Coeur d’Alene photographer unleashes fundraiser for animal shelter
Coeur d'Alene Press | UPDATED 5 hours, 37 minutes AGO
Lola is a 2-year-old German Shepherd at Companions Animal Center.
Photo courtesy CAC
When it comes to celebrating our four-legged family members, Dawn Best of Best Life Photography is all in. This spring, she’s bringing the community together for a tail-wagging cause: Pooch Playoffs, a spirited bracket-style photo competition and fundraiser benefiting Companions Animal Center.
“This year has been especially hard for charities,” Best said. “Photographers across the country have joined together to support local animal organizations through the Pooch Playoffs fundraiser. I’m excited to bring this effort to Kootenai County to help Companions Animal Center and find our community’s Ulti-Mutt Cutie.”
Here’s how it works:
• Sixteen local dogs will compete in a friendly bracket, with weekly online voting to determine who advances.
• Prizes from CDA Pet Market, Pawbulous Bakery, A Nu Look, Paws and Brews, Northwest Pet Resort, Doc Holly Pet Vet and Vet Valet await, with the top dog crowned Kootenai County’s Ulti-Mutt Cutie and advancing to the national contest.
Vicky Nelson, CAC development director, said they are hoping Best's efforts inspire even more adoptions and happy endings for animals in need.
"We absolutely love creative fundraisers, especially when they shine a spotlight on our amazing alumni animals and our community pets," she said. "No matter who takes the top spot, it’s all in good fun and has the potential to bring national attention to our mission."
The $99 entry fee is donated to CAC. The entrant's pup receives a professional portrait session with Dawn Best, a custom metal keychain featuring their pup’s photo and a bag of goodies donated by local businesses.
In April, Best will submit the local winner to the national competition. Winners from different competitions will be submitted for the national vote. The national winner will receive a prize.
“Our pets are such important members of our families, yet most of us don’t think to have a professional photo taken of them,” Best said. “Pooch Playoffs is a fun way to celebrate your pet, support a local charity and maybe see your pup crowned the Ulti-Mutt Cutie!”
Info: www.mybestlifephotography.com/pooch-playoffs, email [email protected] or call 208-818-7573.