Congratulations to our Pawmazing Sunshine State Winners!

By Kara Ogushi. Published September 12, 2012.

We’d like to thank all of the proud pet parents who entered pictures of their playful pooches frolicking in our Sunshine State Dog Photo Contest last month. There were so many gorgeous, happy pooches that it was pretty tough for our judges to pick a winner.

So without further pawdo, here are the winners:

First Place: Sienna & Royal

Let’s put our paws together for our winner, Royal, a 5-year-old yellow Labrador mix.

According to his proud pet mom, Sienna (pictured with him) “Royal was a natural at paddleboarding and learned almost immediately. I think what he really loves is all the attention and love he gets from people that see us and are compelled to come fawn all over him. This photo was taken at our favorite spot to drop anchor, Crab Island”

“When we travel, I always bring his foldable nylon travel bowls because they are small enough to be thrown right into the glove box or a suitcase, but still hold enough food and water for my 80-pound dog.”

Laura Goldman from our judging panel shared why Royal caught her eye: “Royal looks so happy on that paddleboard! I can understand why people are compelled to fawn all over him, as his dog mom says – I would, too! It’s heartwarming that after spending time in so many shelters, Royal has finally found a loving furever home.”

Another of our contest judges, Sonya Simpkins, said, “I like Sierra and Royal on the standup paddleboard. I love the fierceness of Royal. He looks brave and like he’s ready to take on whatever the waters will give him. Plus, he’s showing leadership and protection, which are two great qualities in our canine pawls.”

Honorable Mention: Pacer & Stryder

Based on your “Likes” in our Facebook photo album, our honorable mention prize winner is Pacer, a 4-year-old Golden Retriever, and his buddy, Stryder (on the right), who passed away from cancer two years ago.

Their dog mom, Juli, said, “Pacer and Stryder were best buddies till the end. Pacer now serves as the official spokesdog for the Stryder Cancer Foundation (wagstrong.org), where he encourages all of South Florida’s pups to wag strong, enjoy life and get regular veterinary checks to catch cancer early! Pacer and Stryder loved to swim and chase the tennis ball all over Florida’s beautiful beaches!”

Congratulations to our winners! Royal will receive a month’s supply of i Love Dogs Reishi with Green Tea, and a coupon good for a 50-percent discount on their next purchase of i Love Dogs vitamins and supplements.

As the fan favorite, Pacer wins an i Love Dogs bag filled with pawesome goodies!

Does your pooch’s tail start wagging at the mention of Nevada? Show us in our Silver State Dogs Photo Contest for the month of September!

Kara Ogushi

Contributing writer Kara Ogushi is a pet mom to two dogs and five rabbits. When she isn’t writing travel tips for pooches, she’s exploring new ways to share and create media.