Maria, Mellow Yellow and Mighty Moe are some of the furry friends facing off in this week's Pet of the Week competition.
As usual, the stakes are high. Well, sort of. With these cuties, everyone is really a winner, but it's still a competition, and we need to award one of these fur babies the crown. Take a look through to learn everyone's story, and then it's time for that crucial decision.
Scroll to the bottom to select your favorite pet, and come back again to keep voting for them. Tap the link on each pet's name to learn how to adopt your favorite!
Voting at knoxnews.com will close at noon Oct. 15, and we'll announce this week's winner on Oct. 16.
Maria

Maryville/Alcoa Animal Rescue Center
How do you solve a problem like Maria? That's a question you won't
be asking yourself, because this gal is no trouble at all. She was a mama who has finished taking care of her kittens − and now this sweet tabby lady is ready for someone to take care of her.
Varric

Young-Williams Animal Center
Varric is a big baby. This 10-month-old pup is happy-go-lucky and enjoys fetch, toy time and playing with his other puppy friends. He's social and tolerant and is ready to start growing into those big ol' paws.
Darcey

Blount County Animal Center
Darcey might have a few grays, but she's young at heart. This 8-year-old cutie pie was found all on her own and brought into the shelter by Animal Control. She's got lots of love to give and a fabulous personality.
Lavender
Maryville/Alcoa Animal Rescue Center
Lavender is a German shepherd mix with incredible eyes that look almost purple. This 4-year-old, 45-pound nugget is a little sassy, but totally sweet, and her shelter says Lavender "considers every human an instant bestie."
Bungi

Sevier County Animal Shelter
Bungi is too cute. He's a social butterfly, and thrives with dogs and people. Bungie is smart, playful, and according to his shelter, "will do anything for a little treat." Relatable! He's 3 years old and thought to be a border collie and labrador retriever mix.
Mellow Yellow

Feral Feline Friends of East Tennessee
Knoxville might be the birthplace of Mountain Dew, but right now, it's all about Mellow Yellow. This adorable gal was found behind a Cracker Barrel and was quite scared and uncertain. Now, she's a little shy but is starting to warm up and slowly come out of her shell.
Mighty Moe

Sevier County Animal Shelter
Mighty Moe is a 7-year-old German shepherd mix who has spent several long months at the shelter, and according to a Facebook post, he "has started to become depressed." Poor fellow! He's still a very good boy though, and is housebroken, knows commands and is great with adults, kids and other pups.
Louie

Blount County Animal Center
Louie has been having a ruff go of it at the shelter. This handsome guy is a 75-pound hunk who is working on his nervous demeanor. He's been overwhelmed at the shelter but is still friendly with other dogs and doing his best to persevere.
Helga

Knox Vintage Pet Project
Helga was taken in as a stray and surprised everyone when she turned out to be pregnant. She helped raise her little boy, but now she just wants to relax. She's a precious daschund who's about 7 years old and loves to play and cuddle. She's also a bit spunky and has some tricks up her sleeve. Helga will escape on you if you aren't careful.
Morris

Humane Society of the Tennessee Valley
Morris and his adorable puppy siblings have been growing up in the shelter so long they've nearly outgrown their kennels. This playful wiggle worm has the cutest ears and is full of personality.
Nacho

Feral Feline Friends of East Tennessee
Nacho is a professional relaxer. His rescue calls him a "boneless blob of love," and says he loves to sit in your lap, get lots of pets and chill the heck out. Nacho has an adorable snaggle-toothed smile and is already looking forward to his next cat nap.
Vote for your favorite for Pet of the Week!
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: Pet of the Week round three introduces new adorable fur babies













