April 4, 2006 

Voting Starts April 7 in Harris Teeter/Purina® Top Dog Photo Contest

Charlotte, NC - Three finalists have been chosen in the much heralded Harris Teeter/Purina® Top Dog Photo Contest. Now the public can vote for the very Top Dog. This contest is part of the Harris-Teeter/Purina® Bark in the Park dog festival on Saturday, April 22 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at McAlpine Creek Park, 8711 Monroe Road.  Dog lovers may cast their ballots for Top Dog by visiting www.parkandrec.com and clicking on "Bark in the Park."  The three finalists, chosen by a panel of judges from a list of 44 entry photographs, are: 

Voting is from 9 a.m. on April 7 to 5 p.m. on April 12. The winner will be announced April 15 on www.parkandrec.com.

The Top Dog will receive a commissioned portrait worth more than $3,000 by nationally renowned local artist Mark Durham. He/she will also act as grand marshal of the Pooch Parade at the Bark in the Park dog festival, receive a year's supply of yourpet brand dog food, a Harris-Teeter® Bark in the Park Prize Pack, and many other prizes. Runners up also receive prizes and get to help kick off the Celebrity Pooch Parade. 

The Bark in the Park dog festival will include a wide variety of activities for dogs and their owners. Jay Stutz, host of Good Dog U on TV's Animal Planet will be a special guest. The Purina® Incredible Dog Team will perform unusual feats of canine intelligence and athletic prowess. NFL players Will Witherspoon and Dan Morgan will sign autographs at the event. There will also be many contests such as:  Most Unique Dog, Best Dressed Dog, Best Dog Trick, Biggest/Smallest Dog, and Best Pet/Owner Look Alike. Proceeds from the Harris Teeter/Purina® Bark in the Park festival help raise money for future off-leash "dog parks."

The dog festival is free "to dogs and the people they own." For more information, call the East Park district office at 704-568-4044.