Each dog entered in the contest receives a professional portrait session. Designed by Freepik

 

OROVILLE, CA (MPG) – A Butte County photographer is inviting local pet owners to showcase their four-legged companions while helping raise funds for animals in need through a community contest this spring.

Erin Lackey Photography will host the fifth annual “Pooch Playoffs,” a bracket-style competition designed to crown the “Ulti-mutt Cutest Canine” in Butte County while supporting the Northwest Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NWSPCA).

Portrait sessions for participating dogs will take place throughout March at Erin Lackey Photography’s studio in Oroville. Organizers plan to photograph 32 dogs that will be placed into a tournament-style bracket similar to a March sports playoff format.

Voting is scheduled to begin during the first week of April and will take place online, allowing the public to vote for their favorite canine contestants as they advance through each round of the competition.

Each dog entered in the contest receives a professional portrait session. The $99 participation fee supports the NWSPCA and includes a portrait gift and a swag bag with items from local pet-friendly businesses.

Photographer Erin Lackey said the event began as a way to honor her sister, who passed away in 2017 and had a deep love for animals.

“Supporting the Northwest SPCA is incredibly personal for me,” Lackey said. “After my sister’s passing, I wanted to honor her memory in a way that reflects the joy and love she had for animals. Pooch Playoffs is my way of bringing the community together, celebrating Butte County’s beloved pets and making a real difference for animals in need.”

The fundraiser has grown steadily since its launch. Over the past four years, the competition has raised more than $12,000 to benefit the Northwest SPCA and its animal care programs.

Organizers hope to fill all 32 available competition spots this year. Each round will pair dogs head-to-head, with voters deciding which contestant advances toward the championship title.

Final Four winners will receive prizes from local pet-friendly businesses.

Pet owners interested in entering their dogs can schedule a portrait session at Erin Lackey Photography, located at 1447 Huntoon St. in Oroville.

For more information or to register, visit www.erinlackey.com/poochplayoffs or call 916-415-8667.