15 U.S. Cities Named 'Top Dogs,' Will Compete For $100,000 PetSafe Dog Park

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Jun 15, 2012, 12:52 ET

KNOXVILLE, Tenn., June 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Representing pet-passionate communities across the U.S., 15 cities have been named finalists in the PetSafe "Bark for Your Park" contest. PetSafe, a leading brand in pet behavior and lifestyle products, created the national contest to award $100,000 to one U.S. community and $25,000 each to two additional cities toward building local dog parks.

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"With more than 1,000 cities nominated, we are elated with this showing of the nation's passion for pet-friendly initiatives like dog parks," said Randy Boyd, president and CEO of Radio Systems Corporation, maker of the PetSafe brand. "We're very excited for our 15 finalist cities, but we loved hearing the 'barks' from all the city supporters across the U.S. No matter the outcome of this year's contest, we hope you'll continue to 'bark' for your park."

The 15 finalists:

Allentown, Pa.
Auburn, N.Y.
Bloomington, Ind.
Bluffton, S.C.
Derby, Vt.
Essex, Vt.
Hernando, Miss.
Lynchburg, Va.
Mountain House, Calif.
Oak Forest, Ill.
Orland Park, Ill.
Oxford, Miss.
Temple, Texas
Texarkana, Ark.
Westfield, Ind.

Since the second-annual contest launched on May 1, at least one city from each of the 48 eligible states was nominated. To qualify for a finalist slot, the nominated cities had to verify land availability, exhibit documented support from a civic leader and demonstrate community support through online votes. The cities that met these requirements were grouped according to relative population size, and the 15 finalists represent the top five small, medium and large size cities that received the most votes, thus ensuring that communities of all sizes had an equal opportunity to compete in the contest.

Now it's up to the public to "bark for your park." City supporters and dog park enthusiasts across the U.S. are encouraged to vote for their favorite community to win a dog park. From June 15-Aug. 1, each person can vote twice daily: once per day at www.petsafe.net and once per day on the PetSafe Facebook page.

The city with the most votes will be named "Top Dog" and win the $100,000 grand prize. The runner-up city and the city with the highest percentage of votes to its population each will be awarded $25,000. PetSafe will announce the winners in August.

For more information about PetSafe and its innovative pet products, visit www.petsafe.net or check out the PetSafe Facebook page.

About PetSafe®

Headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, PetSafe leads the industry in the development of innovative pet behavior, containment, lifestyle product solutions and services. Visit: www.petsafe.net.

SOURCE PetSafe