Wahl Reveals Top Dog: Best Makeover Wins Grant For Pet Shelter

- Pet grooming leader partners with GreaterGood in Dirty Dogs Contest to support shelters, award $8,000 in grants -

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Jul 22, 2015, 11:13 ET

STERLING, Ill., July 22, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Bob Marley, a schnoodle from Fowler, Calif. (a small town mid-way between Los Angeles and San Francisco), was aptly named for his dreadlocked appearance, but while the look worked for the musician, this pup was uncomfortably miserable — and homeless. Thanks to some much needed grooming and TLC, Bob's new clean-cut appearance has given him a new outlook on life, and the title of America's top doggie makeover in the 2015 Dirty Dogs Contest (view all the finalists). The effort from pet industry leaders Wahl and GreaterGood.org demonstrates how the transformative power of grooming can help shelter dogs find homes.

Bob Marley was aptly named for his dreadlocked appearance, but while the look worked for the musician, this pup was uncomfortably miserable - and homeless. Thanks to some much needed grooming and TLC, Bob's new clean-cut appearance has given him a new outlook on life, and the title of America's top doggie makeover in the 2015 Dirty Dogs Contest.

"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," says Shay Moeller, pet product manager for Wahl. "Because first impressions are so important, these transformations are crucial in determining if a dog will find a forever family."

Pinky Paws ResQ, the shelter that saved Bob, will receive a $5,000 grant to further support their efforts. In addition, second place winner Angie from the Animal Rescue League of Iowa will receive a $2,000 grant, and third place dog J.J. from Sangamon County Animal Control in Springfield, Ill., will receive $1,000.

About Bob Marley's Story

Krystle Rivera, founder of Pinky Paws ResQ in Selma, Calif., received a call in March 2015 about a homeless dog that had wandered into a nearby shipping yard and was hiding amongst raisin bins. When she arrived, the dog later named Bob Marley was severely matted, neglected, and had a rope tied to him. With a groomer on standby, Rivera quickly took Bob back to the sanctuary she runs on a volunteer basis.

Motivated by her love of animals, Rivera began Pinky Paws ResQ after learning that the City of Fowler euthanized all abandoned dogs. She is now applying this dedication to Bob Marley. Due to neglect issues she will be fostering him for the next year and training him for fear aggression and behavioral modification until he is ready for adoption.

See video of Bob Marley's touching rescue and transformation.

"I always find hope in a dog's eyes; under the facade is always a love that cannot compare and Bob is no exception," says Rivera. "I was made to save animals; I am their voice. This grant will help me save more dogs just like Bob."

According to Rivera, you have to catch the attention of adopters and grooming is a very important part of this. Grooming is also important for the comfort of the animal — it can make all the difference.

About the Dirty Dogs Contest

More than 8 million dogs enter shelters each year, and a vast majority of them are dirty and matted. Unfortunately, less than half of these dogs are getting the grooming they need. For the past four years it has been Wahl's mission to draw attention to this problem with their annual Dirty Dogs Contest.

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. In turn, the shelters posted hundreds of amazing 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.

View the contest winners' and finalists' before and after photos on the Wahl Pets Facebook page. To see even more adoptable dogs visit the Dirty Dogs Before & After Gallery. For information about Wahl or Wahl's pet grooming products, visit WahlPets.com or follow Wahl Pets on Facebook and Twitter.

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 www.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.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150721/239057
Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120425/CG93815LOGO

SOURCE Wahl