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What: 2001 Incredible Dogs Calendar

Price: $5 plus donation to Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation; proceeds benefit ARF.

Where: https://www.tlr-arf.org

If you need a calendar for the new year, why not get one that helps a great cause?

The Incredible Dogs calendar features entertainers and athletes in heart-warming photographs with their own dogs.

Proceeds from the calendar go the Animal Rescue Foundation, which helps place thousands of homeless cats and dogs in loving homes.

St. Louis Cardinal Manager Tony La Russa founded the ARF nine years ago after he rescued a stray cat that ran onto the field during a baseball game.

Since then ARF has grown quickly, thanks to the donations of animal lovers, and helps thousands of abused and abandoned cats and dogs each year.

Lisa Leslie of the Sparks, photographed with her poodle Chelsey, is among the athletes featured.

Seattle Mariner shortstop Alex Rodriguez posed with his German shepard, Gypsy, who like his owner loves to play ball.

“Gypsy is fun-loving and really likes to play a lot, especially with his ball,” Rodriguez is featured as saying on the May page of the calendar.

“In fact, he’d make an incredible shortstop. I think he’s picked up a few pointers from me.”

NFL hall of famer and current Fox NFL Analyst Howie Long, who is photographed with his Labrador retrievers, Biff and Grisley, likes the unconditional love dogs give.

“These two guys don’t care about ratings, tackles or box-office receipts. They are always happy to see me. They’re the best!” Long says.

You’ll also find St. Louis Ram quarterback Kurt Warner, cyclist Lance Armstrong, soccer player Brandi Chastain and Baltimore Oriole third baseman Cal Ripken Jr., along with musicians ‘N Sync and actor Jimmy Smits.