Do You Have the Cutest Pet in Westlake?

The nominations are already rolling in for this year’s Cutest Pet in Westlake contest. Hosted annually by the Westlake Historical Society, the competition not only gives proud parents a chance to prove that their pet is the best-looking, but also raises funds for children’s programs.

Even though judging doesn’t take place until July, residents are already vying for their moment in the spotlight.

“We’re already starting to get photos so we’re really excited,” said Lysa Stanton of the historical society.

The contest is for any kind of pet from cats and dogs to turtles, birds, horses and even fish. There are different categories, but the grand prize usually goes to the dogs, with the last three winners being canines.

All proceeds from the contest will fund the historical society’s Paws for the Past program, which hosts children’s activities on Sundays at .

 The judging panel is traditionally made up of three to five community members, including local celebrities and the city’s animal warden Jim Wang.

“The judging is not as easy as you think it is," Stanton said. "We actually just go out into the community and find people that want to do it. We usually have a list of people waiting.”

Stanton said she came up for the idea for the contest out of pride for her own pet and is pleased to see more and more people get invovled.

“I personally believe that I have the cutest pet in Westlake and if I believe it about mine, others must think it too,” she said.

Last year’s winner, Gladys, is a purebred American Cocker Spaniel. She and her owners, Dan Last and Megan Reichel, just moved to Westlake in May of last year. As part of their prize, the family get to ride the antique fire truck during the Memorial Day parade. The winning family also has the honor of releasing the rubber ducks at the historical society’s annual duck race on Jack Miner Day, Aug. 21.

Pets can also get involved in the historical society by getting their own membership cards.

“It’s just a cute way to get the money over to the kids and help offset the cost of programs,” Stanton said, adding that children’s programs are always free at the Westlake Historical Society.

To enter a pet, send no more than three photos and the suggested $3 entry fee to Cutest Pet Contest P.O. Box 45064, Westlake 44145. This contest is open to residents of Westlake only.

Those unable to take a photo of their pet can get one snapped by the historical society for free by calling 440-721-1201.

“We don’t want to keep anyone from participating just because they don’t have a picture,” Stanton said.

To submit an entry electronically, email them. For more information or questions, call 440-721-1201.