VOORHEESVILLE — Staring out the window, Owen James often sits with a forepaw on the windowsill in his typically pensive posture.

It sums up his personality, said his owner, Brian McKenna, who took a picture of the 70-pound English bulldog and submitted it to a “Most Valuable Pet” photo contest sponsored by Bissell.

Owen came in fifth in the 10th period of voting.  He was among thousands of entrants, according to Veronica Hunt, of Bissell, which makes vacuums.

McKenna got the puppy two years ago because the breed was low-key and not physically demanding, which fit his lifestyle, he said.  Now, though, McKenna, a 30-year-old meteorologist, has begun training for the Ironman.

Owen doesn’t keep up, but he is a content and loving dog, McKenna said.