UPDATE: Submissions are now closed. Thanks to everyone who submitted their cutest pet photos!

It's no secret that we here at HuffPost Green have an immense love for animals. Not only do they connect us with a natural world that we find ourselves increasingly distanced from, but in their eyes we see the essential elements of our own humanity reflected -- from loyalty and innocence to unrequited love and compassion.

Most pet owners will agree that not only do the animals in our lives continue to unfailingly commit themselves to us, but they always manage to remind us of the best in ourselves without any judgment or prejudice -- indifferent to our political leanings, yearly income, or personal habits -- and are forever forgiving of our shortcomings.

As a celebration of the fine friends from the animal kingdom that we call family, we've put together this list of 2010's cutest pets. Undoubtedly, every creature is infinitely and equally adorable in its own myriad of unique ways -- so don't think of this as a contest so much as an homage to all our companions, whether they are furry or feathered, feisty or fat.

To kick things off, we've rounded up some of the lovable pets from the fine folks here at The Huffington Post. Submit your own pet below, share with your friends, and vote for your favorites!

(Note: Photos have to be approved before they will appear in the slideshow. Please limit to one submission per pet.)

PHOTO GALLERY Cutest Pets Of 2010