With 177 adorable entries in the 14th Annual Cutest Pet Contest this year, our judges had to select just three winners. But, all of the pets are as cute as can be, and 100% of the entry fees will benefit the Joplin Humane Society Animal Adoption & Resource Center and Faithful Friends Animal Advocates. Take your time and enjoy the photos of each of the cutest pets in the Four States!

Judges: Kerstin Landwer, Visit Joplin Mo.; Stephanie McGrew, Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce; Cavanaugh Studyvin, Carl Junction Area Chamber of Commerce; Lauren Gilbreth, AMI Radio Group/Just Like Home; Jeannie Sparks Wray, 5 Star Moving and local animal advocate; Kathleen Swift, Show Me writer; and Mandy Edmonson, Show Me photographer.

Rukus was found wandering the streets before he arrived at the Joplin Humane Society. There, he became a part of their Hero Pet program. Nancy Suneson fell in love with Rukus and waited 20 days for his adoption day. Suneson says this adorable, high-energy pup lives up to his name as he chases the cat and barks at the fireflies. 

Only 8 months old, Jasper the bloodhound lives on a farm with the Jackson family.  When Jasper isn’t napping, which is most of the time, he loves playing outside with the three boys. He also likes to fight with the cat and chew on the boys’ toys.

Maggie Jo Moo Cow is a 6-month-old English bulldog that was rescued by the Schacht family through Misfit Mutts in Carl Junction. Though Maggie Jo can be ornery – she prefers chewing plastic bottles to playing with her toys – the Schachts dearly love her and the other rescue dogs in their home.

Not only is Maggie Jo Moo Cow our 3rd place winner, she is also our Facebook Fan Favorite! Maggie Jo was excited to learn her fans found her so adorable. She immediately ran celebratory zoomies around the living room and demanded extra treats for herself and her puppy siblings.