MOUNT VERNON — The Caring About Canines organization, founded by Kim Humbert and Jill Kurpyl to raise funds to build a dog run at the Knox County Animal Shelter, brought in $1,104 for the project on Saturday at a dog wash held at the shelter.

Earlier this year, Kurpyl and Humbert, who volunteer at the shelter, recognized the need for a large fenced run for dogs that are being socialized, are not yet trained to walk on a leash or have built up so much energy from being kenneled for weeks that volunteers are unable to handle them.

“We decided we needed a run, and we decided to build it,” said Humbert, adding that the dog wash was the idea of her friend, Monica Hunnicut, who told her that everyone wants a clean dog, but no one likes to wash them or trim their toenails.

Dog owners donated at least $10 to have their dogs washed, rinsed, dried with towels and a blow-dryer, brushed and a festive bow tied around their necks. For an additional $5, nails were clipped, too. Dog owners could relax in the shade and have a snack while they waited.

From 10 a.m. until after 2 p.m., the shelter’s parking lot was crowded with people, cars and more than 50 dogs checking each other out. Some of the canines were not fond of water or of having their paws touched, putting the many volunteers through their paces as patient dog-lovers.

Members of a Mount Vernon High School social studies class, taught by Jan Quinn, and the MVHS Key Club, led by Kathy White, contributed students to the project; other students participated on their own. Regular shelter and Knox County Humane Society volunteers were there, as were community members. Many wore Caring About Canines T-shirts.

The dogs housed at the shelter also received a special gift, because the surplus of volunteers had time to walk the dogs around the grounds, give them sunshine and attention, and even bathe them.

Kurpyl and Humbert said their fundraising goal is $8,000; they’ve received an estimate of $5,700 for fencing materials, and the remainder will be spent on gravel and concrete. Labor, they said, will be donated. Before Saturday, they had raised $3,000; the dog wash put the organization at 50 percent of its goal.

“Everything we do, we take out of our own pockets,” said Humbert. “The T-shirts alone cost us $300.

“We bring things from home to use,” she added, pointing to hoses, spray nozzles, children’s swimming pools, tubs and brushes the volunteers were using. “When we need signs or dog treats, we pay for those ourselves.”

“All the money raised goes to the dog run,” said Kurpyl.

Dog breeds seen at the event ranged from a Bull Mastiff, a deaf Great Dane and a long-legged Airedale to Chihuahuas, Pekingese and other toy breeds that could be carried. A few dogs wore muzzles, just in case, but no fights broke out. Participants could go inside the shelter to see the dogs available for adoption; one blue-eyed Husky was adopted by a family.

Adoptable dogs can be seen at the shelter, 285 Columbus Road, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Photos can be viewed at www.knoxhumanesociety.org/adoptdogs.shtml.