Howling Heroes: LAFD Dog Calendar Contest Returns to Raise Funds for Firefighters

(Editor’s note this story appeared in the Westside Current on July 15. In prior years the top Howling Heroes have been highlighted in CTN and have been featured in the annual 4^th of July Parade. Nominate your poochie, and then get people to vote. It’s a win-win, the LA Fire Foundation raises money, and your dog could be the 2025 Howling Hero.)

Blue, the 2024 LAFD K-9 Mascot and winner of last year’s Howling Heroes Contest.

By RACHAEL GAUDIOSI

The Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation is going big with its annual “Howling Heroes” contest — offering Angelenos a chance to see their four-legged friends featured in an upcoming calendar alongside LAFD firefighters.

For the next 10 days, the public can submit photos and vote in the contest. Dog owners are invited to upload a photo of their pup along with a short paragraph explaining what makes them a hero.

Votes cost $1 each and are unlimited. Supporters can cast as many votes as they like for any dog, with proceeds going directly to the LAFD Foundation. Those who preorder the calendar will receive nine free votes.

“All of the proceeds go toward providing tools and equipment that our firefighters need — things that fall outside the scope of what the city funds,” the LAFD Foundation said. “The whole department is still reeling from the Palisades fires, so every dollar truly does make a difference.”

At the close of the contest on July 25, the 12 dogs with the most votes will be featured in the 2025 calendar alongside members of the department. The pup with the highest vote total will be named the official 2025 LAFD K9 Mascot and appear on the cover and throughout the calendar.

Voting and submissions are available at www.gogophotocontest.com/howlingheroes.