Charlotte, NC—  It's time to sign-up for the 2008 Harris Teeter/Purina® Top Dog Photo Contest and to make plans to attend the 2008 Harris Teeter/Purina® Bark in the Park dog festival April 26, 2008.  This dog festival is a signature event of Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department to help raise money for future off-leash dog parks.  Here's the poop:

• HARRIS TEETER/PURINA® TOP DOG PHOTO CONTEST: Dog owners entered 61 pet photos last year, and the public cast more than 4500 votes. The winner was a black female Labrador Retriever named Finley. This year the entry period runs March 1(Noon) - March 24(5pm). Registration will be mostly online (preferred) or by mail. Mailed entries must be postmarked by March 24. Entry fee is $12, with credit cards accepted online. Registration and complete entry instructions are available at: www.parkandrec.com or call 704 432-3990.  Judges will select three finalists photos for cleverness and originality. Finalists will be posted on our website, and the public can vote online April 1(12Noon) - April 19(5pm) for Top Dog. The winner will be announced April 21 on the website at 12Noon. The Top Dog will receive a photo portrait donated by Deborah Triplett Studios, Harris Teeter/Purina® prize pack, a year's supply of "yourpet" brand dog food, and be grand marshal of the WAXN Pooch Parade at the Bark in the Park.
   
• 2008 HARRIS TEETER/PURINA® BARK IN PARK DOG FESTIVAL, APRIL 26: Thousands of dogs and the people they own are expected to attend at William R. Davie Park, 4635 Pineville-Matthews Road, NC Highway 51, 10am - 4 pm. Admission is free! Parking at Calvary Church with shuttle buses to the park. More than 10,000 people came last year, most with dogs. It was wonderful fun! See jumping, diving, and fetching feats by the Ultimate Air Dogs presented by Purina. Join the Pooch Parade and contests such as: Pet/Owner Look-Alike, Best Costume, Best Bark, Largest Dog, Smallest Dog, and Best Trick. Registration for these contests will be at the event.  This festival features many exhibits, dog products, adoptable dogs, and prize drawings. Great dogs to see and greet, so bring yours (on a leash, please)! 

Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation invites dogs and the people they own to join the fun. For further details visit www.parkandrec.com or call 311. Park and Recreation also needs volunteers to help with the 2008 Harris Teeter/Purina® Bark in the Park.  To volunteer contact Lori Saylor at 704 336-5478 or lori.saylor@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov.