NO WORDS

There are NO WORDS to express my gratitude to everyone who participated in Rough Coat Photography's first ever Pet Calendar Contest benefitting the wonderful local rescue group, Pitties.Love.Peace.

The winners of the photo contest were determined by the top 13 entrants that received the most votes ($1 donation/1 vote). The dog who got the most votes won the coveted cover photo and 2nd - 13th place winners will have their pet featured as a pet of the month. 

I set what I thought was an achievable goal, $5K, only to have it smashed and more than doubled!  The contest ran for 6 weeks and when the countdown clock stopped at 5pm on June 25 we had raised $10,261!  All donations are earmarked for Pitties.Love.Peace veterinary fund and I'm filled with joy when I think of all the dogs that will be helped because of the generosity of the participants. 

It was open to all dog breeds and it's no surprise that there are a lot of pit bulls in the calendar!  Some are even Pitties.Love.Peace alums. But there are also terrier mixes, an Irish Wolfhound and Labradoodles so there's a great variety that will make it even more fun. 

Shop Small, Shop Local!

A very special shout out to the three local businesses who contributed mini-prizes throughout the contest, helped keep the momentum going and gave fabulous prizes to three lucky winners.  Basset and Lab, Finnegan Farms and Playful Pups Retreat donated gift baskets full to the brim with dog toys, dog treats and gift certificates!  Check them out - they are are located in Lancaster, East Petersburg and Elizabethtown/Hershey respectively.  

What's Next? 

Photo sessions for the 13 winning dogs will start in July and go throughout the summer.  I have spent a lot of time selecting fabulous locations in Lancaster County and getting to know the dogs so they are well matched.  The last thing I want to do is ask a shy and nervous dog to stand outside a busy farmer's market!

The calendar will be available in September/October and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Pitties.Love.Peace so

stay tuned!