Going to the dogs to raise money for animal cancer research

Butters with friend in kennel at Shoreline Petco

Butters the dog, whose alter ego is a human named Shea Fitzpatrick (get it? Shea Butter), is spending time in a kennel for a good cause.

Shea works for Blue Buffalo and is going to spend four hours in a kennel at the Shoreline Petco in Aurora Village, collecting money for Blue Buffalo's Pet Cancer Awareness project.

He will be at the Aurora Village Petco in Shoreline on Thursday, June 2, from 2pm-6pm or until he raises $200.

Butters gives Ollie a dog treat

The folks at Blue Buffalo Company created the Blue Buffalo Foundation for Cancer Research and the Pet Cancer Awareness Program (PCA) in 2003 with three important goals in mind:

1. Raise Awareness. Cancer is the #1 disease-related killer of our dogs and cats. By generating greater awareness of the early warning signs we're helping pet parents take the first steps toward protecting their furry family members.
2. Provide Information. As with almost anything, information is power. The more pet parents know about how to minimize the cancer risk to their pets, and what to do if their dog or cat does contract cancer, the more they’re empowered to help.
3. Find a Cure. Research is expensive. Pet Cancer Awareness helps fund universities and clinics that study the causes, prevention and treatment of canine and feline cancer. We also raise funds to support organizations that help needy families cover costly pet cancer treatments they otherwise couldn’t afford.