Dogs dress up for 'Poop Fairy' photo contest

BOULDER, Colo., Sept. 9 (UPI) -- A Colorado city is inviting dog owners to bring their canine companions to a park for the second annual "There's No Such Thing as the Poop Fairy" photo contest.

The City of Boulder's Open Space and Mountain Parks Department said dogs and their owners are being invited to come have their pictures snapped Wednesday at the Sanitas Valley Trail between 7:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. to promote the city's new dog waste composting program.

The city said its photographers will provide backdrops and canine costumes, but owners are also free to dress their own pooches in any outfits they choose.

Runners-up from last year's "There's No Such Thing as the Poop Fairy" contest. (City of Boulder, Colo.)

The dog voted as the favorite by a voice-and-sight dog training class will receive a $50 gift certificate to a local pet supply store and a framed version of their dog's photo.

Owners who are unable to attend the photo shoot are being invited to snap their own pictures and submit them to [email protected] by Tuesday.

Runners-up from last year's "There's No Such Thing as the Poop Fairy" contest. (City of Boulder, Colo.)

The event is aimed at encouraging dog owners to deposit their pet's waste in provided composting receptacles instead of leaving the droppings on the ground.