Second Place
Photographer: Amy Cashman, Inman, S.C. Horse: Puddin’ Pie. Owner: Sara Lyter. Rescue Organization: Puddin’ Pie’s Place. Comment: “Puddy…along with the other rescued minis have become my son’s reading buddies…goes out once a week and reads to his sweet friends.”

Third Place
Photographer: Scott Holmstead, Campobello, S.C. Horse: Sophie. Owner: Ting Oliver
Rescue Organization: HERD (Helping Equines Regain Dignity). Comment:
“Ting Oliver has a special place in her heart for rescuing unwanted animals, maybe because she was adopted from China at age 6 and understands what it feels like to wait forever for a family to love you.”

Honorable Mention
Photographer/Owner: Faith Jorgenson, Tryon, N.C. Horse: Lance. Rescue Organization: Rescued by owner from feed lot.

First Place
Photographer: Rachel Goettert, Columbus, NC. Cat: Evelyn.
Owner: Sharon Goettert. Rescue Organization: Feline rescue in Minnesota. Comment:
“The sweetest pain in the rear you will ever meet…adopted in Minnesota, and has pestered and adored and charmed her family ever since.”

Second Place
Photographer/Owner: Betsy McCray, Columbus, NC. Cat: Beau. Rescue Organization: Found on roadside. Comment: “My daughter spotted four tiny kittens and stopped to pick them up. The plan was to get them strong and find homes for them. Beau and his sister Boots live with me still.”

Third Place
Photographer/Owner: Patti Trobaugh, Tryon, N.C.
Cats: Bowser and Bumper
Rescue Organization: Bowser, Foothills Humane Society; Bumper, feral walk-on. Comment: “Our Russian Blue (Bumper)…feral cat…we were feeding in Hilton Head before we relocated…he was distinctly telling us not to leave him behind. He needed a friend. Trip to the Foothills shelter…found Bowser. [They] take walks with [us].”

Honorable Mention
Photographer/Owner: Tara Boyce, Tryon, NC. Cats: Koffey and Alex. Rescue Organization: Foothills Humane Society’s Po’Kitties Program

First Place
BEST IN SHOW
Photographer: Leslie Threlkeld, Hendersonville, NC. Dog: Usher. Rescue Organization: Harris County Humane Society, Georgia (no-kill) Comment: “Usher… had a home with Humane Society of Harris County for as long as he needed…been with the shelter for a long time and I did a photo shoot to promote the adoptable dogs.”

Second Place
Photographer: Rachel Goettert, Columbus, NC. Dogs: Jericho and Stubbs. Owner: Sharon Goettert. Rescue Organization: Foothills Humane Society. Comment: “Jericho, who is blind, and his best friend Stubbs are inseparable…literally lean on each other for support. Stubbs, a foster puppy, was determined to be his best friend…love each other very much.”

Third Place
Photographer: Leslie Threlkeld, Hendersonville, NC. Dog: B. Owner: Lenore Threlkeld. Comment: “After months of [going] to the neighbor’s house…to unwrap the dog’s chain from the tree, comb the knots out of his hair, and make sure he has food and water, we finally brought “B” home to live with us.”

Honorable
Mention
Photographer/Owner: Nancy Weinhagen, Saluda, NC. Dog: Sam (The Compassionate Therapy Dog). Rescue Organization: Found by owner as abandoned puppy in a parking lot