It’s well known that training a service dog is not an easy or cheap task. As many as 50-70% of assistance animals do not pass their training. This doesn’t mean those animals won’t make amazing household pets – it just means that becoming an assistance animal is no easy feat. The training facilities, trainers, and time needed all add up.
One nonprofit in need of extra income to continue helping the community tried a unique method of fundraising – a dog photo contest, which ended up surpassing the organization’s expectations.
Fun for Dogs, Joy for Dog Trainers
Paws4people, an assistance dog nonprofit based in Wilmington, N.C., hosted the contest over the span of a month. It was $10 to submit, equaling 10 votes for the pet. Each additional vote cost $1. paws4people revealed more than $30,000 was raised from the fundraiser. This fundraiser is crucial, because paws4people aims to place assistance dogs without any charge. Funds support the Wilmington-based nonprofit’s service, facility, and emotional support dogs.
The winner of the ‘Dog of the Year’ contest was a senior pup with a big smile. Josie, described as a ‘supermutt’, is 11.5 years old. Her pup parents will receive $500 cash, along with several physical prizes.
The winning pup will be the ‘spokesdog’ for the “Dog of the Year” contest through 2023 and will have her likeness featured on a limited Wrightsville Beach Brewery Pale Ale can release, drawn by artist Emma Gay.
Supporting Service Dogs
Working with service dogs is an admirable cause, but it’s not for everyone. Some of the best ways you can support service dog organizations are with time and money. If you aren’t able to donate money, consider checking to see if your local organization has a wish list. Common items on wish lists are tools for training like clickers and treats, along with general dog care items.
If you have the time, many service dog organizations accept volunteers. This could look like you taking a pup home for several months to a year, or it could mean you pop in to help with certain activities.
