The holidays are a time to remember the troops overseas, but what about the dogs that serve with them?

The founder and CEO of K9 Kingdom in Pine is offering an opportunity for people to "pamper their pooches for patriotism."

Christin Bummer is working with the Military Working Dog Team Support Association Inc. to sponsor a fundraiser that will support the dogs and their handlers serving in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The Dog Wash-A-Thon will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. A $20 donation will be collected to have a dog bathed and brushed.

"We'll be putting our big grooming salon to use that day, bathing one dog after the next while the owners are visiting the vendors in the dog park/training area. We're expecting a nice turnout of vendors, lots of items on the [ticket] auction table and a big turnout from the public," said Ms. Bummer. Her business offers dog daycare, grooming and training services at its Lake Drive facility just off Route 19.

Proceeds will be channeled through the association to benefit working dogs in the military.

"Our donations are sent to all military branches of service and include health-related items, kennel items and personal items such as toys and treats." said Dixie Whitman, president of the association.

Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom dogs work in rugged conditions, from the cold of Afghanistan's mountains to the deserts of Iraq. The dogs are trained to search out explosives or drugs. They may also be used for patrol work, security details and at checkpoints.

All dogs receive basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, and then are paired up with their handlers. Additional training takes place at their home station before being deployed overseas. In a change from policy during the Vietnam era, dogs return home with their handlers, and at the end of their working life, are generally available for adoption to their handlers and, if qualified, to the public.

Breeds most often found working in the military include German shepherds, Belgian Malinois and labrador retrievers.