Deadline is July 9 for Pet Idol entries

With nearly 50 contestants already entered in this year's Ahwatukee Foothills News Pet Idol the competition looks to be on target for a ruff fight to the finish. And the deadline to enter is next Thursday, July 9, so don't forget to submit your favorite pet by then.

Voting will begin July 10 and will run through July 31, with the winners published online at www.petidol.ahwatukee.com and in the Wednesday, Aug. 12 edition of the AFN.

For the latest on the contest, follow "Dog Blog" at ahwatukee.com - it's there where Buddy, this year's Pet Idol mascot, keeps everyone updated on the contest and what those involved have done for the pets in our community. Our partners this year are The Arizona Canine Connection and Cactus Cats Rescue. Our "Great Dane" sponsor is Malinda's Pampered Pets.

Only residents of Ahwatukee Foothills will be eligible to win; however, anyone can enter, and anyone can vote. Entries will be $1 per entry. Votes will be $1 per vote. Submitted photos will be accepted in color or black and white, and must be at least 240 dpi and submitted in JPG or TIF format.

Prizes have been donated by Pet Idol retail sponsors Malinda's Pampered Pets, A Gucci Pooch, Doggie Steps and FASTFRAME. Photos of this year's contestants can be viewed at the Ahwatukee Foothills FASTFRAME, located at 4232 E. Chandler Blvd.

To donate or for more information on the contest, contact Ahwatukee Pet Idol contest manager Elaine Cota at (480) 898-7926 or ecota@ahwatukee.com.