I can resize your photograph, but ideally it should be no wider than 175 pixels. If you can resize it I would appreciate it but if you are unable to, I’ll work around that. Try to get the best photo you can and remember taking a picture of an animal is an exercise in patience. Just sit and wait. Watch your dog, cat, bird or whatever through the viewfinder and when the moment is right, take the photograph. Your wait will be worth it. Another hint is to be on approximate eye level as the animal unless you are trying to achieve a certain affect; obviously a cat in a tree will be viewed from far below!

As far as stories go, don’t be intimidated. Just write out a story that represents something that has made you laugh; the antics of our pets as babies certainly qualify for some good stories in that area! Stories about rescues are great. Everyone loves to hear about a pet that was in dired straits until their new owner came along and everyone’s life was changed. Coping with the loss of a pet could greatly benefit readers as well, and will memorialize your pet on the site. Someday I’ll tell the story of Fang: He was unwanted by everyone at the shelter he lived in. He was losing his hair, was blind in one eye (and you could tell it when you looked at him), had a weight problem and had terribly overgrown teeth that had caused the name “Fang” to be his moniker. He may not be the most gorgeous cat in the world but he is a loved cat because of a winning personality. Stories like that are favorites of readers.

And by all means, if you ran the Iditarod, send us the photos and introduce us to your team! Everyone loves sled dog stories!!

Stories can be written right in the body of the email or can be attached if you prefer to use a Word, .rtf, or .txt format.

Photographs that are chosen will be on the front page for one week as the “Pet of the Week” and will then permanently reside in the gallery. The front page display is on the left in the first column under the title of “Pet of the Week.” Your pet will have his or her own personal place where the photo will always remain and the story can always be referenced.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to write me. Send me an email with any questions and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.

I look forward to meeting all of you and your pets! I think we are going to have a lot of fun around here!!