Learning the Ropes

DAY 1: 

My aunt is brewing coffee downstairs as I put the finishing touches on my outfit. First day it screams. Too nicely done hair, make up trying to find the balance between professional and natural and nerves attempting to nestle themselves in the pit of my stomach as I head out to practice what I’ve been studying the past two years at the University of South Carolina, Public Relations.

Do I feel as though I’m going to walk in and proceed to have my mind go blank of all things journalistic? YEP.  

Thankfully my first task is to write this blog about my two favorite things besides Wawa hot chocolate, dogs and putting a smile on people’s faces. 

I learn quickly about the upcoming event scheduled for October 16^th. Previously known as the “Calling All Dogs” charity walk, now the 2016 National Dog Show Charity Walk is my new project. The fundraising event kicks off Philadelphia’s National Dog Show Month! Taking place from 9 am to noon at the Wilson Farm Park in Wayne, PA, pooches from around the region will have a chance to play, eat, and show off their tricks. This walk precedes the National Dog Show Presented by Purina which takes place on Thanksgiving Day following the Macy’s Parade on NBC at noon in all time zones.

If you want to find out more about the show, go check out:

www.nationaldogshow.com

So without a moment’s pause, I start writing press releases, media kits, and more. So far my favorite part is learning about the charities supporting the walk.  This year we have the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House, New Leash on Life USA, PACT for Animals, Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society, and Morris Animal Refuge. More info on these charities can be found below. :)

The event will be hosted by David Frei, expert analyst for The National Dog Show on NBC and America’s foremost authority on all things canine. It will feature a one-mile walk plus games and prizes. Molly Sullivan French, the Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia sideline reporter for the Philadelphia 76ers since 2012 will also be on hand.

AND GET THIS:

 The one-mile walk will be head by gymnasts from the Gymolympic Sports Academy who will start off the procession by walking on their hands with the dogs leashed to their ankles.

Their hands… with dogs… on their ankles…

And here I am barely able to walk on my two feet.

.

 The Gymolympic Sports Academy, based in Exton, features gymnasts from the Delaware valley who compete both regionally and nationally. They’re going to give us a taste of their skills with a routine later that morning!

So I babbled and babbled but after having so many amazing experiences with my own dogs and seeing the magic they work on people in need has my excitement level through the roof! I cannot wait to see what else is in store. 

More posts to come so stay tuned! 

-M

More information about these charities can be found below or at the links provided!

The Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House supports families of seriously ill children by creating a community of comfort and hope. Therapy dogs play a vital role in fulfilling that mission, giving guest children an opportunity to keep their minds away from their current medical challenges. http://www.philarmh.org/

New Leash on Life USA is a new generation prison dog program.  At-risk shelter dogs are placed into Philadelphia prisons to live with inmate trainers for 3 months of intensive training, medical care and unconditional love.  The dogs are then adopted into loving homes and the inmates learn skills and confidence for successful reentry into society along with employment opportunities. http://www.newleashonlife-usa.org/

PACT for Animals gives peace of mind to hospital patients and military personnel by placing their pets in temporary foster homes until their owners can be reunited with the companion animals they love. PACT works with military throughout the world and health care facilities throughout the Delaware Valley. https://www.pactforanimals.org/

Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving homeless, abandoned, and unwanted animals. PAWS is the city’s largest no-kill shelter and operates two high-volume, low-cost clinics serving pet owners and rescue organizations that lack access to affordable basic veterinary care. http://www.phillypaws.org/

Morris Animal Refuge offers innovative and high-quality care for cats, dogs and other small animals. The Refuge provides a full range of preventive, protective and adoption services for abused, neglected and abandoned animals. http://www.morrisanimalrefuge.org/