New Jersey Rescue Pup Named America's Top Shelter Dog Makeover in Contest Supporting Dog Adoption

In mid-June 2026, police in New Jersey found a dog named Lucy abandoned in a crate in freezing weather. She arrived at EASEL Animal Rescue League in Ewing Township filthy and hypothermic and required urgent medical attention. Once stable, the grooming team at Sosa’s Spa Paws worked to remove severe matting and grime, revealing the healthier dog beneath and helping her recover both physically and emotionally. Lucy’s transformation was entered in the 15th annual Wahl® Dirty Dogs Contest, which invites shelters and groomers across the country to submit before-and-after photos. Public voting on TikTok crowned Lucy the Grand Prize winner; the award includes $5,000 for EASEL and $5,000 for Sosa’s Spa Paws to continue their adoption and grooming efforts. Two other shelter dogs who endured extreme neglect were named runners-up and also received funding to support adoption work. Kailey arrived at the SPCA of Anne Arundel County in Annapolis, Maryland, surrendered by her only family after going without grooming for four years; groomer Patrice McCarron spent hours carefully removing tight matting so Kailey could eat comfortably and recover, and Kailey has since been adopted. Dominic came to the Palm Springs Animal Shelter after his owner was found deceased and arrived severely matted; groomers Jasmina and Stephanie worked together to uncover his features, and he too found a new home. Wahl® partnered again with Greater Good Charities for the contest to highlight how professional grooming can help shelter dogs become more adoptable. From hundreds of entries judges and voters narrowed the field to three finalists; second place awarded $2,000 each to the shelter and groomer, and third place $1,000 each. The campaign also called attention to the larger problem—millions of shelter dogs lack necessary grooming, which can impede their chances of adoption. Those who want to learn more about the contest, see other makeovers, or find grooming resources can visit DirtyDogsContest.com or WahlUSA.com, and follow Wahl’s pet accounts on social media (@WahlPets, @WahlAnimal, and @WahlAnimal_CA). The contest’s prizes are intended to keep shelters and groomers working together so more vulnerable dogs like Lucy, Kailey and Dominic can be healthy, seen and placed into loving homes.