The Central Pennsylvania Humane Society (CPHS) is again looking for some photogenic cats, dogs, hamsters, goldfish, etc. The shelter will repeat the highly successful “Picture Perfect Pet” calendar project for 2009 featuring professional photographs of locally- owned pets.

The “Picture Perfect Pet” calendar campaign involves fundraising on the part of people who would like to compete to have their pets featured on the calendar. Any pet owner is welcome to take part.

Pet owners are invited to pick up information sheets at their local Veterinary office, area pet shops, some retailers or the CPHS shelter and Thrift Shop. They’ll be directed to selected professional photographers who will take studio shots of their pets. For $10 they’ll get two color prints, one 3 X 5, and one 8 X 10 (or one 5 X 7, depending on the photographer’s choice.) The prints can be used to help solicit donations throughout the spring in support of their animals. The thirteen pet owners (months to include January 2010) who raise the most will have their animals featured as months of the calendar. Another group who raise the next highest amounts will be featured on the Honorable Mention page.

Every pet entered will appear on the calendar in a collage form on the front and back covers. To officially “enter,” a pet owner must turn in at least $30 in donated funds. The money raised is used to help homeless animals at the shelter. The shelter has sold over 1,000 of the 2008 calendars to local supporters and animal lovers.

Interested pet owners need to register for the competition and photography sessions by the end of April. They’ll have all spring to collect donations, then turn them in by June 21th. “We’re excited about having back this year the following photographers: Tammy Wolfe of Ambience Photography, Hourglass Photography in Logan Town Centre, Ray Kaufman Photography in Altoona, Joe Padula of Stages Photography and Erro Gottshall of Dance of Light Photography,” says Ingrid Healy, Director of Operations.

“We want to recognize and thank these professionals for their help with this project,” says Healy. “They did an incredible job with last year’s effort and we look forward to another great project. Even a lot of people who don’t have pets were impressed enough by the animal photos to buy the calendars.”

“In previous years pet owners found lots of ways to get donations. They went to outings, business locations, family gatherings, churches, civic & fraternal organizations and such to solicit financial support. It’s fun and it really helps our animals,” says CPHS Staff.

In addition to featuring the animals, the calendars also highlight area business supporters and provide animal health and welfare information. CPHS will also include photos of departed pets on a special “Rainbow Bridge” page at a minimal charge (donation of $30 or more) to owners.

The CPHS invites people to submit good quality photos for the Rainbow Bridge page only, and consideration will be on a first come, first served basis. “It’s a great way to memorialize your pet! It’s a service we want to provide because we know how much people miss their pets when they’re gone and this is our way of honoring them,” says Healy.

Calendars will go on sale in September and sell for $8, or $5 to folks with a CPHS membership. Consider becoming a member of the CPHS! Memberships start at $10 and entitles you to the CPHS newsletter that informs you of events and features the people who help the homeless animals.

For information about getting your pet into the calendar or to become a CPHS member, contact Deb Pierce at 942-2477.