Working Dogs Need Retirement, Too

Max - NK9WD Mascot   

According to the National K-9 Working Dog, Inc organization, the majority of the dogs that serve to protect the general public are discharged from duty with no benefits.  The lucky ones get adopted by their human partners while the not so fortunate are put to sleep.  

The National K-9 Working Dog was established to help working and retired police, search and rescue, and service dog adoptive families with the expenses that go with keeping such a dog comfortable in their retirement years.  They believe that no retired working dog should ever have to suffer discomfort or premature death because of a lack of financial support.

They are creating a national database registry for all working dogs.  Once identified these dogs can be given the equipment and care necessary to protect their lives and wellbeing.  In addition the Nk9WD conducts public awareness workshops and events to educate the public about service dogs, incuding the rights of service dogs and their handlers under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Their most recent project is the National K-9 Learning and Earning Program which includes a partnership with fifth and sixth graders at Laurel Intermediate School in Laurel, Delaware.  Through donations from local businesses and individual, the children will be paid a penny a day for good schoolwork and attendance.  The money is invested in a CD and eventually goes to the care of regired service dogs that are adopted by police officers.  According to Jay Meranchik, founder of NK9WD, "Our goal is to get these children to relate to what happens to police K-9s after working in a job without retirement benefits."

For more information about National K-9 Working Dog, Inc visit them on the web at www.nationalk-9workingdog.org .

Joplin Missouri Tornado: Elephant Assists in Recovery Efforts

It's not just dogs who are helping out in Joplin, after the tornado hit May 22.  The latest cleaning crew includes an elephant from the Piccadilly Circus.  Scheduled to perform in Joplin, the venue was destroyed by the EF5 tornado ravaged the town on May 22.

Some folks watching the elephant move heavy debris, some thought it was simply a publicity stunt.  Other observers thought it was great.  According to one Joplin resident:  "A St John's pediatrician told me that children, who'd been scared and jumping at every noise, broke out into big smiles and thought it was very, very cool indeed.  Everyone here is very stressed, but let's try to keep a generous spirit as much as possible.  Just look at the volunteers who've driven miles and put their lives on hold, just to help us dig ourselves out, in 90 degree heat.  Thank you circus!"

 

7th Annual Newfiepalooza

7th Annual NEWFIEPALOOZA

Newf get together & fund-raiser for Newfoundland dog rescue.

May 22, 2010
Chicago, IL

A great event put on by a non-profit group of Newfoundland dog owners that is 3000 strong. Many of their members have their newfs trained in search & rescue, water rescue, therapy, cart pulling, grooming and showing as well as other things. Their Newf Get together & fund-raiser is being held May 22, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. Currently they have 195 people,83, newfs & 35 non newfs registered. And because it is so early they expect that number to rise significantly. Members and their Newfoundlands come from all over the United States and Canada to attend this spectacular event for rescue.

Be sure to purchase a raffle ticket or bid in the silent auction. During last year's event they broke all records from the previous years and raised close to $7200.00 for newf rescue. These funds were spread out to several rescue groups across the United States. That is helping ALOT of newfs in need.

Woof! Tucker at For Love of a Dog