More Than a Dog Contest: How Pooch Playoffs Raised $6,267 for Local Rescue Dogs

How dog portraits, local businesses and a little friendly competition help rescue dogs in our community.

Have you ever seen the “Can’t Hug Every Cat” video?

You know the one. She loves cats so much that she can barely hold herself together because she wants to hug every single one of them.

Well, can't hug every dog.



Believe me, I would love to. I would bring them all home, give them a soft bed, a full belly and remind them every day how deeply they are loved. My husband loves dogs just as much as I do—but I am fairly certain he would leave me, or at least change the locks, if I tried to sneak even one more into our house.

Most of us in the dog community understand that feeling. We see the shelter posts, the urgent pleas and those sweet faces staring back at us, and we want to save every single one. But our homes are full, our hearts are stretched and we simply cannot take them all in.

So, how can we still help?

For me, one answer is Pooch Playoffs. It allows me to give back through two things I know and love deeply: photography and dogs. It is a fun way to bring our community together, support local businesses and raise money to help rescue dogs—and the incredible rescue organizations, fosters and volunteers who work tirelessly to save them.

I may not be able to bring every dog home myself, but I can use what I know, what I love and the community around me to support the people who are working every day to give more dogs a safe place to land.

Combining What I Know With What I Love

Pooch Playoffs brings together several things that mean a great deal to me: photography, dogs, local businesses and giving back to our community.

It is a March Madness–style portrait competition featuring 16 local dogs. Each pup receives a fun, guided photography experience before their humans choose the official competition portrait.

Once voting begins, friends, family members and dog lovers throughout the community vote for their favorites as the dogs advance through each round. Eventually, one very deserving—and usually very adorable—pup is crowned the Pooch Playoffs champion.

There is plenty of friendly competition, but the dogs are not really competing against one another.

They are all playing for the same team.

Helping Dogs Through The Sanctuary Project

The true purpose behind Pooch Playoffs is to raise money and awareness for The Sanctuary Project, an organization helping rescue dogs find safety, healing and the loving homes they deserve.

Each dog’s $125 session fee is donated to The Sanctuary Project, and a portion of portrait and artwork purchases also supports its mission.

During the 2026 Pooch Playoffs, our participants, sponsors, voters and supporters came together to raise an incredible $6,267.24 for The Sanctuary Project.

That is what this event is really about.

It is not just a cute dog contest. It is a way to take something joyful and turn it into meaningful help for dogs who still need someone in their corner.

A Portrait Experience Worth Remembering

Of course, the experience is also designed to celebrate the dogs we already love.

Every participant receives a customized photography session created around their pup’s personality. Whether they are playful, serious, goofy, shy or completely incapable of sitting still, the goal is to capture the little expressions and quirks that make them unmistakably themselves.

Participants also receive a competition image to share during voting, a S-WAG bag filled with goodies from local businesses and a metal keychain featuring their dog’s portrait.

Families may also choose to create finished artwork from their session—because these dogs are not “just pets.” They are part of our families, and the time we have with them never feels long enough.

Giving Back Does Not Always Have to Feel Heavy

The need within animal rescue can feel overwhelming. It is easy to look at the number of dogs needing homes and wonder whether one person’s efforts could possibly make a difference.

But helping does not always have to mean adopting another dog.

It can mean fostering, volunteering, donating, sharing a rescue post, supporting a fundraiser or using the skills and resources you already have.

For me, it means using photography.

Pooch Playoffs proves that giving back can also be joyful. We can laugh at silly dog expressions, celebrate the animals who make our lives better, support local businesses and still create a meaningful impact for dogs who need us.

No, I can’t hug every dog.

But together, we can help more of them find someone who can.

Pooch Playoffs may have finished for this year, but the work of The Sanctuary Project continues. Donations remain open, and every contribution helps provide rescue dogs with another chance at safety, healing and a loving home.

Interested in participating in or sponsoring the next Pooch Playoffs? Reach out to Amanda Sue Photography to be included in future announcements and added to the interest list!

With so much gratitude,

Amanda

Amanda Sue Photography

Slow down.

Hug your people.

Make one small memory on purpose today.