The Rhode Island SPCA has worked tirelessly for the last two months recruiting votes for a challenge offered by The Animal Rescue Site — a $25,000 grant that would benefit the animals at the RISPCA.

The site is offering, for eligible Petfinder.com member shelter and rescue groups, a grand prize of $25,000. They will be awarding a number of other grants to rescue groups with the most votes — a total of $100,000 in grants for animal welfare organizations.

Voting started on Sept. 29, with many of the animal shelters in Rhode Island participating.

Each shelter had the opportunity to recruit votes — one per day per person.

After two months of voting, the Rhode Island SPCA is not only the top vote-getter in Rhode Island, but is ranked No. 4 in the United States.

The grand prize is $25,000 for the organization with the most votes; runner-up, $10,000 for the organization with the second-most votes; state prizes: $1,000 for the organization in each state with the most votes.

To help the RISPCA win this challenge, go to www.rispca.com and follow directions for the Shelter Challenge. Votes will be accepted until 9 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 14.

Training classes

•Drop-in agility classes for intermediate dogs are being held in Scituate on Wednesdays from 7 to 8 and 8 to 9 p.m., depending on experience level. Cost is $15 per class.

For information, e-mail aussie0397@cox.net

•Beginner flyball classes are being held on Sundays from 8 to 10 a.m. at Alpha Dogs in Holliston, Mass. For information, contact the Weston Whirlwinds Flyball Team, at cindyhenderson23@verizon.net

•The K9 Connection is holding drop-in rally run-throughs on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. Drop-in agility run-throughs are held on Fridays at 7:30 p.m.

For information, contact the Connection, at 60 Minnesota Ave., Warwick (401) 737-2870, or go to k-9connection.net

•The Canine Training Center, 71A Wheaton Ave., Rehoboth, will hold drop-in rally classes Mondays at 6 p.m., followed by advanced obedience classes at 7:30.

Breed-handling and junior-showmanship classes will be held Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m., followed by beginner/puppy obedience classes at 7:30.

On Saturdays at 10:30 a.m., beginner/puppy obedience classes will be held.

Registration in advance is required for puppy and basic classes. For information, call (508) 336-4021 or e-mail pineridgectc@aol.com

• The Key Dog Training Club of Rhode Island is holding novice and open obedience classes every Tuesday at 3 p.m., followed by beginner and puppy classes at 5:30 and 6:30, open and utility at 7:15, and novice rally at 8. Classes are held at Rocky Hill Grange, 1340 South County Trail, East Greenwich.

For information, call (401) 885-1829.

Officers named

Lynn DePrizio was named president of the Key Dog Training Club of Rhode Island at the club’s recent meeting. Also elected were Kim Svehlik, vice president, Dorothy Vander Pyl, treasurer, and Charlotte Jolls, secretary. Mabel Bettencourt was named honorary president.

Named to the board of directors were Beryl Nye, Vince Da Brosca, Karen Da Brosca, Sue Parker, Kelly Stuart and Al Cottignoli.

jgregory@projo.com