PET SEARCH FAR FROM PAW-FECT

IT was the pet search that sent fur flying, but in the end, the RACQ Pet Calendar has delivered the pawfect tribute to some of Queensland’s cutest cats and dogs.

The contest made national headlines after allegations of vote rigging saw two frontrunners disqualified, only for the winning entry to tragically die just days before being crowned the victor.

The calendar goes on sale today, with winner Bailey taking pride of place as cover boy.

The 10-year-old groodle starred in a photo shoot in a ball pit, while other finalists also posed for stunning pawtraits.

Bailey’s owners Amy Burford and Jake Solway took comfort from knowing their loveable pooch was immortalised in the calendar.

“It’s a little bit bittersweet,” Mr Solway said.

“But it’s nice that we got to be involved in that photo shoot before he passed.”

The couple have since adopted a rescue puppy found abandoned outside an animal shelter.

RACQ’s Kirsty Clinton said the contest had been a rollercoaster ride.

“This year’s pet competition certainly had its highs and lows but we’re really proud of the calendar we have created,” she said.