A haiku:
Perfect recall—yes.
I heard you the first three times.
Chose not to respond.
We were thrilled by the popularity of last year’s “Dog Muse” photo challenge and are doubly excited that our generous Anonymous Dog Lover is once again sponsoring this ekphrastic poetry theme.
In plain English, it’s a Photo-Poetry Challenge — pair your photo with your original haiku or limerick, or let your verse inspire your photo. The two should mesh naturally. We’ll use an online poetry tool to confirm syllable counts and rhyme accuracy, so please double-check before submitting.
Haiku: 3 lines — 5 syllables, 7 syllables, 5 syllables.
Limerick: Usually humorous — lines 1, 2, and 5 rhyme; lines 3 and 4 share a different rhyme.
Example of a limerick:
A retriever devoted and true
Brought gifts that were soggy and…ew.
A stick, then a sock,
Half a ball, then a rock—
“All treasures,” he said, “just for you.”
The Dreaded Small Print You Must Read To Enter
•••• This contest happens on May 1 on our Facebook page. It is open to US and Canadian residents only;
•••• One entry per person; You may enter four different photo challenges,
•••• When submitting your photo entry on Facebook, you must indicate the name of this contest, “Double Trouble” 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;
•••• Within the photo, your image must include a purebred dog and one of the following either downloaded from the link or handmade:
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 no photoshopping the required sign over your photo entry. 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
PhotoContest2026
Photo by Alina Prochan dreamstime