Simple Facebook Request Turns Into a Cute Canine Contest

ENFIELD, CT — It started out simply and innocently enough. Around 11 p.m. Thursday, I was posting a dry, mundane story about dog licensing in Enfield when I realized I had no original photos of a dog. As one who normally takes my own photos for stories whenever possible, I loathed the idea of having to resort to one of Patch's stock photo partners, so I reached out to my own network.

On my personal Facebook page, I wrote, "Does anyone have a closeup horizontal picture of their dog they'd be willing to let me use to accompany a short story about Enfield's dog registration? I need one, like, now."

Holy moly! I needed one photo, I wound up with more than 40. They came in from all over the place: from Enfield to East Texas, from Suffield to San Diego, from Manchester to Minnesota. Some were from friends I hadn't heard from in dog years (pun fully intended).

The response left me pondering a few things. One, people really do go bonkers over their pets. Two, why are all these nuts awake in the middle of the night? Finally, how can I utilize all of these photos, when really all I needed was one.

Here's the solution: the first "Tim's Friends' Cutest Dog Competition." All of the submissions are pictured below, numbered from 1 to 40. No names of dogs or owners are included, so it doesn't turn into a popularity contest. Each canine is adorable in its own way, so we want readers to peruse them all carefully and vote for just one.

To vote, simply email tim.jensen@patch.com with the number of your selected pooch. Comments or votes done on various Facebook pages will not be counted; only those emailed to me directly will determine our champion.

The winning dog's owner will receive an elaborate Patch prize package, consisting of at least two bucks' worth of stuff. Please limit yourself to one vote only; we are not in Florida here. Voting will end at the close of the day Aug. 3.

Thank you to everyone who bailed me out last night and for ending the month of July by making all of us smile with your photos of your furry friends.

All photos were submitted directly to the editor, with the understanding they would be used for publication.

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