Wednesday, July 30, 2014

'Plenty of LIfe is Free' for Book Club on Sept. 4

The fourth Paws & Effect Book Club selection for 2014 is "Plenty in Life Is Free: Reflections on Dogs, Training and Finding Grace" by animal behaviorist Kathy Sdao.

The discussion will take place 6:30 to 8 p.m., Thurs., Sept. 4 at the Grand View University main campus library, Des Moines, Iowa.

The library is located on East 14th Street, between Grandview and Morton Avenues. For directions to campus and maps, click here.

The book relates how Sdao has developed a philosophy that emphasizes mutual reinforcement among trainers and their animals, rather than establishing rules that hinder the human's abilities to share affection and attention with animals they're training.

According to press materials:
[R]enowned dog trainer Kathy Sdao reveals how her journey through life and her decades of experience training marine mammals and dogs led her to reject a number of sacred cows including the leadership model of dog training. She describes in narrative fashion how she has come to focus her own training philosophy which emphasizes developing partnerships in which humans and dogs exchange reinforcements and continually cede the upper hand to one another.

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Come Dine with Us at the Inaugural 'Tables & Tails'!

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 is one of the laws that helps ensure people who use service animals can access buildings and businesses in the course of their daily lives. Together with local restauranteurs, help Paws & Effect celebrate the 24th anniversary of this landmark legislation with its inaugural "Tables & Tails" event!

Throughout the week, select Central Iowa restaurants will contribute a portion of proceeds to support training service and mobility animals for children and military veterans.

"These business owners regularly open their doors to make dining experiences that are memorable, safe, and enjoyable for all patrons," says Nicole Shumate, executive director of Paws & Effect. "We're humbled that they're extending their hospitality to help us celebrate and improve service-dog access in our community."

You can participate in "Tables & Tails" by dining at these sponsoring restaurants:

July 23:
Encore Pizza
5775 Merle Hay Road
Johnston, IA 50131

Flying Mango
4345 Hickman Road
Des Moines, IA 50310
July 24, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.:
Culver's of West Des Moines
1820 22nd Street
West Des Moines, IA 50266

Culver's of West Des Moines
101 Jordan Creek Parkway
West Des Moines, IA 50266

Culver's of Urbandale, IA
8660 Plum Drive
Urbandale, IA 50322
July 26:
Trostel's Dish
12851 University Avenue Suite 400
Clive, IA 50325

Trostel's Greenbriar Bar & Restaurant
5810 Merle Hay Road
Johnston, IA 50131
July 27:
Eden (during its "Sundae Sundays" event, and featuring ice cream by Indianola's Outside Scoop)
418 E. 6th street
Des Moines, IA 50309