The PDSA chose St Valentines Day this year to launch the PDSA Picture Purrrfect competition. Their quest was to find an image showing that resounding love between pet and owner. PDSA spokesperson, Liza Randall, spoke at the launch of the competition, “We are looking for photographs to make our heart melt. Forget the X-factor, we’re looking for the aahh factor!”

Though the competition is open to all pets, the 2006 winners were all dogs. In third place, Bearded Collie cross, Kip, won judge’s hearts as she cuddled up to her owner, Bridget Massy from Leicester. Kip has been a faithful companion to Bridget since she was widowed eight years ago.

In second place, Craig Wiseman and his German Shepherd puppy, Leo, were pictured venturing out in the snow for the first time. Craig and his girlfriend, Heather, are both deaf, and Leo often helps out with their day-to-day activities.

The top prize was awarded to Joanna Toth from Brighton, whose charismatic picture showed her happiness with Springer Spaniel, Bliss. The obvious love between Joanna and Bliss highlights the very important relationship they have. Joanna has Bi-Polar Affective disorder, and relies upon the support and love provided by Bliss. “Bliss always encourages me when I’m not feeling motivated, so she’s very special to me” says Joanna.

Liza Randall spoke about the tough choices the judges had to make to choose the photographs they thought truly captured the magical bond between pet and owner. “The quality of entries received was outstanding. The three winning images all featured dogs and clearly depicted the unconditional love between dogs and their owners”