Say hello to our handsome hounds and cuddly cats.
This week’s Guardian is a celebration of national pet month and continues our search for the champion Pet Pawtrait of 2021.
We asked readers to submit pictures of their beloved animals and the deadline closed on Sunday.
Whether it’s a doting dog, cute cat, rabbit, fish, gerbil or something a little more exotic, we’re a nation of animal lovers and pets are a special and much-loved part of so many of our homes.
As these wonderful pictures show, we’re clearly no different in West Essex and East London but which is our prize-winner?
You’ll find a voting form in this week’s paper and now it’s up to you to help decide who wins our £100 gift card.
Make sure you clearly include the number of the pet and send your forms to Guardian Pet Pawtrait Vote Form, Unit 1 Brunel Court, Brunel Way, Severalls Industrial Estate, Colchester, Essex, CO4 9XP
Newsquest terms and conditions apply and the closing date for vote forms is April 30.
For more details, visit www.newsquest.co.uk/prize-competition-rules and www.newsquest.co.uk/privacy-policy
Community answers
Send us a picture of your family pet
"Send us your best pet piccy and you could win £100 gift card and your family pet the title of BEST PET PAWTRAIT of 2021"
We asked for your responses - this is what you sent.
Name of your pet?NUMBER ONE: This is Chloe, she is about 4 years old and is a rescue cat
Picture upload
Hello Name of your pet?NUMBER TWO: This is Simba. He is 3 years old
Picture upload
I can see you xx Name of your pet?NUMBER THREE: Toffee
Picture upload
Can't escape the Pup-arazzi Name of your pet?NUMBER FOUR: Kiki
Picture upload
Our family Bengal cat enjoying the sun. Name of your pet?NUMBER FIVE: Zac
Picture upload
Zac the bravest cat in the world Name of your pet?NUMBER SIX: Fluffy
Picture upload
Mini lion man Name of your pet?NUMBER SEVEN: Jess
Picture upload
You looking at me Name of your pet?NUMBER EIGHT: Bertha
Picture upload
Bertha in lockdown 
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