Meet the Paw-mazing Winners of Our Photo Contest!

The entries in our i Love Dog Paws photo contest last month were particularly, well, pawesome. Who knew so many dogs had such furlicious – and multitasking – feet?

“I really enjoyed reading all of the entrants’ explanations of how they observe their best furry friends using their paws in different ways – to hold things, to grab things, to catch things, to ‘high-five,’” said our judging panel’s Greg Kleva.

Many thanks to all of you who entered photos of your pooch’s paws last month, and much gratitude to our judges – Kleva, Dr. Patrick Mahaney and Nikki Moustaki – for their very challenging task of choosing the winners.

Without further paw-do, here they are!

First Place: Ramsey

“I love his paws – they smell like Fritos!” said Pat, pet parent of 16-month-old Ramsey, an Airedale Terrier.

Ramsey was adopted from Oklahoma Airedale Rescue after being abandoned at an agricultural store.

“Ramsey is all paws! I love how he can contort himself to show off his lovely footsies,” said Moustaki. “I’m a sucker for furry feet, and Ramsey definitely fits that bill.”

Mahaney agreed: “As Cardiff is a Welsh Terrier, I love an Airedale Terrier. Such cute paws on this puppy!”

“I couldn’t resist the pads of Ramsey’s little feet – and the fact that he can display all four at once was impressive to me!” Kleva added.

Pat loves to watch Ramsey as he tries to retrieve his favorite ball. “When I put my hand under the furniture to get the ball, his paw is right on top my hand,” Pat said.

“Amazing how he just folds himself up on the chair, like in this photo. So glad I adopted him!”

Second Place (Tie): Allie

“I love Allie’s cute and submissive paw posture!” Mahaney said.

Allie is a 2-year-old Yorkie-Poodle mix. “I love my dog’s paws because they’re super warm and soft,” said her pet parent, Devyn.

“Whenever she’s bored or wants attention, she will lay down on her back and stick her paws up as high as she can! My pooch is special because if I’m hurt, or even really excited, she will always be by my side.”

Second Place (Tie): Gracie

“I love a good, big, ‘meaty’ dog paw … A foot that looks like it belongs more on a grizzly than on a canine,” said Kleva. “And Gracie’s furry feet certainly fit that description. I imagine those giant paws must leave quite a ‘thump’ when she picks ‘em up and puts ‘em down!”

“I was lucky enough to have Gracie for about six months before she moved on to her forever home,” said the Saint Bernard’s former foster mom, Cindi.

“I loved her big cuddly body and larger-than-life personality but, especially, her giant, hairy paws. She was a lot of fun for both me and my dog.”

Second Place (Tie): Scout

“What I love most about Scout’s paws is the way he will always cross them, whether he’s looking out the window, on cat patrol or just watching us do things around the house,” said Kurt and Melissa of their 4-year-old Terrier mix.

“Scout looks so regal, almost like the Egyptian Sphinx, and he seems to know it,” Moustaki said. “His crossed paws show off how cool Scout is – he’s probably grace under fire. I’d definitely share a foxhole with him!”

The pup is “always ready to play hard with his buddy Jack (a 100-pound Lab-Shepherd mix),” according to his pet parents, “or to just settle down for a nap – with his paws crossed, of course – and his cute face nestled on top of them.”

Honorable Mention: Riley

Based on the number of “Likes” in our Facebook photo album, our honorable-mention prize winner is 10-month-old Riley, “the cutest Golden Retriever on the block,” according to his dog dad, Justin.

“He loves, loves, loves to play and fetch tennis balls. He hasn’t quite grown into his humongous paws as you can see, but I think they make him look adorable. This photo was taken last month after a little too much Saturday afternoon playing at the dog park. Why is he so special? Look at the face. He is cute, sweet as can be, and loves unconditionally. What more could you ask for?”

Honorable Mention: Eno

Our other honorable-mention prize winner is Eno, a 1-year-old Rat Terrier-Chihuahua mix.

This picture was taken just 10 days after Eno’s pet parents, Rachel and Nick, rescued him. He was 5 months old at the time.

“Now weighing in at 11 pounds, his small stature and dainty paws betray his larger-than-life personality!” said Eno’s pet parents. “He loves strutting those paws all over Boston and ruling the neighborhood from his window seat. We love how much he makes us laugh when he throws his own toys for himself all over the house, and how much joy he has brought into our lives.”

Congratulations to our winners! Ramsey, Allie, Gracie and Scout will each receive a month’s supply of i Love Dogs Glucosamine & Chondroitin with Green Tea and Reishi to help keep those paws strong and flexible. Their pet parents will also receive a coupon good for a 50-percent discount on their next purchase of i Love Dogs vitamins and supplements.

Riley and Eno win i Love Dogs bags filled with pawesome goodies!

Our sincere thanks to our paw-mazing judging panel:

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 rock a cute collar or beautiful bandana? Show us in our i Love Dog Collars and Kerchiefs photo contest for the month of August!

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.