Best-Looking Pet

Pickles, 4, an orange tabby cat owned by Serena Cascarano of New Paltz, is this year’s Best Looking Pet. “Pickles was rescued from a farm when he was just a kitten,” Cascarano wrote in her nomination. “He’s incredibly sweet and gentle. His favorite activities are cuddling and watching the birds from his favorite spot on the windowsill.” Cascarano added, “Pickles was raised with two Labrador Retrievers

and seems to have taken on many dog-like behaviors. He’s always looking for a belly-rub or itching to play fetch with someone. Pickles brings happiness and joy into the lives of everyone he meets. He has a big heart and seems to instinctively know when someone is in need of some extra snuggles or kisses, and his chubby cheeks are just an added bonus.” Gunner, 4, a German shorthaired

pointer owned by Sarah Pilatich of Catskill, took second place in the category. Gunner loves “any type of hunting, from birds to bees it all amuses him,” Pilatich wrote. “Gunner loves to snuggle and get his way.” Freckles, 8 months, a Springer Spaniel owned by Jamie Spotts of Ulster Park, took third place in the Best Looking Pet category. “Freckles is a rescue from CARE of Dutchess County,” Spotts wrote in the nomination. “He loves to pester his sister Leia, and play fetch at the Kingston Point dog park. He recently graduated from basic obedience school and has been a wonderful addition to our family.” Honorable mentions go to Leo, 2, a Silky Maltese dog owned by Loretta Scaturro of Ulster Park; and Max, 5 months, a German shepherd owned by MaryAnn Pugliese of Kerhonkson.