Call the pup-arazzi! A select group of fur-tunate canines will be showing how paw-some they are during the Pooch Playoffs in March.  

Newberry photographer Kathy Cafazzo is participating in the nationwide dog competition, allowing 16 local dog owners to prove their furbaby is the cutest around while also supporting the Humane Society of North Central Florida.  

Cafazzo said the goal is to raise $1,500 for the nonprofit.  

“It’s kind of a win-win,” Cafazzo said. “People forget to take pictures of their dog before they get too old, and then sometimes they’re in pretty rough shape.” 

Until March 13, Cafazzo will photograph 16 dogs in the area for a $99 donation to the humane society. The donation serves as entry into the contest and payment for a special swag bag and photo gift.  So far, Cafazzo has had three entries.    

Then, the doggos will compete. With owners advocating for their pup, online voting will open on March 19. The pup with the most votes advances. The winner of the North Central Florida area will continue to the national competition.  

Cafazzo said there are 50-60 photographers around the country who will round up 16 pups for their own competition. The winners from each area will be randomly paired against each other. 

Cafazzo said the local winner will get a $50 gift card from Home Depot and a goody bag with donations from other sponsors. National winners have gotten larger prizes in the past, she said. 

To join the contest, reach out at Cafazzo’s website.