America's Most Amazing Shelter Dog Makeovers Revealed

-Pet grooming leader Wahl teams with GreaterGood to put a fresh face on dog adoption-

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Jul 19, 2016, 10:30 ET

STERLING, Ill., July 19, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Zelda was found filthy, hungry and matted. Barely recognizable as a dog, her rescuers cleaned her up to reveal a tiny Shih Tzu. Unfortunately, Zelda's story is similar to the nearly 8 million other animals entering shelters each year. That's why Wahl has teamed up with GreaterGood.org to donate funds and grooming supplies to shelters nationwide. The goal: Transform more than 20,000 dogs this year and get them ready for adoption.

To promote the power of grooming and to support pet shelters nationwide, Wahl is launching the fifth annual Dirty Dogs Contest. Ten of the most dramatic makeovers were chosen, and votes determine the winner.

Experience the interactive Multimedia News Release here: http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7828751-wahl-dirty-dogs-contest/

"Due to lack of resources, less than half of dogs entering shelters are getting the grooming they desperately need," says Shay Moeller, pet product manager for Wahl. "First impressions are crucial, and without proper grooming, many of these dogs are perceived to be 'damaged goods.' By providing shelters with much-needed grooming supplies, we can transform these dogs into the healthy, fun loving pets they really are."

Dirty Dogs Gallery & Contest

Thanks to donations of Wahl's all-natural pet shampoo, over the past five years pet shelters nationwide have been able to transform more than 70,000 animals. Hundreds of these amazing makeovers have been captured through photos in the Dirty Dogs Before & After Gallery. What makes this gallery unique is that visitors can see what each dog looked like as they arrived at the shelter, and after they were cleaned up. They can also search for adoptable dogs in their area, learn more about their stories and share them on social media.

To promote the gallery and help get the dogs adopted, Wahl is launching the fifth annual Dirty Dogs Contest. Ten of the most dramatic transformations from the gallery have been selected to participate in the contest, and public votes will determine the top three winners. The animal shelters or rescue groups affiliated with these transformations will receive monetary grants to further support their efforts. First place takes home $5,000, second place receives $2,000 and third place earns $1,000.

The Dirty Dogs Contest runs from July 19 - August 1, 2016. To vote for one of the shelters, visit the Wahl Pets Facebook Page. Winners will be announced August 2, 2016. For information about Wahl or Wahl's pet grooming products, visit WahlPets.com or follow Wahl Pets on Facebook and Twitter.

"The Dirty Dogs Contest is a fun way to celebrate shelter dog transformations, but more importantly it's about raising awareness," explains Noah Horton, director of foundation relations at GreaterGood. "Behind every dirty and scared shelter dog is a beautiful and loving animal. We hope to inspire people to volunteer their time grooming and bathing animals at their local shelter, or to donate much needed money and supplies."

About Wahl Pet Products
Wahl offers a line of pet grooming solutions that make grooming from home safe, easy and enjoyable. The line includes all-natural 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 WahlPets.com.

About GreaterGood.org
GreaterGood.org is an independent 501(c)(3) charitable organization devoted to improving the health and well-being of people, pets, and the planet. Since 2006, it has given more than $30 million to charity partners and programs worldwide that work toward our mission.

SOURCE Wahl