A friendly competition between Trion City Schools and Chattooga County Schools has resulted in thousands of dollars being raised to help dogs at the Chattooga County Animal Shelter.

According to the Friends of the Chattooga County Animal Shelter, the schools’ “Battle of the Beds” fundraiser generated enough money to replace some of the shelter’s most-needed items — raised beds for shelter dogs.

Shelter officials say raised beds provide dogs with a clean, comfortable place to rest and help keep them off cold concrete floors and away from waste while kennel cleaning is underway. Many of the shelter’s existing beds are several years old and in poor condition, with some missing legs, containing holes, or no longer standing properly.

Trion City Schools won the fundraising competition, raising $3,018.46. Chattooga County Schools also contributed significantly, raising $2,422.

Animal shelter supporters expressed gratitude to students, families, teachers, staff, alumni, and community members from both school systems who participated in the effort.

Organizers emphasized that while the competition produced a winner, the true beneficiaries are the shelter dogs, who will soon have new beds and a more comfortable environment while awaiting adoption and their forever homes.

Photos of the new beds are expected to be shared once they arrive and are put into use at the shelter.