Friday, April 29, 2011

Honoring Steve Layton and Liberty


Tomorrow, a man who honored fallen Soldiers will himself be honored at the Freedom Center.  Steve Layton, a bagpiper for many local military funerals, passed away suddenly this week.  Here he is pictured with Paws & Effect Liberty at Joint Force Headquarters.

You may read more about Mr. Layton here.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Silver ADDY® Award

Nothing goes with a nice Chardonnay like a Silver ADDY® Award.



Paws & Effect received their Silver ADDY® at the AAF (American Advertising Federation) luncheon today at Jasper Winery.

The depth competition in District 9 was amazing and we are honored to accept this prize for our public service announcements (click on the Public Service Announcement tab to see what all the hallaballoo is all about)

We again want to thank all of our volunteers, sponsors, and creative team for putting together an incredibly moving message.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Statistically speaking, of course.

It cost an average of $1010.12 per puppy in the Military Litter to have them spayed or neutered, microchipped and updated on their vaccinations (let us not overlook the cost of the surgical removal of one squeaker....)  We aren't quite done purchasing Heartguard for the year.

Thankfully, the insurance will cover some of the costs....

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

To Serve and Deliver


I will openly admit here that Velo did not learn the following skill through Paws & Effect.  Mike has been working diligently to expand Velo's skill set and we are all impressed with the results.

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Liberty and the Kernel.

Liberty, one of the service puppies from the military litter, got several opportunities to 'do the town' this weekend. Her performance was exemplary in every one of the public settings.



Liberty and the Kernel.
It should be no surprise that the floors of many restaurants have morsels of goodness sprinkled and spread throughout. As was the case this morning when Liberty spotted a single kernel of corn that was left over from a previous patron but Liberty did the right thing and kept her distance.


Shortly there after she was on her side dreaming of great days ahead.


After a long morning of work Liberty was rewarded to an afternoon in the backyard playing with all the pet dogs.

Now that's a dogs life.

We all know deep inside she was 'willing' that kernel to come to her but that wasn't going to work out that way. This experience shows that she's has been exposed to similar situations and her restraint proves that she's on track to be a great service dog.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Who's Ready for the Red Bulls?!?


Here at Canine Craze, we are nearly set!  We're bringing both the Military Litter and the Red Bull Litter together for a proper send off as the new ones go to their puppy raisers.  We've got food, toys, crates...all we're missing is....PUPPIES!

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Thank you PepsiCo and Quaker!


A huge THANK YOU to Cedar Rapids VALOR and EnAble for their support and donations.  The $5,500 they raised offset the cost of acquiring the five puppies in the Red Bull Litter, purchasing health insurance, dog food, toys and all the extras that come along with the new additions.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Guess who won a 2011 PRIME Award?!

Paws & Effect took home a PRIME Award for our "We Serve with Honor" campaign. PRSA (Public Relations Society of America) hosts the prime awards every year to celebrate the best PR and corporate communications work in the community.



Not to be out done by our winning an award, 9 week old Archer stole the show. However he quickly became a 15 pound sack of potatoes and fell fast asleep by the end of the presentation. Tonight was Archers' first public appearance and he enjoyed wearing his Propper MultiCam (camouflage) service dog vest.

What a great night for Paws & Effect and for all our volunteers and supporters.

We know what it takes to make a difference.

Hooah, Paws & Effect!


Friday, April 8, 2011

Fiyero has been placed!


After a few days at Camp Dodge learning a bit more about dog training and public access, Fi was placed with combat veteran Steven.  Looks like they are off to a great start!

Monday, April 4, 2011

Darwin the Dinosaur is more than just a dinosaur.

Photo by Dani Ausen


Paws & Effect joined in the fun of discovery at the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines' Family Series event on Saturday April 2.

The kids and parents alike got to interact with the dogs at one of the discovery stations. As you can see in the photo one of the Pet Partners, Michelle Walker and Lizzie, connected with the kids. 

There is nothing like having a dog smile back!

We are so privileged to have such innovative opportunities in the community to make a difference. Thank You to the Civic Center for hosting another one of Des Moines best family events ever and for inviting Paws & Effect to take part.  

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Archer


We welcome the first installment of Paws & Effect's Red Bull litter. His name is Archer.

The second military litter of service puppies will be named to honor Iowa National Guard's 34th Infantry "Red Bull" Division.

Each puppy will have a designation (name) assigned that matches the Red Bull's call signals.

Read more about the Red Bull division.

Friday, April 1, 2011

Fundraiser at Sticks


Paws & Effect was celebrated at a fundraiser held at Sticks last night. We are extremely pleased to have so many attend and support our cause.

A special Thank You goes to Becky Beach and Jeff Lamberti for believing in the program and putting together a wonderful event.

We must also thank all the volunteers and the countless hours that it took to seam all the pieces together and to Sticks for creating the original art and providing part of the proceeds of the dog themed items.

We are truly impressed by the support extended for a program we so deeply believe in:  the placement of service dogs  to support our Iowa National Guard troops upon return from deployment.