NEW YORK, February 14, 2010 — The pets gave their love and it made them the stars. Entrants came from the four corners of the USA, from Brooklyn to California and from Wisconsin to Florida. The videos were viewed over 500 times in just one month. Finally, Annie, Chaos and Charm won the hearts of the judges with the love and affection they shared in the Goodnewsforpets.com™ first annual “Share Your Pet Love” video contest. The top three videos can be viewed at our brand-new Goodnewsforpets YouTube Channel.
“The mere fact that owners sat down to produce a video to celebrate their pets said how much they love them, said Judge Joan Lowell Smith, weekly columnist for New Jersey’s Star-Ledger. “It didn’t matter whether the videos were polished and professional or amateurish. It was how they captured the human-animal bond.” Smith has been a judge for the Dog Writer’s Association of America and the Cat Writers Association of America and the New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association Animal Hall of Fame.
Announced by Goodnewsforpets.com publisher Lea-Ann Germinder, APR, Fellow PRSA, the top three winning entries are:
Grant Smucker of Columbus, Ohio with Annie, his six-year-old Australian Shepherd/Border Collie Mix Dog:
“We adopted Annie from a shelter when she was only a few months and nearly lost her to a disease called parvo. After a struggle for her life, she has become the greatest dog I’ve ever owned! Annie has the best attitude, she never gets angry or upset and is always full of energy. Her motivation and the excitement she brings in our house has inspired me to also not give up and always have a positive attitude. Annie already knew how to give people kisses, so I decided to incorporate that idea into my video. I also find it funny when my dad picks her front paws up and dances with her, so I used that to make the video a little more fun,” said Smucker.
Joe Canning of Greenville, Indiana with his three cats, one-year-old Charm, one-year-old Marshmellow, and three-year-old Cookie:
“My video was inspired by the friendship and warmth that my pets give me,” said Canning. “My three cats in the video play an integral part in my family. Their playfulness, independence and willingness to give affection make them the ideal companions. Thanks so much for putting together the contest and for the opportunity to submit a video.”
Alyssa Rouse of Niagara, Wisconsin with Chaos, her one-year-old Border Collie Mix Dog:
“Chaos inspires me every day by showing me what dogs are truly capable of. Chaos is my jogging partner and inspires me every day to eat healthier and exercise. He has already helped me lose 13 pounds! Chaos shows me that everything is going to be alright, because he is always going to be here for me when I need him the most. Chaos is my very first dog, and the best dog I could ever ask for!
The three winning pet parents all receive a personalized Flip™ camcorder. Also finalists in the contest:
- Jennine Punzone of Miami Beach, Florida with her dog Casey
- Lisa Vallez of Brooklyn, New York with her three cats Dizzy, Jello, and Kazzo
- Kimberly Porter of Miami Beach, Florida with her dog Lola
- Siri Zwemke of Locust Dalestate, Virginia with his cat Bazzle
- Sharon Mikesell of Tuolumne, California with her dog Samantha
- Megan Peters of Kankakee, Illinois with her dog Sanka
- Melissa Stutt of Purcellville, Virginia with her dog Sabre
Many of the finalists shared their stories of their pets at www.goodnewsforpets.com. Judge Steve Dale, a nationally syndicated Chicago Tribune columnist, USA Weekend and goodnewsforpets.com contributor said, “For the people in these videos, their pets are good for them. It turns out that even watching the videos is beneficial for viewers. Watching will make your smile. This contest just demonstrates in one more way that Goodnewsforpets.com has been illustrating the special bond people have with their pets for a decade.”
GoodNewsForPets.com, now in its 10th year, is one of the nation’s fastest growing sites dedicated to the welfare of all pets and is a recognized, award-winning source for pet news. The site and its sister Web site CatWellness.org are published by Germinder & Associates, Inc. Free subscriptions are available through GoodNewsForPets.com and CatWellness.org. Also, the sites can be tracked through Twitter.com/GoodNewsForPets, the GoodNewsForPets blog, and Facebook.com/GoodNewsForPets. For 2010 sponsorships, advertising and social media packages, contact Lea-Ann Germinder at lgerminder@germinder.com.