Oh, the stares and rumblings that he got when he made his appearance. All heads turned, all conversations turned, and all smiled at the cute little service puppy. He performed dutifully. We all got the trays and headed to the tables. Not one jerk on the leash did he attempt to make, not a whisp of noise did he make, not at all was he any more then a very good dog. He took a position by our sides as we set down. Interestingly enough he was good enough not to beg, he simply laid down out our sides and fell asleep. What more do we need to know about a Service Puppy that is growing into his own? He really is a good dog.
Monday, December 29, 2008
How Good!
Friday, December 26, 2008
TAG sees his first Broadway Show
The show had lots of noises and sounds of roaring thunder as King Arthur clapped his coconuts together through the forest. He did scoot himself back into the seats a bit, but overall he did a marvelous job.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Sessions have wrapped up for a winter break.
We finally got our programs in line and on track with astounding results. Thinking back and realizing that the agility program had no structure or true direction and now ... it is going full force and making the biggest impact on those who participate. Nicole created a training for therapists that wanted to know more about the handling skills that it takes to run a dog agility course. Three cheers to everyone that participated in the day long training. As a handler in one of the sessions I can see that the therapists better understand the applications and are creating a more effective program.
2nd Annual Winter Classic.
Did I say that correctly? Yes, indeed I did. We will be celebrating our first full year of NADAC trails in the Des Moines area and I do not hesitate to say that it is our 2nd Annual event! Let see if we can beat our record of -6ยบ at the start of the weekend. We will have some extra heaters and the concession will be offering up warm cinnamon rolls and hot drinks. Hey listen, there is really nothing else to do but have some fun and run some agility! Can't wait to see you there.
January Fun Run - Birthday Bash
Its that time of year and we are getting ready for the cold chill that sets into Iowa. We are going to crank up the temperature a bit and have a Birthday Bash Fun Run on January 3, 2009. Yep, thats right, 2009! Its here already. The premium has been posted and I venture to guess that it will be a good day on the course. Hope to see everyone at the party.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Animal Assisted Crisis Response Workshop
We didn't know what to expect when we volunteered to host the Animal Assisted Crisis Response Workshop in Des Moines. Cindy Ehlers came into town with her crew of evaluators and instructors with a blaze of glory. AACR teams have responded to numerous crisis locations including Huricane Katrina, Northern Illinios University, 9/11, Virginia Tech shootings, Parkersburg, Iowa to rattle off a few of the places they have made an enormous impact on the victims of these tragedies. The workshop was more then we could have anticipated. Every section of information, roll-play exercises and in-field opportunities provided a solid foundation for what you might experience. We have individuals travel from Kentucky, Ohio, Missouri, Kansas to be a part of this training session. There were a few key take aways that surfaced to make the second workshop even better then this first.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
'Tis the season. Right?
Whether you celebrate Saint Lucia, Christmas or Chanakuh these pictures would make great gifts for this holiday season.
I just found this link to the images taken for the September Agility Trial. There are some really great shots. So, you need to get a gift for that special someone? These images are for sale. Per the photographer the images that are posted have enough resolution to make a nice 4x6 image. He does have larger images and we will need to contact him for those. Jerry Ranch was the photographer for the day.
Check them out for yourself.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Why old dogs are the best dogs.
Found this article on the Washington Post. I don't normally post outside articles but felt this was so appropriate and helps shed light on the human perspective and why a dogs perspective might just be the better way to go. Enjoy reading and don't forget to view the photo gallery. The images are delightful.
Click here for the article: Why old dogs are the best dogs.
The image above: Jake, 16, like most dogs, doesn't understand photographs. So he's most likely not being taunted by this image of his younger self or wistfully contemplating the heartless assault of time. Photographer: Michael S. Williamson
Friday, November 14, 2008
Need We Say More?
Take a moment and make a difference.
Dustin and Hard Tack on course for Paws & Effects Fall Festival NADAC Trail. The fist in the air captures the spirit of the game. Congratulations Dustin, Hard Tack and Linda.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Senior Photos
Monday, October 13, 2008
Touch N Go
Quinn pushed Speed through the hoop to the next obstacle.
Paige and Jesse are always a steadily perfect combination.
Dustin raced Hard Tack through the whole course.
Thanks to Pat Fox and NADAC for allowing us to compete.
Congratulations Kim and Charlie
Fall Festival
We couldn't have asked for a nicer weekend. The temperature was in the mid 70s and the sky was mostly clear. Even had a nice fog lifting from the grass on our early Sunday morning start. The weekend was a complete success filled with winners and awards. Kim Anderson and her dog Charlie hit NADAC's Lifetime Point Award. They have earned a whopping 1000 points.
The kids came out and ran the Touch and Go course and they all deserve a huge round of applause. Alex got her first run in with Jersey and if you would have seen the smile on her face when Gloria assisted her around the ring...it was precious. These are the moments that we dream about and these are the moments that the kids relish.
Thanks to all that volunteered to make this happen. Couldn't do it without all your help.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Beaverdale Fall Festival Main Stage.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Beaverdale Fall Festival Parade.
