Local organization hosts cutest dog contest

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The Camp in the MidCity District hosted the 4th annual Cutest Dog Contest. It's a way for pet owners to showcase their furry friends on the runway with hopes to win some big prizes. 

Dog owner Alexandra Lydon said, “It's a fun event that brings out all your family members, especially your furry pals and your friends, to come out to raise awareness and money for such an amazing organization.”

The event was put on by the Helping Animals Without Shelters organization. Founder Lisa Shedd said their ultimate goal is, “to try to help them keep their dog so they don't have to take it to the shelter.” 

For Shedd, it's about educating people on how to properly take care of their pets. She said, “We'd like to teach you about proper shelter for your dog and bedding in the wintertime, to keep them a little warmer and, you know, kindly with no judgment to teach them the laws for pet protection.” 

H.A.W.S. has been a non-profit organization since 2017. People who entered their dog in the contest had to pay a $15 fee, with proceeds going straight back to helping animals in North Alabama. “This is how we raise funds to buy dog houses and straw and flea treatments,” said Shedd.

Hundreds of dogs are in shelters waiting for a new home in the area. H.A.W.S. is hoping events like this can raise awareness for people to adopt. “North Alabama, especially in the county. There's a huge need,” said Shedd, “We want to tach them all of the ways that they can get help to take care of their animals keep it before they have to dump it. “

While this event is to educate and raise awareness, it shows education can come in fun ways. “Rescue dogs and get them well cared for and adopted,” said Lydon. “This is a fun way to raise funds to do that, to help the low income community, but also fun for the people to bring their dogs and show them in A costume and win a prize for them,” said Shedd.