This fundraiser is no dog

Mastiffs, collies, beagles and Chihuahuas got clean and supported two of their own at a dog-bathing fundraiser Sunday.

Huntington Beach’s Barkingham Palace, a pet grooming shop, raised money for Mutts N Stuff Small Dog Rescue in Rancho Cucamonga, which rescued a pair of Chihuahuas named Willa and Webster. Jack Boy Dog Bakery, a handmade canine cookie line, also donated all its profits to the duo Sunday.

The Ws were born without their front legs and have to scoot and hop to get around, but not for long. More than $1,600 was donated to help the dogs with their mobility.

“They just deserve, like everyone else, to have the best life possible,” said Eileen Hartfielder, a volunteer with Mutts N Stuff.

Willa and Webster are 7-month-old Chihuahuas rescued from a Lancaster shelter by Mutts N Stuff in September. Both need wheelchair carts to help them get around without hopping or scooting on their chests, which puts strain on their backs and hind legs, said Judie Callen, the owner of Barkingham Palace.

The shop washed and dried more than 40 dogs throughout the day and asked for a minimum donation of $20, but many people gave more, volunteers said. A few Huntington Beach residents stopped by just to donate.

“A few people came in just to meet them and give donations,” she said.

The carts are $375 each, but Webster might need more help. He has nubs where his front legs should be and uses them to get around, said Jenna Bell, a volunteer with Mutts N Stuff.

“I can tell he is in pain, and it’s really slowing him down and hurting him,” Bell said.

Webster is going to see a specialist to determine whether he needs to get his nubs removed, Bell said. The initial appointment alone will cost $200.

Huntington Beach resident Sharon Cress said she came in to check prices to get her beagle-basset Lucy groomed and was told about the fundraiser. Cress, who rescued Lucy, said she decided to come back Sunday.

“There are too many dogs out there that need help,” Cress said.

Bonkers, a collie, also came down for a bath and got his first blueberry facial, owner Cathy Heck said. The Huntington Beach resident said she saw an announcement for the event and wanted to participate.

“It was a good charity,” Heck said. “Plus, he needs a bath.”

While Bonkers got bathed, Heck had the chance to see Willa and Webster as they played in a playpen in the shop. Heck said the two are sweet.

“They’re such good dogs, and I feel sorry for them,” she said.

Now that the money is secured for their carts, and once Webster sees the specialist Tuesday, they will be ready for adoption, but only together. Bell said she wants them to stay together because Webster starts getting shaky when Willa is not around.

The two will need some extra attention, but there are no special requirements for whoever adopts them, Bell said. Willa is friendly and active and Webster is “a big cream puff,” she said.

The fundraiser was a kind of grand opening for the shop, which opened in October. Callen traded in her mobile dog grooming business, Diva Dog, for her fanciful shop with bubblegum-pink walls with a castle facade in the front and her two poodles.

“To be a groomer, you have to love [dogs],” Callen said.