Paws & Effect's Spring Fling Agility Trial

The Paws & Effect Spring Fling dog agility trial is almost here. Download the premium and enter today. Prepare to have a teriffic time — and look forward to a great way to spend time with your pup enjoying the beautiful May weather, too! 

Saturday, May 3, 2014 and Sunday, May 4, 2014

Camp Dodge, Johnston, IA

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It's that time of year ...

It's that time of year to starting preparing for Paws & Effect's Winter Classic dog agility trial. 

Get your premium here. Download it, fill it out and you'll officially be registered to run your dog in the the funnest thing this side of the Mississippi. I kid you not.

Previous years have seen record low temperatures but it's always heated up once we get to running the brilliant NADAC courses. 

Don't miss out. You'll regret it. Sign up today.

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Battle Buddies — Breaking Barriers

Paws & Effect service dog, Honor, gives some love to his recipient, Wade. True battle buddies!

This picture — this love — is the reason we dedicate our lives to providing professionally-trained service dogs to deserving recipients.

Everyone deserves freedom. Sometimes the obstacles standing in the way of true freedom are unseen, often misunderstood. We aim to help break through those barriers, bringing people back into the light — back to living life.

Paws & Effect - 2013 Organization of Character

Paws & Effect was named the 2013 Organization of Character at the Iowa Character Awards earlier this month! Many thanks to all who attended the ICAs and accepted the award with us. We're so honored to be able to tell our story!

 

For more information about Character Counts in Iowa, and the Six Pillars of Character, visit www.charactercountsiniowa.org.

Fall Festival - Paws & Effect Dog Agility Competition

It's that time of year to starting preparing for Paws & Effect's 

Fall Festival NADAC dog agility trial. 

Nothing compares to running the brilliantly fast and fun NADAC courses. 

Ready, set, let's run. 

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Don't miss out. Sign up today.

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Paws & Effect's Executive Director Interviews with Des Moines Radio Group

In honor of Armed Forces Day, Nicole Shumate, Executive Director of Paws & Effect, interviewed with Kate Garner, Public Affairs Director of the Des Moines Radio Group. Take time to listen to this important piece.

Service dog Traverse at the Des Moines Radio Group

Troubles? Listen to the interview here.

American Humane Association, Hero Dog Awards Choose Paws & Effect as Charity Partner

Voting is now OPEN for the 2013 Hero Dog Awards. We are honored to be one of the 23 nationwide charity partners of the American Humane Association. We've earned that distinction thanks to our quality, innovative programs — like our Abilities Through Agility program at ChildServe.

We've been chosen by two nominees as their charity partner in the Therapy Dog category. If Dutchess or Patch win their category, Paws & Effect receives a donation of $1,500. If either wins the entire competition, we receive a $5,000 donation — funds that would help us to accomplish and expand our programming. You can vote once per day, per email address, per category. Pick one and VOTE!

We're also extremely proud to have a Paws & Effect service dog and his recipient family in the running to win the Service Dog category.  Vote for Honor and his recipient family, Wade and Michelle Baker.

"Michelle Baker doesn't mince words. Their service dog Honor brought her husband back from war. Honor gave her children a father that could take part in their lives again. Honor literally saved their family."

WHO-TV Covers Paws & Effect: "Dogs on Duty"

WHO-TV, our local NBC affiliate, came to us in March in pursuit of a story about service dogs and their respective journeys—the story of Paws & Effect. Reporter Jannay Towne took great care and consideration putting the piece together about our service dogs in-training, our puppy-raisers, and our recipients. "Dogs on Duty: Service Dogs for Combat Veterans", was the wonderful result. Enjoy.

A Service Dog has a Tremendous Impact.

Taken the first day Traverse was with his new family, this photo speaks volumes about the impact a service dog has on both its recipient and the people with whom they live. 

Words can not adequately express the relationship seen here, but it is visible moments like this that make all of our efforts worthwhile.

Look at that smile on Roo.

Roo has settled in nicely at the Iowa National Guard Armory in Iowa City. SGT Mcartor is Roo's current handler and has made certain that Roo receives the best care and attention. Roo has attended recruiting events at local high schools in addition to his general morale boosting within the hallways and offices at the armory.

We couldn't be more proud to support those who have served our country.