Party Animal Contest

As if you needed any proof that pets know how to party hearty, here are the 25 finalists in our Party Animals photo contest. They're 24-hour party pets to the core. Congratulations to our winners, Melissa Halmi and her dog Jada from Lehighton, Pennsylvania. Jada, a miniature pinscher, won our grand prize: a year's supply of Purina ONE pet food. "Jada is considered a member of our family, like our child," says her owner, Melissa Halmi. "She loves the camera, and I love to take pictures of her in her fancy outfits. She's a great subject and poses well as long as there are treats involved." Jada was also a participant in an important day in Melissa's life. "When my husband proposed to me, he used Jada as a secret weapon," she recalls. "He surprised me by having my engagement ring on Jada's collar with her wearing it as he proceeded to ask me!" Here, she celebrates her birthday with a squeaky toy cake.

This is a second appearance from Mr. Peanut, a cat from Royal Oak, Michigan. Here, he celebrates his birthday by clutching his present with grim determination. "Peanut was rescued at about 7 weeks old from a ditch in Michigan," says tfirzlaff. "He is a very lovable cat."

Eldon, a goat from Tillamook, Oregon, celebrates his 9th birthday goat-style. "Every year I make him a party hat and cupcakes," says GrannieHale. "I think he likes the cupcake liner better than the cupcake. When Eldon turns 10 next January, I plan on giving him a BIG party. Eldon has been a great joy in my life. I would not know what to do with out him."

Duke, an English bulldog from Richardson, Texas, has mastered the perfect birthday pose. "Duke loved his 3rd birthday...mostly because it involved cake!" says angel_a56.

Guido, an "Italian kitty" from San Francisco, celebrates his 1st birthday party. "Apparently Guido gave four paws up to this gift," says MeowsterMom. He hosted 42 guests, served 100 cupcakes, and received all kinds of presents, including the new jungle jacket he's wearing. "Hey, doesn't everybody have a fantasticat FURst birthday?" MeowsterMom says.

Rusty, a tabby from Opdyke, Illinois, was discovered by Stormy19 two years ago roaming the neighborhood. "He is now celebrating his 3rd birthday of health and happiness."

Witty, a Maltese from Vancouver, Washington, loves to party and be the center of attention, says JessicaLeighClark. "And with his dapper smile and smart tuxedo, believe us -- he gets all the girls!"

Tuffy, a "chipoo" (Chihuahua/poodle mix) from Yonkers, New York, celebrates his 4th birthday in style. Contributed by 3ChiMom.

Lola, a tabby from Bellingham, Washington, is all wrapped up for her birthday. "Why is the wrapping always more exciting than the gift?" wonders ashleykate.

"I think this photo speaks for itself," says Rubble, about her photo of Nifty, a rescue cat from Roselle, New Jersey. This cat will eat anything!...What would we do without them to make us laugh?"

Chuy, a Chihuahua from Houston, Texas, takes an after-fiesta siesta. Contributed by RitaRox.

Simba, a Persian from Lakeland, Florida, loves to party down with his friends, according to thnkggal.

Teddy, Wesster, Freddy, and Ollie, domestic short-haired kittens from Phoenix, Arizona, celebrate their cat-loving Aunt Tiffany's birthday by spelling out her nickname on their hats.

Coco Diva, a French bulldog and Boston terrier mix from St. Albert, Alabama: Contributed by LorrieE.

Bama and Baxter (not visible here), basset hounds from Scottsdale, Arizona, celebrate their first birthday. Contributed by JanaC.

Dexter, a Labrador retriever from St. Catharines, Ontario, guards his cupcakes with patient vigilance. Contributed by erikabellows.

Buckley, a Wheaten terrier living in the UK "loves toys," says contributor wheaton from Adel, Iowa. "This toy was a birthday present for his first birthday, and it only took him 20 minutes to destroy it!"

Freckles, a cocker spaniel from Tuckahoe, New York. "Freckles has been a sickly dog since the day I took her home at 3 months old," writes lnoel1225. "She has had ailment after ailment after ailment, and everyone at our vet's office knows us all too well. To be able to celebrate her 15th birthday was monumental for her family, since we never thought we would see the day come. Here she is eating a banana cake (her favorite) that was baked especially for her, and as anyone can see, she is loving every minute of it. And the best news yet? This year, on April 23, 2009, we actually celebrated Freckles's Super Sweet Sixteen! ... She is the picture of a loving, affectionate and devoted dog, and she is such a survivor!"

Bridger, a Weimaraner from Sacramento, California, with her "sisters" Geisha and Sass, celebrate with cake and party hats for all. Contributed by darcigilbert.

Harney, a goldendoodle from Pensacola, Florida, partying with mom and dad on the boat near St. George Island, Florida. Contributed by whitneyj.

Skipper, a Labrador retriever from Fort Belvoir, Virginia. "In my house, we love a good birthday, and this was no exception!" writes carolinedonnelly. "My four daughters made this birthday cake to celebrate Skipper's big 1-0! It was quite cute and, according to Skipper, tasty, too!"

Smokey, a tabby from Spring Hill, Florida, models his birthday hat. Contributed by Smokeyrana.

Stewie, a rat terrier from Greenwood, Indiana: "Little Stewie can't wait to dive into that chicken breast!" reports jinglesdelarock.

Ella, a Pomeranian from Philadelphia, gets all tied up with the celebration of her first birthday. Submitted by Mandy091909

Rock, an English bulldog from Fillmore, California, fell asleep during his first birthday party. "He played and ate too much," reports circebest.