Beaverdale Fall Festival Main Stage.

Thanks to Bone-A-Patreat for inviting us to the Beaverdale Fall Festival main stage. Paws & Effect followed up some talented animals with an agility demonstration and the first real public appearance by our two service dogs in training. Kim Rhea and Sammy took to the agility equipment like it was yesterdays news. They also tossed in a couple other tricks just to show off to the cheering crowd. They especially liked it when Kim blew a kiss and Sammy caught it out of thin air. Next up was Anamaria who took Roggen for a spin around the two jumps, two tunnels and a couple other obstacles. This was all in front of a crowd of 250 - 300 people. She did her own show boating as if this wasn't her first time! The finale was the service puppies(Seneca and Tag) being handled by Ana Maria and Carmen. The service puppies did everything that was asked of them and more. The "and more" part was that this was their first time out in a public setting with a number of other animals around the staging area, plenty-o-distractions and they were so focused on what they needed to do, and did it with ease. This was a spectacular spectacle. We all had a ton of fun. Thanks again to April at Bone-A-Patreat. Helk, having emceed our part of the event I even took a crack at running through the agility course. What a hoot!

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.

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).

The article. Click here.

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.

Welcome Partager

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.

Click here to get more information on West Des Moines Illumifest Festival of lights.

The Premium is Available.

We have posted the NADAC premium for our Fall Festival (September 27-28) Trial.

Click here to download the Premium

Thanks for your patients and look forward to seeing you at the show.

Community Service

Paws & Effects Pet Parnter Valerie Davenport reached out to her employer when their community service fair was asking for participants at their annual event. She contacted Nicole and I about setting up a table at Farm Bureau's internal community service fair. How could we say no to getting the information out about our group/s. The fair kicked off at 11:00 AM on Wednesday (August 27, 2008) and there was a mad dash to the hit of the exhibit. What pre-tell would that have been? It was our secret weapon, the service puppy and her Pet Partner Pepper. Projected a slide show of the three programs: Pet Partners, NADAC Agility, and our Service Dogs. This was accompanied by a collection of music and candy. Marketing the people on so many fronts how could they not come by and see what we are all about.

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.