Izzy the Husky named 'GMA' Pet of the Year, meet all the furry and feathered nominees

The first annual awards included categories like most instagr-animal.

December 13, 2019, 8:54 AM

It's time to honor the year's most talented, lovable pets submitted by viewers.

Many of your beloved pets are vying to be the top dog -- or cat -- for the first annual "Good Morning America" Pet of the Year Awards.

PHOTO: Pet nominees and their owners on "GMA" for the Pet of the Year Awards.
Pet nominees and their owners on "GMA" for the Pet of the Year Awards.
ABC News

After hundreds of viewer submissions, the nominees were narrowed down and separated into the following categories: Instagr-animal, Most Tail-ented, Underdog, and Odd Couple, plus a bonus Quackpot of the Year.

With the help of North Shore Animal League, "Good Morning America" announced the first-ever Pet of the Year, who received a special "wag-bag" from Barkbox.

Most InstaGr-animal Award

These are pets who've made the biggest splash on social media this year.

Winner: Herbee The Hedgehog

He and his human, Talitha, joined "GMA" live from Germany to celebrate the award.

"This is so amazing Herbee is so excited," she said of his first-ever pet award.

Most Tail-ented Award

These are pets who blew us away with their unbelievable skills.

PHOTO: Buddy the Beagle along with two other pet nominees appear on "Good Morning America" Pet of the Year Awards.
Buddy the Beagle along with two other pet nominees appear on "Good Morning America" Pet of the Year Awards.
ABC News

Nominees
- Buddy the Beagle
- River the Golden Retriever
- Truffles the Kitten

Winner: Buddy the Beagle

Buddy and his humans, Laurie and Glen accepted the honor live at "Good Morning America."

"On behalf of Buddy Mercury, the piano dog, thank you," his owner said.

The Underdog Award

This category is for pups who overcame incredible challenges -- and are inspirations to us all.

Winner: Izzy the Husky

PHOTO: Izzy the Husky was named "GMA" Pet of the Year.
Izzy the Husky was named "GMA" Pet of the Year.
ABC News

Izzy's human companion, Melissa from Pacific Palisades, California, told "GMA" the secret to Izzy overcoming her challenges.

"She was born with hip dysplasia -- she just loves going to the hospital and visiting children there," her owner said. "On behalf of Izzy thank you so much."

Odd Couple

These are unlikely animal pairs that are in fact the perfect match. A dog and turkey, a cat and parrot and a goose and horse are proof that opposites can indeed attract.

Winner: Waffles and Hemingway

PHOTO: Waffles, a miniature horse, and Hemingway, a goose, are best friends who will be adopted together from the Bucks County SPCA in Bucks County, Pa.
Waffles, a miniature horse, and Hemingway, a goose, are best friends who will be adopted together from the Bucks County SPCA in Bucks County, Pa.
Courtesy Bucks County SPCA

They couldn't make it to Times Square, but they joined live from their home in Pennsylvania with their human, Madeline and Nick.

"They're having a great time and just excited to be on the show with you guys," Nick said. "Waffles would say thank you to all the people who have opened their hearts and adopted their pets."

Quackpot of the Year

Quackers the Duck was given the very special honor, which was handed out earlier this week at Lifetime Achievement Ceremony.

Pet of the Year: Izzy the Husky

The blue-eyed grey and white therapy dog earned the top prize of the first annual Pet of the Year Awards.

PHOTO: Izzy the Husky took the crown as Pet of the Year for "Good Morning America's" first-ever awards.
Izzy the Husky took the crown as Pet of the Year for "Good Morning America's" first-ever awards.
ABC News