Name a Puppy contest open to children

The RCMP is encouraging kids to submit names for police dog puppies in the annual Name the Puppy contest.

The RCMP’s Police Dog Service Training Centre has 13 German Shepherd puppies that need naming.

“We’re hoping for children to suggest original and creative names that these dogs can wear with pride during their career serving Canadian communities,” said Constable Ross Findlay.

“This year we’re looking for names that start with the letter ‘R’.”

The children whose submitted names are selected will receive a laminated photo of the puppy they name, a plush dog named Justice and an RCMP water bottle.

There will only be 13 winners selected through the Name the Puppy contest, though the RCMP say the submitted names may be used for other puppies born later in the year.

Names for the puppies can be submitted online, and there are a few rules that must be followed:

• One entry per person;
• The name could be for a male or a female pup;
• The name must start with the letter ‘R’;
• The name must not be more than 9 letters in length and contain just one or two syllables;
• Contestants must be between the age of four and 14, and must live in Canada.

The deadline to submit entries is March 17. The winners will be announced on April 13.