Daily Diversion: Dirty Dogs Contest highlights dog makeovers

STERLING, Ill. — Bob Marley, a shelter schnoodle from Fowler, Calif., that was named for his dreadlocks, won the title of America’s top doggie makeover in the 2015 Dirty Dogs Contest.

Sponsored by Wahl Pet Products and GreaterGood.org, the fourth annual Dirty Dogs Contest highlights attention to the more than 8 million dogs that enter shelters each year. Less than half of these dogs, often dirty and matted, receive proper grooming.

"Bob Marley is an example of the millions of healthy and lovable dogs living behind the appearance of neglect, and that with a little grooming their true selves can shine through," Shay Moeller, Wahl’s pet product manager, said. "Because first impressions are so important, these transformations are crucial in determining if a dog will find a forever family."

This year’s contest raised $8,000 in grants. Wahl will donate $5,000 to Pinky Paws ResQ, the shelter that saved Bob, and second-place winner Angie from the Animal Rescue League of Iowa will receive a $2,000 grant.

J.J., the third-place dog from Sangamon County Animal Control in Springfield, Ill., will receive $1,000.

This year, Wahl donated 1,800 bottles of their all-natural pet shampoos to shelters in need, helping to wash and ready more than 20,000 dogs for adoption. The shelters then posted hundreds of transformations into the Dirty Dogs Before & After 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.