"PAMPERED POOCH DAY" AT "DOGS IN SUDS" RAISED MONEY AND FOOD FOR THE GEAUGA COUNTY DOG SHELTER

Featured furry guest was tiny Geauga County Sheriff's K9 Deputy "Midge"

The recent "Pampered Pooch Day" at Dogs in Suds, 8089 Mayfield Rd., Chesterland, raised $350 and 300 pounds of dog food within four hours for the Geauga County Dog Shelter. Admission was free, but attendees were generous with free-will donations. In addition, raffle tickets were sold and Chesterland "pet portrait" artist Anita Silverman raised money for the dogs shelter by sketching pictures of dogs at the event.

Dogs in Suds, which offers both do-it-yourself and professional grooming, hosted a variety of experts and activities - such as "doggie massages." There were also toys and treats for dogs, and free sandwiches, fruit, and other refreshments for human visitors were provided by Chesterland businesses Arby's, Farmer in the Deli, Giant Eagle, Invisible Fence, and Subway.

The featured furry guest was "Midge," the world's tiniest K9 Deputy, from the Geauga County Sheriff's Department. She demonstrated her drug-finding abilities (with narration from Geauga Sheriff Dan McClelland), and then experienced the first professional grooming of her entire life. She turned one year old the following day (Nov. 6, 2006).

Geauga Dog Warden Matt Granito gave advice about staying safe around dogs, and how to protect and nurture pet dogs. He also furnished photos and descriptions of adoptable dogs from the shelter. Massotherapist Sherrie D'Anne explained the benefits of canine massage. "A Dog's Life" owner Ted Burr discussed dog nutrition, and "Bow Wow Baskets" owner Lisa Curtis talked about healthy canine treats.

When the winning raffle tickets were drawn, five people won "doggie gift baskets." The grand prize also included an "Extreme Pooch Make-Over," which was won by Chesterland resident Carol Battles on behalf of her Shepherd-Collie mix, "Wiley." Carol and her husband, Glenn (a former township trustee), own Sugar Pines Farm (a Christmas tree farm) in Chesterland.

"I was overwhelmed with the generosity of the attendees as well as the local business people who donated refreshments, dog treats, raffle prizes - and in some cases their time and expertise as well - to help the Geauga Dog Shelter," remarked Dogs in Suds owner Lauren Sobol, who adopted her Chow, "Guy," from the dog shelter more than five years ago.

To give a post-event donation to the Geauga Dog Shelter, call Dogs in Suds at 440-729-1211.