Dogtopia's Charity Dog Wash Raises Nearly $21,000 to Benefit Working Canines

Online, July 27, 2012 (Newswire.com) - This past week, over 1650 dogs across the country were bathed, towel-dried, and spritzed all in the name of charity. Dogtopia, a national dog daycare franchise, held its eighth Annual Charity Dog Wash to benefit working dogs over the weekend of July 21-22.

From coast to coast Dogtopias participated, raising money for all types of working animals, including police dogs, military dogs, and therapy dogs. Almost $21,000 was raised across the board for supplies for working animals around the globe.

"With the state of the economy and funding cut across the county, it is more important than ever to give back to the working dogs in our communities," said Amy Nichols, CEO and Founder of Dogtopia. "I am so excited to see the community involvement and to watch this event grow every year. We are truly making a difference in the lives of these canines and the people who love them."

Proceeds from the Dogtopia K9 Support dog washes allowed for the procurement of everything from infrared beacons for police K9s, specialized equipment for search and rescue dogs, and assisting in deferring the costs of training service animals. Other monetary donations are directed straight to specific organizations supporting working dogs.

This year, locations in San Marcos, CA; Temecula, CA; Pleasanton, CA; Highlands Ranch, CO; Houston, TX; Waco, TX; Austin, TX; Wilmington, DE; Omaha, NE; Munster, IN; Nashville, TN; Cary, NC; N. Raleigh, NC; Charlotte, NC; Bayonne, NJ; Tysons Corner, VA; Herndon, VA; Alexandria, VA; Dulles, VA; Manassas, VA; Woodbridge, VA; North Bethesda, MD and Clarksville, MD participated in the dog wash.

"The Dogtopia annual K9 Support dog wash is our biggest event of the year to raise funds for working dogs. I'm overjoyed to see so many of our locations working together to raise much needed awareness for the loyal canines that are dedicated to humans everyday," Nichols said. "Most family dogs lead pampered lives, and we want to show our appreciation for those working dogs that strive to protect and support their human counterparts."

As a whole, Dogtopia has raised over $100,000. in donations since the start of K9 Support in 2005. For more information on Dogtopia's Annual Charity Dog Wash, please visit www.dogdaycare.com/k9support/