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FROM SHELTER TO STARDOM, DOG’S STORY SHINES LIGHT ON ANIMAL ADOPTION
FROM SHELTER TO STARDOM, DOG’S STORY SHINES LIGHT ON ANIMAL ADOPTION
–Wahl’s thirteenth annual Dirty Dogs Contest showcases heartwarming shelter dog makeovers and supports animal adoption–
(See video of winning dogs)
(View release on PR Newswire)Giuseppe’s arrival to Española Humane in Espanola, NM, started out as a heartbreaking case of neglect, but ended as a testament to second chances. Five pounds of matted fur covered up a host of health issues and rendered Giuseppe unable to walk; however, once groomed, he could finally get the dedicated medical care and foster support he needed. Now this senior pup is living out his golden years in the comfort of a loving home. Giuseppe’s dramatic transformation not only got him a new “leash” on life, but the title of America’s Top Shelter Dog Makeover and a $10,000 grant for his shelter. The 13th annual Dirty Dogs Contest is an effort from pet industry leaders Wahl and Greater Good Charities to demonstrate the power grooming can have on pet adoption.
About the Dirty Dogs Contest
Millions of dogs enter shelters each year, and the vast majority of them are dirty and matted. Unfortunately, less than half of these dogs are getting the grooming they need. For the past thirteen years, it has been Wahl’s mission to draw attention to this problem with their annual Dirty Dogs Contest.
Each year, Wahl donates pet grooming supplies to shelters nationwide, aiding in the transformation of dogs and preparing them for adoption. In turn, the shelters post hundreds of amazing transformation photos into the Dirty Dogs Contest gallery. Ten of the most dramatic makeovers from the gallery were selected to participate in the contest, and public votes determined the top three winners.
Española Humane in Espanola, NM, the rescue organization that saved Giuseppe, will receive a $10,000 grant to further support their efforts. In addition, Williamson County Animal Center in Franklin, TN, the rescue that submitted second place winner Maddie, will receive a $3,000 grant, and third place dog Pete earned $2,000 for Apollo Support and Rescue in Justin, TX.
“Winning this grant is a game-changer for Española Humane, as it allows us to enhance our care for animals in several critical areas. The funds will enable us to provide essential medical treatments for dogs with severe health issues, much like Giuseppe. Additionally, we can now ensure that all our dogs receive regular grooming, which is crucial for their physical health and emotional well-being,” said Mattie Allen, Director of Communications at Española Humane. “The grant also supports our Paws in the Pen program, where inmate trainers learn grooming skills that help our dogs become more adoptable. We are excited to expands our outreach efforts, educating the community on the importance of adopting shelter dogs and the comprehensive care they require.”
For more information on Wahl’s complete line of pet products, including grooming tips, visit WahlUSA.com, or follow @WahlPets on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
About Wahl Pet Products
Wahl offers a full line of pet grooming solutions that make grooming from home safe, easy, and enjoyable. The line includes hygiene products, clippers, and accessories. Every year, Wahl is also dedicated to giving shelter animals a fresh start by donating pet grooming products to support adoption efforts and shelters devastated by natural disasters. For more information, visit WahlUSA.com.About Greater Good Charities
Greater Good Charities is a 501(c)(3) global nonprofit that works to help people, pets, and the planet by mobilizing in response to need and amplifying the good. Greater Good Charities, with a Four-Star rating on Charity Navigator and a Platinum Seal on GuideStar, has invested more than $750 million in impact, including cash grants, in-kind supplies, and programmatic support, to charitable partners in 121 countries since 2007. To learn more about how Greater Good Charities is amplifying the good across the globe, please visit greatergood.org or follow Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and TikTok. -
AMERICA’S 10 MOST AMAZING SHELTER DOG MAKEOVERS UNLEASHED
AMERICA’S 10 MOST AMAZING SHELTER DOG MAKEOVERS UNLEASHED
– Wahl joins forces with Greater Good Charities and animal advocate Lee Asher to highlight the impact of grooming on dog adoption –May marks National Pet Month, and it’s a time to celebrate the love and companionship our furry friends bring into our lives; however, let’s not forget about the dogs still awaiting their forever homes. With over three million dogs entering shelters every year, adoption remains a critical solution for giving these pets the love and care they deserve. Sadly, due to a lack of resources, a significant number of rescue dogs are deprived of vital grooming which significantly improves their health, happiness and chance of adoption. That’s why pet industry leader Wahl and Greater Good Charities, a global nonprofit, have partnered again for the 13th annual Dirty Dogs Contest. Wahl donated grooming supplies to rescues and shelters nationwide, and they in turn shared amazing Before and After grooming photos — including the Top 10 Shelter Dog Makeovers of 2024.
