Meet the cuties up for Pet of the Week, from expert biscuit-maker Pillsbury to stainless-steel-bowl-fearing Mocha.
Our second Pet of the Week competition is kicking off, and we have some delightful, adoptable contestants with lots of personality, and lots of love. The sweet pups and kitties can't wait to see who you choose. So read all about them, check out their precious portraits, and make the ever-challenging decision of who to choose.
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. 8, and we'll announce this week's winner on Oct. 9.
Charlotte
Blount County Animal Center
Get to know "Good Charlotte."
Charlotte is a total lover girl whose favorite thing in the world is spending time with people. She's a beautiful brindle young lady, and her shelter says Charlotte "has the sweetest personality."
Estelle
Sevier County Animal Shelter
Estelle is a beautiful fluffy lady. She's about 4 years old, 35 pounds and a total snuggle bunny after she warms up to you. Estelle is particularly shy around men, but if you gain her trust, she will show you all the love. She enjoys cuddling and is even known for chilling in her shelter's administrative offices.
Pillsbury
Feral Feline Friends of East Tennessee
Pillsbury got his name for working overtime at the biscuit-making factory. His rescue says he's the hardest worker there. This precious 8 month old is immediately ready to hop into your lap and start purring. Or if you're standing up, he'll be back and forth around your legs before you know it. In addition to snuggles, Pillsbury also loves fun, especially if you've got a feather wand for him to play with.
Arez
Sevier County Animal Shelter
Arez might be sticking his tongue out at you in his photo, but he is still a good boy. He's just 10 months old and has plenty going for him. He does well with kids and other dogs and even knows how to sit on command. He's been described as a total "social butterfly."
Brody
Knox Vintage Pet Project
Brody has a fabulous, unique look as a standard poodle/Aussie mix. He's a good leash walker, very smart, good in the car and even loves kids. This 3-year-old gentleman is well-mannered and equal parts chill and playful. He was even adopted before for being such a great pup, but sadly, his owner died, leaving Brody behind.
Solo
Feral Feline Friends of East Tennessee
This purr-fect boy is part-time supermodel, full-time best friend. He spent the first part of his life trying to avoid getting picked up by a hawk. Now he's a little shy but still has lots of love to give, and lots of posing to do for all your photo needs.
Locust
Blount County Animal Center
Cannonball! Locust is "VERY proper VERY demure" and "VERY playful at the pool." too. And we'd like to add he looks dashing in a life jacket. He's a playful guy who loves to have fun with toys but also enjoys a good lounge session, whether that's by the pool or on the couch.
Dolly Parton
Humane Society of the Tennessee Valley
We'll always love the real Dolly Parton, but this petite tortoiseshell kitty has a star power of her own. Dolly's shelter says this 3-year-old cutie is cuddly, friendly and wonderful with kids and adults alike. She's ready to charm you "9 to 5," and maybe even more than that!
Buddy
Young-Williams Animal Center
Oh boy, it's Buddy! Just look at that face. He's a loving little Chihuahua who weighs just 11 pounds. His shelter says he takes a little time to warm up and can be easily startled, but once you get to know him, he's a great dog who will offer you all the cuddles and sweetness he has to offer.
Douglas
Maryville/Alcoa Animal Rescue Center
Douglas is a delightful combination of laid-back and silly. His shelter describes him as playful, sweet and "wonderfully tubby." Douglas is about 6 years old and has stunning green eyes. This handsome fellow is looking for lots of love, in the form of both pets and treats.
Mocha
Knox Vintage Pet Project
Mocha is a senior pup who "plays hard and sleeps even harder," according to the Knox Vintage Pet Project website. The rescue describes him as "part dog, part comedian, part retired union worker." He loves snacking, cuddling and following you around but is very opinionated and will always let you know how he feels. Mocha also has "an ongoing feud with stainless steel mixing bowls," so keep the kitchenware away from this dude.
Tom Tom
Humane Society of the Tennessee Valley
Tom Tom is a foster success story. He went from terrified in the shelter and totally shut down to a comfortable, happy, sweet boy. He's "finally feeling safe enough to be himself," the Humane Society shared on Facebook. He is ready to flourish with a forever family.
Willard
Young-Williams Animal Center
Willard is a distinguished terrier who's still trying to put a little weight back on those bones. That means this 6-year-old fellow is just waiting to be spoiled with treats, and he'll even sit for you if you offer him one. Young-Williams says Willard "has wiggles for days and would love to wiggle at you" if you give him the chance.
Harley Mae
Maryville/Alcoa Animal Rescue Center
Harley Mae is still just a puppy at 3 months old. She's a husky mix with lots of energy and smarts − the shelter sees having a future as an agility or frisbee star. This adorable girl is ready to keep learning and live an active life.
Hayden Dunbar Evans is the storyteller reporter. Email: hayden.dunbar@knoxnews.com. Instagram: @knoxstoryteller.
Support strong local journalism by subscribing at subscribe.knoxnews.com.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Pet of the Week returns! Vote for your favorite cuddly contestant













