Annapolis, Maryland (January 12, 2010) - County Executive John R. Leopold invites all pet owners throughout Anne Arundel County to take part in the Department of Recreation and Parks' first "Do You Look Like Your Pet?" contest. "Pet owners share a strong emotional connection to their pets and consider them part of their family. Some owners also share an uncanny resemblance to their pets," said County Executive Leopold. "Quiet Waters Park was the first dog park and beach in the County and it is a fitting location for a fun event such as this that brings pets and their proud owners together." The contest is comprised of six categories - dog, cat and other, in two owner-age groups (12 years & under and 13 years & above) and runs from Thursday, January 14th to Thursday, April 1, 2010. Participants can login to the Department of Recreation and Parks website: www.aacounty.org/recparks to submit a picture of themselves and their pet. Final judging and awards presentation will be held at Quiet Waters Park on Sunday, May 2nd at 10:00 a.m. and will include ten finalists in each category. The panel of judges consists of County Executive John R. Leopold, Wendy Cozzone, Chairperson of the Animal Welfare Council, and Frank Marzucco, Director of Recreation and Parks. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winner in each category will receive a prize. Two Grand Champions, one from each owner-age group, will be crowned. All finalists will receive a gift bag. The contest is co-sponsored by the County Executive's Office, the County's Animal Welfare Council, the Friends of Quiet Waters Park, the SPCA of Anne Arundel County, Pets on Wheels, Anne Arundel County Animal Control and many private businesses. Please plan to attend what is sure to become a fun-filled annual event for the entire family. For more information visit the Department of Recreation and Parks website at www.aacounty.org/recparks. | 
