The finalists of the Swindon Advertiser's Perfect Pets competition have been revealed.

After receiving 197 nominations from our animal-loving readers who think their pet is the best in town, we have whittled down the entries to a shortlist of 10.

Cut out the coupon in today's paper and tick your preferred winner, then send it to our offices through the post by May 21. 

The proud owners of each finalist will now get the chance to promote their pooch in the paper during the next few days before we reveal the best in the week commencing May 22.

First up is Louise Lake from Upper Stratton, who was full of praise for her seven-year-old cocker spaniel Molly.

She said: "Molly is the softest dog you could ever have, she's so loving and soppy, she just wants cuddles.

Swindon Advertiser: Molly is on the shortlist for the Swindon Advertiser's Perfect Pets competitionMolly is on the shortlist for the Swindon Advertiser's Perfect Pets competition (Image: Public)

"I love her, and so does everyone who meets her. She's so well-behaved and clever, she can do every command and was trained so easily.

"My 14-month-old baby Emily is obsessed with her, and if Emily starts crying, she runs over to us to let us know.

"Molly loves long walks, being in the woods chasing squirrels, and cuddling up on the sofa at home. 

"When she's excited she shakes her bum, twerking."

Harley Clements, from Stratton, sang the praises of Border Collie/Labrador cross-breed Bari.

The two-year-old puppy has recently been diagnosed with epilepsy after having a seizure in October, but these health problems have not stopped him from living his best life.

Swindon Advertiser: Bari is on the shortlist for the Swindon Advertiser's Perfect Pets competitionBari is on the shortlist for the Swindon Advertiser's Perfect Pets competition (Image: Public)

Harley said: "He comes on all our holidays - climbing mountains, canoeing, paddle-boarding, and going to the beach.

"He was scared of the water at first, when he was seven months old, but he loves swimming now and barks excitedly when we go anywhere.

"He's very excited and energetic and happy, but likes to relax when we're at home. He's either sleeping or on an adventure.

"We wanted a dog and he was the only one left in the litter because of a condition with his eyelid that required stitches, but we took him home because we didn't mind having a dog with health problems.

"He is so happy, despite everything, and is so handsome. He deserves to win."

Trips to North Wales and plans to climb Ben Nevis in Scotland are on the cards for Bari's future.

See the Swindon Advertiser every day until May 13 for the voting coupon.