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We received more than 150 entries in Winston-Salem Monthly's Cutest Pet Contest, sponsored by Forsyth Humane Society.
Bailey Drane is the top online vote-getter in the dog category.
Artemis has risen from humble beginnings as a tiny little kitten rescued from under a friend's car to become the cutest cat winner.
Fleek, an 8-year-old Staffordshire terrier mix, won the hearts of our judges to become our February cover model.
Haley Rippey calls Bailey Drane – the top online vote getter in the dog category - “our 5-month-old golden retriever with all the energy and love a puppy has to offer! She likes to help ‘unload’ the dishwasher and ’hide’ socks so that we have can ‘seek’ them. She is always sweet, sometimes obedient, and never shy. There’s never a dull moment in Bailey’s world!”
"Artemis lives up to her name; she is definitely a mighty huntress,” Suzanne Walker says. “Many chipmunks have found themselves brought inside for a maze run through the house.” Artemis follows Walker “every step I take and curls up behind my knees at night. She's every bit the curious cat, loves greeting all our guests, and scares our 2 very large dogs to death. And she's just plain beautiful."
Fleek, an 8-year-old Staffordshire terrier mix, is our our February cover model, chosen by a panel of judges. “Fleek has the cutest markings and the most wild personality,” Brianna May, his "dog mom" says. “She is all around perfect.”
Each of our five judges – two from contest sponsor Forsyth Humane Society and three from Winston-Salem Monthly and the Winston-Salem Journal – picked three favorites, ranked in order, and Fleek came out on top.
Aren’t those multidirectional ears adorable? And the marking that looks like a cartoon eyebrow?
Sarah Spencer says Petey the Golden Retriever Puppy “is the happiest and most loving puppy. We got him in August for our 6-year-old daughter who's been begging for a dog as long as she could talk. He is the perfect addition to our family. and we just love him so much! We absolutely believe he's the cutest pet in town.”
Tenley and Pax “are best buds who are always there for each other … in sickness and in health," Stephanie Hudson says. “Pax spent the last five months recovering from a major surgery complication causing them to be separated, but their reunion proved that absence really does make the heart grow fonder.”
Rasputin has “such a big personality in a little package,” Paige Reilly says. “And how great is a cat that plays fetch?!”
Lexi Fox “is the sweetest pet anyone could hope for,” Susan Fox says. “She is very loving and minds her parents very well. She snuggles and loves getting pets from her mom. She is also a big lover of chicken and is always in the kitchen when there is some baking in the oven. She is friendly and docile towards all people. She has never met a stranger. This is why I know that Lexi is the best dog ever! I love her so much!”
Onyx is 11 months old, very friendly, and loves ice cream, protecting and playing with children, walking, running, catching balls. "He is my my best friend," Victor Molina says.
Opie, an 8-month-old Vizsla, is named after Opie from “The Andy Griffith Show” because of his red hair. “My cousin found the kitchen towel and decided that it was made for us!” Nora Anne Flowe says. “Opie’s eyes in this photo tell it all!”
Abigail Trogdon says Jovie brings joy to everyone around her with her sweet personality.
Yoyo Beans was rescued from FHS and has “the biggest personality,” Caitlin Hawkins says. “She loves to be petted and to go for walks outside. Is very vocal and purrs till she drools!”
“Photographing humans and pets both have their challenges, although I find these two Golden Doodles to be the most well behaved out of the bunch,” says Amber Bolejack of Amber Bolejack Photography. “Can you believe they are toddlers?” She says the adopted pair lives a life of luxury with their humans who take them to have special photoshoots just for them.
“We adopted Josie after our 14-year-old dog passed away from cancer,” Amber Keel says. “Josie has brought happiness, laughter and so much love into our house again. She started out her life in not great conditions but the fantastic people at the Friends of Stokes Shelter rescued her. We were the lucky family that was picked to get to love her forever.”
Of Boy Named Sue Raymer, Casey Raymer says: “I mean look at that face!!!!! Could he be any cuter?”
“Toebean is a good cuddler. He loves car rides and dressing up and gives kisses to everyone,” Ava McGrath says. He also bring joy to the household with the cute meows and puts his paws under the door to tease the dogs.
Rebecca Hartsough calls Maddie “the sweetest natured rescue dog. Not only does everyone love her; she has been a great big sister to the foster puppies we cared for during COVID.”
Miniature Australian Shepherd Ninja is Nichole Perdue’s emotional support animal. “She’s super cute and highly intelligent.”
“I have not seen a cat that is more interested in people's reactions than Gilligan,” Cynthia Braman says. “Here he is showing off his lion cut."
“Lilli Mae is the sweetest, cutest, most playful and most loving dog EVER!!!” Kathy Sneed says.
