BALTIMORE (WJZ)—The Orioles are always looking for ways to give back to the community, and on Wednesday they enlisted some four-legged help.

Weijia Jiang has more on how the Birds are teaming up with the dogs—all for a good cause.

It’s the perfect day to play at Camden Yards. But this time, we’re not talking baseball.

On Wednesday, the Orioles shared the field and the spotlight with some four-legged friends–many their own pets.

“I love it,” said Chris Tillman, Orioles pitcher. “I love dogs, animals period.”

Each player paired up with an animal in a photo shoot to create a 2012 calendar.

Right fielder Nick Markakis brought his blue Weimaraner and Yorkie Poo.

“It’s always fun to get them involved, and bring them out here, let them run around and have fun,” Markakis said.

Pitcher Jeremy Accardo’s Westiepoo and Cattle Dog made the cut. And other players, like pitcher Brian Matusz, took pictures with animals from the BARCS shelter, which will receive all the proceeds from the project.

“It’s really going to help bring out awareness and raise some funds,” said Jennifer Brause, BARCS. “The money will go toward medical care and food for the animals.”

“It’s great to be able to reach out, help beautiful dogs like this [find] a home, a caring loving family. It’s important,” Matusz said.

Dogs and cats seem to love birds after all–at least Orioles.  At least for now.

The calendars will be finished in early July and sold for $15 each.

It’s the third year the Orioles have used them to raise money for animal shelters.

Nearly all the BARCS dogs and cats featured in the calendar are up for adoption and, of course, there are many others.