by Sgt. Donald Bohanner

Northern Virginia dog-lovers support Military dogs in Iraq

Happy Tails Dog Spa held a charity dog wash July 24 to help support military working dogs and their handlers stationed in Iraq.

Since the Fourth of July weekend, Happy Tails Dog Spa, located on Tyco Road in Vienna, Va., has been raising money, creating awareness and collecting donations for deployed military dogs and their handlers.

"We have been overwhelmed by the enormous local and international support we have generated through this campaign," said Amy Nichols, president and company executive officer of Happy to be Here, Inc., the franchise company of Happy Tails Dog Spa.

Along with local members of the armed forces, "Slapshot," the patriotic mascot of the Washington Capitals hockey club, was in attendance, taking photos with the dogs and their owners.

The dog wash included a steady stream of customers, as four wash stations worked non-stop throughout the afternoon.

"There was a 45-minute wait at times, but area dog-lovers were undeterred from supporting their troops overseas," Nichols said. "Many members of the community visited the event only to donate money and watch the dog wash. It was a spectacular turnout."

The dog wash was free of charge, but Happy Tails asked for a $10 donation per wash to continue the momentum of the campaign. Volunteers washed nearly 160 dogs and raised more than $8,500.

"We're simply overwhelmed by the enormous local and international support that has been generated through this campaign," said Nichol. "When we began this campaign, we had modest hopes of raising about $1,000 and maybe washing 50 dogs. But our customers and the entire community have rallied behind this campaign, and our initial expectations have been blown away."

According to a Happy Tails release, the charity is grateful for all the support it has received. They request that donors who wish to participate in the campaign contribute money in lieu of toys and treats. Proceeds collected will defer the cost of cooling equipment for the dogs and heat-resistant clothing for the handlers.

Along with the money raised, Happy Tails has also collected the following items for the dogs and their handlers: 210 pounds of dog bones, 40 pounds of dog treats, 10 pounds of beef jerky, 30 pounds of sunflower seeds, 81 rope toys, 143 tennis balls, 42 flying discs, 1,305 tubes of lip balm and 153 bottles of sunscreen, as well as other supplies.

The charity drive will continue until Sept. 5, and Happy Tails will be concentrating on raising funds to purchase and send more specialized equipment and supplies to the dogs and handlers.

Happy Tails has been in e-mail contact with Master Sgt. Chris Burgess, operations chief for the 2nd Military Police Battalion at Camp Fallujah in Iraq.

According to Burgess, the military dogs need lip balm for their noses, as well as flying discs and chew toys without small detachable pieces. In addition, the dogs would also love biscuits and large, knotted ropes to play with.

"Thank you for all the support. I know the handlers and the dogs will appreciate it very much," Burgess wrote in an e-mail to Happy Tails Dog Spa.

Also, Burgess wrote the dog handlers assigned to the K-9 unit would like sunflower seeds, sugarless gum, energy drinks, "goldfish" crackers, Slim Jims and beef jerky.

Those interested in participating can visit Happy Tails, where a donation box has been placed in the lobby, or mail checks to Happy Tails Dog Spa, 8528-F Tyco Road, Tysons Corner, Va., 22182.

For more information on Happy Tails Dog Spa, visit www.dogfranchise.com.

© United States Marine Corp 2005