Catching up with us via New York City!

Many of you will remember Pet Partner Butley, the American Staffordshire Terrier that we cared for in his owner's absence (they were going to Toronto for six weeks and couldn't bring Butley with them.) Once we forgave them for coming home and rightfully claiming Butley, we realized that Todd and Angie were great fun and very committed to many things Paws & Effect.

Todd returned to Iowa recently to help us film the We Serve With Honor PSA campaign, furthering a really great relationship with us. We caught up with Todd in an interview Saturday that aired here on a local, Des Moines radio station.

The interview starts right at 39:50. Enjoy!

Thanks to everyone.

Just what do they say about Paws & Effect dog agility trials?

"... just want to send out a BIG thank you to Paws & Effect for hosting a
wonderful trial this past weekend! As always it was a ton of fun! Thank you
to all of you guys at Paws & Effect for all the hard work you do to make it
so fun for everyone and run so smoothly!"

- Toby, Tag, Andie, & Mitzee


"My lil' girl had so much fun today that she just ran a touch-n-go (dog agilty) course in her sleep. She wagged her tail just before waking. Clean Run!"
- Eric Shumate



"Big thanks goes out to the Nelsons, and especially the trial secretary, Charlene, for holding this whole gig together! Those "day of" entries could sink any other group ... but not Paws & Effect."
- Anonymous participant

"You host a well organized and smoothly run event ... your numbers will go up."
- Jean, NADAC Judge


At the end of the day we all left with our tails waggin'.

Winter Classic

Our 4TH ANNUAL (count 'em - 4th!!!) Winter Classic Dog Agility Trial is nearly upon us.

After 4 years of use our sand bags started to split at the seams but thanks to new technology and a large open basement I was able to dump all the contents of the bags (lots and lots of gravely sand), turn the bags inside out, wash and dry them (by hanging them on our spare shower railing), Gorilla Tape the inside seams, turn them back to right side out, double line the insides so I could fill them again with all the gravely sand. Fun! Yes, Fun-fun!

The totally amazing aspect to the whole charade is that I didn't have any left-over sand! The bags filled back up perfectly and they all weigh the exact same amount. I'll say so again, That's Amazing.

As of today we have a favorable forecast for a great day of dog trialing ... we'll see you in the ring!

Show me how it's done.

After two years of working towards the goal of having a registered therapy dog, Steve and Moose accomplished the task, passing Delta Society's Pet Partner® evaluation. Steve has accomplished a lot over the last year. He's attended the Pet Partner workshop held at American Humane in Denver, developed a harmonious relationship with his dog and has an aptitude for what can happen in any environment.

We are proud of all that he has accomplished and KNOW that we are PROUD of all of the Pet Partners in Iowa who seek out the opportunity to change someone's life, even if for a moment in time.

Passing by the neutral dog. Roggen is so neutral she might actually be going backwards. (does that make her a reverse dog? - humor?!)

Out of the corner of my eye, while checking all the relevant boxes, I see Steve continuing to work his dog in the environment and around the equipment.

Lastly, "may I offer your dog a treat?"

Get To Know....Nicole Shumate

In the Des Moines' Register's Business Section!

Cy Fan!

It costs HOW MUCH?

Yeah. I'm startled myself. You always see those studies and figures that talk about how much it costs to care for a dog. Well. I just finished calculating how much the Military Litter has set us back, not including crates, toys or, goodness gracious, food. Or the cost to buy them to begin with. Also not included in this figure is the cost of health insurance. Granted, some of this will be reimbursed, but not nearly as much as you'd think.

So. Here goes.

Seven puppies, all vaccinations accomplished. All have solid stools (let me tell you, this is no small feat). They are parasite free (so far as I know) and have been given the benefit of a Bordetella vaccination, too. One puppy had deciduous teeth removed, two puppies went to Iowa Veterinary Specialties for emergencies.

We haven't gotten any dog spayed or neutered.

How much?

$422 per dog. So far.

Not to be outdone....

The Antenucci Family took SDIT Velo for a few weeks over the holidays. They saw today's posting and wanted us to know that he's got a penchant for snuggling in the bed, too.

I was told, in NO uncertain terms....

That SD Gabor had a place in his Sailor's heart and in his home. Specifically, that place was NOT on the furniture, especially NOT on the bed.

Now, I know full well that Gabor is loved and cared for. I knew he would be a great match for his recipient. I knew that only a dog like Gabor (strong willed, stubborn, petulant, committed, demanding....) would hold up to a man whose PTSD has had the better of him for many, many decades.

But I was told there would be limits. And the bed was THE limit. NO dogs on the bed. Of course, the evidence speaks for itself. In a message titled, "Whose bed is it anyway?" I received this photo. Seems Gabor has not only found a place in this man's heart, but has finally found a place in his bed, as well.

Kicking off the New Year.

Kicking off the New Year with our January "Birthday Bash" Fun Run. The day has come and gone in a blur but there was sunshine that shone and barely a cloud in the sky.

Happy Birthday to Bryan and a couple of the dogs in attendance.

Great big thanks to those of you who attended and look forward to the our sanctioned NADAC trail in two weeks!