Going to the dogs – New Philadelphia students sudsing dogs for great cause
by Jennifer Kneuss
November 22, 2010
319
Guinness, a nine-month old German shepherd, did not seem very thrilled to be receiving a bath a Petz Place in New Philadelphia on Saturday, November 20. However, the half dozen or so students attempting to bathe and then dry and brush him were having the time of their lives, in spite of Guiness attempts to thoroughly soak them.
We are washing and drying dogs to raise money for equipment for military dogs helping servicemen, explained Jordan DiGenova, a New Philadelphia High School student. Everyone who is here, our 5th graders, and high school 9th graders, have selflessly given of their time today to go toward this effort.
My 10th grade social studies teacher, Mr. (Dan) Mamula, started telling us about the military dog program, and I thought it would be a good idea to help out, by giving them baths and helping. We are doing this all day long. The hardest part, I think, is the bathing of the dogs, because some of them really dont like to get wet! I am already soaking wet myself, just from one dog, stated Marissa Vickers, motioning to her clothing, which was wet in spite of the heavy plastic protective apron she wore.
Military dogs have a long history of service, and continue to serve in present times. The student raised funds will go to provide such needed equipment as goggles to protect the dogs eyes from blowing sand, and cooling vests that help maintain correct body temperature in hot, desert conditions.
According to Leatherneck, an online Marine newsletter, About 2,000 of these working dogs confront danger beside American soldiers, largely in the Middle East. With noses that detect scents up to a third of a mile away, many sniff for explosives their numbers have been growing about 20 percent a year since the terrorist attacks of 2001.
MaryAnn Bailey, Guiness owner, noted that she typically brings her dog to the pet store once a month to be bathed, since he is a large dog and is difficult for her to bathe at home.
Guinness happens to have been bred to be a military, bomb sniffing dog. It has to do with his sense of smell. I was just lucky enough to adopt him. He was 2-3 months old when I got him, and he is about 9 months old now, Bailey explained.
Madison Hamilton was busy checking in dogs which were brought in for services.
Im a dog lover myself, and have a German shepherd and a beagle at home. I am going to stay longer than my shift today – it is too much fun! We have already washed about 15 dogs. We get $10 for the cause from each dog.
This is a great opportunity. Once a month, we regularly do a spa day, when the employees do the bathing and nail trims for a special price, stated Sue Fleming, co-manager at Petz Place. We were contacted by York Elementary, and they were looking to do a fundraiser for the Army dogs program. They sent volunteers here today and they are actually doing the bathing, and we are doing the nails. They have had an enormous response as to how many volunteers they have seen down here today. We have 23 dogs on the schedule today, plus we have had several walk ins today. We hope to end up with at least 26 to 27 dogs.
Jeff Anderson brought his dog, Sadie, in for a bath and trim. This is great. It is nice they are doing this. I was in the Air Force from 1966 to 1969, in South Korea. I think the MPs used working dogs there, and at the base I was at, we had guard dogs around the perimeter. This is very good program.
The amount raised for the day was $327, which was added to funds previously raised by York Elementary Student Council, for a grand total of $454.
Sharon Ricklic, Student Council advisor at York who organized the fundraiser, was delighted with the outcome of the high school and elementary students efforts. We want to say thanks to all who were able to help, said Ricklic. We met lots of great people and their dogs.
To donate to the program, or for more information, call York Elementary School at 330-343-0770.
