Deep in the swamp, something moves. Water black as ink exhales a low, unearthly moan—neither human nor animal. Felt more than heard, it’s as if the swamp itself has found a voice… and is calling something back.
Something unnatural.
The surface breaks—just a little—as if something is testing the skin of the world from beneath. Every instinct screams to turn back, and the darkness behind feels more dangerous than whatever waits ahead. Here, everything alive looks half‑dead… and everything dead feels almost alive. There is nowhere to run.
Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, National Purebred Dog Day is once again summoning the “Swamp Creature” Photo Challenge in memory of Jay Kitchener, a tireless advocate for purebred‑dog ownership and ethical breeding. “Ditch the guilt” and “Take back the conversation” were Jay‑isms he used to push back against bad legislation and ugly stereotypes—and his wicked sense of humor would have adored this contest.
The challenge: Creep out our judges. Swamps hide more than they reveal, so your task is to turn your dog into something that looks like it clawed its way out of the marsh—unearthly, disturbing, and just this side of wrong. Make our judges recoil in fear (or laugh nervously while they do) with a photo that feels like the swamp finally decided to send something back.
The prize: $100 Visa Cash Card
The Sponsor: A very generous donor who wishes to stay anonymous
The Dreaded Small Print You Must Read To Enter
•••• This contest happens on May 1 on our Facebook page. It is open to US residents;
•••• One entry per person; You may enter four different photo challenges. If you enter this one, you may enter three more;
•••• When submitting your photo entry on Facebook, you must indicate the name of this contest, “Swamp Monster 2026” Photo Challenge;
•••• Your entry must be for the 2026 contest. Photos submitted from previous years’ contests will be disqualified, and yes, we remember photos from one year to the next;
•••• This contest requires the entry to include a purebred dog and one of the following (either downloaded from the link or handmade) to be held or placed somewhere in the photo:
The “Happy National Purebred D♥g Day” sign
The “I L♥ve My Purebred Dog” sign
Any official National Purebred Dog Day item available here.
•••• No photoshopping, and that includes the required sign. Be creative with how you use it, but our judges, David Frei, co-host of NBC’s National Dog Show, and veteran Westminster Kennel Club photographer, Jack Grassa, must see what you actually shot with your camera;
•••• Many people may help you take your photo, but the prize goes to the person submitting the winning photograph;
•••• Entering this contest implies consent that your photo may be shared on NPDD’s social media platforms;
•••• A full explanation of how, when, and where to submit your entry can be read here;
•••• Important! You and your dog should have safe fun when composing your entry!
•••• Judges’ decisions are final
Photo by André Gilden
PhotoContest2026