Orange County dog-lovers club raises money for homeless animals at its pet-friendly gatherings

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Some 300 Orange County residents are using their regular dog-friendly outings for a greater purpose: raising money for area no-kill animal shelters and rescue groups feeling the sting of the recession.

Brandi and Stephen Terry, a husband-and-wife pair who run a pet-care business, formed the Desperate Paws of Orange County Dog Club as a way to help dog lovers spend quality time with their pets while mingling with like-minded people. They’ve organized everything from an Easter egg hunt for dogs to beach outings and trips to dog-friendly restaurants.

Inspired by the story of an 8-year-old Irvine girl who raised more than $1,000 for animal cancer research by selling bracelets, the Terrys decided to use their meet-up group to help homeless pets. Over the last few months they’ve hit up local businesses to donate raffle prizes or a percentage of their sales. They dubbed the campaign ‘Paw It Forward,’ and so far they’ve raised nearly $800.

At the end of the year, group members plan to divide the proceeds from their fundraising efforts between two area shelters or rescue organizations; they’ll vote to decide which groups get the cash.

Learn more about the Desperate Paws of Orange County Dog Club and the Paw It Forward campaign in reporter Abby Sewell’s recent story in The Times.

-- Lindsay Barnett