Shoppers pause to watch bell-ringing dog

The way to a donor's heart might be a big fluffy dog named Alvin.

Shoppers are used to hearing bells ring as the Salvation Army solicits donations during the holidays. However, the chance to watch a dog ringing the bell drew a crowd for a couple hours Friday at Walmart.

Alvin and his human partners, Julia and Steve Roberts, who live between Brownsville and Philomath in Union County, Ind., attracted generous donors to their kettle.

Many shoppers had questions about the friendly animal.

Alvin is a 4-year-old trained therapy dog. He's a Leonberger, a breed of working dogs from Germany that range from 150 to 180 pounds. They are used for water rescue, search and rescue and carting.

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