Grand County Pet Pals Inc. is sponsoring a T-shirt contest to promote its 10th annual Doggie Drag in August.

The winning design will be printed on the front of all the T-shirts, and the winner will receive free registration, and a T-shirt with a printed photo of their pet and its name on the back of the shirt.

The long-sleeved T-shirts should focus on positive aspects of animal shelters such as security, adoption, health and safety for all animals, said Pet Pals Vice President Suzie Cruse.

Designs must be submitted by June 5.

The Drag helps pay for some of the programs the organization provides.

Grand County Pet Pals Inc. was started in 1993 as a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the Grand County Animal Shelter with its spray and neuter program.

The contest helps educate county residents about animal welfare.

“By doing this we’re just trying to raise more awareness about the organization,” said Mara Erlandson, Pet Pals board member. “We’re putting it out there in the community so they can get involved and understand about us.”

The shelter also helps take care of pets when the shelter is full, she said.

“If they have needs at the shelter such as equipment needs … we try to help them get those items, whether it’s through donations or raising funds to do it,” Erlandson said.

Pet Pals also helps cover medical care.

“It’s a confusing concept that the (animal) shelter is a separate entity than we are,” Erlandson said.

The group includes 50 members and a board of directors.

The fundraiser will be on Saturday, Aug. 9, in Grand Park, between Fraser and Winter Park.

“The dogs all get along very well and they’re on leashes, so it’s not like it’s a chaotic situation,” Cruse said. “It’s really fun to watch the dogs prance around and enjoy each other. It’s a good social event because people can meet (others) who have the same interests.”

“This year we’re going for more exposure and holding it at Grand Park,” Erlandson said. “They have a lot of trails there and they are allowing us to use their trails.”

People can participate even if they don’t have a dog.

“We’re trying not to just make it for animal-lovers,” Cruse said. “We want to invite everybody.”

Pet Pals sells businesses logos on the T-shirts and also prints photos of participants’ pets on the back, which costs $100. On the sides and front are the sponsors, Cruse said.

The length of this year’s race has not been determined.

Past races have raised $12,000. Around 200 people usually participate, and at least one dog is always adopted at the event, Erlandson said.

“It’s a dog event but it benefits all animals,” Erlandson said.

Designs should be sent to Grand County Pet Pals: PO BOX 1972, Granby, CO 80446 or gcpetpals@hotmail.com. There is a $5 entry fee for each design submission (no limit).

For more information visit http://www.Gcpetpals.org.