Washington, DC ? The Washington Humane Society (WHS) today announced the organization has been selected as a partner of Best in Shelter, a new charitable organization founded by bestselling author Martha Grimes designed to raise awareness of shelter animals. Best in Shelter is the region?s first virtual dog show where real animals sponsored by four regional animal groups will compete to win cash prizes to benefit the participating nonprofit organizations. WHS will enter four adoptable dogs in the online competition, which will run from June 14 through June 17, 2012, at www.bestinshelter.org.
?We are delighted that Best in Shelterhas selected the Washington Humane Society to participate in its inaugural show,? said Julie Conway, Chief Development Officer, Washington Humane Society. ?We appreciate the opportunity to work with organizations that spotlight our community?s animals and support our extensive efforts to help all adoptable pets find the loving homes they deserve.?
The public is encouraged to vote for their favorite dog up to once per day during the competition. The dog with the most votes at the end of voting will earn $50,000 for its shelter. Dogs placing second and third will earn $25,000 and $15,000 for their shelters, respectively. There is a limit of one winner per participating organization.
Best in Shelter, inspired by the major ?best in show? dog competitions, aims to raise awareness of animal shelters and rescue groups and combat stereotypes of the animals under their care. Shelters are temporary homes to hundreds of healthy, family-friendly animals. Most pets end up homeless through no fault of their own ?”moving” and “landlord issues” are among the top reasons people offer for relinquishing their pets. WHS has a variety of animals of different breeds, sizes and exercise preferences to fit the needs of individual families, and some of these dogs will be featured in the competition.
ABOUT THE WASHINGTON HUMANE SOCIETY
The Washington Humane Society, the only Congressionally-chartered animal welfare agency in the United States, has been the leading voice for animals in the District of Columbia since 1870. As the open-access shelter in the nation?s capital, no call for help goes unanswered, and no animal is ever turned away. The Washington Humane Society provides protection and care to nearly 30,000 animals each year through its broad range of programs and services including: sheltering, adoption, humane law enforcement, spay and neuter, humane education, human ? animal rehabilitation programs, and lost and found services. For more information, please visit www.washhumane.org.
Media Contact:
Jacquie Toppings,
Director of Marketing & Communications
202-683-1841,
jtoppings@washhumane.org