Daily Tribune – 6.11.06

Show off your furry friends

Support animal fund-raiser

April Sytsma of Catching Fireflies in downtown Berkley poses with her cat Tuesday and dog Samson just in time for a unique fund-raiser benefiting the Michigan Humane Society.

BERKLEY — So you think yours is the most character-filled pooch or kitty in metro Detroit? Here’s your chance to prove it.

Catching Fireflies in downtown Berkley is offering its first Pampered Pet Photo Contest to let proud animal companions strut their stuff.

Store owner April Sytsma, also one of the masterminds behind this weekend’s Art Bash in downtown Berkley, is asking people to join the contest by sending her their favorite pet photos by June 19.

"We’re just going to look for cute characters in terms of personality," said Sytsma, adding that plenty of dog photos have already poured in — but she’s hoping for more cat photos to add to the mix.

The winner will get a $25 Catching Fireflies gift certificate and another $25 will be donated in your pet’s name to the Michigan Humane Society. The winner will receive a "pampered pet" photo frame from the whimsical store.

Sytsma also plans to use her favorite photo in frames sold all over the country. The chosen photo will help launch a new line of handmade frames by a.i. paper design.

"If your pooch or kitty is chosen," Sytsma said, "their furry face will be seen in various gift stores and pet boutiques across the United States, as well as in our two stores in Berkley and Rochester.Ó

Feel free to dress up Rover or Whiskers in something that helps show off their unique spirit, though cute faces can stand alone, too.

The business owner said she has a soft spot for the Humane Society because her two cats, Tuesday and Piper, who often hang out at the Berkley store, were adopted from there.

"We know a lot of our beloved pets come from local Humane Societies, so we will honor their hard work by donating one dollar for each frame sold at our Catching Fireflies store locations," Sytsma said.

Winners of the Pampered Pet Photo Contest will be notified via e-mail or phone and will be announced in the Catching Fireflies July e-newsletter.

By entering, contestants agree to allow a.i. paper design to reproduce and use their photo in the frames, as well as display it on www.catchingfireflies.com. All photo submissions will not be returned and become the property of a.i. paper design.

No copyrighted images or professional photos will be accepted.

-Christy Strawser