Paws and a Cause

Happy May Day and Happy 1st Annual Paws and a Cause!!! A dream came true for me at Gutheridge Park in Hiawatha, Iowa. I have personally witnessed what happens when people and animals come together for a common cause. Live ... Learn ... Survive created this dog walk to encourage individuals to exercise for better physical and emotional health all while supporting those whose lives have been touched by blood cancer.

I had the opportunity to partner with Iowa Human Alliance (IHA) for Paws and a Cause. Collectively, we were able to raise over $600 for Iowa Humane Alliance and The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS)!

Two things inspired me to create Paws and a Cause: My Mother and Zipp ... pictured above with Zipp a.k.a. "Little Mr. Iowa."

One of my goals for Paws and a Cause included pet blessings. A huge thanks to Karen Johns (chaplain at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids, IA) for coming out to bless our four-legged furry kids that really illustrate the meaning of un-conditional love!

Pictured above: Zipp received his blessing.

Pictured below: A sweet pooch loving his/her pet blessing!

Thanks to Tamia and Jean for coming out to volunteer for Paws and a Cause. Jean is sporting her Live ... Learn ... Survive shirt too!

Pictured below: Mr. and Little Mr. Iowa

Paws and a Cause was a family event. Thanks to Claire, Aaron, Xavier High School Key Club Members for assisting our face painter!

Prizes for everyone!! Special thanks to Sue and Xavier High School Key Club Members made sure everyone signed up for door prizes.

Pictured below: one of our first participants donned his new Paws and a Cause bandanna ... how CUTE!!!

Huge thanks to Susan and Sandy with IHA for all the help!!! Just think, without Deb, we wouldn't have met! Paws and a Cause wouldn't have been as much fun ore as successful without each and every one of us!

Thanks Anne for coming to volunteer at the Live ... Learn ... Survive booth! I am truly blessed to have you in my life!!!

I can't wait to make Paws and a Cause a yearly event! Even better ... Paws and a Cause at a variety of cities accross the nation!