Christ Yoder
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BELTON, Texas (KWTX) — For most, it was just the first day of the weekend, but for those at the Bell County Expo Center, it was tutu Saturday.
From the smallest to the largest, dogs showing off their finest tutus were on every corner, all for a good cause.
“Chances are everyone knows someone who has been affected by domestic violence and studies have shown that it’s hard for people to leave even when things are bad,” said Terri Boedeker , of the Bell County Kennel Club.
The dog agility trial hosted by the Bell County Kennel Club will benefit Priceless Beginnings, a nonprofit organization working to raise awareness and fight domestic violence.
The tutus were worn by owners and dogs to benefit their new fund, Jax’s Fund.
“The money that goes into Jax’s fund will be used to help people who have pets who would like to escape their situation and who have that pet and want to take it with them,” Boedeker said.
Jax was the dog of Michael Swearingin, a Temple man who was killed in January 2019 in a domestic violence situation.
For every tutu worn, dog or human, $1 would be donated to Jax’s fund.
Funds can be used for dog boarding as well as shelters to house owner and dog together.
Many have taken to Facebook to offer support by also offering to match donations.
For those present, it was more than just a test of agility.
Letty McNulty made the tutu her dog wore, making sure she was doing her part to raise money for Jax’s fund.
“A lot of people will stay in abusive homes because of their pets. They are afraid of what might happen to them if they leave. They don’t have a place to put the dog, so they’re stuck,” McNulty said.
Anyone experiencing domestic violence should contact 9-1-1 first before requesting additional resources.
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