Before we begin, I want to tell you right away what the Greater Huntsville Humane Society does for this community. According to their mission statement, GHHS is dedicated to furthering the humane care and treatment of animals and providing adoption services for the unwanted and homeless. This is a no-kill shelter and has been going strong in Huntsville for over 40 years, supported by donations, fundraisers and their thrift store.
Photo Contest
As an OVE reader, you already know about the awesome GHHS fundraiser that is the Dog Ball. Another one of this organizations signature fundraisers is the Hot Dogs and Cool Cats Pet Photo Contest. In this day and age of constantly gazing at adorable captioned pet pictures and internet feline superstars (I’m looking at you Grumpy Cat), it makes perfect sense that making our own pets the stars of the show puts the fun in fundraiser.
No doubt you’ve noticed it while shopping at Parkway Place Mall in the summer. The signature yellow walls hung with pet photos are hard to miss and has been a fixture in the mall during July and August for 8 years now. That’s right, this is their 9th big year. You can find them in full swing right now on the lower level in front of the elevator.

Model Pets
Making your pet a calendar star is easy to do. There is a $10 entry fee (or $25 if you want to pre-load some votes) and then it’s just $1 per vote throughout the contest. All of the money raised allows GHHS to care for homeless pets in our community.
You can vote in person at Parkway Place or vote online. And let me tell you, there are some cuties already vying for the 2014 Hot Dogs and Cool Cats calendar cover. Check out some of the leaders on the left.
The Real Winners
All total, there are 88 photos that will be included in the 2014 Hot Dogs and Cool Cats calendar. All entries must be received and online voting is closed by 5 pm on August 4.
Starting at 6 pm that night, there will be an overtime voting competition to determine the calendar winners. But this is clear to all involved and found right on the front page of the contest site – “the real winners will be the shelter animals.”
Learn more about GHHS:
- Find the Greater Huntsville Humane Society on Facebook
- Visit the Greater Huntsville Humane Society website
- Hot Dogs and Cool Cats Pet Photo Contest website
Event Information: Hot Dogs and Cool Cats Pet Photo Contest
Dates: July 20 – August 4
Location: Parkway Place, lower level next to the elevator
Cost: $1 per vote. $5 in votes gets you a free calendar. You can also vote online until 5 pm on August 4

Amy Jones has been a marketing professional in Huntsville for 20 years, with experience in all aspects of marketing, pr, media relations, event management, digital content, and design. Amy is the proud and busy momma of two boys, who keep things loud and fun. For fun she skateboards, rides her scooter, and kayaks (though sadly not at the same time!).