Colleen Roberts “Walk ‘n Rolled” with her dog, Oatlyn, in Richmond to raise money to a cause near and dear to her.

The DogFest Walk ‘n Roll event raises money for the Canine Companions for Independence (CCI), an organization with which Roberts has been involved for 12 years.

As an active member of the Old Dominion Chapter for the last five years, it’s no surprise that Roberts, a Cumberland County resident, participated in the chapter’s first Dogfest event.

She is a volunteer puppy raiser for CCI, having raised 10 puppies.

The walk took place Saturday in Glen Allen; Roberts brought Oatlyn, a yellow lab.

The fundraiser provided live entertainment, dog competitions, demonstrations and graduate speakers. The Old Dominion Chapter raised close to $31,000, Roberts said. Her four-person team raised around $7,000 alone.

She said it’s important to raise money for CCI because, “dogs are provided free of charge to all participants who qualify and so the running of the organization depends on volunteers and donations.”

Roberts said it costs approximately $55,000 to fully raise and train a single dog, and the process takes approximately two years.

Raising 10 canine companions has taken dedication from Roberts. She receives the puppy when it is 8 weeks old and returns it 10 months later.

“I socialize them, teach them approximately 20 commands, attend two monthly training classes, and write a monthly report,” she said.

She said, all costs associated with raising the puppy and returning them to a regional center in Medford, N.Y., are up to the trainers to fund.

“I am lucky to have some amazing sponsors that help me with food and veterinary costs,” Roberts said, naming Dr. Elizabeth Hazelgrove of Cumberland Animal Hospital as fully sponsoring her puppies’ veterinary needs. “I loved being a part of DogFest for many reasons but especially because our chapter is comprised of so many wonderful people.”

She said she will absolutely be involved with the annual DogFest.

“People should become involved in CCI because these dogs help create more independence with all the physical tasks they can be trained to do, facilitate lasting friendships and, frankly, change lives,” Roberts said.

She also said there is a special bond between volunteers, staff and recipients based on both a love for dogs and in giving to other people.

“To volunteer for an organization that is of the highest quality, is the only way I can continue letting go of the animals I love and care so much about,” Roberts said.