BETHESDA, Md. (WUSA)- A national dog daycare franchise is giving back this summer by helping service dogs who give to others year-round. Dogtopia's goal, through charity dog washes scheduled for July 21-22, is to raise $25,000 for working canines across the United States, as well as military dogs overseas.
Nationwide, Dogtopias will participate in the company's eighth annual charity dog wash, and the donations raised will go toward all types of working animals, from police dogs to therapy canines.
The first dog wash fundraiser was held in 2005 at the original Dogtopia location in Vienna, Va., with a goal of generating support for military dogs and their handlers serving overseas. That first event attracted national attention and $9,000 in donations. The funds enabled Dogtopia to ship 5,000 lbs of supplies, including cooling pads, protective eye wear and clothing, as well as very welcome peanut butter treats and Frisbees.