Dog Zone Fundraiser Benefits Wounded Warriors

Patrons of had the opportunity to help wounded veterans last week by participating in a fundraiser for the Wounded Warrior Project, a nonprofit which raises awareness and assists injured service members by providing programs and services to help them overcome challenges in readjustment.

For a donation of $25 or more, dog owners could have their pooches washed and dried, and their nails trimmed at The Dog Zone on Sunday. All of the proceeds of the "" fundraiser went to the Wounded Warrior Project.

"It’s a regular service we do typically. We staffed accordingly in teams, to be able to do each dog in about an hour," said Linda Hudson, who co-owns The Dog Zone with Deborah Parker. Two teams of two were working throughout the day, bathing dogs and trimming their nails.

"All the employees donated their time," Hudson said.

The event included a cookout by friends of the Dog Zone, photography by Diana Rodriguez, and tunes spun by deejays Deena Ryan and Mark Bull in the parking lot. The and the were also in attendance. and Bicycle of Two Dogs Petsitting were also on hand to lend their support.

"Bike is our canine commissioner for the day," Hudson said.

Monica Baltazar of Puppy Socializer LLC was one of the many who supported the event. Baltazar attended with her Great Dane, Brandon.

"Brandon made a donation earlier," Baltazar said. "He’s sort of an ambassador for early puppy socialization," she added.

Omo Lara, a cousin of Dog Zone employee Joseph Rivera, was volunteering by promoting the event’s raffle. She showed off items that local merchants and employees of the Dog Zone had donated, including tickets to The Ice House, a vintage McDonald’s Hamburglar cookie jar, and a giant stuffed bear.

"We already got quite a few little donations," Lara said.

Donations may also be made online. Go to http://wwpproudsupporter.kintera.org/thedogzone to support the Wounded Warrior Project.