Residents of Fitler Square and University City have an extra two weeks, or until May 31, to make their dogs eligible to become Philadelphia’s only spokesanimals — excluding Swoop, the Phillie Phanatic, and Barkevious the turkey, of course. 

One winner in each neighborhood will receive $200 in prizes from a local pet store and the title of Philly Water’s Best Friend.

Last year, Philadelphians cast over 7,000 votes for more than 50 spokesdog candidates.  Each neighborhood’s 15 finalists then participated in a pageant-style competition.  This allowed judges to evaluate their friendliness, obedience, personality and, most importantly, their interest in reducing water pollution.

“Dog owners are a breed all their own, so this event is always great fun,” said Joanne Dahme, general manager of public affairs at the Philadelphia Water Department.  “We really need ambassadors like them in every dog park to tell folks how easy it is to prevent this common form of ‘poo-llution.’”

Since 2011, the Philadelphia Water Department has crowned four spokesdogs in East Falls, Northern Liberties, Queen Village, Manayunk and Roxborough.  Past judges include Sen. Larry Farnese, Councilman Mark Squilla, Dana Spain of the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society and others.  Even Mayor Michael Nutter has made an appearance.

The purpose of this year’s Philly Water’s Best Friend Spokesdog Competition is to make the Schuylkill River cleaner.  Organizers will accomplish this by showing pet owners the importance of picking up their dogs’ waste.  Otherwise, it might leech into the ground or pollute rainwater and snowmelt before it flows into streams and storm drains.

Sponsors of this program include the Friends of Schuylkill River Park, Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, Philadelphia Water Department, Powelton Village Civic Association, and Schuylkill Banks.

Information and online registration is available at the Philadelphia Water Department website.  Dog owners can also call the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary at 800-445-4935, extension 112.

5/20/2013