The Westlake Women’s Club recently presented a $2,500 donation to the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation based in Ojai.

“We started raising funds for the search dogs in response to the 9/11 attacks. So far we have donated $15,500 to a local organization that we strongly feel is of global importance,” said Karen Bradley, club president.

The club became the official sponsor for Joe, a FEMA-certified 4-year-old golden retriever rescued from a Colorado Humane Society shelter.

The foundation recently deployed dog and handler search teams to earthquake-stricken Haiti.

Teams also are standing by to help Los Angeles County emergency officials deal with local mudslides.

Joe was sent to Chile to assist with the earthquake recovery in that nation.

Joe and his handler, Linda Tacconelli, along with Celeste Matesevac, the foundation’s community relations manager, accepted the donation and introduced Joe to club members.

Joe and Tacconelli became partners in July 208 after six months of training.

The search dog foundation and other charities are funded by the club’s annual Summer Wine Down benefit event.

For more information about club meetings and activities, call Linda Somdal at (805) 373-9332.