“Millie is sweet, curious, playful and so cute! Who could resist that face???” says Cole Parsons.
Why is Dixie is the cutest kitty in town? “Just look at her little Elvis smile!” Sheri Payne says. “She’s a rescue kitty and was found with a mouth full of painful injuries. After all of her dental work, her tooth gets stuck on her lip, giving her the cutest little Elvis smile. Also, she is a ginger tuxedo kitty, and most ginger kitties are boys. So her rarity also makes her the cutest kitty in town.”
Stinky “is a rescue and had a very hard start to his life, a lot of abuse,” Miriam Marti says. “But now he is happy!”
Judah has a good demeanor with everyone, loves kids and is a great companion, Frederick Morrison says.
“Anyone who visits our home and claims they are ‘not a cat person’ quickly changes their mind after meeting Frankie,” aka Franklin Delano Catsevelt, say Jon and Jenn Rubin. “Social, crafty and full of personality, you can generally find him asking for food or making himself comfortable anywhere he wants.”
“We adopted Buddy almost four years ago from the Humane Society. He has been our daughter’s sidekick and BFF ever since,” Meredith Werner says. “Sometimes we make fun of him and say he came from the land of misfit toys, but he never gets upset. Buddy is the best.”
Floopy brings joy to everyone he meets, Noel Hunter says.
"Lucy is full of personality and loves everyone she meets!" Brooke Rumley says. "She’s very playful, and loves blueberries, car rides, her ball, and meeting new friends."
Moose Burris “is the sweetest boy!” Bri Burris says. “He loves road-trips, making new friends and a good nap. He’s always down to hang out, whether it’s a new spot around town or just chilling at home.”
Ollie Adirondack Hull "loves meeting people and dogs, exploring new places, chasing after squirrels and golf balls, stealing socks and snuggling with Mom and Dad," Laura Hull says. "His sparkling blue eyes match his energetic, playful personality."
“Piper is such a sweet dog and has been a wonderful addition to our family,” Michael Smith says.
Zoe Morgan is “a small, precocious 8-year-old kitty who loves attention,” Nancy Morgan says. “In this photo, she’s wearing one of her post-surgical outfits. She wore them to keep her from plucking out her stitches after surgery. It was during exploring that Zoe swallowed a piece of rubber seal and nearly died from internal blockage. But her spunky personality was unaffected by this trauma. In fact, with the help of dear, caring friends who dressed her like a doll, Zoe discovered a new way of getting attention: modeling. In this cameo, Zoe’s wearing a ruffled, orange sunsuit (i.e. post-surgical suit) that compliments her mostly white fur and bright green eyes. She’s secretly hoping for a film career.”
River “is the most fun-loving, sweetest and loyal dog I have ever had,” Kaitlynne Butcher says. “He’s clumsy, goofy and full of personality. He loves playing in the mud, swimming, boat rides and long naps. He’s one of a kind.”
“Less than a year ago, Buddy was just a little kitty, living as a stray near my mom's barn,” Cindy Holder says. “He started coming to us, slowly, in the spring. We were dog people -- or so we thought. But our tuxedo boy totally won our hearts by his strong spirit, goofy ways and sweet personality. We love him.”
Brandi Taylor calls Bentley her gentle giant. “Such a sweet boy and old soul. He keeps a watchful eye on kids and the elderly to make sure they are always OK. As he navigates along, he brings a lot of smiles and laughs to our family and friends.”
Zoey Moore’s “little face is a ray of sunshine on cloudy days,” Tammy Moore says. “We have had lots of cloudy days as we are dealing with our family member being diagnosed with ALS. Although we rely on God’s love and grace for our loved one, Zoey adds energy, curiosity and living life with zest and free of cares to our lives.”
Ko Joe, adopted him three years ago, "is a lucky cat," Sharon Riddle says. "Noone wanted to adopt him 'cause he bites. We took a chance on him. Every kitty needs a good home. He is a best friend to my husband."
Ruthie Jamison, (aka RuthieRoo, Scroof, Scroofles, Piglet) is a 2-year old Border Collie that has “brought joy, frustration, exercise and love to our family,” Lindsay Jamison says. “You'll often see her hanging out of the car window around town because she loves to ‘help’ run errands and oversee kid drop-offs. She also loves to herd vacuum cleaners and whiffle balls (but only if you hit it with a bat first). She is a goodest girl.”
Oliver Jack “is always ready to take a picture,” Sharon Riddle says. “We adopted him 1 year ago. He is very sweet.”
“Alice and Mills are watching for guests at whom Alice will bark viciously and then warmly welcome them into the yard and into our home,” Fe de la Torre says.
“My sweet feral cats – book ends,” Brandi Taylor says. “These three have been through a lot. They are feral, but don't stray too far. I think they love us because we trapped them to fix them and take care of them now. We created a closure this fall for them on our deck that they use as their home when it gets cold.”
