The AHS is asking local animal lovers to take part in a new Web-based contest hosted by www.zootoo.com to help the organization win up to $1 million to improve the ailing, 50-year-old Sunnyslope Facility at 13th Avenue and Hatcher Road. When it was built in the 1950s, Sunnyslope was designed for about 25,000 animals a year; however, it’s now the entry point for nearly 50,000 unwanted, sick, injured, abused, lost and stray animals annually.

    “We opened Sunnyslope in 1957, our inaugural year, and still use many parts of the original shelter building,” said AHS spokeswoman Kim Noetzel.  “The concrete is crumbling, the paint is chipped, the kennel areas are dark and cramped … no doubt, Sunnyslope deserves a makeover!”

    With high hopes of winning the www.zootoo.com contest, the AHS threw its hat into the ring. Animal lovers can help the AHS earn points at www.zootoo.com through March 31, 2008. “We entered the contest two weeks ago in about 600th place … but have already shot up to 38th place, thanks to amazing community support,” Noetzel said.

    “We are thrilled at the support we’ve already received and, given our quick escalation in the contest, we believe we have a solid chance of winning. With more help from people who care about animals, we can garner the most points at www.zootoo.com and bring home up to $1 million to help dogs and cats right here in our community.”

    Zootoo.com is a web-based forum for pet lovers. Visitors to the site can chat with other pet parents, learn about pet products, post pictures of pets, find out about animal-welfare efforts and learn pet-safety tips.

    Information about the site, and the shelter makeover contest, is available at www.zootoo.com, or by calling 877-580-7387.