Do you love your dog? Do you love to write? Why not combine these two passions and enter the Western Maine Pet Project Inc. essay contest?

The Western Maine Pet Project invites dog lovers to support the mission of the nonprofit organization by entering its essay contest open to two age groups. The 13-to-130-division is asked to submit their 250- to 400-word essay titled “Why I Love My Dog…Let Me Count the Ways.”

In the under-13 division, children are asked to write an essay of up to 300 words on the importance of treating pets with care, kindness and love.

Three winners in each division will be chosen and notified by Feb. 20. First place in the older division will receive $250 in area business gift certificates; second place will receive $150 in gift certificates, and third place will receive over $75 in gift certificates.

First place in the children’s division will receive a combination of cash and gift certificates totaling $100; second place will receive a combination of cash and gift certificates totaling $75; and third place will receive a combination of cash and gift certificates totaling $50.

Essays will be judged on content and originality. They should be typed, or handwritten in easily legible print. The entry fee is $10 for the older division and $5 for the under-13 division. Submit your essay with your name, age and complete contact information to Western Maine Pet Project Inc., P.O. Box 397, Bridgton, ME 04009. Checks should be made out to Western Maine Pet Project. Entries must be postmarked by Feb. 14 and become the property of the Western Maine Pet Project.

Western Maine Pet Project Inc. is a licensed, nonprofit dedicated to raising money to be used on specific projects and programs that directly affect the comfort, health and happiness of homeless, stray, abused, neglected, sick and injured dogs and cats in the western Maine area. Local animal shelters and rescues run entirely on grants and donations.

A high percentage of money raised by shelters and rescues is spent on the day-to-day operation costs and basic care of the animals. Western Maine Pet Project Inc raises money to assist shelters and rescues on projects and programs that will make rescue and shelter life easier on the dogs and cats.

Western Maine Pet Project Inc would like to thank Black Horse Tavern, Hannaford, Krista’s Restaurant, Cool Moose, Metcalf’s Trading Post, Shawnee Peak, Trailside Restaurant, Hayes True Value Hardware, Paris Farmer’s Union, Renys, Lake Region House of Pizza, Morning Dew Natural Foods, Bridgton Books, Lairds Family Tire, Call’s Shop & Save, Lamprons and Beef & Ski Restaurant for their generous donations.

For more details on the essay contest and the mission of Western Maine Pet Project Inc., e-mail wmepetproject@roadrunner.com or call Deb Cloutier at 647-8728.