The Vancouver Island Dogs Calendar Contest Is Back for Year Six
Every spring since 2021, I've organized the Vancouver Island Dogs Calendar Contest as a Vancouver Island pet photographer looking for a way to put my skills to work for a cause I believe in. The contest raises funds for Freedom Paws Canada, a service dog charity based in Fanny Bay, and it has become my favourite project of the year.
How it all started
I had been looking for a charity where I could apply my photography skills and do something meaningful for the community. I found my answer on a sidewalk in downtown Courtenay.
Most of Freedom Paws Canada's service dogs are rescues; dogs that were once overlooked, now doing some of the most important work there is.
I was Christmas shopping when I saw a file of service dogs with their handlers coming toward me, completely focused on the task of being out in public. What caught my attention was that these weren't the typical service dog breeds — no goldens, labradors or shepherds. These were mixed breeds, every dog looking different. But they had a job, and they were behaving impeccably. Every dog wore a vest.
I thought to myself: this is it. This is the charity I want to support.
I stopped one of the handlers. "Who are you? Where do you come from?" He handed me a business card, and I went from there.
I reached out to Barb, the Executive Director, and asked if I could organize a fundraising contest for them. She responded with a surprised and sceptical "sure", probably thinking it wouldn't hurt to let me try. She later told me she had expected me to raise maybe $5,000. That first contest raised almost $33,000.
Five Years of Community Support
Over the past five years, the contest has raised $137,786 for the charity. Every dollar comes from local dog owners entering their Vancouver Island dogs, their doting families and friends voting for their favourite contestants, and Vancouver Island businesses generously donating prizes for the cause. It is truly a community effort, and I'm always amazed by what we can do together when we rally around something good.
A Service Dog Charity Doing Things Differently
All calendar contests have benefitted Freedom Paws Canada Service Dog Program. What sets this charity apart is their approach to service dog training. Instead of placing a fully trained dog with a client, they train their clients to train their own service dog. This builds a powerful bond between the handler and the dog, and it makes the program accessible. The charity covers all training and dog-related expenses so that no one is turned away due to cost. The funds raised through the contest go directly toward expanding their facility and reaching more people in need. To learn more about their work, visit freedompawscanada.org.
A Freedom Paws Canada service dog team. Photo by Pauliina Saarinen Photography.
How the Contest Works
The 6th annual contest kicks off on May 1st, 2026 and runs through the month. All Vancouver Island dogs are welcome to enter for a $10 donation. Once entered, friends and family can vote for their favourite dog at $1 per vote (minimum $5). You can also vote for your own dog as it all goes to the cause. Contest participants should rally support for their entrant throughout the month and make sure that their pup has fresh votes every week. There are many exciting prizes from local Vancouver Island businesses every week of the contest. Votes accumulate over the four contest weeks, and at the end, the 12 top dogs each win a coveted spot in the 2027 Vancouver Island Dogs Calendar and more wonderful prizes!
The 12 winning dogs also win a professional dog photoshoot with me to create their custom Dog-of-the-Month portrait. We choose some beautiful Vancouver Island location to photograph your winning dog. The calendar will be released in the fall, when it can be ordered through the charity's online shop. I'll keep you updated via newsletter and social media posts when the calendars are out.
Giving Back to Vancouver Island
The 6th annual Vancouver Island Dogs Calendar Contest runs May 1 to 31, 2026.
Giving back to the Vancouver Island community is important to me. This contest is a way for all of us; me the photographer, you the dog owner, business owners, dog lovers, families, friends and other supporters, to come together and support something genuinely life-changing.
Service dogs change lives. For someone living with PTSD, a traumatic brain injury, or a mobility challenge, a well-trained service dog can mean the difference between isolation and independence. Freedom Paws Canada makes that possible, and every dollar raised through this contest goes directly toward expanding their program and reaching more people in need.
You don't need a dog to make a difference. You can vote for any contestant, share the contest with your network, or simply spread the word. Every vote counts and every dollar adds up.
If you have a Vancouver Island dog, I'd love to see you enter. Visit gogophotocontest.com/freedompawscanada to submit your favourite dog photo and join us in supporting Freedom Paws Canada.
