NASHUA – No one wants to see a sad puppy, especially during the Christmas season. That’s why the owners of the Royal Paws K9 club are collecting donations for the Humane Society of Greater Nashua.

The owners, Kevin Dearing and Stephanie Manson, both of Manchester, have been in the business for about a month, and they hit the ground running. The business was founded as the Pawfect K9 by Tracy Lee McInnis, but due to personal reasons, she decided to sell the daycare.

Both owners have a clear passion for dogs. Dearing, who worked as a correctional officer and K9 Handler for Merrimack County, said, “I have always loved animals, so it was a good fit. It’s a great opportunity for both of us.”

Manson, who works an additional full-time job on top of co-owning the doggy daycare, joked that being able to interact with and care for the dogs has stopped her from getting 12 dogs.

Within their first few weeks of running the club, Manson and Dearing decided they wanted to take their love of caring for dogs and serving the community a step further. Recently, they have partnered with the Humane Society to raise donations that will benefit the animals there.

The first Royal Rescue Donation Drive will be taking place through Dec. 21. Dearing and Manson are looking to collect the following items:

Purina Pro Plan Savor Adult Dog (dry dog food, orange label)

Purina Pro Plan Savor Puppy Dog (dry dog food, orange label)

Taste of the Wild, Smoked Salmon (dry dog food)

Dog collars (all sizes)

Dog leashes (all sizes)

Nylabone chew toys, treat dispensing toys, stuffed toys, kong toys (all sizes)

Gift cards (PetSmart, Petco, Walmart, Target, grocery stores, etc.)

Gently used towels and blankets (for bedding)

Paper towels (for cleaning).

Dearing said fundraising is important to him and Manson.

“We want to make an impact in the community and give back. Our number one goal is really utilizing our business,” Dearing said.

“We are new in the small business world. We are young and very motivated. We want to do everything possible to get involved and give back to the community,” he added.

Manson said one of their ideas in running this business is not just being a business that sits there, but a business that is active in serving the community. Manson said a donation drive such as this is an easy opportunity for their customers to help.

“I’m sure they are picking up toys for their dogs for Christmas. If they want to donate, they can just buy an extra toy or stocking, or even simply paper towels,” Manson said.

Dearing added that anyone looking to get rid of extra bedding or sheets can also donate. He expects a good amount of donations to be made.

“All of our customers have shown a lot of support and they are really excited that we are doing this because no one has really ever done it,” Dearing said.

According to its website, the Humane Society of Greater Nashua takes in over 2,000 animals a year. They are in constant need of donations. Dearing said he and Manson may be looking to do another donation drive or walk to raise funds in the future.

Donations can be dropped off at Royal Paws K9 Club, which is located at 18 Airport Road, Nashua. To learn more information about Royal Paws K9 Club, visit https://www.facebook.com/royalpawsk9club.

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