Rachael Ray's 'Mutt Madness' Down to 2 Finalists – Cast Your Vote!

Overwhelmed by the letters she and her team received from shelters and animal welfare groups seeking help in these tough economic times, Rachael Ray decided to act. Throughout the past month, the pet lover has been running a tournament-style competition called "Mutt Madness." The contest offered 64 needy animal welfare organizations the chance to compete for a $50,000 prize furnished by Ray's pet food line, Nutrish.

Nearly 550 pet charities from around the country applied for the program, which is now down to two finalists: Angel's Gate Hospice & Rehabilitation Home for Animals of Delhi, N.Y., and Last Chance Ranch Inc. of Quakertown, Pa. The original 64 organizations were pitted against each other in brackets, giving viewers the choice of who they'd like to see advance to each round. Registered users could vote for their favorites on Ray's site (and still can!) after reading more about each organization. Though charities were eliminated each week, they received $1,000 apiece for every round they remained in the competition.

Now through Nov. 30, you can vote for the charity you find most worthy at rachaelray.com/muttmadness. Though there can only be one big winner, the runner-up will still receive a whopping $25,000. Just register with rachaelray.com, select your favorite page and submit your vote. Then check back here next week to find out which charity was selected as No. 1! Thanks to Ray, each of these charities will be a winner this holiday season.

Learn about more charitable endeavors at PEOPLEPets.com:
First-Ever Santa Paws Drive to Raise Toys for Shelter Pets
Pop Band Honor Society (and Their Dog!) Find a Fan in ASPCA

Kate Hogan