We wrapped up our Top Dog calendar cover contest one week ago. The results surprised and pleased us. First, because so many people responded and entered their dogs. Second, because the income helps us help more dogs. Zoe and Willis took first place and raised $555 dollars for rescue. Claudia in second place, raised $250, followed by Kodiak with $210. Seven dogs raised $100 or more–Bernie, Brie, Harvey, Janey, Jed, Rudi Bear and Yeti. We thank everyone who participated and their wonderful dogs. To see all the dogs’ photographs visit the Top Dog contest page.
As mentioned before in this blog, summers are tough. The surrender of animals continues and even accelerates in the summer. The pool of qualified adopters drops off because people travel, go on vacation and spend less time at home, putting adoptions off. People available to foster drop off too, which puts a real squeeze on rescue. We must continue to pull dogs from shelters–an activity that certainly doesn’t drop off over the summer.
Unwittingly, the calendar contest came at time when rescue really needed a boost. This summer was tough. We had some very sick parvo puppies sending veterinary expenses through the roof. We’ve had our share of heartworm positive dogs with more on the way. The stream of dogs coming from shelters didn’t stop either. Everyone was feeling challenged and on edge.
The contest boosted our spirits. The array of dog photos we received was heartening and charmed us all. Registration fees and voting provided unexpected income. We were able to continue our usual program of pulling, vetting, fostering and even boarding dogs to save as many as possible. Still, there are many dogs we have to let go and hope another rescue can help them. For now, there are just too many.
All of the dogs in the calendar are rescue dogs. They look great and every single one of them is a winner. Mary and Debi, our volunteer graphic artists, have done a great job touching up the photos and laying them out in the design you see above.
Each dog entered in the contest will receive a certificate of merit for the contributions he/she was able to raise for new dogs currently coming into rescue. We thank these pooches and we thank all of you for making the calendar contest a success that will go on and on.
I got my calandar yesterday and all I can say is WOW. ALL of the pyrs and pyr/mixes are just gorgeuoe and seem so happy in their new homes. Hope even more pyrs will be rescued in the future.
I know I would love to have more but maybe will do some fostering instead.
You would not believe my excitement when I received the calendar in the mail. Seeing my own dog’s photo published (Sir Henry Bear) let alone all the other beautiful and handsome Great Pyrenees brought so much joy and love to my heart. I am so glad that this event boosted your group’s spirits and helped so many Pyrs. My jaw dropped when I saw the amount Zoe and Willis raised! Thank you Zoe and Willis, and thanks to all the others too! I do hope NGPR does the Calendar Contest again next year. Henry and I will be ready!