ALBERTVILLE, Minn. -- An Albertville dog is using his golf talents to raise money for other needy animals.
Davos the dog has been finding and retrieving missing golf balls for about five years now. He’s been helping out his owner Al Cooper when he hits balls into the weeds at Cedar Creek Golf Course.
"I'm a lousy golfer, but he's a good retriever," said Al of the six-year-old Bernese Mountain Dog.
Al says Davos began collecting other golfers' missing balls several years ago. Al began selling the balls back to the golfers for 25 cents. Al used the money for dog treats and vet bills.
This year Al got the idea to use the proceeds to raise money for the Humane Society after he saw how Davos reacted to an ASPCA commercial about needy pets.
"He’d just cry his little heart out when he’d see those commercials,” said Al.
On Wednesday, after retrieving and selling 400 golf balls, Al and Davos presented a $100 bill to Deanna Kramer at the Animal Humane Society in Golden Valley.
Al wrapped the $100 bill around Davos' paw with a rubber band, then said, "Hey, show her the money, Puppy." Davos lifted his paw to present the money to Kramer.
"That was probably the cutest donation presentation I've ever had the pleasure of being part of," said Kramer, the senior philanthropy advisor.
Al says Davos has found and collected dozens of golf balls in the past few weeks and plans to make more donations soon.