The HOPE Calendar Contest is back—and if you’ve ever looked at your dog or cat and thought, “You should be in a calendar,” now’s your chance to make it happen.


I'm excited to announce that Homeless & Orphaned Pets Endeavor (HOPE) is launching its 4th Calendar Contest, opening September 7, 2025! It’s one of my favorite fundraisers of the year—and not just because of the adorable entries. Every vote, every photo, every dollar raised helps support HOPE’s Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program, which provides crucial veterinary care for Houston’s feral cats.

Calendar layout showing large photo of a black dog named Louise posing on grass with blurred garden background.
A beautiful dilute gray long-haired cat lounges next to a wall calendar featuring feline photographs.

How It Works

It’s simple—and fun!

🐾 Submit your favorite photo of your dog or cat

🐾 Share your pet’s page and gather votes from friends and family

🐾 Help raise funds for a cause that matters


Be sure to review the official contest rules before entering. Only submissions that follow the guidelines will be eligible to win.


What You Could Win

This is more than bragging rights.

The top 13 pets with the most votes will win a professional photography session with me—Kelly J. Russo Photography—and be featured in the 2026 HOPE Calendar.


🐾 1st place earns the coveted cover spot

🐾 2nd–13th place pets will be featured in a full-month spread


Sessions will take place in the Greater Houston area and will focus on capturing your pet’s personality in a relaxed, natural way—no perfection required, just connection.


And that’s not all! Each week, one lucky pet who gains the most new votes will win a bonus prize from generous sponsors like PETCO, PetSmart, and Hollywood Feed.

Calendar page for October 2023 with cute Australian Shepherd dog wearing orange pumpkin-themed bandana in photos.
An orange and white cat named Beni poses on purple fabric above a May 2023 calendar page showing dates and small thumbnail photos.
A ginger cat wearing a red bow tie poses against a sparkly bokeh background in a February 2023 calendar photo shoot.

Reserve a Spot in the Grid

Want to honor your pet even if you're not entering the contest? You can reserve a special grid space in the calendar to celebrate a birthday, gotcha-day, or simply share a favorite photo. Grid spots are just $20 and are first-come, first-served for each month.


Cuteness for a Cause

Whether you’re entering your dog, cat, or just voting for your favorites, know that every dollar raised goes directly to HOPE’s life-saving TNR work. It’s a powerful (and adorable) way to support animals in need.


Mark your calendars for September 7—and start scrolling your camera roll now. I can’t wait to photograph the lucky winners and help bring even more heart to the walls of homes across Houston.