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K-9 Support's 4^th Annual Charity Dog Wash

K-9 Support will be holding their 4^th annual charity dog wash on July 13^th at at several Dogtopia® locations simultaneously, including Waco, TX, White Flint, MD, Tysons Corner, VA and Manassas, VA. CLick here for details!

K-9 Support was featured on the CBS Early Show!

The Early Show recently visited our White Flint, MD location to learn more about K9 Support. They sat down to speak with our Founder, Amy Nichols, filmed our "Spring Fling" fundraiser and were even able to capture footage of the packages being opened overseas! Click here to view the video.

On July 4, 2005, Dogtopia® in Vienna, Va. began a campaign to create awareness and generate support for military dogs and their handlers stationed in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere overseas.

Their first fundraiser, a dog wash, attracted national attention to their cause and brought-in over $9,000. To date Dogtopia® has raised over $20,000 and shipped over 5,000 lbs of supplies. Packages include goodies for both humans and canine alike, but also essential equipment, such as cooling pads, protective eye wear and heat resistant clothing.

Following up on the campaigns success, Dogtopia® created a permanent non-profit arm to the company, known as K-9 Support, Inc., to support working dogs of all kinds. From military dogs to rescue dogs to Seeing Eye dogs, Dogtopia® is committed to aiding these wonderful animals in any way we can.

For more information about the organization or how you can help, please call 1-888-DOGTOPIA.

K-9 Support in the News

Tokens From the Home Front - The Washington Post, Decmber 24, 2006 Dog Wash Raises $8,500 to Support Military Dogs - Press Release, July 26, 2005 For Fundraiser, Dogs become bathing Beauties - The Washington Times, July 25, 2005 Northern Virginia dog-lovers support Military dogs in Iraq - Marine Corps News, July 25, 2005 Tysons Pet Spa Works to Equip the Dogs of War - The Washington Post, July 24, 2005 War Dogs Lap Up Support - The Washington Times, July 05, 2005 Support Sought to Aid Military Dogs in Iraq - Press Release, June 30, 2005

Background on Working Dogs

Military Dogs
Throughout the history of warfare, brave canines have served in battle as sentries, warriors and even mascots. During World War I, the French used Alaskan sled dogs to haul ammunition through mountains and rough terrain. Today, U.S. military working dogs, also known as "War Dogs," are used overseas to detect mines and to secure the perimeters of military installations. They have also been used to track enemies, patrol tunnels and to send long distance messages.

Service Dogs
Service dogs serve persons with sight or hearing impairments and pull wheelchairs for those with physical disabilities. They are not pets and by federal accessibility law must be allowed into stores and restaurants with their owners. At eight weeks of age, service dogs are placed in the loving home of a volunteer who teaches basic obedience and socialization. At about 18 months of age, these dogs are professionally trained by an instructor and are eventually trained along with their handler.

Police Dogs
The international use of dogs for law enforcement was established in the early 1900s. Police dogs have generally been used as police partners as well as guards and deterrents. They also sniff out criminals and detect illegal substances, explosives and accelerants for arson investigations.

Explorer Dogs
Explorer dogs were used to protect voyagers as they traveled. From sentry duty to guarding prisoners, explorer dogs proved essential to any team of sojourners. One of the best-known explorer dogs was a Newfoundland Scannon, who protected Lewis and Clark on their famed expedition through the Pacific Northwest coast during the 18th century. Because they saved so many lives, explorer dogs were eventually drafted and trained for military duty.

Search and Rescue Dogs
Search and Rescue dogs are used for emergency situations as well as disaster relief during earthquakes, hurricanes, fires, etc. Even before the dust has settled on an emergency, these dogs and their handlers are out risking their own lives to search for victims. With a sense of smell more powerful than a humanŐs, they are also used to find missing persons and uncover evidence. Search and Rescue dogs save lives and bring comfort to families and friends around the world.

Spring Fling: a Benefit for K-9 Support

Summer was on the horizon, which meant the working K9 teams overseas would soon be in need of cooling equipment. Past dog wash fundraisers had been very successful, but organizers sought a fresh idea to bring this very important cause back to the forefront. Thus the idea of holding a spring social was born!

On February 25^th, 2007 K-9 Support held one of its largest fundraisers to date: Spring Fling. Local doggie enthusiasts gathered at Dogtopia® in North Bethesda, MD to enjoy an afternoon of wine, hor d'ourves and mingling with their favorite four-legged friend for a wonderful cause. Images by local photographer Lee Anderson adorned the walls and a decadent doggie treat bar was generously provided by Barkley Square Bakery. The event attracted a crowd of over 200 and raised approximately $2,000, allowing packages to go out to 3 brand new units in Iraq, Kuwait and Qatar.

K-9 Support 1^st Annual Charity Dog Wash

In its ongoing efforts to support military dogs stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan, Dogtopia® raised more than $8,500 and washed nearly 160 dogs at a fundraiser on July 25, 2005 at its headquarters on Tyco Road.

"We're simply overwhelmed by the enormous local and international support that has been generated through this campaign," said Amy Nichols, President & CEO of Happy to be Here, Inc., the franchise company of Dogtopia®. "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."

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."