The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office has turned a major embarrassment into a positive.

Wednesday afternoon, Sheriff Bob Gualtieri presented a check for $10,000 to Canine Estates, a dog rescue shelter in Palm Harbor.

The money was raised through an auction of a lobby rug that was supposed to include the inscription "In God We Trust," but instead came from the manufacturer with the words "In Dog We Trust."

After word of the mess-up got out, the sheriff's office took calls from dog lovers as far away as Europe and South America who wanted to buy the rug.

Gualtieri decided to sell it through an online auction, promising the proceeds would go to the shelter. When the auction closed last Wednesday, the top bid was $9,650.

An additional $350 donation was provided by the Florida State Elk's Association to complete an even $10,000 for Canine Estates. A representative took part the ceremony.

The winning bidder chose to remain anonymous.

The rug cost the sheriff's office $500, but since the order was placed with the correct wording, manufacturer American Floor Mats replaced it for free.

The check presentation took place at the Sheriff's Administration Building located at 10750 Ulmerton Road in Largo.