Student Activities announces Cutest Pet Contest winners

The recently-completed “Cutest Pet Contest” hosted by the Student Activities Office was (according to Student Activities) “one of the most popular contests in Cincinnati State hiss-tory– no kitten.”

More than 80 entries were received from the proud animal companions of cats, dogs, pigs, turtles, hamsters, and a donkey– a purr-ty hefty list of submissions.

After much deliberation, the judges selected three furry loved ones as winners.

First place – Madison Hardy and Bella. Madison said: “In the summer of 2019 I was walking down a back road near my aunt’s house. I saw a beautiful dog with 7 puppies, abandoned. They were hungry and very sick. The mama dog was so sweet; she let me pet her and her puppies. That’s when Bella came up to me. I called a rescue group to come help them but I fell in love with little Bella, so I kept her. She was a very sick puppy but now she is happy and healthy!”

Second place – Karleigh Porter and Paul Simba Furball Porter. Karleigh said: “One summer day 4 years ago, my neighborhood friend told us her cat had given birth and the kittens were old enough to adopt. My siblings and I, who had been waiting for the day, immediately roller bladed home to ask our parents if we could have one. My parents, who weren’t paying much attention, said yes.

My siblings and I roller bladed down the street as fast as we could. My friend’s dad opened the door, and we saw multiple kittens playing around his feet. He picked up the smallest, fluffiest, and most adorable kitten, and placed him in my arms. I roller bladed home as fast as I could, crying with happiness, and with the kitten in my arms. My parents were shocked but my dad went straight to the store to buy cat toys while my siblings and I argued over what to name the little guy. My mom ended up deciding that his name would be Paul, and he’s been with us ever since.”

Third place – Lillian Mertens and BK. Lillian said: “BK was a rescue cat when she was just slightly over kitten age. She is very fearful of other animals and suffers from anxiety, but is sweet and loving to humans. She has been by my side the last 8 years and I truly believe she also rescued me. I tell everyone she is my soul-pet! We love to get dressed up for every holiday and occasion–she even wore a tiny cap when I graduated!”