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2026 Pooch Playoffs Crowns 1st Ultimutt Cutie!!

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And thats a wrap!Four rescues walked into Pooch Playoffs. Four came back as champions to give back.When we started this competition, I never imagined the beautiful detail that would unfold: all four finalists—Loki, Marnie, Toby, and Hoss—were rescued at Companions Animal Center. Watching these alumni return to help raise $1,600 for the dogs still waiting for their forever homes? That's not just a competition. That's a full-circle moment that reminds us why rescue matters.A huge thank you to Will Bailey and Valerie Reynolds of Vet Valet for sponsoring this event, creating those gorgeous cornhole boards for the grand prize, and believing in the mission. Thanks also go out to CDA Pet Market, Northwest Pet Resort, CaddyShack, Trails End Brewery, Paws N Brews, A Nu Look, Doc Holly Pet Vet, Pawbulous Dog Bakery for being pawsome sponsors. And to Loki, Marnie, and Toby for showing up today (and showing off!) to help their brothers and sisters find home.I just donated a check for $1,600 to Companions Animal Center—because every rescue deserves a second chance. And sometimes, they come back to help create those chances for others. Big Thank You also goes out to Darren Best, Dallas Edens, Shayla Micklon, and Rhiannon and Marilyn Edens for being my BEST supporters!

ULTI-MUTT CUTIE!

WHAT IS POOCH PLAYOFFS & HOW DOES IT WORK?

Professional portraits, friendly competition, and a cause worth barking about.

Do you have the Ulti-Mutt Cutie of Kootenai County?

Let’s find out—while raising money for Companions Animal Center! 🐾

Don’t miss your chance to make your pup a star. By booking a session, your dog could be one of just 16 lucky contestants selected to compete for the title of Ulti-Mutt Cutie of Kootenai County.

You’ll receive stunning professional portraits you’ll treasure forever, while your pup competes for amazing prizes from local sponsors. The winning dog will advance to the National Pooch Playoffs competition in April, where the prizes—and the bragging rights—get even bigger!

This is your moment to celebrate your dog, show off their personality, and be part of an unforgettable experience that supports a truly worthy cause. Spots are extremely limited, so book your session today and let the games begin!

Your $99 entry fee is more than just a competition spot — it’s a lifesaving donation to Companions Animal Center.

Your pup’s entry secures their place in the Pooch Playoffs and includes a fun, professional photography session designed to capture their unique personality and undeniable charm. After the session, one featured image of your dog will be entered into the Pooch Playoffs bracket, where friends, family, and fellow dog lovers can vote for their favorite furry contender.

The competition plays out in exciting rounds, with top dogs advancing until one is crowned the Ulti-Mutt Pooch Playoffs Champion! 🏆🐾

Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to invest in stunning custom artwork of your dog, win brag-worthy prizes from local sponsors, and most importantly—make a real difference. Your donation helps Companions Animal Center rescue, care for, and find loving forever homes for unwanted, neglected, and abused animals.

It’s a tail-wagging good time for an even better cause.

2026 Pooch Playoffs Pawticipants

DONATION INFORMATION

Your $99 Donation includes:

* A pet portrait session (location)

* An acrylic keychain with your favorite photo from the session

*A sWAG bag from local businesses, and

*A spot in the upcoming, online bracket-style competition in March! The Winner earns a spot in the National competition in April.

HOW TO PAWTICIPATE

* Sign up using the link below.

*I'll call and we can chat about your pup and schedule a consultation for me to meet your cute fur baby and schedule their pawsome photo session.

*Bring your pup for their session in February

*We will set up an in-person ordering appointment for you to pick out your favorite photo for the March competition and order artwork

* When the competition starts you will have your friends and family vote for your pup.

Is your pup a contender to be voted the Ulti-mutt cutie of Kootenai County?

PAWSOME SPONSORS

Pooch Playoffs pawsome sponsors and donors. Click on their logo to learn more about these Pawsome Sponsors

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Would your business like to be a sponsor?

. Please call Dawn Best at 208-818-7573 to learn more

PAWSOME SPONSORS!

Want to get in on the action?

I am looking for a few key local businesses to come alongside this fundraiser as sponsors or prize donors. In return, I will highlight you as a partner who is helping save and rehome local pets.

How you can participate:

*Sponsor a bracket or round of Pooch Playoffs and help cover costs for a flat of amount of $100, $250, or $600. All unused funds will be donated to COMPANIONS ANIMAL CENTER.

*Donate a prize or gift card that we can award to participants or winners for sWAG bags.

*Donate a prize for the "Final 4"

*Help spread the word by sharing and promoting the event with your clients, email list or social media followers.