PETS: Readers send in photos of their animals

Readers submitted photos of their best pet friends. In an effort to get through the piles of photos we've received this year, we've started posting five more photos per week on the blog.

"Our dog Bruno and our Persian cat Gizmo just adore each other. Isn't it obvious?" wrote Gino and Jane Zaffina of Las Vegas.

Milton and Barbara Layne of Boulder City sent this photo of Buddy, their chocolate Labrador who was adopted from the Lied Animal Shelter in July 2008, and Xena, their Rottweiler. "They have tugs of war with old socks, chewy bones and get along well together. They have the run of the house and a big fenced-in yard to play in."

"This is CJ and Casey, 5-month-old Chinese pugs," wrote Bob and Beverly Diiullo of Las Vegas. "We got them as a Christmas gift. They follow each other and chase each other all over the house. They now can jump on the furniture. Every morning, they always have to have a piece of toast with butter. When certain commercials come on, they run to the TV and bark. Also, when we have pasta for dinner, they have to have some. We call them our little Italian dogs. They are the joy of our lives."

Lloyd Schiller of Summerlin sent this photo of Ricky, whom he adopted about two years ago from the Nevada SPCA. "My name is Ricky. I love kids and people so much I became the Peccole Little League Mascot and I also passed my tests to become a registered therapy dog. I visit rest homes and hospitals to make people happy and my best friend says it will help all these people lower their blood pressure. If only Little League would let me play, I'd be a defensive All Star!"

"When the doorbell rings, she has to be the first one at the door to greet whoever rang the doorbell. However, she can be very intimidating," wrote Dan and Sandie Lopez of Henderson. "Anyone who has room in your family to adopt a dog, you will be paid back in spades with the love and loyalty you will receive."