Through September, the two pet stores have raised approximately $19,700 for different organizations, including several local humane societies, 4 Paws for Ability, which helps train service dogs, Animal Cruelty Ohio and the Purebred Rescue Organization of Ohio.
The money raised from the Fairfield Commons Mall location between Sept. 12 and Monday was donated to the Humane Society of Clark County, according to owner George Koehler, a Springfield resident.
The donation will be a big help, said James Straley, the Humane Society’s executive director. It’s expected to be approximately $1,600, according to Carla Nesbitt, manager at the Fairfield Mall location.
“It’s super nice that a pet store is doing that for us,” Straley said. “It’s really great.”
The idea came from Nesbitt at the end of May and began as a way to help customers take selfies with the puppies, Koehler said. It eventually morphed into pay-to-play, Koehler said.
After allowing free play with puppies for several years, Koehler was concerned customers may not want to pay. However, the fund-raiser is having the opposite effect, Koehler said. The store has seen several people donate $20 to play with a puppy.
“People feel good about donating,” he said.
Koehler, a former Humane Society board member, was happy to provide assistance to Clark County.
“They do so much behind the scenes stuff to help us out, whether it’s unruly dogs or people who don’t want their dogs,” Koehler said. “It’s a very good organization.”
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