Charity Dog Wash

Dogtopia Dog Wash

Dogtopia Dog Wash

Taking pictures of dogs getting baths (or tubbies as my pups know them), is one of the most fun and entertaining things to me. They are drenched and so goofy looking but still have a smile on their faces! So when I was asked to photograph the annual K9 Support Dog Wash for Dogtopia of Charlotte, I jumped on it!

This year's event raised money for Paws With a Cause - an organization that...(click on the image above to continue reading)

Dogtopia Charity Dog Wash

I love giving back to those that give back to those that give back. Ok, let me rephrase that. I love giving back to places like Dogtopia that give back to community servants such as the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police K9 Unit.

On Saturday, July 17th, Dogtopia hosted a Charity Dog Wash to help raise money to purchase Police K9 First Aid kits. Doggy baths were the main event but guests also had the opportunity to browse vendor booths, enjoy a bake sale, and participate in a raffle. For the full spa experience, the four-legged guests even had the opportunity to relax with a canine massage!

Dogtopia's goal was to collect just over $1400 - enough to purchase 6 kits for our furry duty dogs. Thankfully, partly due to an *awesome* last minute donation from Meow and Fetch Pet Sitting, the goal was reached!!! I'd say the day was an overwhelming success!

Many thanks go out to the thoughtful people and dogs that came out to support the event! Your generosity is greatly appreciated by so many people and police K9s. Also a big thanks to the vendors and volunteers that helped at the event including, all the doggy washers, Char-Meck Animal Care & Control, DoodyCalls, Filters First, Hounds for Heros, Ben & Jerry's, and Pawws and Relax.

Now here is the star of the show! This is Officer Joe Hoskins (who, by the way, is the coolest cop I've ever met) and his totally rad K9, Scout. Scout is 8 years old and will soon be retiring from his police duties. He will happily spend his retirement living with Officer Hoskins where he will be deeply loved. Can't you just see the pride, love, and respect these two have for each other? I heart this...

While the pups waited their turn for their baths, they enjoyed yummy homemade ice cream treats provided by Hounds For Heros. This gave me some great material for some cute tongue shots and funny faces!

Almost 100 dogs showed up to get pampered and they all waited patiently in the lobby for their turn in the spa...

Doggies got treated to a shampoo, towel-dry, fragrant spritz and bandana. They all turned out gorgeous!

Here are some more doggies that came out to support the Char-Meck Police K9 Unit...

If you pup isn't shown here, that doesn't mean I don't adore him or her! Check out this link to see more pics!

Thank you to everyone that came out to support such a good cause! Hope to see you again next year!