No record was set but everyone was still smiling on Saturday during a mega dog wash for charity at The Groundz "Dapto Showground". A cold windy morning resulted in a slow start for Guinness World Record attempt for most dogs washed in a day but Friends For Ever Rescue Illawarra and Jim's Dog Wash Figtree are keen to try again.
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Sharon Connell, of Jim's Dog Wash, said it was for a great cause with $10 from every dog washed helping to find a new home for a rescued dog.
Among those who turned up to help rescue and rehome unwanted and neglected dogs by raising money for new independent rescue service Best Friends For Ever Rescue Illawarra were Letitia Webb and Nicole Logan.
Ms Webb travelled from Goulburn with Bella to support her daughter Kayla Webb who is a Jim's Dog Wash franchisee.
"It is an amazing day."
Ms Logan, of Calderwood, said decided to bring Ralph and Luna along because "it is such a good cause."
Best Friends For Ever director Katie McCarroll said finding safe and suitable homes for dogs was the primary focus for the new rescue service and Saturday's record attempt will really help.
By lunchtime when they were approaching 300 dog washes for the day Ms Connell knew they were going to need to try again to get the record of 1037 dogs washed at a warmer time of year.
She said it was a good first attempt.
"I don't think we will get the record but it has been really good," she said.
"The response from the community has been amazing. We are getting a really steady flow of dogs coming through now. I would love to another attempt here at The Groundz.
"And all the franchisees have been really excited. Everyone who helped out today are volunteers."
Ms McCarroll, of Kanahooka, said it was a great day they are still describing as a huge success.
"People have come in who don't even have dogs. They just wanted to make a donation," she said.
"All the money raised today will go to our rescue shelter.
"It goes towards us being able to save more dogs, to our vet work, to our kennel builds, to buying food, treats and toys for the dogs, and to rehabilitation.
"We have a behavourist we use who is local and works closely with us. Everything raised goes towards helping the dogs.
"And I would just like to say a massive thank you to everyone who came out and supported us today.
"It will help us be able to save more dogs. We are a very small team but we are strong and mighty."
Ms McCarroll said anyone else who would like to help can message them at the Best Friends For Ever Illawarra Facebook page.
"You can donate items to us. You can sponsor our kennels for $5 a week or you can volunteer with us by coming to help walk our dogs or take them to vet appointments."
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Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
