This time-honored tradition celebrating excellence in writing about dogs will be back and even better in 2022

The Olympics of the dog-writing world is taking a hiatus this year so it can update the celebrated annual Writing Competition. The Contest Chair, Gwen Romack, said, “We’re excited to refresh and revitalize the competition in 2021 so we can celebrate the writers and artists working to educate people, champion causes, advocate for dogs, make us laugh, and appreciate the relatable and magical relationships we enjoy with our furry friends in 2022. We’re looking for experienced and enthusiastic volunteers to help us rethink and refine the contest.” But don’t fear, creative works published last year won’t be left behind. When the contest resumes, eligible entries will include those published from September 1, 2020 through the new entry date.

Founded in 1935, the Dog Writers Association of America is the most recognized professional writing association devoted to dogs. The competition is open to all writers, editors, publishers, photographers, bloggers, artists, and others whose work falls into the designated competition categories. Entrants compete in a variety of categories for cash prizes and the coveted Maxwell Medallions, named for dog writing legend Maxwell Riddle.

If you’re interested in helping with updates and have experience with international contests, implementing software for organizing entries and judge’s scoring processes, marketing, or event planning, please reach out to Gwen Romack at contestchair@dogwriters.org.

See you in 2022!