Service Dogs Focus of Fundraising Event

Naples, FL — The cuddles came with the price of admission as nine golden retrievers raised the “woof” Wednesday night during the third annual “Santa Paws” fundraiser at the Hilton Naples.  The adorably furry fundraisers also fetched quite a bit of money to help underwrite their training as service dogs for children with autism and disabled veterans while they were at it.  Jeannie Bates, a New Orleans native and professional dog trainer who founded the PAWS Assistance Dogs nonprofit in January 2012, said she hoped to raise around $200,000 on the night to pay for the service training that lasts as long as two-and-a-half years and costs $35,000 to $40,000 per pooch.  www.fundraising-ideas.org