ANIMAL ATTRACTION

MCAR ‘I Love My Pet’ Photo Contest to benefit county family services

WHITPAIN >> “Sit, smile, win a prize!”

Pet parents always seem to be snapping photos of their furry best friends, so the Montgomery County Association of Realtors decided there was no better time to hold its first “I Love My Pet” Photo Contest than during the month devoted to love.

Those interested in participating may submit a photo they believe captures the essence of their pet’s most photogenic qualities through 5 p.m. on Feb. 21 at my.360photocontest.com/mcarpet. The fee is $20 per entry and all proceeds will benefit Family Services of Montgomery County, a nonprofit social service organization providing programs to children, seniors and families in Montgomery County who face every day emotional difficulties or physical hardships.

“Our Community Outreach Committee wanted to hold a fundraiser that could involve everyone in the community,” noted Danielle Esbenshade of the MCAR.

“Almost everyone has a pet or knows someone who does, and most people love their pet, some more than others. By holding the fundraiser online it gives us a wider reach to raise funds for Family Services, plus they can do it from the comfort of their home or office.”

Categories are Best Dressed; Cutest; Silliest; Ugliest and Unique.

An example for the latter category is a camera-loving alpaca, one of the earliest submissions in the contest.

One winner from each of the five categories will receive a $100 gift card to Amazon, PetSmart, or the groomer of their choice. The photo with the highest total number of votes will be named “Best In Show” and will receive a $250 gift card to Amazon, PetSmart, or the groomer of their choice.

Voting is open through 5 p.m. at a cost of $5 per vote. Each vote will be entered into

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SUBMITTED PHOTO Seven-year-old Alpaca Joe is in the running for the most unique pet in the “I Love My Pet” Photo Contest.