Kissing booth helps raise money for ill dogs

Benson the dog normally saves his kisses for owner Marsha Panuce of East County.

On Oct. 11, he made an exception, giving a smooch to anyone who would pay as part of a Tips for Tails charity bartending fundraiser at the Polo Grill and Bar for Donte’s Den, a nonprofit that cares for canines separated from their owners due to illness, injury or abandonment.

The event raised about $4,500, which will be used to care for the rescue’s critically ill dogs.