The Best-Dressed Dogs of 2008

Announcing the winners of this year’s Adopt-A-Shelter Dog Month photo contest!

To honor the bond between people and their pets—and those furry fashionistas who know how to rock a good costume—we put out a call this October for photos of your dogs decked out in their finest apparel. The task of selecting the best of the best-dressed went to guest judge Frances R. Sheridan, photographer and author of a book on New York City’s public dog runs, who says, “It was great to see how many people include their canine family members in their festivities!” Congrats to our winners, and thank you to everyone who entered—and please tell your dogs for us that they all look mahvelous!

Winners:

Flower Power

Dandelion
Photographed by Nancy Condon

“Dandelion was adopted from the ASPCA 17 months ago. She was rescued by the Humane Law Enforcement department, found with an embedded collar. She loves to
ride in the car, go for walks and wrestle with her toys. When she smiles, her eyes
smile, too.”

Judge’s Comment: We couldn’t ask for a happier ending to this sweetie’s story. Congratulations, Dandelion, and may you continue to bloom!

“Hat’s” All, Folks!

Guido
Photographed by Cindy Sappington

“Guido goes with us every summer to our cottage in the northern part of Ontario, so he is dressed and ready for any weather that Canada can throw at him. You can see Guido is a happy dog by the grin on his face!”

Judge’s Comment: This character who wears his hat brim so high and ear flaps so low stands out in part due to the simple background and low camera angle—while the squinting eyes and big toothy grin give us a greeting to remember. Shake?

Mais Oui!

Missy Boo
Photographed by J Lynn Stotler

“Everything Missy Boo does is adorable. Like when she gets a milk bone, she carries it around with her days. She sleeps with it, walks around the house with it, watches TV with it, and has even taken it outside with her while she uses the restroom!”

Judge’s Comment: The vibrant colors of pink against the green grass are the perfect accessory to this pretty pup’s French ensemble. Plus the camera being low and close puts us in kissing distance!

I Am Beagle, Hear Me Roar!

Nemo
Photographed by Melissa Boesch

“Nemo’s best trick is making people happy. He also sits up for treats or sometimes just for a tummy rub. His cutest habit is lying on his back on the couch, which I think he must have learned from the cats!”

Judge’s Comment: The focus on the eyes and ready posture capture a willingness to pounce like a lion (even if a lion is a cat!). And the colors match so well, it is hard to tell where the real fur ends and the fake begins.

Monster Mash

Finlay
Photographed by Malori Al-Suwaidi

“Finn is a wonderful dog! He was in pretty rough shape when I adopted him, but as you can see from the picture, this ‘lil monster’ has really come out of his shell. I am so glad we found each other.”

Judge’s Comment: The nice light on this seemingly comfortable resting spot is juxtaposed with an uncertain expression of, “Wait, am I wearing an alligator costume—or is it eating me?!”

How to Get “Ahead”

Bob
Photographed by Linda Motz

“Bob got so excited when I fit him for this costume! I made it very lightweight from PVC and fiberfill, and put clothes on the frame of it. He pranced around in the Mutt March sponsored by our local humane society and had a great time!”

Judge’s Comment: This photo’s strength comes from the portrait being of the headless horseman, with him being in the center of the frame, and his “horse” swinging his head off to the side. The detail of the hooves is perfect.

Double Trouble

Nigel and Nicky
Photographed by Annmarie Mikelski

“My white German shepherd brothers are a year old. Their mom and dad were thrown into a shelter by their breeder, then rescued by OK Save-A-Dog. Mom was pregnant
and gave birth to 3 girls and 2 boys. They are both very sweet and love for me to spray the water hose so they can chase the water and bite at it.”

Judge’s Comment: The look of pirate mischief is captured here, the tilting of their heads in unison, the yellow eyes. There might be tricks if you don’t give them treats!

You’re Under Arrest!

Reece and Bennie
Photographed by Angela Jergler

“Reece, on the left, knows how to roll over, high five, spin around, speak and crawl.
This rescued dog is always making up for lost time and affection by demanding to be petted all the time. Bennie does many tricks, too, and would drop dead before he voluntarily quit retrieving!”

Judge’s Comment: Caught! The police dog sits proudly next to his prisoner. I only wish we could have seen an action photo of the chase!

Ketchup, Anyone?

Francis
Photographed by John & Meghan Beeby

“Francis was found as a paralyzed stray. We found him on Petfinder.com a year ago. He is a wonderful addition to the family and loves to burrow under snuggly blankets.”

Judge’s Comment: This little wiener dog, toting his own cart, is a sure winner!

All Aboard!

Petey
Photographed by Beth Kraimer

“Petey is a Metrocard Yorkie from New York, and loves getting attention walking around Manhattan. He loves belly rubs and having his picture taken.”

Judge’s Comment: An original costume, be it MTA conductor or Metrocard collector. The glance from under the brim of his hat says this cutie takes his job seriously!