Wahl’s Dirty Dogs Contest: A Heartwarming Makeover to Support Shelter Dogs

From heartbreak to hope, pet grooming leader Wahl searched for hundreds of incredible rescue dog makeovers to shine a light on how powerful a good grooming—and a whole lot of love—can be.

Meet the Top 3 Shelter Dog Makeovers of 2025

After hundreds of submissions showcasing some of the most dramatic grooming makeovers, three incredible dogs stood out. Each of the following finalists has an unforgettable story, a stunning transformation—and a second chance at life thanks to the work of their dedicated shelters. •

• **Gizmo**
• Shelter: Greater Birmingham Humane Society (Birmingham, AL)
• Locked in a dark basement and buried under pounds of matted fur, Gizmo couldn’t walk, see, or even eat.
• After nearly two hours of careful grooming, more than two pounds of filthy, painful matting were removed, revealing a tiny dog ready to see the world again.
• Today, Gizmo is thriving, tail wagging, and awaiting his forever home!

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• **Mattie**
• Shelter: Rescue Me WV Inc (Martinsburg, WV)
• Mattie was discovered in a filthy hoarding situation, trapped in a crate barely big enough for a cat.
• Beneath her painful mats, her skin was covered in burns.
• Once rescued, she received the grooming, care, and love she needed—and quickly stole the hearts of her foster family, who officially adopted her.
• Mattie now lives every day safe, adored, and clean.

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• **Lenny Kravitz**
• Shelter: Pinky Paws Search & Rescue (Selma, CA)
• Found wandering a dirt road near a chicken farm, this matted mystery pup was covered in ticks and dreadlocks—but full of joy.
• Five pounds of matted fur later, and Lenny emerged a whole new dog.
• Now renamed Marzipan, he lives a pampered life in Pennsylvania, complete with matching pajamas and snow day adventures.

How to Vote for Your Favorite Dirty Dog

Visit @WahlPets on TikTok to watch each finalist’s transformation story. Then, vote by commenting #WahlDirtyDogsContest on your favorite video. Voting is open through June 13, 2025. By commenting, you can win, too. Each comment will be entered in a sweepstakes to win a Wahl® Pets Prize Pack. The dog’s video with the most comments wins a $10,000 grant for their shelter, with 2nd place winning $3,000 and 3rd place winning $2,000.

Wahl and Greater Good Charities Partner Up

Wahl and Greater Good Charities, a global nonprofit, have teamed up to find shelter dogs in need. Wahl donated much-needed grooming supplies and in return rescue organizations from across the country shared some of the most inspiring Before and After photos imaginable — including the Top 3 Shelter Dog Makeovers of 2025.

About Wahl and Greater Good Charities

Wahl and Greater Good Charities are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of shelter dogs and their families. Through their partnership, they aim to raise awareness about shelter animals and the importance of pet adoption.

Get Involved

For more information on Wahl’s complete line of pet products, including grooming tips, visit WahlUSA.com, or follow @WahlPets on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. For official contest rules, visit dirtydogscontest.com.

Quote from Lee Asher, Animal Advocate

“

The Dirty Dogs Contest is one of my favorite campaigns because it shows what rescue work is all about—taking a dog who’s been forgotten and helping them shine. It’s amazing what a simple groom can do for a dog’s confidence, comfort, and adoptability. These dogs just need a little help to show the world who they really are.”

Wahl’s Commitment to Animal Welfare

Wahl is dedicated to supporting shelters and promoting animal welfare. Through their partnership with Greater Good Charities, they aim to make a positive impact on the lives of shelter dogs and their families.

Learn More

For more information on Wahl’s complete line of pet products, including grooming tips, visit WahlUSA.com, or follow @WahlPets on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Visit dirtydogscontest.com for official contest rules and learn more about Wahl and Greater Good Charities.