Pets: The perfect midwinter pick-me-up!

[January 04, 2021]    In our second annual edition, Lincoln Daily News will roll out a special online magazine devoted to animals and the pets in your family.

The LDN Animal Stories magazine will include special stories for enjoyable and instructive reading for anyone who loves animals. The theme this year is Animal Adoption, and this edition will feature how Logan County Animal Rescue (LCAR), a not-for-profit organization is helping to save pets.

In addition to articles by LDN writers, you and your pets also have two opportunities to be in the magazine. The Pet Contest and Rainbow Bridge are open for submissions from Logan County residents. There is no fee to enter either section.

But wait… there is a potential bonus, in addition to gaining celebrity status when entering the Photo Contest(s). Big R in Lincoln is partnering with LDN to sponsor the Animal Stories Pet Contest and will provide a $50 gift card for first place prize in each of this year’s five categories: Cutest/Most Cuddly, Funniest Expression, Caught in the Act, Dress Your Pet, and Show Animals.

Contest categories

So, what qualifies as a pet? If it is an animal that you love, take care of and feel is a vital part of your life and family, then it is a pet.

Cutest/Most Cuddly – This category is really self-defined and subjective. If you have a pet that is just adorable in your eyes, then share it.

Dress Your Pet – Ok, admittedly a lot of us do it. If you dress your pet, even for special occasions only and feel they look adorable, then snap a shot and send it in!

Show Animals – This is a wide open category that will enable some of our young livestock producers to participate if they wish. We know that our 4-H kids are proud of the animals they show from rabbits to dogs and cats to sheep, goats, pigs and calves.

In addition, we know of at least a few grown-ups who show dogs, cats and horses in competitions.

We encourage you to submit your picture(s) in a traditional showmanship setting.

Funniest Expression – It happens from time to time, you see your dog or cat make a crazy face. You snap the shot and rush to share it on social media. Share it with us instead! Who knows, that funny expression could be worth $50 from Big R.

Caught in the Act – The winner of this category last year was caught eating the snowman in the front yard! Pets do funny and silly things especially when they don’t think anyone is watching. They also have funny habits that are unique to them and a part of their wonderful personality. We want to see what your pet does that you find funny and entertaining.

Rules

• If you have multiple pets, each pet may be entered in only one contest.

• You may enter all your pets in one category or in different categories.

• You may not enter the same pet in more than one category.

Winners in each category will be determined through blind judging. Each entry will be given a number within its category with no name or notes attached. Judges will be asked to make their decision based solely on the photo.

Winners in each category will be notified and instructed on how to collect their prize. The winning pet in each category will be featured on the winners’ page in the Animal Stories online magazine that publishes on Thursday, January 21, 2021.

All photos and notes about the pet and family will be featured in the magazine.

 

Use the contest entry form if you are going to walk in or mail your entries. If using Facebook message or email, use the entry form as seen above as a guide for the information needed for your entry.

You may also submit a brief note about your animal, why you chose the picture, or anything else you think readers would enjoy.

Please note, submissions should not be made by posting pictures in the comments sections of the LDN Facebook page.

Your submission will be confirmed. If you submit via email, snail-mail, or Facebook and do not get a confirmation from LDN within 24 hours, please reach out to us because we don’t want to miss a single entry.

For help submitting pictures email

LDN is a family friendly publication. We reserve the right to reject any entry.

Remember, submissions must be received by Thursday, January 14th, 2021. So, “get snappin’!”

Rainbow Bridge remembrances

According to legend, when a pet passes, it goes to a lovely green meadow where it plays and enjoys eternity while it awaits the arrival of its human family members.

When we begin our journey into eternity, our first stop is the meadow where our beloved pet rushes to greet us. Then together, we cross the rainbow bridge and live our eternal life with our beloved pets by our side.

Our pets become family. They are a vital part of our lives and when they pass, we grieve.

If you have lost a pet, or two or three, you can pay tribute in the Animal Stories magazine by submitting a photo and good memories.

Email, mail, Facebook, or hand deliver a photo of your pet and a few words. Printed photos can be scanned and made available for pick up after publication.
 

Submissions are free, but if you would like to donate to a local cause, this year’s Rainbow Bridge section will benefit Logan County Animal Rescue (LCAR).

Donations can be made out to LCAR, or to LDN and identified for donation to LCAR.

In our first year, Rainbow Bridge collected $200 and those donations were greatly appreciated by the designated organization, the Humane Society of Logan County (HSLC).

We hope you will enjoy sharing your stories and photos with our readers.

[LDN]