As part of the Subaru 'Share the Love' Event, we hosted a special photo contest in December to celebrate rescued pets and the people who gave them a second chance—and a loving home.

We asked each entrant to tell us what is so special about having their pets home for the holidays and received hundreds of heartwarming responses and adorable photos. Meet the winners below!

Grand Prize:

Bart, Buckley and Luna

Rescuing animals runs in Helen’s family—her grandmother still fosters animals through her local shelter and runs a horse farm at 78 years old! Through volunteering with her grandmother, Helen writes, “I learned about how special a bond can be between a person and a rescue pet. They've been dumped, cast aside, or lost. To me it's all about second chances, and giving loving homes to the ones who really need them. Buckley, Luna and Bart (all rescues) are more than just pets to me. They're family. And the holidays just wouldn't be the same without your family!”

Second Place Winners

Rukas

“I'm always excited to get home because I know Rukas will be right at the door! He walks right up to me and falls over like a rag doll waiting to be picked up or rubbed on his belly,” Athina writes.

Butters

“My husband and I rescued a Pit Bull in October. He has changed our lives for the better and we cannot imagine a life without him. This will be his very first Christmas with us and we are beyond excited to give him a proper happy holiday filled with lots of love, treats and toys,” Chelsea writes.

Sophie

After Christina lost her beloved 17-year-old cat, she knew she still had lots of love to give. As Christina walked through the shelter, Sophie appeared at the front of her cage, mewing right to her. “I knew the minute I saw her sweet face she was the newest member of our family,” she said. “She has been the best thing to come into our lives. She is full of energy and affection all of the time and we just love having her around. We're so happy she can fully enjoy life now and know she will be forever loved.”

*Didn’t win but still want to see your pet’s holiday photo on our website and social media pages? Submit your high-quality photos to us using our online form, and we might feature them!