Our annual photography contest begins with the definition of a theme. And since the proceeds from the contest go to the Trooper Fund, a special account that allows the “A” to meet the medical expenses of abused or injured animals who find their way to the ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital, we like our themes to have the widest possible appeal. The theme this year was “About Face!” It recognized the fascination we have for the visages of not only our cherished animal companions, but also of farm and wild animals who cross our paths. We hoped to see a wide variey of animal faces among the entries, and we were not disappointed.

The most popular subject was the dog, with 660 photos entered. Second most popular was the cat, with 368. In all, 82 different animals were represented, ranging in size from a grasshopper to a whale. One entry, the quokka, sent us to a dictionary [quokka: a stocky herbivorous marsupial of southwestern Australia]. The 508 entries, totalling 1,243 photos, were drawn from 44 states, Puerto Rico and British Columbia. We’re proud of the interest that the contest generated. We love the winning images, the honorable mentions, and so many others that were narrowly edged out. We’re so happy to be able to donate $15,760 (minus prizes) to the Trooper Fund to help save more animals.