Books have gone to the dogs at Norwalk Public Library

We're happy to share that our newest literacy program has started! Read more about it:

http://indianolarecordherald.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090617/INDIANOLA01/90617023/1138

Whats could be better than getting a new puppy?

See the answer for yourself.

Easy Come, Not-So-Easy Go....

It is a big week in the Angel's home with Seneca preparing for placement and Keeper just starting his puppy-raising adventures. It won't be often that the service dogs cross paths, but look at what happens when they do!

A big welcome to Keeper and huge thanks to Seneca for making his transition a little bit easier.

A Theater Lovin' Dog.

Back no more then a week in Des Moines and Tag had a hankerin' for the theater. So, we took him to the Des Moines Social Club's performance of The Twelfth Labor at the Side Show Lounge!

Tag, with his regular theater behavior of "I'm-not-so-sure-this-could-be-coconuts," got a bit animated - if only a moment - when the mother of this turn of century household was takin' care of the cat! Yes, the cat killed one of the chickens and had to be takin' care of (the cat in this part was a stuffed toy animal that looked like a cat). Tag perked up during this scene but quickly recovered and went back to his "Don't Pet Me - Sleepin' " position.

Tag really does enjoy the theater shows. If you don't believe, just ask him.

Mssr. ParTAGer

Tag has gotten many more miles and lot of experiences under his collar. The dog swap happened in Louisville, Kentucky. A beautiful town on the Ohio river basin and home to the start of Lewis and Clark's cross country expedition. When we left he was just a puppy; now he's grown into a young adult. He gained a ton of skills while on the road. He can open and close doors! He can fetch/retrieve the phone (things change when it rings!). He can pick objects off the floor and hand them back to the handler. He can chase the tennis ball till your arm falls off from chucking it into the fields. A HUGE thanks to the Reed-Ceveris family for all the time, effort, energy, training and love they've invested in Tag.

Tag got to go swimming in the Louisville City Park fountain. Apparently this spot is a heavenly treat for dogs and kids! Shortly after the swim, Tag got to visit a really cool veterinarian (Downtown Animal Hospital) so he could get looked at and get some more of that heart and tick stuff. Nobody likes the creepy crawlies!

Tag is already preparing for his next adventure. He will be traveling to Denver, Colorado! We are all jealous and living vicariously through Tag's Excellent Adventures.

Thank you Heidi and Meredith Corporation!

Volunteer Heidi Parcel has gone far beyond volunteering in the agility program at ChildServe.  Through her employer, Meredith Corporation, she was able to secure funding to offset some of the expenses related to the programs we offer.  Thanks, again, for supporting us with both your time, commitment and energy.

Bow WOWing in Missouri

Heddie Leger is a Paws & Effect volunteer in Missouri who participates in a R.E.A.D. program with her two dogs.  Heddie has graciously shared photos from their end of the school year celebration in which each child received a medal for their efforts and improvement.  Paws & Effect was able to provide a free book for each of the 30 children involved in this year's program.

More Tag Video

Behind the Agility Curtain ...

What does it take to host an Agility trial? Let's find out....

It is a ton (if you include loading and unloading all the equipment, tunnel bags, setting up the fence, cranking up the software, and organizing the volunteers, its probably more then a ton) of work to make this show happen without a hitch. 

Of course, there will always be the hiccups along the road but we applaud everyone that puts so much into hosting these trials so EVERYONE can just have FUN! 

Congratulations Cheryl & Kylie on your NATCH! and to Bob & Potter for your 1000 lifetime points award.

See you in August. 

Tag is OK for Service!

Tag had is eyes examined today in Boston and was given a clean bill of health.  He also got to travel to Ikea, CVS and the pet store.  Sounds like things are going well out east.