Raffle 4 Rescue Helps Dogs In Need!

June 3, 2009 - PRLog -- In less then two weeks, NW Working Dogs will be holding their annual fundraiser to help homeless dogs.  Donations of goods and services are most welcome!

The Raffle 4 Rescue is held as part of the NW Working Dogs Expo, an event in St. Helens Oregon that brings together conformation, temperament testing, and protection dog trials.  

“Each year, we solicit donations locally and from around the country, and then raffle them off at the Expo on Sunday afternoon.  We’re a creative bunch, so you never know what amazing items may show up on the raffle table” says Virginia Dunn, head of NW Working Dogs.  So far, the donations are quite varied.  From holistic treats and Kong Toys to organic dog salve, obedience lessons, dog web design, custom canine art, even a night at a posh dog friendly hotel – the Raffle 4 Rescue has something for just about everyone!

Proceeds from this year’s raffle benefit a local rescue organization called Pacific NW Pit Bull Rescue ( www.pnwpbr.rescuegroups.org ), an organization that helps homeless pitbulls and other bully breeds.

"The NW Working Dogs Expo is by far our favorite event of the year!  The event helps support the work we do and the dogs in need, but also to promote dog sport in the community.", states Ellena Thomas, head of PNWPBR.

The Raffle is free as part of the NW Working Dogs Expo and is open to the public.

RESCUES IN CRISIS!
With the economy in turmoil, rescues have been hit hard.  Most rescues are staffed by volunteers, who generously give of their time and resources.  They are always stretched.  But right now, the need is much greater then in past years.  Owners are losing their jobs and their homes, causing many to surrender their dogs to the shelter or just abandoning them.  “We’re seeing dogs left alone in their owner’s foreclosed houses!  Reality is very grime for those dogs.  Supporting donations are down, while the number of dogs is skyrocketing.  They need our help!”

Dunn says her team has been putting in extra effort to make this year’s raffle a huge success.  “It’s a labor of love, but they really need the help, and it feels good knowing we’re making a difference..”  She says while they are getting turned down more often this year, the adversity has actually strengthened the team’s resolve.  

“Despite the hard times, people really want to help.  We just keep asking, and we’ve actually done very well!  We hope for more donations over the next few days, and to be able to raise some much needed cash to help these homeless dogs.  Of course, we need lots of folks to come out and buy tickets for their favorite raffle items!”  A complete list of donations for this year’s Raffle 4 Rescue can be found at:  www.nwworkingdogs.com/2009sponsors.htm  

The NW Working Dogs Expo is being held on June 13th & 14th at the Columbia County Fairgrounds in St. Helens, OR.  It is open to the public as well as all breeds.  Activates include the Protection Dogs International (PDI) NW Regional Trials, IABCA Conformation Show, ATTS Temperament Testing, Canine Good Citizen Testing, and a Beginning Bitework Seminar.  The complete list of activities can be found at http://www.nwworkingdogs.com

Vending and sponsorship opportunities are available.

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NW Working Dogs trains in personal protection, competes in Protection Dogs International (PDI), and holds the NW Working Dogs Expo, an annual dog event that brings together protection dog trials, conformation, & temperament testing.