Wahl searches for 'dirty dogs' for shelter awareness

STERLING, Ill. — Personal care products manufacturer Wahl and Petfinder.com have teamed up in honor of National Dog Adoption Month with a unique pet photo contest to support America's shelters.



According to Petfinder.com Foundation, more than eight million animals are placed in shelters annually, but only half of them ever get adopted. The number of dogs adopted is lowest in the months of October, November and December.



"We are asking people to help support pet adoption by entering their local shelter into the running to win $5,000 in funding," said Noah Horton, assistant director for Petfinder.com Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports animal shelters and rescue groups nationwide. "This additional funding is vital to these shelters and can help them provide the vaccinations, neuter procedures and shelter care these pets need while waiting to be adopted."



For the entire month of October, people can submit a photo of their dog at its dirtiest along with a short story and shelter nomination to the Dirty Dog Contest App on the WAHL Facebook page. Those who do will be in the running to become one of three people to win a year's supply of pet grooming products from Wahl along with a monetary donation to the animal shelter of their choice.



"We're excited to be partnering with Petfinder.com Foundation on such an important and worthwhile effort," said Shay Moeller, product manager for Wahl's home pet division. "We're looking forward to seeing a great turn-out and to supporting some deserving animal shelters and rescue groups."



Winners of the Dirty Dog contest are based on Wahl and PetFinder.com Foundation selecting the top 25 photos/stories and then fans voting for their favorites Nov. 2 to 16.