Who will capture the hearts of voters across East Tennessee? Will it be distinguished Professor Roscoe, or big boy Beowoof?
It's up to you to decide. Knox News is launching a new weekly spirited competition called Pet of the Week, in which readers can choose their favorite cat, dog or other animal cutie from the list. All our Knox News Pet of the Week competitors come from shelters across the region, and each contender has a unique story to share.
It's a tough call with these angels, but we need your help to crown the most adorable pet from our list. Really, there aren't any losers.
Tap the link to learn how to adopt your favorite pet!
Voting will close at noon Oct. 1, and we'll announce this week's winner on Oct. 2.
Max
Humane Society of the Tennessee
Valley
Sweet boy Max is "a quirky and sensitive weirdo," according to his shelter. He's more cat than dog in some ways, with a special love for cheese and basking in the sun. He's a little slow to trust, but once he gets there, this guy is like Velcro.
He's a big fan of snuggles, and he's a quick study with tricks. Once Max warms up, he's "a silly happy little wiggle butt." The two-year-old terrier is expressive, too, and lets you know how he's feeling with forehead wrinkles or silly snorts and grunts. He weighs 31.4 pounds.
Professor Roscoe
Sevier County Animal Shelter
Professor Roscoe is the Sevier County Animal Shelter's Employee of the Month. This 2.5-year-old lab mix's exemplary qualifications as the director of bone acquisition include interdepartmental toy testing and bone inventory management, according to his shelter, although they noted he prefers a cat-free workplace.
Professor Roscoe is sweet, loyal and, of course, quite professional.
Lulu
Knox Vintage Pet Project
Lulu was surrendered by her family after she had a litter of puppies and her people became overwhelmed by the number of animals in the home. As of Sept. 20, Lulu was Knox Vintage Pet Project's longest foster.
This petite gal weights just 16 pounds and is an approximately 3-year-old Jack Russell terrier. She's a tad skittish but has been happy and active since coming to her foster home.
Ravishing Rick
Feral Feline Friends of East Tennessee
This floofy boy spent most of his six years of life living on the streets. He wasn't doing so hot and got taken in by Feral Feline Friends. Turns out, he has FIV, but he's making the most of things. His time being an indoor cat has "felt like a vacation," the shelter shared in a Facebook post.
Rick has been a sweet-talker ever since, although he's known for being a bit of a love biter, too. Who can blame him for having a bit of a rough exterior? He has a heart of gold, and we hear the nips are fairly gentle − and all out of affection.
Beowoof
Young-Williams Animal Center
"Beowulf is an old English poem," Young-Williams shared in a recent Facebook post. "Beowoof is a dog who cannot read." Despite his shortcomings on the literacy front, this big guy is still plenty smart. And he's got major puppy-dog eyes to boot.
Beowoof is 5 years old, 70 pounds, and looks like a total sweetheart. He's got a gorgeous butterscotch coat and the most adorable white toes.
Gus
Knox Vintage Pet Project
Gus is a 5-year-old Schnauzer mix who's as scruffy as the city where he lives. He started out timid, but his foster family says he's flourishing.
Now Gus is a big fan of squeaky toys, car rides and couch snugs. He's super affectionate, and extremely loyal. And while his coat might be a little shaggy, this 25-pound cutie is totally distinguished.
Clyde
Young-Williams Animal Center
Talk about a tiny guy! Young-Williams describes this fellow as "a polite and social guinea pig." Clyde even enjoys "being wrapped up like a piggie burrito for a good snuggle."
He might not be a fan of long walks on the beach, but if Clyde had a dating profile, it would say he loves afternoon naps with his brothers and chowing down on clover in the yard.
Tater
Humane Society of the Tennessee Valley
Tater is a handsome black and white boy who is a social superstar. He loves meeting new people and playing with other dogs. Tater also is a huge fan of car rides and pup cups.
This "hunk" is super sweet, too. Just look at that smile!
Sunny Jo
Feral Feline Friends of East Tennessee
Young Sunny Jo is just 6 months old, but she spent most of her early days at the interstate exit where she was born. But now that she's had a taste of "the finer things," she's never going back. Feral Feline Friends describes her as quite the purrer who is already thriving with regular meals and lots of pets.
She's a little shy and is still figuring out exactly what playtime is, but she's already doing great as an indoor gal.
Brontë
Sevier County Animal Shelter
Brontë is quite the lady! Her shelter describes her as "a diamond in the rough."
She's 3 years old and is a total snuggle bug. Brontë has "legendary" zoomies and always has a blast playing outside. Her other favorite things in life are stuffed animals and snacks.
If you work with a local shelter or rescue and want to have your pets included in our Pet of the Week competition, email Hayden Dunbar Evans at hayden.dunbar@knoxnews.com.
Hayden Dunbar Evans is the storyteller reporter. Email: hayden.dunbar@knoxnews.com. Instagram: @knoxstoryteller.
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Vote for your favorite cutie for the first Knox News Pet of the Week
