Happy Tails Dog Spa™ Sends Holiday Cheer to Troops and Service Dogs Stationed Overseas

December 24, 2005 (PRLEAP.COM) Business News
TYSONS CORNER, VA – K-9 Support, Inc. - the non-profit arm of Happy Tails Dog Spa™ - is shipping holiday care packages to nine of their “adopted” K-9 military units stationed in Afghanistan, Kuwait and Iraq.

Canine handlers are receiving holiday cards expressing gratitude for keeping America safe, along with such treats as sunflower seeds, beef jerky and chewing gum. Meanwhile, the service dogs are receiving bones and some tasty holiday treats.

“This holiday season we’d like to recognize our hard-working military dogs and their handlers overseas, all of whom are working day and night to protect this nation and the freedoms we enjoy,” said Amy Nichols, president and CEO, Happy to Be Here, Inc., the franchising company of Happy Tails Dog Spa™. “We often forget or are simply unaware that military dogs have been used for generations to protect our way of life, even during this time of year when we turn inward to family and friends.”

The response to the efforts of K-9 Support has been magnificent, Nichols said, noting one of the soldiers, Mark S. Kirkland, posted a thank-you note on the Internet at http://local.yahoo.com/details?id=12684047.

“It's very rare K-9 handlers here in Kuwait are able to say ‘thank you’ to the folks back home for all the support we get,” wrote Kirkland, an explosive dog handler stationed in Camp Doha, Kuwait. “But to all the people associated with Happy Tails, thank you from ARCENT-KU explosive dog handlers. All I can say is great people like this don't come around everyday.”

Nichols said this is the third shipment from Happy Tails to the K-9 units. Beginning this summer, K-9 Support, Inc. spent about $15,000 in donations to purchase and send supplies, such as cooling pads, protective eyewear and heat resistant clothing. More than 1,500 pounds of supplies have been delivered thus far.

“On behalf of Happy Tails Dog Spa™ and all the dogs and troops supported by our campaign, I want to thank everyone who has been a champion of this worthwhile cause,” Nichols said. “The generous contributions we’ve received and the concern for these dogs has made a significant impact on their lives and the lives of their handlers this holiday season.”

For more information about K-9 Support, Inc. or to help service dogs and their handlers overseas, please call (703) 821-1777 or visit www.happytailsdogspa.com.


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