Calendar dogs aid puppy mill rescue
Photo courtesy of Jason Dunkle
A calendar featuring Italian greyhounds Roxy and Greyson benefits puppy mill rescue.
In her eight years, Roxy has amassed quite a following.
The Italian greyhound has more than 7,600 Facebook users who like her page, “Foxy Roxy the Italian Greyhound.” She’s starred in photo shoots and appeared in newspapers and, now, with her adopted brother, Greyson, is the subject of a 2018 calendar.
“Foxy Roxy & Greyson, the Italian Greyhounds 2018 Beach Calendar” is a creation of Washington residents and engaged couple Jason Dunkle and Mona Gray to raise funds for puppy mill rescue.
This is Roxy’s third calendar and Greyson’s second. Dunkle said both pooches are patient models.
Photo courtesy of Jason Dunkle
Washington resident Jason Dunkle with his photogenic dogs, Roxy and Greyson.
“It’s unbelievable how good they are. Italian greyhounds tend to be energetic and playful. I have people asking me all of the time, ‘How do you get your dogs to sit still?’ They just listen to me. I have a connection with them,” he said. “With Roxy, we’ve been taking pictures since she was a puppy. If you start them out when they’re real young, they get used to it. And they know that there’s always a treat at the end of a photo session.”
Photo courtesy of Jason Dunkle
Greyson and Roxy as sharks
The calendar was shot over several sessions by photographer Christine Erin at Presque Isle State Park, Erie.
“We wanted to do (a photo shoot) in a natural setting,” Dunkle said. “We’ve been taking Roxy up there since she was a puppy. Everyone loves seeing them on the beach.”
Though photo shoots in the confines of a studio tend to run a little smoother – far fewer distractions – Roxy and Greyson handled their surroundings like pros.
“The photographer was amazed. She couldn’t believe how well the dogs posed and sat still,” said Dunkle. “We would get them set up in position, and I’d stand behind her and talk to the dogs. We attracted a lot of attention.”
Photo courtesy of Jason Dunkle
Roxy and Greyson as lifeguards
Dunkle has donated more than $1,000 to puppy mill rescue efforts through the Colorado-based organization National Dog Mill Rescue. He’s sold about 45 calendars so far and has covered production costs, so all further sales will go directly to the organization.
“Pennsylvania is the second highest state for puppy mill dogs behind Missouri,” he said. “There needs to be more awareness about puppy mills and what happens to the dogs if they’re not sold.”
The calendar is $35, including shipping.
“I believe it’s by far the best one, with the backdrop of the beach and the way the dogs posed,” he said. “Everyone who has ordered one just loves it.”
Dunkle is not sure if Roxy has any calendars in her future, but he’s confident he will continue to raise money for puppy mill rescue.
Photo courtesy of Jason Dunkle
Roxy and Greyson surf the beach.
“Roxy is 8. I can tell when we’re doing photo shoots, she’s kind of getting annoyed. Greyson is 3 and good at modeling. He’ll stay frozen and hold a pose. He wants a treat. He’s hilarious,” Dunkle said. “They both did a terrific job, but she’s kind of tired of it. This is her third calendar. If we don’t make another, I’ll find some way to make the money to donate.”
To purchase a calendar, Dunkle said a $35 check or money order can be sent to “Jason Dunkle, PO Box 443, Washington, PA 15301.” Once payment is received, he said he ships out the calendar the next day.