Harry a great money-spinner

Nine-year-old Irish red terrier Harry has made a record donation to the Wairarapa SPCA by being the first dog to single handedly raise $300.

His owner, operations manager of the Vintage Aviator WWI collection at Hood Aerodrome, Sara Randle, came up with the idea to get Harry to fundraise on Saturday during Wings over Wairarapa.

"Harry being the hangar dog just hung out here and so many people stopped to pat him," Ms Randle said.

"On Sunday I had a brainwave: why don't we see if he can raise money for the SPCA."

Harry sat next to a sign telling people about Irish red terriers, which during WWI were used to carry messages in the trenches, and asked for donations in return for photos and pats.

"He raised $300 all on his own. He just sat there with his little bin and people put money in," Ms Randle said.

Ms Randle puts part of Harry's success down to the sign. "People would come up and read his sign and realise he was part of the show," she said.

Ms Randle said SPCA staff were surprised to receive the donation. "They were really amazed because it was quite a lot of money for one dog."

She said Harry may fundraise at the next air show and donate his efforts to another charity.

Wairarapa SPCA centre manager Val Ball said the SPCA were extremely grateful for the donation. "We want to say thank you to Harry and to Sara for the inventive way in which they did what they did. That's the first money we've had raised by a dog, it was just great."

Harry's money will go towards renovations to the SPCA's puppy room.