Dog Wash to Benefit K-9 Unit

Dogs were invited to get lathered up to benefit crime-fighting canines.

was scheduled to hold a dogwash for charity 1-4 p.m. July 16.

For the location,

The event aims to raise $25,000 for the Temecula Police Department's K-9 Unit.

The event will feature demonstrations, consultations, raffle prizes and free food from various local restaurants and organizations, Dogtopia spokesperson Trisha Trinco explained.

This is the seventh year Dogtopia held the annual charity dog wash. Other Dogtopia locations across the country will also host the event, which will benefit all types of canines, including police dogs, dogs used for therapy and military dogs serving overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan, Trinco said.

Dogtopia has 23 stores in 10 states including the one in Temecula.

“It’s more important than ever to give back to local working dogs in our communities, since funding is being cut in the government," said Amy Nichols, CEO and Founder of Dogtopia. “I am excited to see how much the event has grown every year, and that we’re truly making a difference for these canines."

Local police departments benefit greatly from this type of fundraiser. Working dogs in law enforcement play an important role in detecting narcotics and explosives, search and rescue operations, evidence recovery and criminal apprehension in their communities, Trinco added.

Proceeds from the dog washes will defer costs for equipment, such as ballistic vests, safety harnesses and the outfitting of cars.

For canines working with the military, the money will go towards comforts, such as toys, cooling pads and goggles to protect their eyes from blowing desert sand.

Dogtopia held the first dog wash fundraiser in July of 2005 at a Dogtopia store in Virginia with the goal of generating support for military dogs and their handlers serving overseas.

Due to the success and national attention the campaign created, a new arm, K-9 Support, Inc., was born to help support working and service dogs of all kinds.

Dogtopia is a full-service dog day care, spa and boutique. It's a place where pets are valued as family, and­ where dogs enjoy endless playtime and spa treatments in a positive environment, said Trinco.

Dogtopia