The red piddle pad was rolled out in full force Saturday at the first annual DogTime Pet Blog Awards (aka “the Petties”) for best animal-related blogs. Leslie Smith of DogTime Media hosted the event, which was held in Denver at the BlogPaws 2010 West conference. Winners received a $500 donation to the shelter or rescue organization of their choice, a custom engraved "Petties" award, and a "Petties Winner" badge for their blog. Pet enthusiasts and other bloggers nominated and voted for the winners online.

And the winners were:

Best Cause Blog: Ashley Niels and Nikki Jeske’s I love rescue animals

Best Cat Blog: Janiss Garza’s Sparkle the Designer Cat

Best Dog Blog: Roxanne Hawn’s Champion of My Heart

Best Pet Blog: Jessica Vogelsang’s Pawcurious

All of the winning bloggers graciously accepted and held aloft their Pettie statues, and praised their fellow winners and nominees. One message that came across clearly was that the relatively small community of pet bloggers was tight-knit and supportive of each other.

“We’re nothing like mommy-blogging,” said winner Jessica Vogelsang, DVM. “We’re way better. This is a community that is undeniably without ego.”

Click below to view video of the Petties awards ceremony: