Flower, a four-year-old Shih Tzu owned by William and Vicky Sawders of La Pine, garnered the most votes to become Central Oregon's favorite pet in The Bulletin's Pet Pals contest. Flower beat out 11 other finalists, and 216 other entrants in all, from throughout the region representing a wide range of breeds.

In second place was Harlow, a Portuguese water dog, and Pauli, an Ibizan hound, was third. View their videos at www.bendbulletin.com/petpals.

The winner and second- and third-place finishers each receive a prize: a training course from Dancin' Woofs Day Care and Training Center, a lesson package from Solace Equine Services, or a goodie package from the Humane Society of Central Oregon.

The Pet Pals contest fundraiser supports the Newspapers in Education program, through which The Bulletin distributes free newspapers to Central Oregon classrooms. Contributions to the NIE program are always welcome, whether in the form of cash or donating your home-delivered newspaper to schools when you are out of town. Call 385-5800 to make a donation.