From now until May 31, 2024, 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 — $10,000 will go to the first-place winner!
Visit DirtyDogsContest.com to see amazing makeovers and vote for your favorite.
Wahl is also proud to continue its collaboration with animal advocate Lee Asher to shine a spotlight on the incredible shelter pets and their journeys. A true champion for the cause, Lee Asher is a beacon within the dedicated community of dog enthusiasts. His tireless efforts include traveling the country to spread awareness about the joys of adopting shelter pets, and operating an animal sanctuary where he provides a safe haven for at-risk animals, further demonstrating his unwavering commitment to animal welfare.
“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 expressed. “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.”
About the Dirty Dogs Contest
For the last 13 years, Wahl’s donation of pet grooming supplies has helped transform hundreds of thousands of dogs and get them ready for adoption. 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 initial appearance upon arrival at the shelter or rescue to their stunning transformation post-grooming. Additionally, they have the opportunity to delve into the backgrounds of these remarkable canines and share their favorite stories across social media platforms.
Most 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. The Dirty Dogs Contest runs until May 31, 2024. To vote for one of these inspirational pups, visit DirtyDogsContest.com; and check back in early-June to see the winners.
For more information on Wahl’s complete line of pet products, including grooming tips, visit WahlUSA.com, or follow @WahlPets on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
About Wahl Pet Products
Wahl offers a full line of pet grooming solutions that make grooming from home safe, easy and enjoyable. The line includes hygiene products, clippers and accessories. Every year, Wahl is also dedicated to giving shelter animals a fresh start by donating pet grooming products to support adoption efforts and shelters devastated by natural disasters. For more information, visit WahlUSA.com.About Greater Good Charities
Greater Good Charities is a 501(c)(3) global nonprofit that works to help people, pets, and the planet by mobilizing in response to need and amplifying the good. Greater Good Charities, with a Four-Star rating on Charity Navigator and a Platinum Seal on GuideStar, has invested more than $750 million in impact, including cash grants, in-kind supplies, and programmatic support, to charitable partners in 121 countries since 2007. To learn more about how Greater Good Charities is amplifying the good across the globe, please visit greatergood.org or follow Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and TikTok. -
RESCUE PUP WINS $10,000, HAS YET TO WIN HEART OF FOREVER FAMILY
–Eleventh annual Dirty Dogs Contest from pet grooming leader Wahl sheds light on animal adoption, supports rescues–
(See video of winning dogs)
Zen was rescued from a horrendous hoarding case. She arrived at the shelter with mange that required regular medicated baths and severe damage to one of her eyes. After extensive grooming and care, the 6-month-old pup went from sick, to healthy, to spunky in no time. While this happy and relaxed girl is still looking for her forever home, she’s well on her way to an enlightened path as her amazing makeover won her the title of America’s Top Shelter Dog Makeover in the 11th annual Dirty Dogs Contest. It’s bittersweet stories like Zen’s that inspire the contest from pet industry leaders Wahl and Greater Good Charities. By spotlighting the influence grooming can have on dog adoption, and awarding the contest winners with grant money, it’s their hope more dogs will find forever homes and live the long, healthy and happy lives that they deserve.
About the Dirty Dogs Contest
For the last 11 years, Wahl has been on a mission to support dog adoption by donating pet grooming supplies to rescues and shelters nationwide. Because of these donations, hundreds of thousands of dogs are being transformed and readied for adoption.
Each year, with the help of donated grooming supplies, hundreds of shelters share incredible transformation photos and stories. Ten of the most dramatic doggy makeovers are selected, and public votes determine the top 3 winners.
The Humane Society of Dickson County in Dickson, TN, the rescue organization that saved Zen, will receive a $10,000 grant to further support their efforts. In addition, Brookhaven Animal Rescue League in Brookhaven, MS, the rescue that submitted second place winner Bentley, will receive a $3,000 grant, and third place dog Luna earned $2,000 for National Mill Dog Rescue in Colorado Springs, CO.
“Grooming is essential for all our rescued animals. We’ve had dogs come in with severe matting, missing fur, hots spots, fleas and ticks; and grooming makes them so much more comfortable,” said Deb Walsh, volunteer at the Humane Society of Dickson County, “This $10,000 grant will greatly improve the lives of our current dogs and cats and enable us to save and help so many more.”
