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Much the way parents love to show off their children, so dog owners tend to enjoy flaunting their canine companions. Tapping into that universal desire, a new contest from the Virginia Lottery promises to spotlight select players’ dogs on upcoming versions of its tickets. Virginia’s new Lucky Dog contest, which runs through May 26, is offering 20 dog owners the chance not only to win prizes of up to USD 10,000, but—perhaps even more motivating—the opportunity to have their dog’s photo featured on the Fall 2009 release of the Virginia’s Lucky Dog II Scratcher ticket. Players begin by uploading their dog’s photo—head-and-shoulders shots against a plain background are recommended—along with the dog’s name. They then enter a special 14-digit Dog Park Entry number from the back of any non-winning Lucky Dog ticket, the current versions of which feature photos of Virginia Lottery employees’ own dogs. Contestants will be judged by “a distinguished panel of dog lovers at the Virginia Lottery,” who will subjectively determine the 20 winning photographs based on image quality and compatibility with ticket artwork. All types of dogs are eligible, including those who live outside Virginia. An online gallery displays some of the photos that have been submitted so far. Winners will be announced June 30. Whether jet-sized or bite-sized, there’s no denying gravanity‘s power. If it can motivate consumers to stop smoking or to play the lottery more often, it can very likely motivate them to buy… the product of *your* choice?! 😉 Spotted by: Judy McRae