Writing on one of our rare sunny days, I find myself thrilled with the prospect of rain. Not because I miss the rain, but because with rain comes mud and with mud comes the chance for my dog -- or yours -- to become a Lees Carpet spokes-pet, win prizes including a year's supply of dog food and new carpet, and raise money for the Seattle-based Delta Society.

Here's how it works: Next time Klondike takes a belly flop in molten sludge, grab your camera, and submit the resulting portrait à la mud to the Lees Carpet Muddiest Buddy Contest. For every qualified entry, one dollar will be donated to Delta Society. All entries must be submitted by June 15, 2008.

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