Desiree's drive to help the SPCA came from 6-year-old Princess Pippa, her English bull terrier.
"I can't imagine anything bad happening to her and having an animal is a commitment, like having a child.
"For all those animals out there without a voice, I do all I can," she said.
"I was fortunate our community supported me with such enthusiasm and generosity for such a good cause."
Desire baked and sold 200 cupcakes at two stalls at Dannevirke New World and The Warehouse, juggling her baking with her 60-hours of university study and a part-time weekend job.
"My friends, Amber and John, helped with the stalls because it was crazy trying to fit everything in," she said.
Desiree put in a 40-hour week, making all the containers, baking and icing her cupcakes, including special dog-friendly cupcakes, taste-tested by Pippa.
"It was a big job for one person, but now it's over, I realise it definitely was worth it," she said.
At her two stalls, Desiree also received donations of food and blankets which were delivered to the Dannevirke SPCA.
Laura Phillips, the animal-welfare inspector for the Dannevirke SPCA, said Desiree's effort was amazing.
"Thank you to everyone in Dannevirke who supported her and the volunteers selling cupcakes at our Op Shop on High St," she said.
Desiree also sold raffle tickets and the winners were: Dave Harris, food hamper; Gloria Smith, teddy and chocolates, and Boston, who guessed the weight of the lolly jar and Allie-Kate Jocelyn, who guessed Pippa's correct weight - 19kg.