CHARLOTTE, N.C. — One nonprofit is enticing people with adorable dogs to help raise money to defeat lung cancer. 

 

What You Need To Know

  • More than 20 dogs are competing
  • Votes are $5 each or 5 votes for $20
  • The competition will last through 4 p.m. on May 21 

 

The Fido’s Force Top Dog Competition aims to raise money for the American Lung Association, and it has more than 20 dogs competing. 

Linda Viner is entering her Maltese, Oliver, in the contest. She has taught him a lot over the last four years, since she rescued him in 2018.

“We rescued him from a puppy mill bust, which means he was shut down by the police,” Viner said.

She takes Oliver everywhere: vacations, family trips and more. He became her best friend. Recently, she enlisted Oliver in the American Lung Association’s Fido’s Force Top Dog Competition. The public votes on their favorite dog, and the one with the most points, or money raised, wins. Votes cost $5 each or five votes for $20.

But there is a deeper reason why her dog and this competition hold a special place in her heart.

She had another Maltese named Andy when she was in her early 20s. She was traveling a lot at the time and gave the dog to her parents. Her father took a particular liking to him.

“At the end of the day, he loved that dog more than anything,” Viner said. “If my dad wasn't feeling good, Andy was always with him.”

She looks fondly back at those days because her dad is no longer alive. He died in 2017 after a four-month battle with lung cancer.

“It was awful,” Viner said. “I knew nothing about lung cancer until my dad was diagnosed.”

Six months later she got Oliver. He reminds her of her father since he liked Maltese dogs so much. She believes Oliver came into her life to help spread a message about finding a cure for lung cancer.

“Nobody should have to suffer from lung cancer and nobody should have to die from lung cancer,” Viner said. “So if I can use my dog to make people more aware, then I am all for it."

The public can vote on their favorite dog until 4 p.m. Saturday. The winning dog will receive a basket of local treats and a hand-painted dog portrait. All proceeds go to benefit the American Lung Association.