Warrior Dog was Doggone Eventful!

Two weeks and numerous fundraisers, events, projects and speaking opportunities have finally come to a close!  Whew....what a learning curve that was.   And, once again, I must say that without the help of hundreds of people it would not have been possible.

In the planning stages and getting it off the ground I had two incredible women assisting who made many things happen.  Mary Anne Ryan, The Pet Food Coordinator from Kendall County Food Pantry, and Rebecca Wilhelmi, owner of Good Dog - Pet Sitting were my two right arms, or should I say my right arm and my left arm?  Without their strong support and constant assistance in getting the myriad of jobs done, nothing could have taken place.  Thank you...thank you girls!

A number of schools signed on to help in our fundraising efforts, and although I don't have a count yet of what was raised, I'd like to thank Oswego East High School (Dan Breyne and the Interact Club), Oswego High School (Mrs. Hilderbrand and the Interact Club), Prairie Point Elementary School (Carol Patterson - Librarian), Traughber Junior High School (Donna Dorilio - Language Arts teacher), Bednarcik Jr. High School (Joyce Shumate), and Plank Jr. High School (Leigh Hatch), for all of their hard work in bringing the Warrior Dog Project to their students.  Each school found different ways to assist in raising awareness and funds for this awesome project.  I know the end of school is nearing and it was a lot of work, but they did a superb job.

The Oswego Library and Sarah Skilton were very supportive of the project and purchased numerous books.  A meet greet was held  on Sunday, April first.  Kids and parents came to see the Warrior Dog video, color pictures and chat about this interesting and inspirational subject....and believe me....they had a lot to say!

Jodie Behrens, owner of the Village Grind, hosted and generously provided all of our food for the Coffee Paws event held on Wednesday, April fifth.   We had a nice evening, held a raffle, and listened to a presentation about MWDs and what they do to serve and defend our troops.   Every opportunity to bring the message to others about what our brave canines do is a way to get people involved.  

I went over to Bickford Assisted Living and had the opportunity to bring some fun to the residents there with balloons, a Warrior Dog video, and some coloring pages.   Second grade students came over from Prairie Point Elementary and interacted with the residents (as they do on a regular basis).  We all enjoyed some delicious Easter cookies.   I think it's nice to include those who might not be able to join in our community events by bringing the fun to them.

Thursday afternoon I was invited by the Retired Teachers Association to speak about my "52 Week Challenge to Patriotism" and the various projects I've been involved in, especially the current Warrior Dog Project.   What a fun afternoon and great opportunity to spread my message.

Friday evening the Fox Valley Winery was our venue for one of the last fundraisers.   My friend's husband, Dave Todd and his two friends, provided beautiful music to set the tone for the evening.   With the help of Mary Anne, Rebecca, Elin, Nancy, and Penny, our  guests enjoyed food, wine, conversation and a fun raffle!  I left with a giant gazebo (won in the silent auction), tired, exhilarated, but happy.  Thank you girls for all of your help during the hectic evening.

And, finally, Saturday arrived and we had our Dog-O-Rama at Petco with Save-a-Vet founder, Danny Scheurer and his MWD Nero, who was a huge hit!  That event raised approximately four thousand dollars!  The Manager, Valerie,  and staff at Petco were incredible and shared their store with the Warrior Dog Project, Angels on Wheels Adoptions and a vaccination clinic, all on the same day.   I'd say they had their hands full, but they were gracious and extremely helpful.  Without their help, this event wouldn't have taken place. 

Stephanie Brennan of Inland Management really helped take care of complex issues regarding holding the event at the mall area.  Her help and guidance allowed us to use the outdoor area (which ultimately Mother Nature decided against), which would have brought in several hundred more people for the fun.  She was instrumental in working in concert with Petco to get this event off the ground.

Also, we had several wonderful sponsors for our project and I'd like to especially thank the Yorkville Kennel Club, Prentice and Associates/Country Company, River Heights Veterinary Clinic, Cathy Classen and Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Johnson.  Without the financial support proivided by them we couldn't have succeeded.

Thanks also to the many people and businesses who provided raffle items: Keith's Car Care, Carson Chiropractice, Marmalade Tree, Fox Bend Golf Course, Home Depot, Starbucks, Meijers, Gayle Faber, Mary Anne Ryan, Rebecca Wilhelmi, Ann Brugh, Judy Haas, Oswego Animal Hospital, Kelly Fixmer, Jacobsen's Lawn Service, Elin Rezek, Kendall County Veterans Administration and more.  If I've forgotten any of you, please accept my apologies.  I tried to keep track, but it wasn't easy.  Without all of these people and many others it couldn't have been done.

Also, thank you to Paul Straits of Vesco Reprographic in Montgomery for the fantastic, gigantic, incredibly huge.....posters/pictures.  They were beyond words.  I wonder who won them in the raffles? 

I don't have the totals yet from the fundraisers, but it wasn't just about raising money.  One of my primary goals was  to raise awareness and educate people about Military Working Dogs and their roles in our military.  I think that was incredibly successful as thousands of people now know about them.  I intend to continue my efforts for the warrior dogs and will be providing other opportunities to assist these wonderful canines.  You will be hearing about them as time goes on.  But, for now, thank you again for all of your support my fellow Oswegoans, friends and others.  Our town finally went to the dogs....and it was great!

As always....live an inspired and patriotic life!