In the weeks preceding PA Week for the Animals, teachers and students in participating classrooms across the state are invited to take part in a children's Art and Essay contest on the subject of the book "Buddy Unchained."

Through their artwork and writing, children are asked to have Buddy the Chained Dog explain how he feels being chained outside all alone, and why he wants to come inside and live with the family.

The artwork and essays will be displayed at Adams County SPCA in Gettysburg, PA. Three winners will be selected from the art entries and three winners will be chosen from the essay entries.

Each of the six winning children will be recognized Monday, Sept. 22, at an awards ceremony and open house.

Each child will also be awarded a copy of "Buddy Unchained," from the nonprofit organization Dogs Deserve Better (dogsdeservebetter.org).

Please send all artwork and essays (one-page only) to:

Adams County SPCA
11 Goldenville Road, Gettysburg, PA 17325
Phone (717) 334-8876, ext. 29
Fax (717) 334-1338

Deadline for entries is Thursday, Sept.18.