Our Beloved Pets! 2025 Photo Contest Winners Announced!

Culture

Overall winners and reader favorites in the 2025 Pet Photography Contest!

We sure have some cute pets! The evidence poured in this past summer when we announced the magazine’s Pet Photography Contest. Open to all readers, we asked for photos of your pets at play, being whimsical, sleepy, silly, and just plain lovable! 

This contest had a philanthropical twist, too. Each entry requested a $10 donation, which will be given to local animal shelters. Dozens of photos were submitted during the July entry period and in August, we then asked readers to vote for your favorites. The voting was fun and competitive. 

The resulting winners and reader favorites deserve kudos for capturing their pets at their best! 

Winners and chosen favorites (by you and our staff) will also be showcased in the November 2025 issues of What’s Up? Annapolis, What’s Up? Eastern Shore, and What’s Up? Central Maryland. And maybe even on the cover!

And The Winners Are...

First Place: Spencer!

Spencer is a four-and-a-half-year-old black and white Supermutt with a big personality and even bigger energy. He works full time in my salon as our official greeter, and he absolutely lights up when clients walk through the door. Spencer and I are a certified pet therapy team, and he's also my service dog. We trained together at American K9 in Davidsonville, where he learned not only obedience, but how to share his joy with everyone he meets. Submitted by Grace Finnegan

Second Place Place: Oakley!

From his gnarly smiles to his wet kisses to his warm cuddles, Oakley steals the hearts of everyone he meets. Our big "bear" loves walks, belly rubs, Rita's pup cups, and any and all attention! Oakley reminds us what simple joys there are in each and every day....Submitted by Laura White

Third Place: Findley!

Findley is a ten-year-old rescue. He's very smart and sometimes stubborn.  He's very treat driven, loves long walks, and being with his favorite people.  His favorite foods are lobster and popcorn. Submitted by Debra Saltz

Fourth Place: Kekoa

Kekoa is our beach-loving American Eskimo. Here he is after a hike at Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center loving life while lounging in the hole he dug after going for a quick swim. Submitted by Chad Langley

Fifth Place: Harbor

For the first few years of Harbor’s life, she only knew mistreatment and neglect. After she was rescued and adopted, she needed patience, love, and time to heal. She grew to love good food, couch cuddles, and laying in the yard. She melted hearts everywhere when she walked down the aisle as the flower pup at her pawrents wedding. Submitted by Kelley Sweeney

Top 5 Non-Dog Winners

Our Beloved Pets! Photo Contest All Entries