OLYMPIC VALLEY, Calif. - A fundraiser for Squawdogs, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to avalanche rescue and education at Squaw Valley, will take place from 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19 at Gallery Keoki in the Village at Squaw Valley.

Every so often, you have a special opportunity to get on all fours and rub noses with your favorite Squaw dog. When a person is buried in an avalanche with minutes to live, the Squaw and Alpine dog patrol teams are eager and ready to be heroes.

Along with their human counterparts, they spend an enormous amount of time training to be ready for the call. Daily, they practice communications, commands and searching. They devote their lives to keeping our slopes safe. They love every moment of it and always give their all.

This event is free to the public, and families are encouraged to attend. Raffle prizes will be given out, and opportunities to purchase Squawdog images signed by the heroes themselves will be available.

Please do not bring your own dog.

For information, contact the gallery at 530-583-1409 or visit gallerykeoki.com.