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    - COURTESY OF VINCE SMITH
    The Winner: The rakish angle of Teddy's hat tipped the scales. Owner Vince Smith wins a gift card to BlackFinn Saloon in uptown. Teddy has multiple health problems and requires constant care. When we're asked (often) if he's worth it, we pull out this picture as our answer. A cat this cute and patient is worth an awful lot. Vince Smith, Charlotte
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    COURTESY OF ELLEN HENDRICKSON -
    "Ashley wants to be an ornament on the tree. She loves Christmas." Ellen Hendrickson, Fort Mill.
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    - COURTESY OF MARGARET SALISBURY
    "Ellie struts her holiday spirit." Margaret Salisbury, Charlotte
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    - COURTESY OF MARGARET TALLENT
    "JJ's first Christmas." Margaret Tallent, Kernersville.
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    - COURTESY OF ELIZABETH PHILIPPUS
    "He’s my 16-year-old cat. He’s the best when it comes to my gags." Elizabeth Philippus, Concord
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    - COURTESY OF JENNIFER MARTIN
    "Remy is the funniest, happiest and silliest dog. He wants to say 'Hey' to every person and dog he meets. He really is the best dog my husband and I could've asked for." Jennifer Martin, Charlotte.
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    - COURTESY OF DONNA FREEMAN
    "My husband passed away Feb. 15, 2011. My constant companion now is little Rosa. She is so faithful and gentle." Donna Freeman, Chesterfield, S.C.
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    - COURTESY OF COLLEEN WESSLER
    "Star is our 4-year-old Pomeranian. She usually loves to be dressed up in her fun costumes, but not in this picture." Colleen Wessler, Mint Hill
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    - COURTESY OF KIM VESTAL
    "My kids named him after littleneck clams, but I rescued him when he was only 3/4 of a pound. He had been abandoned by his feral mother in the woods. This is Steamer taking on the role as Baby Jesus." Kim Vestal, Charlotte.
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    - COURETSY OF JANA ROHE
    "Ted. E waited three months at the pound to be adopted, now he only has to wait a few weeks for the arrival of Santa." Jana Rohe, Dallas, N.C.
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