We were so graciously invited to join Beaverdale Books float in the Fall Festival Parade. Paws & Effect has partnered with Beaverdale Books and have set up a literacy program where the kids can sign up for an opportunity to read to the dogs. This has been met with great success and the program will grow as we get more Pet Partner teams available. The Parade started at 47th and Hickman and passed all the way through down town Beaverdale and finished up around Douglas Avenue. There were lots of people lining the streets to snatch the candy that scooted across the way and many got the opportunity to pet the dogs. No better combination then dogs and candy. Or at least I don't think so. Linda and her dog Hard Tack accompianed Roggen and me. Another fantastic opportunity to spread the word and have fun at the same time.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Illumifest of Lights
We are in the spot light at the 1st Annual Illumifest of Lights in West Des Moines. Please check it out and be a part of the live auction Saturday evening (Sept 27).
Monday, September 8, 2008
Pet Partner Training Course - Des Moines
Each time I teach one of these courses I am always sensitive to fulfill everyones expectation of the course. There is so much material to cover, so much to know, so much to do that I would be nearly impossible to know if everyone gets it.
It is a daunting amount of information to ingest and be able to turn around and evaluate with their pet partner, complete the packet, and get launched into the wonderful world of volunteering with your animal.
Yes, I get it, ...
... there is a lot to do.
... it seems like a huge commitment.
... you are pouring out money to make this happen.
Yes, I get it, and I can reassure you that it is well worth every minute, every dollar, every e-mail/phone call when you get that first smile from your client visit and knowing that you have changed their life forever.
Seems like a bold statement but you will understand it the first time you get an opportunity to share that story with someone else and know it was you, and your pet that made it happen. It is so worth it.
Ten motivated individuals attended this weekends session and each brought a unique angle to why they wanted to do this and what they had to offer. We might even get a Llama out of the deal if we talk really nicely to a couple of the attendees.
We were so excited to have such an interested and involved group.
Thanks to all that attended.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Illumifest of Lights
Paws & Effect artist Eric Shumate was selected to light it up when his entry made the top twenty of Iowa Artists that submitted ideas for a traditional paper lantern. "Far be it for me to do anything traditional" said Eric.
Ideas submitted were drawn from the ancient / traditional Chinese lanterns.
I started the project in early August, the same weekend of the Iowa State Fair kick off. I realized that I couldn't be a part of the Corn Dog Eating world record and I was sorely disappointed to not get a Pork Chop on a Stick but I needed the time to focus and I did get the chance to be an artist again. What a great project. Paws & Effect is using the lantern to start our first fundraiser which will be held at the Nature Lodge at the Raccoon River Park on Valentines Day. One Heart. Four Paws. Look for details regarding this excellent opportunity to celebrate a new meaning for Valentines Day.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
The Premium is Available.
Thanks for your patients and look forward to seeing you at the show.
Community Service
We received a lot of compliments for what we have accomplished and plenty of interest in our Programs and lots of contacts for potential volunteers.
Thanks to Valerie and Farm Bureau Insurance for opening the doors to Paws & Effect.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Paws & Effect Hosted the AVA Dog Days of Summer Walk
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
The Heart Connection of Iowa
The Heart Connection of Iowa reached out to Paws & Effect to provide a welcome distraction for the kids and their families. We had the opportunity to spread a little more love and joy with our furry friends. Paws & Effect had 7 Pet Partner volunteers doing the honors at West Des Moines Learning Resource Center. We were also able to provide a check for $200 to their cause as an extension of donated time by associates from The Integer Group. The kids and their families appreciated the time to bond with the dogs.
For more information on The Heart Connection of Iowa Click here.
TAG - He's it.
After his first vets visit he checks out with flying colors. He is one of the happiest dogs I have seen. His tail incessantly whacked the side of the kennel all the way home out of sheer joy. He is a happy boy and will make someone a very nice service animal.
Remember: we have a puppy shower for Tag this Saturday at 6:00 at 2815 44th Street in Des Moines. Please join us and bring a new dog/puppy toy!
Remember: we have a puppy shower for Tag this Saturday at 6:00 at 2815 44th Street in Des Moines. Please join us and bring a new dog/puppy toy!
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Breaking News: Great success in Cedar Rapids
Another story to address would be that Greyhounds really can sit even after adverse electro-shocking to keep them from sitting at the start line at the race track. Two hoo-rays go out to Kathy and Rick for stepping up and really cranking out some positive reinforcement with their Greyhound Reba. It prooves that Greyhounds really can sit and they will do it on their own. More hooooo-rays go out to the whole Cedar Rapids animal community that wants to see this succeed.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Seneca Update
Seneca has turned four month of age and need I mention that he is showing his abilities beyond his age. He made his first trip / s into public last week and we captured some of the event in pictures. This has been a grand entrance into being able to offer so much more to those who have the need.
Seneca Update
Seneca has turned four month of age and need I mention that he is showing his abilities beyond his age. He made his first trip / s into public last week and we captured some of the event in pictures. This has been a grand entrance into being able to offer so much more to those who have the need.
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