Cutest Mutt Announced!

Rusty Is the Cutest Mutt Alive!

After sifting through nearly 1,000 photographs of loveable mutts, PETA's panel of judges painstakingly narrowed the list to 10 finalists. Then we asked you to cast your vote on PETA.org for the cutest mutt alive.

While we fully recognize that all the mutts in our competition are worthy of the title (the judges are still recovering from "cute overload"), the votes are in and Rusty from Wheeling, Illinois, is the winner!

Not only is Rusty cute, he also has a big personality! Rusty is a happy 5- or 6-year-old mutt who was rescued from dogfighters who had used him as "bait." He now trusts and loves people, and he's great with other dogs. He loves belly rubs and even enjoys singing (sometimes).

Believe it or not, an astounding 6 to 8 million animals enter shelters in the U.S. every year, and half are put to death because there simply aren't enough good homes. Of the millions of dogs who are abandoned and euthanised, many are mutts like Rusty. One of the kindest things that you can do is to follow the example of Rusty's guardian and adopt a dog from an animal shelter.

If you don't already have a canine companion but do have the time and affection required to give a dog a loving, permanent home, you can make a world of difference by welcoming into your family a "fixed" mutt from your local animal shelter. And, who knows—maybe next year he or she will take the top prize in PETA's Cutest Mutt Alive contest!

Rusty, you are very cute indeed, and your smile has apparently melted everyone's hearts. Congratulations!

See all the adorable finalists below.

	Name: Barkley Location: West Hollywood, California Barkley is a 7-year-old rescue who was adopted from an animal shelter at 4 months old. He loves squirrels, walks, food, playing fetch, wrestling, and sleeping.
	Name: Cali Location: Fort Collins, Colorado Cali is a warm-hearted 6-month-old rescue who enjoys playing games and hiking. Her guardian tells us that Cali never seems to run out of energy.
	Name: Kodi Location: Lake Worth, Florida Kodi is a well-behaved 5-year-old adopted at 2 years of age. She loves squeaky toys, eating, and sleeping.
	Name: Rusty Location: Wheeling, Illinois Rusty is a happy 5- or 6-year-old dog who was rescued from being used as bait by dogfighters. He now trusts and loves people, and he's great with other dogs. He loves belly rubs and even sings (sometimes)!
	Name: Cookie Location: Farmingdale, New York Cookie is a friendly 3-year-old dog adopted as a puppy. She loves going for long walks, snow, squeaky toys, and snuggling up with her guardian after a long day at work.
	Name: Shelby Location: Emmaus, Pennsylvania Shelby is a sweet 9-year-old dog who was rescued as a puppy. She enjoys dancing, singing, sitting, and shaking. She just loves attention!
	Name: Hunter Location: Smithfield, Rhode Island Hunter is a mellow 5- or 6-year-old who likes taking rides in the car and walks in the park, and most of all, he loves having his belly scratched. Hunter also loves to eat, especially watermelon.
	Name: Buddie Location: Nacogdoches, Texas Buddie is a lucky 1-year-old dog who loves getting massages and napping, and her guardian says that she spends endless hours playing with the other canine family members.
	Name: Jasper Location: Bartlett, Illinois Jasper is a loving 1-year-old whose guardian describes him as a big teddy bear who likes chasing his sister and giving kisses. He has a playful but laid-back character.
	Name: Lilian Location: Fedscreek, Kentucky Lilian is an energetic 1-year-old rescued by her guardian after being abandoned in the woods. She loves swimming, running, playing fetch, going for drives, and eating fruits and vegetables.