Dashing and Divine Doggies Contest

     Lincoln County, New Mexico, USA
Frequently Asked Questions
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We make every attempt to answer questions about the operations of the contest/campaign below.  If you don't find a suitable answer, or need a personal answer or response, please use the contact information provided in the menu above.  We will be glad to assist you.
ENTERING THE CONTEST

Can I indicate more than one charity that my dog's voting proceeds will go to?
Each dog can sponsor only one charity.  At this time, it would be logistically impossible for us to tally and subdivide voting monies.  You can, however, enter more than one dog and have each sponsor a different charity.

Can I vote for my own dog?
Absolutely.  You can vote for as many dogs, including your own, as often as you like.  The voting is unlimited since the purpose of the campaign is to raise money for pet charities.
 
I'm 12 years old.  Can I enter my dog?
Yes.  We ask entrants who are not yet 18 years of age to list a parent's contact information.

My dog died in March of this year.  I do have a current photo.  Can I still enter my dog in this contest?
The only requirement is that we have a current photo of your dog, where current is defined as "photographed in the year 2009."  It would probably be very healing for grieving pet owners to participate because they could share photos and memories.  What a great tribute to your dog to be able to donate money to a charity in his or her name!  Depending on the interest and  response, we may create a separate category with an additional prize for dogs "in memoriam."

I don't have my own dog but would like to participate.  What can I do?
You can either sponsor someone's dog who maybe does not have the time or resources to participate, sponsor a shelter or rescue dog, or go to the gallery and vote for your favorite dog or dogs.

How do I sponsor a shelter dog?
Talk to someone at the shelter about volunteering to work with a particular dog.  You would want to get to know the dog so you could campaign for him or her.  Ask about getting him or her groomed and photographed, and just make every day you're with this dog a special and happy event for the dog.  Most shelters will be delighted that you're willing to give this kind of attention to a needy dog.

What's the latest that I can enter my dog in the contest?
The deadline for entries is August 15, 2009.  Voting closes on August 22, 2009 which would only give you a week to collect votes.  We recommend you enter as soon as possible.  The longer your dog is online, the more exposure he or she will have, and the more money your dog will raise for your chosen charity.

I don't live in New Mexico, but I heard about your contest and would like to participate.  Can I?
Yes.  There are no residential requirements.

CHARITY AND MONEY ISSUES

Why does only $1 go to the charity instead of the full $2 ?
The other $1 is used for storefront, credit card processing, website and advertising fees.  We do not ask the charities to contribute any of their resources to this campaign.  It is entirely funded by Studio O.

What is the $10 entry fee used for?
Some of that fee is applied toward photgraphy expenses.  The rest is donated to Olga's Pet Sanctuary and Rehab Center.  All labor involved in this campaign is donated.

Which pet charities can I sponsor?
Local and regional humane societies are good candidates because they are usual the most needy.  National charities are also acceptable.  You can sponsor any pet charity that is a non-profit organization.

Can I sponsor my favorite pet charity that is located in a state other than New Mexico?
We have no regional requirements regarding the pet charity; only that it is a non-profit organization that exists for the improved welfare of pets.

Can I sponsor Olga's Pet Sanctuary and Rehab Center?
Yes. We have had many requests from Olga's friends who do not have dogs but would like to make a contribution in her memory.  For this reason, we are allowing dogs to campaign for this charity as well.  To see up to date sanctuary news, visit http://www.olgapets.wordpress.com/
                            

 

PHOTOS

If I send you a photo of my dog, will you send it back?
We recommend that you send only copies.  If it is an original, you can take it to a printing shop to have it scanned and either email/upload the digital image or mail us a copy of the scanned image.  Please contact us if you need help with this.  We will do our best to return any photos to you if you provide a self-addressed stamped envelope;however, we cannot be responsible for photos sent through the mail without USPS delivery confirmation.

What if I enroll my dog and his photo is already posted on the gallery, but then I find a better photo.  Can I replace it?
For voting purposes, we want to keep the same photo.  We will, however, include the new photo on the blog, facebook and updated slideshows.

Can I send you a photo that includes me in the picture?
For contest posting purposes, we accept photos of the dog only.  The Terms and Conditions of the contest do not include license to post a photo of you or any other person.  When we post your dog's picture, we also do not include any of your personal information.  Your dog is identified by a number that includes part of your dog's name.  However, you are free to post and include any photos or info on your own personal blog, facebook page, or other website that you create in connection with this contest.

I have a photo but it was taken by someone else.  Can I send that with my entry form?
You must have the rights to distribute this especially if the photo is signed or marked by a professional photographer.

How do I copyright/protect my photos?
If you take the photo, you own the copyright.  It is difficult to keep dishonest people from downloading copyrighted materials.   Every professional photographer faces this issue whenever he or she posts to an online gallery.  If it's important to you that viewers know that you took the photo, we reccommend you "sign" any photo you submit.  If you do not know how to do that, let us know and we will place your name or monogram on the photo before we post it. 

What is a complementary photo session?
As part of the contest/campaign, Studio O will set up a professional session for your dog.  The regular cost of a pet photo session is $37.50.  The studio is providing this service as part of the entry fee until July 1, 2009.  See contact information above.

Does the photo session include a photograph?
No.  Photos of your dog can be ordered from the same voting gallery site your dog's picture is posted there.

Do I have to use Studio O as the photographer?
No.  We do ask you to provide a photo that shows your dog "in the best light."  No matter which photographer or studio you use, you are required to abide by copyright laws.

How do I email you a photo?
Send an email to ostudio@windstream.net and use the "paperclip" icon in the message toolbar to "attach file".  Find the file on your computer and click on it.  You should then see it in the attachment field of your message.

Are there any size requirements?
Please do not send a large file.  It should be no larger than  3 in x 5 in with a resolution of less than 300.  Please call if you are having problems with this.




VOTING AND ONLINE ISSUES

I would prefer to not to use a credit card online.  Can I still vote?
Yes.  You can mail a check for the number of votes at $2 per vote and include the dog's identification number in the memo part of the check.  Please contact us if you need more information about the dog you are voting for. 

Is your voting gallery safe for online transactions?
Yes.  Studio O uses this site for all photo package proofing and ordering.  It is a well-respected site among professional photographers. 
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