The Amos Family is on a Mission
By Steffen Klenk
At the age of 21, Anthony Amos launched his very own mobile dog grooming service, traveling in a van shaped as a big blue dog, called HydroDog. After finding success in his home country of Australia with over 100 franchises, he and his family has brought the ‘Big Blue Dog’ to the United States.
Over the past two years, Anthony and his family have been on a nationwide ‘Bathe to Save’ tour, traveling by way of RV to animal shelters across the country. Attached to the back of the van is one of their their ‘Big Blue Dogs’. During each stop, Anthony’s son, Austin and daughters, Aria and Isabella, along with the help of their parents, bathe shelter dogs and local pets for a small cost. All of the proceeds raised at each event are then given back to shelters in need.
Last summer, Anthony and his ‘Bathe to Save’ tour made a special visit to the Humane Society of Ocean City for their ‘Barks on the Bay’ event and ‘Skato with Kato’ fundraiser. Bill Hollingsworth, Executive Director of the Humane Society, had the opportunity to meet the Amos family. “His family is 110% behind this cause,” Bill says. “They have a lot of passion and they care about what they’re doing.”
Anthony’s mission to go on the road was inspired by his kids and the will to spread a positive message about pet adoption in the United States. His goal is to reduce that number of euthanized animals and help shelter dogs get ready for adoption. “We wanted to share a different message that getting a rescue can be exciting not just for the dog, but for the entire family.”
Bill says the bond between the Humane Society and Amos family has grown ever since. “There’s something unique about him coming here. He loves Ocean City.”
This weekend, the Humane Society of Ocean City will be celebrating the Amos family and their efforts. The entire family will receive the Community Service of the Year Award, and Anthony will be installed as an honorary board member. Both awards will be given out during the Humane Society’s Silver Paws Holiday Fur Ball Gala at the Flanders Hotel.
The Amos family will also be representing the Humane Society throughout the week, as they are scheduled to take part in the Ocean City Christmas Parade on Friday, December 7th, and Kerbeck’s Share the Love event the following Saturday.
Adopting a new pet can be a fun, rewarding experience. The Humane Society of Ocean City, in conjunction with the Amos family, are spreading the message that adopting from a local animal rescues can be positive and rewarding experience.
