Every dog is priceless. A Helping Paws golden or Labrador retriever just so happens to be worth that much plus $35,000.
Now that’s what I call “big dog money.”
A Helping Paws dog is worth every penny, too, for they are fiercely intelligent and perfectly gentle, aglow with equal parts enthusiasm and sweetness, and trained to be as helpful as caninely possible to a person with a disability, or a veteran or first responder with PTSD. The Eden Prairie nonprofit has given away hundreds of these life-changing wunder-pooches since 1988.
And it’s all thanks to what I like to call “big dog kindness.”
“We owe everything we do to our volunteers, fosters, donors, and corporate sponsors,” said Alyssa Golob, Helping Paws executive director. “Their benefaction can take many shapes and forms, including the assistance we need caring for assistance dogs.
“That’s why we’re so grateful to Pet Evolution of Eden Prairie, which gives us unlimited access to their DIY dog baths and seven free grooming sessions each month. They keep our clients’ beloved companions healthy and happy, and free up our funds for countless other canine needs.”
“We’ve been with Helping Paws a very long time, going back to when they were still in Hopkins,” said Alex Apsey, director of operations for Pet Evolution Eden Prairie. “We originally offered Helping Paws food, but were delighted to learn our grooming and bathing services would be of greater value to them.
“This probably comes as no surprise, but Helping Paws dogs are a joy to be around. They’re so patient and polite on the grooming table, where they communicate their needs calmly … dignifiedly, in fact. Sometimes they make me forget I’m not working at a five-star spa!
“Grooming is essential to promoting healthy skin and hair growth. And while every dog breed is beautiful in its own special way, it would just be a crime if those golden coats were anything less than silky smooth.”
“A Helping Paws dog really should be so gorgeous,” added Alyssa. “Each one represents an incredible amount of hard work, and deserves to look the part. And if you ask any of our clients, they’ll tell you they prefer living with an expertly groomed dog, too.”
Discover how you can support Helping Paws’ mission at helpingpaws.org.
Happy Pets Shop at Pet Evolution
- DIY dog bathing tubs
- Professional grooming
- Toys, supplies, and healthy pet foods
- Canine nutritional counseling
petevolution.com • (952) 521-3355
8248 Commonwealth Drive, Eden Prairie