Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Culver-ized.


Seneca got his first trip to Culver's. A favorite spot for frozen custard (far better then ice cream) with all the mixin's and known for the Butter Burger. How could you go wrong with that combination? He couldn't. Actually, Seneca did far better then I did. Shortly after sitting down with our drinks I promptly reached across and knocked over a large Root Beer (another one of the reasons to like Culver's). Seneca took the water fall of soda pop right on the nose and didn't bat an eye even while I was frantically tossing all the napkins on top of the ever cascading fluid and ice mixture. All's well that ends well. And his / our experience ended on the high note.

We had just finished up a presentation to a group of 4-H kids, their parents, ISU students and a few members of the community. The events turnout was far more then we expected and a tip of the hat to Adrianna of the extension office up in Ames for putting together all the marketing and rounding up a great group. The facility was far more tech savvy I am used to. There were drop down microphones, two giant projection screens, computer, video conferencing and the works. What a cool place to show the Delta and Paws & Effect show.

We spoke about who we were, our history and what Paws & Effect is doing for the community. Nicole also drove home the need for some puppy raisers. Of course there was a slide show our our programs, video of Delta society and a open forum for questions and answers. 

The kids were great. They were focused and spot on with their line of questioning. It show a real commitment and understanding that they will need to put in the time to get to a good spot. There was a lot of potential in the youth that were in the room last evening. Not to mention the adults that stepped forward to challenge themselves to the joy Animal Assisted Therapy.

Shoot after all of that why wouldn't you want to celebrate the accomplishments. 

We did and Seneca topped off the evening with a spectacular public performance.

Yeah to Paws & Effect. Yeah, to the 4-H'ers. Yeah to the parents. Yeah to the ISU students and to everyone else that believes this does put a smile on some ones face. Yeah!

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Learn something every day.

Some days you learn more then others but this past weekend we hosted another Pet Partner workshop here in Des Moines I learned that we volunteer for all the right reasons.

Once again the quality versus quantity ratio was sustained for another round. What do I mean by quality versus quantity? I can define it in part by saying that getting to know the attendance of this weekends workshop are all top notch. Each time we teach we are perplexed by the numbers that aren't coming out of the wood work but we are also so pleased with those few that do. To everyone that spent the weekend with us, our hats are tipped to you in appreciation. Not many would have given up March Madness for nearly 70 slides in PowerPoint. To that, again, we appreciate your initial commitment.

If anyone else takes one of our workshops you will be asked one question. "What one thing or two could you tell us about yourself that most people don't know?" We never know what to expect of the answers we get but we learn so much from every ones honesty and without a doubt, we realize why these individuals are the cream of the crop and why they are offering themselves and their animals up for the wonderful world of volunteering.

Thanks.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

I'll sign autographs.


Have no issue putting pen to paper and signing autographs. What? You haven't seen this months Childserve Interactions? Paws & Effect is highlighted in their pet therapy programs article.

Yes, that is a picture of Roggen and me on the cover and Nicole and Cadence on the inside spread. Neat article and we Thank Childserve for having us involved with their organization and getting the opportunity to work with such great children.

Our work as volunteers is greeted by smiles from the kids nearly every time visit. Taking a moment and making a difference is what it is all about.

We will post the full article when it is posted online or first get written permision.

Monday, March 16, 2009


Paws & Effect is pleased to announce our April's Fool Fun Match.
No better way to beat the economic downturn then to spend some time and money on your dogs and benefit a non-profit (Paws & Effect) in the process.

First run is $5 and every additional run for the same dog will only be $3.
What a bargain!

April 4, 2006

3101 104th Street, #3 Urbandale Iowa.

This is your chance to prepare for our Spring Fling trial on May 2 - 3, 2009.

We are also please to have on demand merchandise available for the April Fun Run.
Click here to order a T-Shirt or Dog Bowl.




Sunday, March 15, 2009

Officially Official.


Celebration time for Paws & Effect. One of our crowning achievements has been accomplished and we are somebody. No, I'm not quoting Steve Martin from the movie "The Jerk" but rather noting that Paws & Effect is officially a non-profit recognized by the government of the United States of America. There were many weekends, evenings, and even some spread sheets tossed into the mix and then we had revisions and re-answering of questions and more questions and the effort to get our 501 (c) (3) status seemed like one of those really dark hallway scenes from a Hitchcock movie. The more steps we moved towards the door at the end of the hallway made it seem like the further away it was. I know this is an optical illusion as the camera pans out but my knowledge of filming shouldn't take away from our celebration.

Yeah, Paws & Effect. Yeah!

Monday, March 2, 2009

A weekend of successes.


Its been a few weeks since the Pet Partner training course at St Lukes in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The teams showed up in full force and everyone had put in a great deal of extra effort to be at the top of their game. This was the evaluation weekend with the handlers and their pets. This is the last big hurdle in becoming registered with Delta Society.

As many times as we can tell the teams to take a deep breath, relax and show off their skills is about as many times as I have gone into an evaluation with sweaty palms, heightened heart rate and the inability to keep it focused on the relaxation and breathing, oh, and show the evaluators that I've got control of the situation.


Can I mention that we had some fun times and lots of humor tossed into the mix. When one of the teams showed up in an Orange shirt I knew they were on to me. This team was either sucking up or was right on his mark. You see, Orange is my favorite color, so much so that I was wearing a nearly identical shirt but I did out do him when I showed off my bright Orange socks.

I can say without out a doubt that all of the teams that went through the evaluations put on a great show. Congratulations to one and to all and a huge thanks to St Lukes, the foundation, and all the volunteers who helped us pull off another absolutely successful Pet Partner weekend. Thank you.

A special thanks to Chris for the bag-o-Orange treats. You are always looking out for everyone else, your heart is three sizes larger then most and you always go out of your way to make the Pet Pals program one for all others should aspire to become.