Pawnouncing the i Love Dog Bellies Photo Contest Winners!

Many thanks to all of you pet parents who entered photos of your pooches’ terrific tummies in our i Love Dog Bellies photo contest last month.

With so many beauties to choose from, it was very difficult for our judging panel to stomach the thought of narrowing down their top favorites. But without further bellyaching, here are the winners!

First Place: April

April is a 2-year-old Poodle who was rescued with more than 90 other dogs from a hoarding situation.

“She came to her foster home pregnant and scared, as her feet had never touched grass and she had never been outside of a trailer,” said Joan, her foster mom.

“We call this photo her ‘pin-up pose.’ We love this pose because even though she came from some horrid conditions, she is sweet and trusted us enough to show us her pretty belly.”

“I love her belly because she bears the scars of a dog who has lived through and survived an abusive situation,” said contest judge Greg Kleva. “Probably mistreated and overbred, her belly is like a ‘badge of courage.’”

Contest judge Nikki Moustaki added, “April is a dainty little thing with the cutest belly! It’s obvious she’s had puppies, so her belly was put to good use. I’m glad that now it’s just for belly rubs.”

Second Place: Archer

Archer is an 11-week-old Australian Cattle Dog.

“I chose Archer because of his scruffy fur and tendency to imbed his backside between the couch cushions to best display his belly,” said contest judge Dr. Patrick Mahaney.

Archer’s dog mom, Kara, said of her pooch, “He just loves to sleep on his back … and upside down! I love his wrinkly puppy belly.”

“I really like Archer’s beautiful coat coloring and patterns on his belly,” contest judge Kleva said. “Those little, chubby puppy bellies always make me laugh, but I always caution on the problems with pet obesity as dogs mature. There’s nothing funny about chubby mature dogs.”

Honorable Mention: Foster

Based on your “Likes” in our i Love Dog Bellies Facebook photo album, our honorable-mention prize winner is Foster!

“He loves to lay on his back and show off his adorable belly,” said Miguel and Kelsee of their 11-week-old purebred Beagle puppy.

“He loves to cuddle and will always cozy up with you when he’s tired. The best part of his belly is definitely his coat color and pattern.”

Foster’s favorite thing to do is to play fetch with an empty water bottle. “He loves the noise it makes as he kicks it around and chases it all over the house,” his dog parents said.

Congratulations to our winners! April and Archer will each receive TJ’s Health Bites, yummies for their tummies that will help keep their bellies beautiful on the inside too, plus a coupon good for a 50-percent discount on their pet parents’ next purchase of i Love Dogs vitamins and supplements.

As the fan favorite, Foster wins an i Love Dogs bag filled with pawsome goodies.

Our sincere thanks to our judging panel, whose job is never easy:

Greg Kleva is a professional dog behavioral therapist and master trainer with Bark Busters Home Dog Training. He hosts “It’s A Dog’s Life” on Martha Stewart Living Radio on SiriusXM 110, and also makes appearances on TV and in print.
Patrick Mahaney, VMD, CVA has a thriving veterinary practice in Los Angeles and is i Love Dogs’ Ask a Vet. His clients respond favorably to his combination of Eastern and Western medicine, including acupuncture. In addition to making house calls, Dr. Mahaney makes himself available via his blog.
Nikki Moustaki, an author, TV and radio personality, and dog trainer, is considered one of the country’s leading pet experts. She founded the Pet Postcard Project to help feed homeless animals.

Does your pooch love getting a bath or a brush out? Show us in our i Love Dog Coats photo contest for the month of April!

Laura Goldman

Laura Goldman is senior social media writer for i Love Dogs, Inc. She does love dogs. And elephants and turtles. Along with writing about the loves of her life, Laura likes to play with her two pound pups and tell anyone who’ll listen just how awesome Pit Bulls are.