[imagesource: Stefan Brusius / Animal Friends Comedy Pets]

Pets are really adept at getting themselves into amusing situations.

They make us laugh, which is just one of the many reasons why we love them. I don’t have my own pet, but my heart warms at the mere thought.

Also, it warms because of all the hilarious and adorable finalist shots from this year’s Comedy Pet Photo Awards.

Professional photographers Paul Joynson-Hicks and Tom Sullam did a wonderful thing by creating the annual pet photography competition, allowing folks to compete for a cash prize and bring joy to all those who observe on the sidelines.

The aim of the competition is, most heart-warmingly, to raise awareness about animal welfare and the vital role that pets play in people’s lives:

Same as last year, the contest has partnered with Animals Friends Pet Insurance to donate £35,000 ($43,840) to various deserving pet and animal welfare charities, a big increase from last year’s £10,000 ($12,530) charitable contribution.

In addition to the top cash prize, the overall winner will also have the opportunity to select a charity to receive a donation of £5,000 ($6,260), courtesy of Animal Friends Pet Insurance.

PetaPixel showcased some of this year’s finalisrs, with the judging panel choosing 26 photo entries so far. All of those will compete for the top cash prize of £2 000 (just over R40 000).

Let’s see what Wes Pearson, CEO of Animal Friends, referred to as “the playful, poignant, and priceless moments captured in the final shortlist”.

“Boom, Boom” by Kenichi Morinaga:

“Dashing through the snow” by Marko Jovanovic:

“Goofy Buns” by Sarah von Keitz:

“Happy Horses!” by Radim Filipek:

“Nilo’s love for water” by Jose Bayon:

“Purr-etty please!” by Sarah Fiona Helme:

“Werewolf 2.0.” by Karl Goldhamer:

The overall winner and category winners will be announced on September 13.

Go well into the weekend now. You’re welcome.

[source:petapixel]