A Boynton Beach woman's dog finished second in a national contest held by the American Greyhound Track Operators Association.

JoAnn Rodriguez's Blaze (the light brown dog looking right at you) was among the winners in the association's "Night of Stars" pet photo contest. The winners were shown simultaneously at tracks across the country, including at Palm Beach Kennel Club.

Blaze placed second in the "individual overall" category.

Rodriguez, who is active in Greyhound Pets of America, a pet adoption program, said she and her boyfriend adopted Blaze about three years ago.

"He’s just brought so much joy to our life; he gets me to go outside and walk, sometimes up to a mile," she said. "You just look at him and it puts a smile on your face."

"Joe Marlin," owned by Elizabeth Paquette of West Palm Beach, earned fourth place.

"The Gang (below)," owned by Sonia Stratemann of Loxahatchee, won the group contest, with "Sam and Kent, owned by Robin Shepett of West Palm Beach in second.

“Sandy” (Robert & Madeline Meixner, Port St. Lucie, the gray dog with the cat) won "Sweetest," with runners-up including "Kit and Diceman" (Elizabeth Ferguson of Stuart) and "Archie" (Amber and James Bergdoll of Delray Beach).

There'll be another contest next year. For contact the Palm Beach Kennel Club's publicity office at 561-683-2222, ext. 125.