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Would-Be Spokesdogs Begging For Your Vote In Philadelphia
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Dog lovers everywhere can now cast their ballots for the first-ever spokesdog representing the Philadelphia Water Department.
Those who log on to the Philadelphia Office of Watershed webpage can vote daily for the hounds they feel best represent the title of Philly Water’s Best Friend. More than 80 dog owners have declared their pets’ candidacy. And while none has a campaign per se, each pooch has a photo and bio to help voters decide if their lifestyle is eco-friendly enough for the job.
The 20 dogs with the most votes by February 28 will face off during two pageants next spring. In the end, two winners will be named, one from East Falls and one from Manayunk or Roxborough.
The owner of each winning dog will receive a $200 item from a local pet store. In exchange, each must attend three community events with their dog on behalf of the PWD.
The chief duty of each spokesdog-owner duo is to prevent water pollution resulting from pet waste. They will accomplish this by handing out brochures and biodegradable bag dispensers. These bags will then be used by dog walkers to pick up their pets’ waste before flushing it down the toilet or putting it in the trash.
Joanne Dahme, general manager of public affairs at the Philadelphia Water Department, says this is more than just the responsible thing to do. It is also good for the environment.
“When left on the ground, pet waste becomes a pollutant,” Dahme said. “Rain and melting snow can wash it into creeks and rivers, raising bacteria levels in the same waterways where we like to fish, boat and picnic along. Our rivers and streams are precious public amenities, and we need to ensure that they are treated that way.”
Sponsors for this program include the East Falls Development Corporation, Manayunk Development Corporation, Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, and the Philadelphia Water Department. Prizes have been made possible thanks to TOP TAILS Pet Sitting and Dog Walking of Manayunk and Wag n’ Style of East Falls.
For more information, please call Cheryl Jackson at 800-445-4935, extension 113.
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1/10/2011 |
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