Hi Tripawds family I've missed you! A quick update on Barret and I: We're good. We're not enjoying the frigid temps, and the grad school class I am in right now is pretty much sucking the life out of me. Only 4 more weeks of this class to go.. I'm like the little train that could "I think I can I think I can..." lol!

Before I get to the Pawlympics details, here's a recent pic of my handsome Barret. I am getting a new camera any day now and I can't WAIT to use it!

OK, so the main reason for my posting

Long story short, the company I work for helped found an animal rescue organization called Lancaster CARES early last year after our local humane league went "no kill", which in this case was a bad thing because it meant they were turning away all dogs or cats unless they had openings. We were finding abandoned dogs and cats all around. Pet Pantry (a part of CARES) main mission is to keep pets in homes who can no longer provide care  by giving food, supplies and offering low cost spays/neuters and vaccinations to families in need. We also work with several of the smaller rescues in the area to promote adoption over puppy mill or pet shop dogs.

Last year was the first annual Proud Pet Day. We had a big open field by the store filled with rescues, vendors, local pet clubs & organizations. We filled a truckload of dog food to donate... It was a blast! We had over 1000 people attend and with the organization growing so much larger than we thought we want to make this year's event even bigger. 

We had our first planning meeting last night. The veterinarian that works with our organization is trying to organize a "special Olympics" for specially-abled pets. Well, my face lit up like a Christmas tree and the chairperson from TPP said - well I know that young woman behind you would love to help organize it - she has a tripawd!

I talked with Bryan for a little while after and it is our dream that eventually this Pawlympics would take on a life of its own and become a huge event for folks all over the area. 

So, we're in the early stages of planning this year's event, but we need ideas! This year we want to bring attention to tripawds and other dogs with disabilities and show that they can still lead full and happy lives. They're not damaged and shouldn't be overlooked when planning to adopt a pet, cancer isn't a death sentence, etc.. 

So, fellow Tripawd moms and dads... I need your ideas. What kind of events could we do? How can we recruit our "athletes"? I only know of one other tripawd in my area (oddly enough, her momma works here too). Any and all ideas or resources you have would be wonderful to help us organize this event. Its going to be sooo much fun!

Thanks, Heather & Barret