“Finley was a foster from the Forsyth Humane Society who stole my heart. He is my best buddy, full of energy, goofiness and an abundance of love!” Lisa Burchette says.
ie Mae Stanfield is the “sweetest Lemon Beagle, bringing happiness back to family who lost their 17-year-old beagle this year,” Marti Lohmeyer says.
Dove, a 3-year-old rescue, “has the most adorable face and sable/white coat,” Timothy Hutson says. “Dove is very intelligent and athletic, taking part in many local AKC/UKC events. She is small, but mighty. Looking into her beautiful brown eyes makes your heart melt.”
Sassafras “is always a ham and loves everyone, including strangers. Love is her motto!” Amy Collins says.
The Lady Payton Jane s a senior citizen and retired hero, Mary Newsome says. “I adopted Payt at age 7 after she saved her person’s life from a stroke and laid with them where they’d collapsed outside overnight. She’s now at least 12 and retired from heroics, enjoying her favorite hobbies of barking, bossing humans about, and lording over her toy basket and modest city townhome. She is sweet and salty and all love.”
Duke Davis “is the sweetest dog you will ever meet,” Kasey Davis says. “He is a 10-year-old boxer and, as our niece says, is the ‘best boy in town.’ His favorite activities are cuddling on the couch and hanging out with his cat friends."
“My son-in-law rescued Scouty from the Humane Society, and Scouty has John wrapped around his paws!” Kathy Sneed says. “John spoils Scouty, but I think Scouty has John spoiled even more!”
Phoenix Lucille “came into my life after my dog Lucy crossed the rainbow bridge. He has helped heal both mine and his brother Ricky' s heart,” Lisa Garner says.
British shorthair cat Gucci has “the cutest chubby cheeks!” Jacqueline Torrieri says.
“Wild child” Murphy Chase, adopted four months ago, is always on the go, so it’s hard to get a picture of him, Sharon Riddle says. “But he has been a sweet kitty for me.”
"Trevor is a Pup Against Crime in WS! Trevor is keeping our neighborhood safe on our walks!" Bobby and Melene McMannen say.
“Echo is such a joy. She loves hanging out with her sister, Tempo,” Cornelia Corey says. “She likes to pull out toys to play with and then share them with Tempo.”
"Hazel was born with several heart problems and being a tough and friendly terrier she has thrived. She loves people and other dogs and has all the 'Westitude' it takes to face down squirrels," Eileen New says.
"Finnegan was an answer to prayer and is so kind, loving, and snuggly." - Lisa Garner
“Gracie is our senior lady,” April Owrey says. “She came to us as a feral kitten at about 7 weeks old. Over the years, she has welcomed another cat and a dog. She's very sweet but lets everyone know who is in charge.”
Deacon "is not a pet, he is a companion," Mike Walker says.
"We rescued Bella from the Forsyth Humane Society in 2021. When we first brought her home, she ran out of the crate and hid under the bed for four days. We were leaving her food and water right by the bed so we knew she was eating and drinking. Then on the fourth night, we left some catnip by her food. A few hours later, she walked into the den and hasn't left our side since then. She loves to play fetch with hairbands, and will chase them and bring them back to us. We're really not sure who rescued whom!!!" - Judi Saint Sing
"At 12 weeks old Tucker has already stolen our hearts! His sweet personality along with his beautiful markings and adorable droopy ears have us wrapped!" Libby Smith says.
"Baron is sticking his tongue out." - Susan Frake
"Maxwell is funny, loyal, energetic, so therefore it’s never a dull moment. He was my foster pup that I fell completely in love with so he now has his furever home with me," Gina Morrow says.
Oreo"is a large, sweet girl that loves lying upside down wishing for a belly rub. Oreo and her sister, Fudge Stripe, were almost dead when we found them, so they are very thankful for a loving home." - Betty Cain
Murphy is "a good natured and fun-loving Wired Hair Jack Russell."- Jeni & Mike Robins
"Simba loves to play with his big brother Levi!! He is the sweetest cat I know. You can hold him and he loves to snuggle!!!" - Melinda Thompson
"Pablo is one of the cutest and sweetest Chi-weenies that you will ever come across. He loves to play fetch and do zoomies." - Tanika Brown
Levi: "Look at those eyes, he is sweet boy that loves to cuddle!!!" -Melinda Thompson
"Max is one-of-a-kind! He acts more like a dog than a cat, he even plays fetch!" - Suzy Fielders
"My Jack Russell puppy is a real little rascal as this picture clearly captured! He loves everyone he meets and he never met another dog that he didn’t immediately want to be best friends with forever! If you ever need a good laugh or at least a big grin, just pull up this picture! It is guaranteed to work!" - Nancy Falciani
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