We asked our readers in Amherst, Bedford, Brookline, Hollis, Lyndeborough, Merrimack, Milford, Mont Vernon and Wilton to send us photos of their pets. We received 174 photos from animal lovers – all telling us how their pets are special. Some pets were rescued at shelters, some found their way to good homes after being lost, and some were nurtured since birth. We saw photos of turtles, lizards, cats, dogs, parakeets, dogs jumping, cats drinking out of fishbowls, cats and dogs playing dress-up, and even a rescued squirrel.

Though we saw how each was special and loved in their own way, we could only choose four winners.

And, the winners are:

? Cutest – Lola, owned by Roberta R. Rossi of Bedford.

? The Ugliest – Speckles, owned by Mia Laberge and family of Merrimack. (The only pet nominated as The Ugliest pet.)

? Most Unusual – A Sugar Glider named Rocky, owned by Judy Straussberg and family of Merrimack.

? Best Pet/Owner Look Alike – Chris Pyle and his gecko Lizzy, of Hollis.

The winners will each receive a $25 gift certificate to Chasing Our Tails in Hudson.

Some honorable mentions, of which they had special stories to tell:

? Buffie, a 21-year-old cat owned by Mike, Alison, Mackenzie and Jackie Hayden of Lyndeborough.

? Ringo, a smooth-coat, Brussels griffon, who likes to kayak, owned by Jacqueline Rooke and Jim Pellerin of Milford.

? Sister cats Shootca and Tish, owned by Natalie Bronfine and family of Hollis.

? Wooki, a rescued squirrel, owned by Nancy Driscoll of Amherst.

? Boxer, 18, a red-eared slider turtle, owned by Christine DeBlois and family of Hollis.

Thank you, readers, for sharing all your special friends with us.