Corinne T. Smith Animal Center hosted the Christmas Under the Stars Pet Costume Contest Friday night and chose first and second place winners.

Brenda Valdez’s 3-year-old Red Healer named Desmond won the $25 first prize.  Desmond came dressed as a Christmas Angel.  On his entry, three words best describing Desmond were big, red, and smart.  Desmond was adopted by Valdez’s daughter from a seller at the Wal-Mart parking lot a few years ago. Valdez stated that Desmond came to live with her when her daughter couldn’t keep him in her apartment.

Diane Mullin brought her older terrier poodle mix named Candy.  Mullin got Candy through a rescue.  Candy was described in her entry as friendly, loveable and excited.  Candy was dressed in a Santa Suit and took second place, winning $15.

Both Valdez and Mullin have been teachers at Brownwood Middle School, Mullins is now retired.  Mullins and Valdez gave their prize money  back as donations to the Corinne T. Smith Animal Shelter.