Dogtopia Raises $15,000 to Benefit Working K-9s Across U.S.

More than 700 Dogs Bathed in Simultaneous Dog Washes from Coast to Coast

July 22, 2009 // Franchising.com // Bethesda, MD - Hundreds of dogs across the country were bathed, towel-dried and spritzed this past weekend all in the name of charity. Dogtopia, a chain of upscale dog day care and spa facilities, held its 5th Annual Charity Dog Wash to benefit working dogs, raising a record amount of money for their four-legged friends.

From California to Maryland, 14 Dogtopia locations held simultaneous dog washes - most to benefit local law enforcement K-9 Units - and raised $15,000 across the board. In all, about 750 dogs were washed throughout the weekend.

"Given the state of the economy, we are thrilled to surpass the $7,000 we raised last year," said Amy Nichols, CEO and Founder of Dogtopia. "Dogs are such a meaningful part of our families. We felt that assisting police and military working dogs would really resonate with our customers, and it certainly did!"

Working police dogs play an important role in detecting narcotics and explosives, search and rescue operations, evidence recovery and criminal apprehension in their communities. In addition, the dog is responsible for protecting their police handlers. Proceeds from the Dogtopia dog washes will help defer costs for equipment such as ballistic vests, safety harnesses and the outfitting of cars.

Nichols began her campaign to raise awareness for military dogs, as well as working dogs of all kinds in July 2005. To accommodate the success of the campaign, she established a permanent charitable wing of her company called K-9 Support. To date, K-9 Support has raised more than $45,000 for the cause.

This year, locations in Manassas, VA, Chantilly, VA, Alexandria, VA, Woodbridge, VA, North Bethesda, MD, Danvers, MA, Waco, TX, Austin, TX, Wilmington, DE, Clarksville, MD, Omaha, NE, North Raleigh, NC, Temecula, CA and San Marcos, CA participated in the dog wash.

"The Dogtopia annual dog wash is our biggest event of the year for K-9 Support. I'm thrilled that so many of our locations participated and that together we raised much needed funds and awareness for working dogs," Nichols said. "Most dogs we're in contact with lead pampered lives. We want to take care of the dogs that watch over us."

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About K-9 Support	About K-9 Support	PWC K-9 Unit	$15,000 Raised	CBS News	CBS Early Show