In case you missed it, this past August JHS hosted our second annual Jacksonville’s Cutest Pet photo contest, sponsored by Purina and Pet Paradise. Our goal? Find the cutest pet in all of Duuuval! Each participating pet gathered votes through loving donations made to JHS by their biggest fans.
Thanks to the support of everyone who took part in this contest, we raised over $55,000 for animals in need. Now that’s something to bark about! Generosity truly does breed joy.
The pet who received the most votes earned the title of “Jacksonville’s Cutest Pet” for all of 2022, a feature on digital billboards across Jacksonville throughout January, a professional photo shoot, and spotlights on the JHS website and JHS social media.
The 11 runners-up earned the title of “JHS Spokespet of the Month” and will each receive a month-long feature on the main page of the JHS website.
Ready to get to know our Top 12?
Ruby (Grand Prize Winner)
“Ruby was rescued as a puppy after her mama was hit by a car. A local rescue took in her and her siblings. I couldn’t resist those eyes! She is the laziest Border Collie mix you will ever know and loves snacks and naps. She came to me at just the right time. I had lost most of my family and Ruby rescued me.”
Bodhi Lee
“Bodhi came to us July 2020 from Indiana. He is the most loving, patient, and playful Corgi ever! He loves to be center of attention but is willing to share the love! He is a paramount piece to our family and has unique relationships to each person in the house. He’s daddy’s walking buddy, our son’s best friend to play chase with, mommy’s calm companion and so loving and gently to our newborn. He is eager to learn (for an infinite amount treats of course!). This handsome boy loves meeting new humans and new canines. One of THE friendliest pups in Jacksonville who has friends all over including Poochies, Kanine Social, and Happy Dog Inn.”
Tres Jolie
“Hi ! My name is Tres Jolie, known around my neighborhood in Atlantic Beach as Jolie! I’m a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel and true to my roots, I am the quintessential lapdog! I have a sister, Miss Coco, who could be my twin…almost – she’s 5! I love everyone and everything and don’t understand why my mommy always says to me that everything around me is NOT my personal chew toy, including Miss Coco!!! There isn’t a dog around that I haven’t made my friend! Life is simple but I so love spreading joy, love, happiness and lap warmth to anyone I meet! I can tell when anyone is sad and know my kisses and licks bring happiness! I can melt the coldest non dog lover by just staring into their eyes with my big brown eyes! Bring it on!”
Cash
“We rescued Cash from the Turks and Caicos … HE found US outside a small casino … thus his name CASH … he was in the parking lot … we bought him a hot dog as he was very skinny and that was the only thing they had at the casino that a cat could eat. We spoke to the casino owners, who said they had a few strays but no owner so we took him to a rescue group the next day & they highly recommended if possible to take him back to the US which we did. He is now the love of our life … and my husband who really hadn’t been around cats (had been more of a dog person) absolutely loves this cat he is also BFF with our dog Chloe.”
Taco
“Taco loves meeting people, eating anything/everything, sleeping and playing kickball. He’s the funniest, happiest little popcorn shrimp who makes every day better by simply existing.”
Laney
“Laney was adopted from JHS in June 2021. She was found wandering around the Beach Blvd. flea market and a nice stranger brought her to the shelter. Laney is an energetic pup who is picky about who she accepts into her circle of friends but once you’re in the circle, you are in for life. She loves squeaky balls, treats, playing in the water hose, chasing lizards and just hanging out in the yard. Laney is currently recovering from knee surgery to repair ruptured ligaments but is being spoiled with lots of belly rubs and ear scratches.”
Gracie
“Gracie & her brother Charlie we’re found behind a fish market on Atlantic Blvd. The Mayport Cat ladies rescued them and I was the luckiest person because I adopted them. Gracie likes to hide in her kitty treats‼️”
Lucy
“Lucy was left in a box at Petco 5 years ago starving and covered with fleas. They estimated she was 4 weeks old. A rescue group came in and checked her out medically and fed her. They brought her to an adoption event 3 weeks later where she chose me to be her forever home. Best trip to Petco ever!”
Poppy the Tripawd
“As a kitten, Poppy was thrown from a moving car. A homeless woman saw this and brought the kitten to a nearby shelter where the angel fund took care of his medical expenses. Unfortunately, Poppy’s leg was shattered and he had an amputation of that leg. After his recovery he was put up for adoption on the organization’s Facebook page and I immediately knew, Poppy belonged with us. I had a lot of experience with ‘handicats’ so it wasn’t a problem accommodating our house for a 3 legged cat. Today, 7 years later, he still runs like the wind and he is totally as mobile and active as a ‘normal’ cat. Not a day goes by that Poppy doesn’t make us smile. Proving that angel funds are so important to the community and the animals, and that a handicapped animal is such an inspiration.”
Mowgli
“Meet Mowgli! Never has there been a more friendly giant who just wants to love and be loved in return. His best friends (although they would disagree) are the native Jax lizards running through the backyard and literally every other dog and human he encounters. Charging in at 10 months old, this Australian Shepherd, Saint Bernard, American Pitbull Terrier, Great Dane mix rescued his forever family with his unconditional love. The end of the day he just wants to cuddle or play, run in the yard, and be your friend.”
Chloe
“Chloe has had a pretty amazing life thanks to her parents & to all the wonderful doctors in our area. Chloe is 14 & was adopted as a pup in FL … she loves everyone including her brother Cash the cat who has truly extended her life when he joined the family five years ago. They play every day together, often sleep together, and lick each other – they are really just so cute together. Chloe was diagnosed as a diabetic six years ago and then went blind overnight about a year later, so she had successful eye surgery so she can see in one eye & her mom keeps a spreadsheet of all of her medication‘s including her twice daily insulin shots. She is really such a sweet girl or this job would not be as easy and fulfilling as it is with her.”
Loki
“Loki was brought to us by a friend who rescued him from nearly getting hit by a truck. I fell in love with him the moment he walked in the door. He was about a year old then. He was shaking non-stop for about a day. We gave him the name because he showed a lot of signs of mischievousness. He’s the family’s baby now, spoiled rotten. He likes playing with the pool cleaner as it spouts water around, greeting golfers through the backyard fence, or chasing squirrels around the yard. He likes milk like a cat. He is very protective of us. He thinks he’s 10x his size when a stranger to him comes in the door. Loki will be celebrating his 2nd ‘gotcha day’ in just a couple of weeks.”