PHOTOS: Cutest Rescue Puppy Contest

As gatherers of good news from the far corners of the Internet, we've come across a fair number of adorable rescue puppies.

But there's no way we could've picked our favorite, and so, we're asking you, dear reader, to vote for the cutest rescue puppy around.

Yes, that's right, this is the cutest rescue puppy DEATHMATCH.

However, this contest must involve both beauty and substance. So we're asking you to vote for the puppy who has the winningest combination of appearance and character -- good looks with a great story to match.

We've narrowed it down to eight contenders. Round one of voting begins Thursday and lasts until midnight, round two lasts from Friday through Sunday, and you'll get your final chance to vote in round three on Monday. The winner will be announced Tuesday, October 9.

We'll notify the winning puppy's owner and let them know they've won a prestigious prize -- the title of cutest rescue puppy!

Let the game begin.

Editor's Note: The title of this story uses the term deathmatch to mean contest only.