Some dogs are so ugly they’re cute! June 26^th is National Ugly Dog Day and we are celebrating with a contest. Show your parent pride and send us your my-dog-is-so-ugly-it’s-cute photo and caption for a chance to win your share of $150 of Three Dog Bakery prizes!

How to Participate:

• Take your best ugly dog photo.
• Upload your photo via Twitpic or other Twitter photo applications.
• Include an original 100 characters or less caption explaining why your dog should win.
• Include #uglydogday @ThreeDogNews in your Twitter posting.
• Become a follower of ThreeDogNews on Twitter.
• Please note that if your tweets are blocked we may not be able to see your entries.

Judging:

Entries will be judged on the most creative and cutest depiction of an Ugly Dog photo, the originality of the caption and the appropriateness of the entry to our theme. This contest is limited to dogs only. Other contests will be done for cats.

Prizes:

1^st Place – $75 value of Three Dog Bakery treats

2^nd Place – $50 value of Three Dog Bakery treats

3^rd Place -  $25 value of Three Dog Bakery treats

Everyone who enters and becomes a follower of @ThreeDogNews on Twitter will receive a coupon for 15% OFF their next online order at threedog.com

Rules & Regulations:

One entry per dog, and no more than two entries per person. Contest is for dogs only. Contest runs 6/21/10 – 6/27/10 11:59 pm (CST). The founding dogs and staff will pick the winners. Winners will be announced and contacted within a week of the end date. All participants must follow @ThreeDogNews on Twitter to be a winner. Please note that blocked tweets may result in a failed entry. A hashtag of #uglydogday must be include in the tweet to qualify. RT’s appreciated.

Terms & Conditions:

Must reside in the USA and be 18 years or older. No cash value and non transferable. We will contact winner and must here from them within 48hrs. Standard shipping and tax is included. Please email contests@threedog.com with any questions or concerns.

Bringing home a new puppy can be very exciting and also very scary. I know when I brought Lela home I was so thrilled to have rescued her but also very scared because she was the first pet I truly owned 100 percent by myself. Before Lela, I only had pets when I was little and let’s face it—my parents did all the hard stuff, such as vet visits.

Before bringing home a pet consider your options. Make sure your schedule allows you to take sufficient care of your puppy. They need lots of attention, love and affection. Also, if you have kids make sure the timing of your puppy is appropriate.

At Three Dog Bakery we are HUGE advocates of adoption, when you decide to pick out a puppy please check out your local shelter first. So many wonderful dogs need good homes.

When bringing home a new puppy follow these easy steps to help you prep for a good start to a long lasting, fulfilling relationship.

1. Start by preparing yourself and your family members. This is especially important with children; rules need to be set so that everyone understands their responsibility and knows how to properly handle the puppy. When pups are small injuries can easily occur. Also, if you already have a dog make sure your current dog’s temperament can handle a puppy.
2. To make certain the puppy doesn’t get mixed signals and get confused, discuss how you are going to train the puppy. That way everyone is on the same page.
3. Next, make sure you purchase the necessary supplies; puppy food, dog treats, water and food bowls, chew toys, collars and leashes, bed and a playpen/crate. You may also want to purchase grooming supplies at this time as well. Three Dog Bakery’s Web site offers a variety of all natural food & treats suitable for puppies as well as grooming supplies!  And Three Dog Bakery Stores offer everything you need for a new dog. Sniff out your local bakery today!
4. You will need a carrier or a kennel, either for travel or while you’re away. To save money choose a size that will fit the breed once they are full grown. Kennels can also be used for potty training.
5. Next, make your home suitable for a puppy. Pick a designated area for your puppy to mature. It will most likely hangout here while you’re away until it is potty trained. Remove all electrical cords from reach and also make sure that the puppy has plenty of water and appropriate things to chew such as all natural rawhides or puppy toys. It is a good idea to remove plants from this area. Puppies will often chew on plants, and common house plants can be harmful or even poisonous.
6. Since puppies have a natural tendency to chew, you should store away items that may appeal to them (i.e. shoes, kids toys, belts, etc.) until the puppy has matured.
7. Put away / up breakable items; puppies jump, get excited, wag their tails, chew and rough house. Things can easily be knocked over and you don’t want to have to scold a happy puppy or have your favorite item broken.

Bringing a furry friend into the family is always exciting and with these easy tips you will be closer to doing so! I know getting Lela was the best decision I ever made.

For more information on Three Dog Bakery treats and food visit threedog.com/