The Southeastern Guide Dogs’ Paws for Patriots program assists veterans with a wide range of disabilities by providing guide dogs.

Based in Palmetto, Fla., Southeastern Guide Dogs has helped more than 100 veterans since the program’s inception in 2004.

Paws for Patriots, or P4P, has had a home in Lee County for a while as the Calender Girls, a dance group of women over 50, has long called the program its charity of choice.

Now Dog Days Delight, a new pooch-oriented business along Southeast 47th Terrace, is trying to lend a helping hand by throwing a fund-raiser this weekend to raise money for the training and placement of the dogs.

Co-owner Nancy Kane said she wants some attention focused on P4P, hopefully to raise awareness and help out a veteran.

“We felt this was kind of a neglected thing,” Kane said. “So much attention is paid to shelters, we wanted to do something different.”

Kane’s daughter, Nicole, co-owner of Dog Days Delight, met a member of the Calender Girls and decided she wanted to become involved.

The two women put together a wide range of canine-centric activities, including a dog ice cream eating contest and costume contest, even a pet psychic, who will dive deep into the mind of pooches.

For the human friends, there will be raffle prizes, a vendor marketplace, dog training demonstrations and live entertainment by the Calender Girls.

The best part – it is all free.

“We want everybody to bring their kids and families and have a good time,” Kane said. “We’re looking to really raise awareness.”

It costs anywhere from $40,000 to $60,000 and up to 24 months to train a dog, after which the dogs are given to veterans at no cost.

The program is not covered by the Veteran’s Administration. Southeastern Guide Dogs relies specifically on donations, contributions and corporate sponsors to raise money for its operations, never having taken government funds.

According to Patsy French of Southeastern Guide Dogs, the organization could not operate if it was not for groups like the Calender Girls and businesses like Dog Days Delight.

“They have been wonderful,” French said of the Calender Girls. “Their interest in Paws for Patriots is truly remarkable. We are beyond grateful.”

The event runs from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday at 1419 S.E. 47th Terrace.

For more information on the event, contact Nancy or Nicole Kane at 471-0414.