Those of you who have been reading the PDOG Blog since the beginning know that we hold an annual Canine Kissing Contest at the Planet Dog Company Store. Proceeds from the event support the Planet Dog Foundation, and help us fund service dogs, therapy dogs, military dogs, K-9 search and rescue and other ways that dogs work to help people in need. We invite our friends and fans to come in, have a seat on the big red dog bed, wait for the offical timer to say GO! and then let their pup kiss them for as long as he or she is willing.
This year was our 9th annual, and as always, we drew quite a crowd - some who wanted to compete, and some who came just to watch. And some dogs just wanted to kiss each other right behind the ear.
We have always enjoyed some nice coverage from our local press for this event, and last year we were even contacted by a nationally known network interested in featuring the event on an episode of their upcoming series.That show never aired in the U.S., and nobody beyond our local fanbase really seemed to notice or care about our little Valentine's Day celebration. Until now.
This year, the Bangor Daily News ran their story, complete with clever wordplay and a rather graphic image of the winning kiss. Maybe it was a slow news day, because the Huffington Post picked it up and posted it in their Weird News and the word was out. The story was picked up by news outlets all over the country and even made it to the Daily Mail in the U.K.
Not one, but two different shock-jock morning programs called to mock the event on the air. We were asked if we had a Kiss Your Horse contest. There was mention of the Bestiality Convention. Spectators were referred to as voyeurs and participants as exhibitionists.
Comments on various sites ranged from supportive and congratulatory to disgusted and hateful. Suddenly, our fun annual event that has helped us raise thousands of dollars for our canine service grant program had become an international debate.
What do you think? Do you let your dog lick your face, even if you wouldn’t show it off in a public contest? Are we bordering on the obscene with our annual event? Do we apologize to the squeamish who find the practice appalling, or do we let love rule and keep our Kissing Contest on the annual calendar?
Keep it on the calendar. Keep Calm and Kiss On!
Posted by: Jenny | February 20, 2013 at 04:53 PM
I let my dog eat off my fork and I tolerate kisses from my "niece" so I may be a bit biased! I think it's fun and cute, continue!!!
Posted by: Gigi E | February 20, 2013 at 05:21 PM
Definitely continue - we need more positive things in this world!!!
Posted by: Julie | February 20, 2013 at 05:43 PM
It's a good cause - just like other "unsavory" visuals - turn it off, look away, stay away! Thankfully in our free country we still have ALOT of choices. Choose love - for pets and people!
Posted by: Katie Held | February 20, 2013 at 09:51 PM
I suggest continuing with the contest that has raised so much for many good causes. As with other *issues* of the day....if it offends you, don't look. MUST have been a slow news day!
Posted by: Barbara | February 21, 2013 at 10:08 AM
Continue!! Doggy kisses rule :)
Posted by: Arlene | February 21, 2013 at 10:19 AM
Keep it going.
The only people that would take such a loving innocent gesture on both animal and human sides and turn it into something sexual are, well there is just too many words to write them all. Like Katie said, some peoples minds just automatically go to unsavory visuals. Maybe these people don't realize that yes indeed animals do kiss each other as a sign of affection.
And for the radio jockey that wants to know about kissing horses; I do indeed kiss my horse and I taught him to give kisses.
Maybe he should try it sometime it might just open his heart to pure love.
Posted by: Judy Overall | February 21, 2013 at 10:21 AM
I do not like "dog kisses" personally, so I do not let my dog or other dogs lick my face at all! But others do allow it & I believe in "live and let live". It doesn't hurt the dog or the person, so why not? Let people do what they want in that they harm none.
Posted by: Anna Peterson | February 21, 2013 at 10:44 AM
I think you should definitely KEEP this annual tradition. Media made a fun event into something perverse. Shame on them!
Posted by: Katie | February 21, 2013 at 02:14 PM
Keep on kissing!
Posted by: Sue Cohen | February 22, 2013 at 02:30 AM
Keep it, keep it! Don't let the sickos win!
Posted by: Karen Roth | February 22, 2013 at 07:32 AM
It must have been a slow news day, Although I don't particularly like dogs giving me excessive kisses, I would never call it bestiality with voyeurs and exhibitionists. Sounds like a fun silly day and a great way to raise money for a good cause.
Posted by: Aloha in Virginia | February 22, 2013 at 10:40 AM
THIS ANNUAL TRADITION SHOULD CONTINUE. IT'S QUITE OBVIOUS THAT THE CRITICS ARE MAINLY NON-DOG LOVERS, AND DON'T UNDERSTAND THE BOND BETWEEN 2 & 4 LEGGEDS. MY GOLDEN RETRIEVER IS CLEANER THAN A LOT OF HUMANS!!! THEY ARE LOSING OUT ON UNCONDITIONAL LOVE.
MARGIE & COOPER
TASMANIA AUSTRALIA
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Posted by: Cockapoo grooming | February 26, 2013 at 08:06 AM
People are absolutely ridiculous! It's a charitable event!! If people have a problem with it, don't participate!!
Posted by: Silly | March 01, 2013 at 07:26 PM