A flag raising was held at city hall Friday morning to mark the beginning of International Assistance Dog Week.
Acting Mayor Doug Shipley hoisted the flag while several COPE Service Dogs (Canine Opportunity, People Empowerment) barked greetings to each other and happily accepted pets from onlookers.
The event was used as an opportunity to raise awareness about COPE's urgent need for community support.
The registered charity that trains service dogs for people with physical and mental challenges has run into a financial bind.
Seven, one-year-old COPE service dogs-in-training, some of which showed up at city hall, are in jeopardy of not completing their schooling without additional funds.
Councillor Shipley said he and his council colleagues will do what they can through social media to publicize COPE's plight and try to generate support.
COPE has launched a 'Dollar-A-Day" fundraising campaign.
For more information visit COPE Service Dogs: Home
