At the request of pet owners whose pets are in the running for “coverage” in the 2011 Pet Photo Contest, the deadline for voting has been extended through Sept. 29.

“The 2011 Pet Photo Contest is a fundraiser for the Humane Society of Pike County,” said Lisa Howard, contest coordinator. “The contest is our largest fundraiser and funds our annual spay and neuter program, which is so important in controlling the unwanted dog and cat populations in Pike County.

“Like I’ve said so many times, if we don’t spay and neuter, we can’t build a shelter large enough to house all of these abandoned and neglected animals. So, if the photo contest pet owners want a little more time to raise more money, we are willing to extend the deadline to Sept. 29.”

Maybe it’s true that every dog will have his day but right now it’s two cats that are leading the pack in the Humane Society of Pike County’s 2011 Pet Photo Contest.

This year was expected to be the “Year of the Dogs” because cats have had their way in the contest for the first two years, Howard said.

Dog owners have said “enough is enough” and Butter and Jock are hot on the heels of Kitty Kat Howard and the twin kitties, Hattie and Ernie. In fact, eight ‘best friends” are in the chase for the calendar cover and the 12 monthly feature shots and others are closing in.

“And we don’t expect the cats to quit,” Howard said. “So it will be an interesting finish.”

Because the dog/cat competition is heating up and the contest is generating a lot of jockeying for position within the canines and felines, extending the deadline makes good “cents.”

Pet photos may be viewed on the Humane Society of Pike County’s website, at the Troy Public Library and the Troy Antiques on the Square. Voting may be cast on-site at Troy Antiques, Guynn’s Income Tax Service, The Little Framery and Hillside Antiques or by mail at P.O Box 296, Troy, AL 36081.

Votes are $1 each and everyone is encouraged to vote for his or her favorite pet and, in doing, support the Humane Society of Pike County’s efforts to control the unwanted dog and cat populations of Pike County through its spay and neuter program.