by Medina Roshan

Waggin' train

Pooches line up in Clarksville to help military dogs overseas

The fourth annual K-9 Support Dog Wash at Dogtopia, in Clarksville, July 13 not only helped man's best friend get squeaky clean, but also helped their fellow four-legged friends working hard overseas.

Dogtopia, a dog day care and grooming franchise, has a nonprofit arm, K-9 Support, that works to collect money for military dogs and handlers working in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Owner Sue Dietrich was pleasantly surprised by the turnout.

"It exceeded my expectations. We were panicked; (fortunately) we had an extra portable tub that was brought in to keep up with the crowd," she said.

By day's end, which ran past the 3 p.m. ending time, Dietrich and her crew had bathed 51 dogs and raised $1,020.

In the next few weeks, Dogtopia will be purchasing supplies and shipping them overseas. Items such as coin vests, "doggles" (doggie goggles), booties to protect paws, lip balm (for the handlers and to keep the dog's noses moist), as well as snacks and toys will be sent.

Nancy Dougherty, of Clarksville, had her dog, Misty, washed for the cause.

"The animals need just as much help," she said of the military dogs.

The $10 suggested donation to have Misty washed was well worth it in the end.

"She had her tail behind her legs, but it's wagging now," Dougherty said.

© The Howard County Times