With 2012 upon us, it’s time to ask yourself an important question: Which cute puppy dog calendar to use?  How about one that supports animal welfare.

The Unexpected Pit bull

The Unexpected Pit Bull If you’re looking to spend the dog days of summer with a swell gal, might I suggest the gorgeous, grey pitty Atomic Betty, aka Ms. July  in The Unexpected Pit Bull’s extraordinary annual oeuvre. Each photograph in this calendar is indeed worth a thousand words and is paired with each pitbull’s unique “tail.” Just ask Ms. November, Azula, who was found near death wandering the streets of San Diego but then landed in a grateful home, or Sarge, a Philadelphia 16-year-old  pup who, until two years ago, lived with an animal abuser but now has a loving family and a blog. Don’t you just love happy endings? Well, you’ll get twelve whole months of unexpected pit bliss plus, your cold, hard cash will go the animal welfare organization of your choice. ($18.99 at The Unexpected Pit Bull)

Pinups For Pitbulls

With a nod to the classic pin-up queens that donned many a GI’s locker room in the days before you could sext with photos, the gals at Pinups for Pitbulls have created a fun and fashionable work of art starring beautiful pitbulls and the beautiful women who love them. This year the calendar celebrates our canine and human service members. War hero, doctor, nurse, therapy dog and fashion icon– is there anything a bully-breed can’t be? All your pennies and dimes will go towards helping Pinups For Pitbulls fight against pitty discrimination and spread the good word far and wide: Pits are loving and lovable pets–and perhaps the most American breed there is. ($20.00 at PinupsForPitbulls.org).

North Shore Animal League

America Shock jock Howard Stern has achieved notoriety for his unreserved and controversial humor, but did you know that he’s a crackerjack photographer and animal lover too? Howard joined forces with his wife, Beth Stern to create a mutt-astic calendar benefiting the North Shore Animal League America – a New York-based shelter for which she serves as a spokesperson. Photos of the adoptable pets were taken by Howard himself and feature Beth striking a pose alongside the adorable pups and kittens, many of whom are still waiting for loving homes. All proceeds will go to the North Shore Animal League to help them meet their goal of 1,000,000 animals  saved.  ($19.99 at AnimalLeague.org).

Mighty Mutts “All Dogs In Love”

Let 2012 be the year you decide to fall in love – puppy love, that is. First step is to get your paws on All dogs In Love brought to you by the folks at Mighty Mutts Rescue Organization.  The calendar was brought to life by a groups of super superhero-caliber photographers and features pups like cover girl Bossie, above, who vows to not stop being cute until every adoptable dog has a family to call his own.  Each month shines a spotlight on Mighty Mutt pups who’ve been lucky enough to find a place to call home and those that are still looking for  a few good human BFFs. To those pups that are still waiting, I say, “Hold on tight, friends, love is out there!” Your purchase will help provide veterinary care, food, toys and TLC for the rescued and the mighty. ($20 atMightyMutts.org).

Itty Pitties

New York City photographer Laura Moss brings us this calendar of the absolute cutest kind of pitbulls: puppies! A product of Dog Park Publishing, sales go to help rescues. The group focuses on funding spay/neuter efforts–because as much as we love baby pitbulls, we wish there weren’t quite so many homeless ones in shelters. ($14.95 at DogParkPublishing.com)

Pit Bull Rescue Central’s Happy Endings 2012

Each year Pit Bull Rescue Central invites owners of rescued pitbulls to submit photos of their adoptees for their annual calendar. This votes for the 2012 pages are in, and the results are just as adorable as ever. Proceeds from the calendar will generate a donation to Pit Bull Rescue Central, an  organization that is dedicated to relieving and preventing cruelty against pitbulls. ($20 at PBRC.net)