St. Augustine Humane Society launches 7th annual photo fundraiser

'The Cutest Show on Earth' features local pets in carnival theme

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The St. Augustine Humane Society has launched its seventh annual pet photo contest and 2018 calendar fundraiser to support the nonprofit’s mission of promoting healthy lifelong pet ownership and reducing the rate of relinquishment to shelters. “The Cutest Show on Earth” Pin Up Paws calendar will feature the winning pets and an imaginary carnival theme with the dog or cat fitted with accessories to match its personality. 

All proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit the programs and services of the St. Augustine Humane Society. The campaign and calendar sales and events will benefit the humane society’s spay, neuter and surgery clinic, along with services and programs and current expansion.    

Styling and photography sessions will take place with photographer Addison Fitzgerald, who has donated his time to the humane society for more than seven years.

“Whether your Shih Tzu is just so enamored with cotton candy, or your Australian Shepherd can't wait to get a hold of a crystal ball, we'll make sure the pet’s carnival activities are perfectly captured in the fun and entertaining photo sessions,” said Carolyn Smith, St. Augustine Humane Society’s executive director.

Local fine artist and graphic designer Maribel Angel will design a distinctive calendar publication and, for the third year, the humane society is using a promotional billboard to be donated by Clear Channel Outdoor for eight weeks along I-95 in St. Johns County.

The deadline for entries is Thursday, Sept. 7 at 11:59 p.m., and voting ends on Saturday, Sept. 9 at 8:59 p.m. The tax-deductible entries and voting donations may be made through a secure online payment at www.PinUpPaws.com.

According to Smith, the community should check out the St. Augustine Humane Society’s Facebook page for updates on calendar and entry announcements along with mini contests until the final week of the main contest. Gift certificates from the Columbia Restaurant in St. Augustine will be awarded periodically to pet owners who gain new votes.

Top photos and contest winners for the calendar will be determined with public voting. Winners will be notified and asked to provide a short biography about the pet. The calendars will be available for $10 each starting in November online, by phone or at the humane society, plus at area retail locations. The Humane Society is located at 1665 Old Moultrie Road in St. Augustine.

For more information, call (904) 829-2737 or email info@staughumane.org. Visit the contest website at www.PinUpPaws.com.