May is National Pet Month in the USA, a time to celebrate the love and companionship the furry creatures bring into human lives. It is also a time to spare a thought for pets still awaiting their forever homes.
The USA is the world’s largest pet-owning country, with dogs being the most popular. Yet, the explosion in pet ownership has had an unfortunate side effect. As many as 3,000,000 dogs enter shelters every year, according to a press release from Wahl Pet Products. Adoption remains a critical solution for giving these pets the love and care they deserve, the release said.
Because of a lack of resources—yes, such a thing happens even in the world’s largest economy—a large number of rescue dogs are deprived of the grooming that significantly improves their health, happiness, and chance of adoption. That’s why Wahl, which offers a full line of pet grooming solutions that includes hygiene products, clippers, and accessories, and Greater Good Charities, a 501(c)(3) global nonprofit organization that works to help people, pets, and the planet by mobilizing in response to need and amplifying the good, have partnered again this year for the 13th annual Dirty Dogs Contest.
Wahl donated grooming supplies to rescues and shelters nationwide, which in turn shared amazing Before and After grooming photos—including the Top 10 Shelter Dog Makeovers of 2024. The contest opened on May 13 and will remain open till the end of the month. Public votes will decide the three top dogs. The organizations affiliated with these dogs will receive a total of $15,000 in monetary grants to further support their efforts, with $10,000 going to the first-place winner.
For the past 13 years, Wahl’s donation of pet grooming supplies helped transform thousands of dogs and get them ready for adoption, the company’s release said. This year, over 400 heartwarming makeover stories were submitted to the Dirty Dogs Contest and 10 were chosen as finalists. Visitors to the contest page can see the remarkable journey of each dog, from their appearance upon arrival at the shelter or rescue to their post-grooming transformation. Additionally, they can delve into the backgrounds of these remarkable canines and share their favourite stories across social media platforms.
More importantly, they can vote for one of the Top 10 Dirty Dogs, and the shelter or rescue affiliated with the winning dogs will receive monetary grants to further support their efforts. First place takes home $10,000, second place receives $3,000, and third place earns $2,000. To see the amazing makeovers and vote for your favourite one, visit DirtyDogsContest.com.
Animal advocate Lee Asher is part of the contest to shine a spotlight on these incredible shelter pets. “I’m so excited to continue my partnership with Wahl and lend my voice to emphasize the significance of grooming when it comes to getting a dog adopted,” Asher said. A beacon within the community of dedicated dog enthusiasts in the USA, Asher’s tireless efforts include travelling across the country to spread awareness about the joys of adopting shelter pets, and operating an animal sanctuary, The Asher House, where he provides a safe haven for at-risk animals.
“Grooming isn’t just about appearance; it’s about nurturing a dog’s well-being and personality. With a little grooming and TLC, these shelter dogs can radiate health, happiness, and their unique charm, making them irresistible to their potential forever families.”
–Lee Asher, animal advocate
The results of the 13th annual Dirty Dogs Contest will be declared in June on the contest website.
Source: PR Newswire
Sandy Pawpaw
Sandy Pawpaw is a fierce advocate of unleashing the animal in, and with, you.