ARIZONA NEWS

Bella, who went from filthy to fabulous at a Phoenix shelter, is a finalist in Dirty Dogs Contest

May 14, 2024, 9:00 AM

Before and after photos of Bella, who needed a good grooming after being surrendered to the Arizona...

Bella, who needed a good grooming after being surrendered to the Arizona Humane Society, is a finalist in the national Dirty Dogs Contest. (Dirty Dogs Contest Photos)

(Dirty Dogs Contest Photos)

PHOENIX – A 12-year-old miniature poodle named Bella is a finalist in the national Dirty Dogs Contest after going from filthy to fabulous at the Arizona Humane Society.

Bella was surrendered to the Phoenix-based shelter because of her owner’s illness. When she came in, she looked like an overused mop head with a nose – with a long, matted coat instead of a poodle’s typical perky curls.

A long overdue grooming session uncovered a bright-eyed, happy pooch under the heavy clumps of fur.

Bella was adopted soon after her glow up, but that’s not the end of her redemption story.

Voting underway in Dirty Dogs Contest

She is now one of 10 finalists in the 13th annual Dirty Dogs Contest, presented by pet grooming supply company Wahl and Greater Good Charities.

The top shelter makeovers will be determined through an online vote that runs through May 31. The contest page includes before and after photos along the stories behind each dog’s transformation.

The shelters affiliated with the top three finishers will receive a total of $15,000 in grant money, with $10,000 for the winner, $3,000 for second place and $2,000 for third place.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

Two Tempe women were arrested after the death of a girl with developmental disabilities they allege...

Kevin Stone

Tempe mother, grandmother arrested after death of girl they allegedly kept in cage

A mother and grandmother were arrested after the death of a 13-year-old girl with developmental disabilities they allegedly kept in a cage in Tempe.

8 minutes ago

State of Education Tom Horne...

Balin Overstolz McNair

Horne highlights school safety, teacher retention, more in annual State of Education address

Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne delivered his annual State of Education speech this week, touching on 15 different initiatives his department has recently or is currently overseeing.

3 hours ago

Arizona abortion restrictions: 2025 hurdles to reproductive rights, laws...

Serena O'Sullivan

Arizona Democrats aim to protect reproductive rights by repealing 50 anti-abortion laws

Arizona Democratic Sen. Analise Ortiz and Rep. Sarah Liguori said they want to pass bills to repeal burdensome Arizona abortion restrictions.

3 hours ago

Tempe Blooms flower event to support local artists and businesses...

KTAR.com

Tempe celebrates local artists, businesses with flower-themed event returning this weekend

Tempe Blooms is flooding the downtown Tempe with floral and fauna this weekend, as local artists and business owners' talents alike will be celebrated.

3 hours ago

A man was shot and killed during an altercation in an alleyway in Phoenix on Tuesday evening, autho...

David Veenstra

Suspect claims self-defense after deadly shooting in Phoenix alleyway

A man was shot and killed during an altercation in an alleyway in Phoenix on Tuesday evening, authorities said.

10 hours ago

A Phoenix rideshare passenger allegedly ran over her driver multiple times with his vehicle after a...

David Veenstra

Phoenix rideshare passenger allegedly runs over driver multiple times with vehicle after altercation

A Phoenix rideshare passenger allegedly ran over her driver multiple times with his vehicle after an altercation on Tuesday.

11 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Bright Wealth Management

How IRAs are a helpful tool in retirement planning

When it comes to retirement planning, individual retirement accounts (IRAs) can be a great tool for income growth.

...

Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing

Why a Heating Tune-Up is Essential Before Winter

PHOENIX, AZ — With cooler weather on the horizon, making sure your heating system is prepped and ready can make all the difference in staying comfortable this winter.

...

Morris Hall

West Hunsaker, through Morris Hall, supports Make-A-Wish Foundation in Arizona

KTAR’s Community Spotlight this month focuses on Morris Hall and its commitment to supporting the Make-A-Wish Foundation in Arizona.

Bella, who went from filthy to fabulous at a Phoenix shelter, is a finalist in Dirty Dogs Contest