An Access Self Storage facility in Franklin Lakes, N.J., hosted a charity car wash this week to benefit the Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge Inc., a no-kill shelter in nearby Oakland. The events guest of honor was Daniel, a beagle mix that made national news last year by surviving a mass euthanasia in Alabama.

The beagle was the only survivor among 17 dogs euthanized in a small gas chamber last October. No one is sure how he survived. The dog was subsequently adopted by a New Jersey family and has become a symbol promoting pet adoptions and responsible pet ownership. Joe Dwyer, who adopted Daniel, is a motivational speaker and dog trainer.

Dwyer has campaigned against inhumane forms of euthanasia hoping to enact Daniels Law, which would ban states from using gas chambers to kill animals. The law is being discussed in the Pennsylvania General Assembly.

"Giving back to the community is a corporate responsibility, and it feels good, too," said Tony Apgar, manager of the Access Self Storage Franklin Lakes facility.

Access Self Storage operates 15 self-storage locations in New Jersey and two in New York.

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