How does the contest work?

Last year, our contest was all about visitor votes. This year, we’re switching things up! Instead of votes, we’re encouraging entrants to rally their friends, family, and networks to donate in support of their dog. The pup that raises the most wins the coveted calendar cover, while the next nine runner-ups each get a featured calendar page. To boost their chances, registrants are encouraged to have their network share their dog’s custom page link far and wide. Let the fundraising—and the cuteness—begin!

Any Golden Retriever can be registered. However, only Golden Retrievers rescued through Rescue A Golden of Arizona, or owned by current members* of RAGofAZ, (whether rescue Goldens or not) are eligible to win a spot as a monthly dog in our calendar. Furthermore, only a RAGofAZ-rescued dog can win the cover, but the same dog cannot win the cover more than once every five years.

For example, if the dog who has raised the most donation dollars is not a RAGofAZ-rescued dog, he/she will be bumped down to second place and the dog in second place will win the cover. If the second place dog is not a RAGofAZ-rescued dog, then the third place dog will win the cover, and the top two will be bumped down to second and third place, etc.

The ten contest finalists will all be prominently featured in the calendar. The winner will have the cover photo, and the nine runners-up will be given a month each.

Should a Golden not meeting the above criteria win or place in the top 10, that dog will win a $50 PetsMart Gift Card in lieu of a calendar page, as well as an embroidered RAGofAZ bandana.

*What is a “current member” of RAGofAZ?

For the purpose of this fundraiser, a current member is anyone who has paid individual or family membership dues within the last year, or who is a benefactor (i.e., has made a donation of at least $35 within the last year) of RAGofAZ. To be considered a member, membership dues must be paid on or before March 9th. Please note: You are not considered a member or benefactor if you have submitted a foster/adoption application only, unless you submitted an application in 2024 or 2025 that included a one year individual membership, and that membership has not yet lapsed.

Please also note the following:

Any Golden contestant who crosses to the Rainbow Bridge after the start of this fundraiser will still be eligible to be featured in the calendar with the following caveats: To be included in the calendar, the winning Golden must have good quality photographs available for our Calendar Coordinator to choose from; he/she has total discretion on whether to accept or reject a photo. Should no calendar quality photo be available, the winner in this case would receive the $50 PetsMart gift card.

Any winning contestant who resides in a state other than Arizona must be able to provide a good quality photograph available for our Calendar Coordinator to choose from; he/she has total discretion on whether to accept or reject a photo. Should no calendar quality photo be available, the winner in this case would receive the $50 PetsMart gift card.

While Goldens who have already crossed the Rainbow Bridge are not eligible to register for this fundraiser, please note that there will be an opportunity after the contest for current members to submit photos of their Goldens who have passed to be included on a special calendar page dedicated to their memories.

Yes, you may donate on behalf of as many dogs as you like. You’ll see them all listed near the bottom of the contest page. Also, you can use the search bar to find your favorites!

Yes, a $10.00 donation is required to register your dog’s photo in the event. As we did last year, we will be spotlighting every entrant in the Cutest Golden Contest on a special page of the 2026 calendar and featuring each Golden in a special slideshow that will be available for viewing on our website. Your donation will help offset the medical costs we incur throughout the year.

Your membership in RAGofAZ is not required. However, as a member, you will be helping RAGofAZ continue its mission of rescuing Golden Retrievers in need, as well as receiving our newsletters and updates on upcoming events throughout the year. Some of our sponsors will offer discounts on their services to Rescue A Golden of Arizona members.

Our Family membership is available for $45.00 per year, and our individual membership is only $35.00 per year. You can purchase your membership here.

The Cutest Golden Contest fundraiser begins on Sunday, March 9th at 8 am and runs through 12 noon MST on Sunday, March 39th. Registrants may begin donating on behalf of their dog, and may share their unique voting link for their dog as soon as they register. The winners are determined by the total donation funds received, subject to the eligibility requirements described elsewhere on this page.

Keep in mind that the contest will heat up as the weeks go on. Check your dog’s progress often to see how they’re doing. As the weeks pass, the voting will likely become more intense.  Bidding too conservatively could cost your dog that coveted featured calendar page opportunity! There is a thermometer on our fundraising page where you can monitor the donations.

Every dollar you give goes straight to caring for RAGofAZ Golden Retrievers in need! Your support in this fundraiser makes a real difference, helping us rescue and care for Goldens across Arizona and beyond. Thank you for being part of this mission!

The Calendar Coordinator has the final say as to what photographs will go into the calendar. You may certainly request that a particular photo be used, but please keep in mind that the final decision will be made by the Calendar Coordinator, who also reserves the right to take other photographs if deemed necessary.  

If your pup wins the calendar cover, one 11 x 8.5 inch landscape format photo will appear on the front cover, and a second same size photo will appear on the back cover. For each runner-up dog, three photos will appear in their selected month. One will be a large 11 x 8.5 inch landscape format photo. The other two will be small (approximately 2 ¼ x 3 inch) photos. You can provide the photos yourself, or if you live in Arizona a RAGofAZ volunteer photographer can come to your home or nearby park to take the photos.

If you provide the photos, color digital photographs in a landscape format with at least 3300 x 2550 pixels are required in JPEG / JPG format for the 11 x 8.5 photos. For the 2 ¼ x 3 inch photos at least 675 x 900 pixels are required. The Calendar Coordinator may crop or edit the photos to produce high quality printed images that best fit the page.

You may accessorize your dog for the Cutest Golden Contest photo.  Hats, glasses, scarves, swimming gear—anything cute but tasteful.

Click here for instructions

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