Puppy-dog eyes, wet nose effective fundraising tools

[bigdoglover]

Houston Chronicle

By Tara Dooley

Among the prancing beauties with perfect hairdos and the overachievers running obstacle courses alongside barking handlers, Jake and Bella are the regular joes on the job at the Reliant Park World Series of Dog Shows.

Decked out in red and yellow vests with "Donation Dog" printed on the top, the two yellow Labrador retrievers got down to business at about 10:30 a.m. on Friday.

Their mission: Look so cute as they walk through the aisles between the show's vendor booths that people stop, dip into their wallets and make donations to the Southeast Texas Labrador Retriever Rescue.

Some of the rescued dogs are from shelters that kill; others are picked up, called in or turned in.

They are housed in foster care and kennels while waiting for adoption.

"Labradors were bred to work alongside their owners, so they want to do something even if it is meeting and greeting," said the dogs' owner, Dina Barron, who is also the rescue group's volunteer adoption and intake coordinator. "This is when they are the happiest."

As Barron takes the two Labs out for their first fundraising of the day, it becomes clear that these pups have skills, especially once allowances are made for a tendency to become distracted by the booths that offer treats.


Reaching donors of all ages
Jake has worked the show three years in a row and Bella, two. It's Jake who is the real moneymaker.

"I've seen grown men who I would never think would open up their wallets pull out a $20 bill," Barron said. "He just knows how to work a crowd."

With Barron holding their leashes, the two dogs trot along the aisles, stopping for pats from children and adults, making it a little unclear as to whether these dogs are in it for the money or the love.

Many of their donors seem motivated by the mission as much as the soft fur, brown eyes and perked-up ears.

"I think it is good for the little ones that they become familiar with rescue. Pedigree is great, but there are so many dogs that need a home," said Janine Snapp, who supplied her 7-year-old niece, Emily Boado, with a dollar to stick in Jake's vest.

As a rule, Nancy Howse does not approve of dogs begging. But as the owner of a rescued Australian Shepherd, she likes to support canine fundraising, she said.

"They should not be begging for food, but they can walk around with a little money hanging out," said Howse, a Plano resident who came to Houston so her dog can compete in the flyball games.

Jake and Bella are not the only canines in the fundraising business on the second day of the dog show, which continues through Sunday.

Across the aisle, 9-year-old Shane, a golden retriever, sits at attention with a yellow donation basket in his month.

The cause today is Golden Beginnings Golden Retriever Rescue. He's also collected for beagle and pit bull rescue groups, said his owner, Roni Edwards.

Sarah, a 7-year-old boxer, takes a rest after collecting for Lone Star Boxer Rescue. One aisle over, Pandora is decked out in a blue tulle collar with sparkly face paint highlighting her blue eyes. The 8-year-old Siberian husky is working for Husky Haven.


Raising awareness
Most of these groups do not rely on the dogs for the bulk of their fundraising.

Most comes from golf tournaments, picnics and the adoption fees.

"But it is a chance to reach a lot of people about rescue," said Cil Henson, president of Golden Beginnings Golden Retriever Rescue.

And there are at least 35 Labrador retrievers, 20 golden retrievers, 60 boxers and 50 huskies looking for homes through these groups alone.

Plus, the public gets a little doggie love, said Ariann Fahey, volunteer director of the Lone Star Boxer Rescue.

"Petting a dog, getting a kiss from a dog makes them happy," she said.