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Community Corner

Local Dog A "Bodacious" Winner

A local therapy dog takes 4th place in Bissell's MVP Photo contest.

Not only a pretty face, but a helpful member of the community —  Toms River's very own Bodacious, took fourth place in a national photo contest.

The contest was the Week 11 round of judging, for Bissell’s MVP Photo Contest.

Bodacious is a 4 ½ year old American Pitbull Terrier therapy dog. 

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“She is happy go lucky and loves to be the center of attention,” says owner Therese Weiner of Toms River.

When Bodacious isn’t assisting patients at Community Medical Center, helping kids learn to read or helping adults and kids overcome their fear of dogs, she loves long walks, working on her agility and posing for pictures.  She is a second generation therapy dog following in her pop's paw prints.

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Bissell’s MVP Photo Contest ran for 12 weeks and the prizes ranged from $10,000 to donate to the winners favorite charity, to a Bissell vacuum cleaner, to a $25 Visa gift card and numerous prizes in between.

Weiner had entered Bodacious in various contests in the past.  She came upon Bissell's contest on-line and entered her in week 11.  She was ecstatic to learn Bodacious had taken 4th place. 

“I’ve always used their (Bissell) products so when I saw the contest on line I had to enter,” she said.

If Bodacious wins one of the top prizes, money to donate to a charity of her choice, he owner has a few in mind.  “I’ve been actively researching which animal charity I’d chose if she wins because there are a couple I find extremely worthy and there are so many animals in need; so, it will be a tough choice,” states Weiner.

She seems to have narrowed it down to two:  Hand2Paw is an organization in Philadelphia that connects homeless teens and shelter animals in a mutually beneficial way. Hand2Paw provides homeless teens with professional skills training and therapeutic experiences. It also ensures that thousands of homeless and abandoned animals get the socialization and training they deserve. 

The other charity she is considering if she wins is Bad Rap, which evolved out of a need to educate the public on this often misunderstood breed.  Weiner spends part of her time educating the public about pitbulls.  

Bissell’s MVP Photo contest ended April 5 and grand prize winners will by notified on April 14.  Please go to www.bissell.promo.eprize.com/mvpcontest/ to find out if Bodacious takes the top prize.  Good luck Bodacious!

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