Above: Four year old Shih-tzu-Fox Terrier cross, Sophie, owned by Kaitlin Barnes, won the The Courier Cutest Pet Competition.

The votes are counted in The Courier Cutest Pet competition and the winners named.

Every pet is a winner, of course, but the decision came down to the number of votes cast.

Thirty two prized pets were entered in the competition and 305 votes were recorded. The winner is Kaitlin Barnes’ Sophie, a bright, animated and undeniably cute four year old Shih-tzu – Fox Terrier cross.

Sophie was a birthday present four years ago for Year 7 Narrabri High School student Kaitlin.

Sophie wins first prize of $200 to be spent at any of the competition supporting businesses she chooses – Sue Duncan Dog Training, Narrabri Farm Centre, Western Namoi Veterinary Services, Bohena Pet Motel, AllPets Veterinary Clinic or Happy Canines, Baradine.

Second prize of $100 to be spent at any of the above businesses, went to Hayley Gordon’s twelve week old Pug, Roxy, who looked surprised to be in the winner’s circle – but the accolade was well deserved.

Third most popular in the cutest Pet competition was Kinlee Hill’s nine year old Jack Russell- mini Foxy cross, Bella. Bella wins $50 to be spent at a business of her choosing.

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