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)

STERLING, Ill., June 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — 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 13^th 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.

Animal advocate Lee Asher talks about the importance of grooming when it comes to adoption and shares the winners of the thirteenth annual Dirty Dogs Contest.

1st Place Winner of $10,000 - Giuseppe's arrival to a shelter in Espanola, NM, was a heartbreaking testament to neglect, with five pounds of matted fur rendering him unable to walk. Beneath the neglect, a terrified senior dog emerged, overwhelmed by sensory stimuli, and suffering from medical issues like hypothyroidism. Through dedicated medical care and foster support, Giuseppe's health improved, and he found a loving home to enjoy his golden years. — 1st Place Winner of $10,000 – Giuseppe’s arrival to a shelter in Espanola, NM, was a heartbreaking testament to neglect, with five pounds of matted fur rendering him unable to walk. Beneath the neglect, a terrified senior dog emerged, overwhelmed by sensory stimuli, and suffering from medical issues like hypothyroidism. Through dedicated medical care and foster support, Giuseppe’s health improved, and he found a loving home to enjoy his golden years.

2nd Place Winner of $3,000 - Maddie, a stray with an unknown past, arrived in poor condition to a shelter in Franklin, TN, likely having endured neglect for some time. Fortunately, a compassionate local groomer stepped in to provide much-needed grooming, improving Maddie's appearance and well-being. — 2nd Place Winner of $3,000 – Maddie, a stray with an unknown past, arrived in poor condition to a shelter in Franklin, TN, likely having endured neglect for some time. Fortunately, a compassionate local groomer stepped in to provide much-needed grooming, improving Maddie’s appearance and well-being.

3rd Place Winner of $2,000 - Meet Pete, a resilient pup who endured neglect and abandonment after his owner's tragic passing. Rescued from a backyard in Justin, TX, Pete was covered in filth and matting, but with grooming and care, his true spirit emerged. Now, Pete is seeking a loving forever home where he can thrive and be cherished. — 3rd Place Winner of $2,000 – Meet Pete, a resilient pup who endured neglect and abandonment after his owner’s tragic passing. Rescued from a backyard in Justin, TX, Pete was covered in filth and matting, but with grooming and care, his true spirit emerged. Now, Pete is seeking a loving forever home where he can thrive and be cherished.

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.

Download Images of the Top 10 Dirty Dogs, including Giuseppe: 2024 Dirty Dogs Top 10 Photos

SOURCE WAHL

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