make anyone fall in love with him. He is kind, sweet and happy, and that's what makes him special." –Francisco Reyes
Duke
(Dukie) | American Pit Bull Terrier (38.5%) / American Staffordshire (21.8%)Siberian Husky (14.5%) | 15 months | Instagram
Duke is a rescue. His loving personality and playful temperament make him a joy to be around. His underbite lends to a permanent smile that he uses to greet everyone with lots of friendly licks and nose kisses. Some of his favorite things to do are to run untethered and chew sticks." –Barbara and Michael Moyer
Lizzie
Olde English Bulldogge | 2 ½ years
Lizzie is a sassy and sweet little love who enjoys playing with her friends at Four Paws Playground. She also enjoys couch time with her mama, splashing in the pool in the summer and cheering on the Eagles come football season!" –Abbie Conlon
Oliver
(Handsome Man, Butters) | Sheltie | 15 years
Oliver has been the pride and joy of our family for 15 years. Although his days of chasing deer are mostly behind him, he loves going to breakfast (he especially enjoys the Patty-O at the Red Stag Pub in Bethlehem), long stroller rides and being relentlessly cuddled. His interests include snow, acting in his owner's comedy sketches and licking himself. His dislikes include the sound of motorcycles, birthday candles and personal space." –The Santos Family
Ruby
(Rubski, Ruby Noel Rose, Rubes) | Cavapoo | 4 ½ years
Ruby is a four-and-a-half-year-old Cavapoo. She loves treats, snuggles and laying in the sun. Ruby is the sweetest, most loving dog. She had her ‘debut’ in May as Toto in The Wizard of Oz through Pennsylvania Youth Theatre. Ruby has brought pure joy to our family and is loved dearly. She is the dog you didn’t know you needed in life! Congrats, Ruby girl!" –Kim Hammer
Barkley
(B or Mr. Barks) | German Shepherd / Cattle Dog Mix | 1 year
We rescued Barkley in late February of this year. He was a stray in rural Kentucky. He has tons of energy and loves to run, jump and play with his favorite ball, which we find appropriate because he is named after Lehigh Valley and Penn State football legend Saquon Barkley. He's quickly become a part of our family and we look forward to taking him to all of our favorite Lehigh Valley spots, including Main Street Bethlehem, Jacobsburg Park and, of course, The Cup for frozen yogurt!" –Mike & Kate Raymond
Honorable Mentions
Let's hear it for the cats! We think these entries are pawsitively purrfect.
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Published as "11th Annual Reader-Voted Pet Contest" in the June 2024 edition of Lehigh Valley Style magazine.
