First impressions matter, especially for shelter dogs. Sadly, most of the three million dogs that enter shelters each year arrive matted, dirty, and neglected.

All dogs deserve to look and feel their best, so Wahl and Greater Good Charities teamed up to provide shelters with grooming products to transform dogs and help them find forever homes.

They have provided the essential supplies for 15 years and changed countless lives alongside groomers and rescues. Each year a Dirty Dogs Contest is held where participating shelters enter before and after photos of their rescue dogs for a chance to win money and bragging rights.

Hundreds of entries were submitted for this year’s contest and after a month of voting, the winners have been announced. The top three winners will not only win money for their shelter but will also win money for the groomer that helped change their life.

Check out the winners below.

1^st place goes to Lucy!

She won $5,000 for her shelter (Easel Animal Rescue League – NJ) and $5,000 for her groomer (Yahaira Sosa, Sosa's Spa Paws). Congrats! 

Lucy was left in a crate outside in freezing weather where police came to her rescue. She was matted, filthy, and suffering from hypothermia. She was rushed to EASEL Animal Rescue League and finally received the medical care she needed. Once she recovered, she was taken to Sosa’s Spa Paws to remove her matted fur- a result from years of neglect.

Lucy was able to finally move freely, and adopters were able to see her adorable face. She was adopted and is now in a loving home that she shares with her family and dog and cat siblings.

2^nd place goes to Kailey!

She won $2,000 for her shelter (SPCA of Anne Arundel County-MD) and $2,000 for her groomer (Patrice McCarron). Way to go!

Kailey was surrendered by the only family she had every known. She arrived with matted fur that hadn’t been groomed in four years. She was even struggling to open her mouth to eat.

With the gentle touch of her groomer, Patrice McCarron, and a lot of patience from Kailey, she was transformed and finally free from pain.

It didn’t take long after that for Kailey to find a family who will love and cherish her forever. 

3^rd place goes to Dominic!

He won $1,000 for his shelter (Palm Springs Animal Shelter-CA) and $1,000 for his groomer (Jasmina Sumanovic)

Dominic arrived at his local shelter after his owner passed away. He was severely matted and in need of care. Jasmina and Stephanie teamed up to remove the heavy matted fur and reveal the sweet pup underneath.

All his fur was matted, even on his ears and paws.

He looks as good as he feels now. He found a loving home and is living his best life.

Donate today to transform more shelter pets.