The Animal Welfare Society of Jefferson County officially unveiled their Dog Days Calendar at the annual Paws and Claws Howl-O-Ween Dinner and Auction on Oct. 25. Dog owners patiently waited to see if their favorite pooch was voted to become one of the 12 monthly photos.

As owners purchased their calendars to see if their dog won, it was clear that the owners and dogs who lobbied for votes at the Sept. 20 Gallery Show had a huge impact on the results. As a result, six of the winners were those whose owners attended the gallery event for the day performing tricks for votes, handing out fake $100 bills, giving lollipops or actively cheering for their dogs. However, all 153 dogs that were photographed by Barbara Keech of Keech Photography are included in the calendar.

Keech spent seven months photographing, printing and framing all 153 dog photos for the Animal Welfare Society fundraiser. Progressive Printing in Martinsburg printed the beautiful glossy calendar. The printing of the calendar could not have been possible without the following 12 business sponsors: Greensburg Bed and Biscuit, Martinsburg, ReFINEments, Shepherdstown, J and K Precision Auto Care, LLC, Ranson, BC’s BBQ Catering, Foto One and Imaging, Peggy Burcker- Long and Foster, Charles Town, Dunn By Dixie, The Vintage Lady, Harpers Ferry, Keech Photography, Charles Town Moose #948, Women of the Moose #1028, Tammy Sirbaugh-State Farm, Ranson and Dickinson and Wait Craft Gallery, Shepherdstown.

Over 400 calendars have already been sold, but the goal is to sell the entire 1,000 calendars. With all sold, the Animal Welfare Society will see a total profit of $10,000! These fabulous calendars make great gifts for Christmas or other occasions. For those who love animals and want to give a gift of love to the less fortunate pets at the Animal Welfare Society, please purchase numerous calendars. Each $10 gift will help vaccinate, feed or medicate one of the wonderful pets residing at the shelter.

Calendars are available at the AWS shelter, Dickinson and Wait Craft Gallery in Shepherdstown, Pet Styles and Shear Power in Ranson and Ranson Animal Hospital. They may also be purchased by calling Dottie at 703-509-0986 or Jane at 304-725-5972 or by contacting any board member.

The Animal Welfare Society is a non-profit, no-kill shelter and United Way agency located on Leetown Pike near the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. The society has been helping the plight of homeless and neglected pets since 1952.