For more information on Wahl’s complete line of pet products, including grooming tips, visit WahlUSA.com, or follow @WahlPets on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
About Wahl Pet Products
Wahl offers a full line of pet grooming solutions that make grooming from home safe, easy and enjoyable. The line includes hygiene products, clippers and accessories. Every year, Wahl is also dedicated to giving shelter animals a fresh start by donating pet grooming products to support adoption efforts and shelters devastated by natural disasters. For more information, visit WahlUSA.com.
About Greater Good Charities
Greater Good Charities is 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. Greater Good Charities, with a 100/100 rating on Charity Navigator, has provided more than $475 million in impact, including cash grants, in-kind supplies, and programmatic support, to charitable partners in 121 countries since 2007. To learn more about how Greater Good Charities is amplifying the good across the globe, please visit greatergood.org or follow Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and TikTok. -
Life or Death – For shelter dogs, that’s the stakes of a good first impression
What if the stakes of a good first impression was LIFE or DEATH? That’s the reality for shelter dogs.
August 10th is ‘National Spoil Your Dog Day,’ but let’s not forget about the MILLIONS of shelter dogs that deserve some pampering too. Sadly, most dogs enter shelters dirty and matted. And less than half get the grooming they need so their lovable, adoptable personalities can shine through.
To spotlight the influence grooming can have on dog adoption, pet industry leaders Wahl and GreaterGood.org teamed up to donate funds and grooming supplies to shelters nationwide. Hundreds of these amazing makeovers can be seen in the Dirty Dogs Before & After Photo Gallery (DirtyDogsGallery.com) – including the…
Griffin was in a kill shelter before being saved by the local Humane Society. He was in horrific shape as the severe matting was causing nerve damage in his back legs and irritating his sensitive eyes. Once groomed, he turned into a completely different little dog. Free from all that fur, Griffin was able to walk and play like a normal pooch.
Gallagher was rescued from animal control where he arrived as a stray. A dirty, matted and miserable mess, during Gallagher’s grooming he had to lose most of his fur. However, while Gallagher lost his fluff, he got to keep a bit of flair on his ears and tail.
Dexter was found living on the streets, and it was clear he’d had it hard for a long time. He was a mess of matted dreadlocks so long he could barely see. However, under all that uncomfortable fur was a sweet boy who sat patiently as burrs, foxtails and even pieces of plastic were cut out of his coat.
Arlo was found by the side of a country highway. He was taken to the local shelter where he was quickly groomed to remove painful mats. His rescuers didn’t know much about his prior life, but at about 10 years old, it was clear he’d had a long rough road.
Berkeley was living a life with little to no care, never even being allowed inside. What’s worse, his one companion, a senior St. Bernard, had recently passed away. Luckily things turned around for Berkeley. Once rescued, he was swiftly groomed and freed from nearly five pounds of muddy fur so matted a fishing lure was found tangled in it.
Ollie was originally found by animal control, but thankfully found his way to a rescue. Once safe, he was given a desperately needed grooming to remove painful mats. The transformation revealed a happy, adorable dog.
Gaston arrived at his rescue nearly unrecognizable as a dog, let alone a poodle. Neglected for years and only used for breeding, his life was bleak. After hours of grooming, Gaston’s transformation was incredible and his personality blossomed.
Zorro was rescued from a rural field at only seven months old. With nearly no fur and crusty scabs covering his skin, his rescuers couldn’t even tell what kind of dog he was. Due to some health issues as well as neglect, this sweet puppy was in constant discomfort. However, after a long road of restorative baths and medications, a gentle German Shepard emerged.
Odie’s owners lost their home and had to surrender him to a rescue. He arrived scared and with thick, matted fur. With temperatures at nearly 100 degrees, he desperately needed to be groomed. Once he had a fresh, clean coat he was instantly more comfortable and his character shined.
Jasper was surrendered to a shelter when his owners decided he wasn’t a good fit for their family. At just two years old, Jasper was a world of energy, and it was clear he wasn’t getting the exercise, care or attention he deserved. After a proper grooming and some training, Jasper is on his way to becoming the perfect pet.
You can help shelter dogs too. From now until August 19, 2019, vote for your favorite of the Top 10 Dirty Dogs and help a shelter win a monetary grant in the seventh annual Dirty Dogs Contest (dirtydogscontest.com).
