Patriotic Service Dogs Benefit From Dogtopia's First-Ever "National Wash Your Dog Day"

TYSONS CORNER, Va., July 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Independence Day celebrates our country's birth and all there is to be thankful for including our service dogs who help disabled veterans coping with challenges. To observe and honor their heroic efforts, Dogtopia, a national dog daycare franchise, has declared July 21^st "National Wash Your Dog Day," and is calling upon Americans to mark their calendars and help change the lives of veterans - one dirty dog at a time. Dogtopia will host its 9^th Annual Charity Dog Wash in 29 U.S. towns to benefit organizations that provide service dogs to veterans, enhancing their quality of life, helping with healing and recovery and often providing a new outlook on life.   

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130702/NY41601)

Participation is a day of family fun. Dog owners are invited to bring their dog(s) to an event location for a summertime bath, given by Dogtopia's trained team members and volunteers, for a $15 donation per dog wash. Events will feature give-aways, food, photo booths and games. The public can log onto www.dogtopia.com to find a Dogtopia Charity Dog Wash in their community and access event updates on www.facebook.com/dogtopia and www.twitter.com/dogtopia. The public can also show their support, regardless of geography, by making a donation online at www.dogtopia.com to help Dogtopia raise awareness and meet the fundraising goal of $30,000 for the cause or text "Dogtopia" to 50155. All funds raised will benefit service dogs for veterans. 

According to a recent report, nearly 30 percent of Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans treated at V.A. hospitals and clinics have been diagnosed with PTSD. And more than 624,000 of Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans have filed disability claims. Public support and awareness is vital to helping organizations like America's VetDogs^® (http://www.vetdogs.org) and Veterans Moving Forward (http://www.vetdogs.org), two of the beneficiaries of this year's Charity Dog Wash, continue to train service dogs to assist veterans across a full spectrum of needs.

Dogtopia's service arm – K-9 Support, Inc. - has been a long-time advocate for working dogs. "Supporting service dogs is a core part of the Dogtopia mission. The work that our charitable partners do day in and day out is life-changing for so many service members returning home," says Amy Nichols, CEO and Founder of Dogtopia. "Bringing your dog in for a bath on National Wash Your Dog Day is an easy way for dog owners to make a profound impact in the life of a veteran. We've seen the Charity Dog Wash grow year after year, and are hoping to make this year's event the most successful yet."

"America's VetDogs recognizes the dedication and personal sacrifices made by our military personnel and others that serve our county," says Wells Jones, CEO of America's VetDogs. "As the demand for a service dog has increased, many disabled veterans are eager to receive a dog of their own for their chance to be self-reliant once again. This event only furthers our cause to meet this demand" "We're honored to have been selected as one of the beneficiaries of this year's Dogtopia Charity Dog Wash. With a VetDog by his or her side, a veteran is not alone."  

Participating Dogtopia Dog Wash event locations include: San Marcos, CA; Temecula, CA; Pleasanton, CA; Highlands Ranch, CO; Elsmere, DE; Wilmington, DE; Munster, IN; Nashville, TN; Cary, NC; N. Raleigh, NC; Charlotte, NC; Old Bridge, NJ; Houston, TX; Waco, TX; Austin, TX; Alexandria, VA; Dulles, VA; Herndon, VA; Manassas, VA; McLean, VA; Chesterfield/Richmond, VA; West End/Richmond, VA; Springfield, VA; Woodbridge, VA; Baltimore, MD; North Bethesda, MD; Clarksville, MD, Omaha, NE, Madison, WI.  

About Dogtopia's Charitable Partners
Dogtopia is committed to supporting service dog organizations such as Veterans Moving Forward and America's VetDogs, both of which are 501(c)(3) public charities dedicated to providing service dogs to veterans with physical and mental health challenges. Log onto www.vetsfwd.org and www.vetdogs.org to learn more.

About Dogtopia
Dogtopia prides itself on being a place where pets are valued as family and dogs enjoy playtime, spa treatments, and overnight stays in a positive environment. Dog owners have the assurance of leaving their pets in the hands of trained professionals while they're at work or away on vacation. Dogtopia associates nurture each and every pet as if it were their own. Each location offers dog daycare, boarding, spa services, and most also have professional grooming. Dogtopia does not breed discriminate and welcomes social dogs of all ages, sizes, and abilities. The company was founded by Amy Nichols in 2002 and began franchising in 2005. Currently, there are 24 Dogtopia franchises and five company-owned locations in operation across the U.S. Visit www.dogdaycare.com for more information.

PRESS CONTACT:
Jennifer Goldin, The Collective PR, LLC
P: 646.242.8262/E: [email protected]

SOURCE Dogtopia