These dogs are looking for a good home and can be purchased via auction on Sept. 11, during the Bark and Quack in the Park, right before the VIP duck race. The dogs were purchased and decorated by seven local organizations and donated to the Pennington County Humane Society. The dogs can be voted on at the Gale Schmitz office. Proceeds from the auction and vote go toward the PCHS general fund. How much is that doggy in the window? Humane society holds dog decorating contest by Scott DCamp Reporter The Pennington County Humane Society (PCHS) has officially given its fundraising responsibility to the dogs &endash; in this case, seven ceramic terriers, each representing a sponsoring organization. Instead of singing "How much is that Doggy in the Window?," they may be wondering, "How much will that Doggy Fetch?" PCHS volunteer and dog decorating contest coordinator Jennifer Springsteen describes the contest as a take off on the Snoopy statues in St. Paul, except on a much smaller scale. The winner of the contest will be decided by popular vote. Anyone who would like to support his or her favorite dog can cast a vote at the Gale Schmitz office, where the dogs are currently displayed. Each vote costs $1. The dogs will be available for purchase via auction on Sept. 11 at the Bark and Quack in the park right before the VIP duck race. Springsteen said that all funds raised during the contest, except the ones raised by the K-9 unit dog, will go to the general fund at the PCHS. Each of the seven area groups purchased a lifelike ceramic dog, costing $25 each, and uniquely decorated it to fit that group's theme. The participating groups include Highlanding 4-H, Pennington County Historical Society, New Solum 4-H, Planned Parenthood, Robson Honey Farms, Thief River Falls K-9 Unit and Franklin Middle School. Each group purchased its own dog for decoration, except the Thief River Falls K-9 Unit dog. It was donated by Danica Robson of Robson Honey Farms, and the funds raised by the K-9 Unit dog will benefit the Thief River Falls K-9 Unit. The PCHS Board of Directors approved the fundraising idea earlier this year. "I brought the idea to the board and they approved," Springsteen said. "I saw a similar activity for a humane society in Racine, Wis., two summers ago. Only they had businesses do a dog each and they were displayed in that business' window downtown." After the ideas were approved, invitations were sent to all church youth groups, area artists, various service groups, nursing homes, and businesses that have supported the humane society in the past. Springsteen figures about 50 groups were contacted about the contest. It's too early to tell how well this fundraising effort will do, but judging by the response so far &endash; it's a doggone good idea.

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