Hilarious Hector the Dog Takes Home Top Prize at 2024 Comedy Pet Photo Awards
A delightful photograph of a dog attempting to squeeze through a cat door has won both the Overall and Dog Category at the 2024 Comedy Pet Photo Awards. The image, aptly titled “Not just for the cats!” captures the heartwarming and humorous moment that resonated with judges and pet lovers alike.
Recognition for a Comedic Capture
The winner was announced on June 6, 2024, with the winning photo taken by Sarah Haskell, the Comedy Pet Photographer of the Year. The photo features Hector, a dog comically poking his head into a cat door that is clearly too small for him.
The Comedy Pets organization commented, “Her shot of Hector trying to get through a catflap and the obvious disappointment at not quite being able to make it won the show!”
The Story Behind the Photo
In an interview with DIY Photography, Haskell explained how the amusing scene unfolded: “Hector saw the cat do it…so thought he would give it a try.” She added, “This is about as far as he got before reversing out the way he came. I can imagine him thinking…’But the cat made it look so easy’ Not so for Hector!”
A Celebratory Achievement
Haskell expressed her joy at winning, stating, “These Comedy Pet Photo Awards have been a good natured, friendly competition with comical animal characters that you feel you can somehow relate to, that make you smile, and you want to know more about.” As the overall winner, she received a £500 (approximately $639) cash prize, a ThinkTank camera bag, and a bespoke trophy.
When asked about her plans for the prize money, Haskell humorously replied, “A bigger cat flap and then some camera equipment!”
Meet Hector: The Beloved Muse
Haskell shared that Hector is a cherished member of her family, serving as her “unwitting and unknowing” muse for several projects. She affectionately noted, “He has a kennel club name that sounds more like a what-3-words location; he is much better suited to Hector, and it is much easier to say!”
As Hector approaches his 14th birthday in July, Haskell highlighted how visitors are eager to celebrate him: “So all his visitors make a great fuss over him – Hector has no idea why, quite clearly, but just loves the attention.”
Notable Winners from the 2024 Awards
Alongside Hector’s win, other notable winners included:
- Cat Category Winner: “Cat in a trap like Super Mario” by Kenichi Morinaga
- Horse Category Winner: “I think I saw a mouse!” by Debby Thomas
- All Other Creatures Category Winner: “The New Rose” by Jonathan Casey
- Junior Category Winner: “Tired Donkey” by Charlotte Kitchen
- Pets Who Look Like Their Owner’s Category: “The Proud Pup and his best friend” by Darya Zelentsova
Promoting Pet Welfare Through Humor
Now in its fifth year, the Comedy Pet Photo Awards aims to promote positive awareness of animal welfare issues while celebrating the invaluable contributions pets bring to our lives.
To view the complete list of winners and the captivating entries from this year’s competition, visit the Comedy Pet Photo Awards website here.
