Your rescue dog is the cutest pup in the whole world, we know. But every pet parent thinks the same thing about their canine companion. That’s why there’s the World’s Cutest Rescue Dog Contest. The contest, presented by People magazine and the Pedigree brand, pits adorable dogs against one another, ultimately naming a winner. Could your pup be top dog? You have until Aug. 4 to enter and see!
Everything you need to know about the World’s Cutest Rescue Dog Contest
People’s contest is now in its sixth year. Rescue dogs of all breeds, sizes, and ages are welcome to enter. The winner gets a feature in the magazine as well as a bevy of other prizes.
Here’s how to enter: visit people.com/rescuedogcontest. Submit a photo of your pup, along with their adoption story. According to People’s guidelines, “We want to know how your precious pooch changed your life and how you changed theirs.”
And don’t forget to include the name of the rescue organization or shelter that introduced you to your fur baby, because it will receive recognition, too!
Once the contest closes on Aug. 4, People editors choose 10 four-legged finalists. Then, the public gets to vote to narrow the pool to the top three dogs. Finally, judges from People and Pedigree pick the grand prize winner. The top dog will receive a custom photo shoot, a People magazine feature, and a year’s worth of Pedigree brand dog food. Even better, the rescue organization or shelter where you found your pup will nab a $1,000 donation.
So what are you waiting for? Enter now at people.com/rescuedogcontest. Then, you’ll have to sit tight until October, when People reveals the winner to the public.
Meet the reigning champion
Gordon, a Shiba Inu, won last year’s contest. His dog mom, Wendy Wickersham, adopted the dog with disabilities after reading a heartfelt Facebook post about him.
Gordon is from Taiwan. He survived a hit-and-run accident that paralyzed him. After a Good Samaritan rescued him, he traveled to the U.S. to find his forever home.
“I’m reading this sad story, and then there was a picture of him, and he’s got the biggest, goofiest smile,” Wickersham told People about falling in love with Gordon at first sight.
Wickersham, along with her husband, Jim Larson, contacted Love and Second Chances, to adopt Gordon. The rescue organization, based in California, helped the couple learn how to care for Gordon’s special needs. Additionally, the couple made their home in Bella Vista, Arkansas, accessible to accommodate Gordon’s wheelchair.
The Shiba Inu has been thriving with his new family for years. According to Wickersham, Gordon loves “cruising along in his cart” and eating dog cookies.
“I love to get him out in front of people, to let them see the joy and to let them see that, yeah, there are some things that are different, but different isn’t a bad thing,” Wickersham told People. “It doesn’t have to stop us or keep us from enjoying life to the fullest.”
