Moving On

Helping Paws, Inc. — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:58:48 +0000

Last Friday the Helping Paws training center was filled with puppies and smiles. The “Reindeer Litter” was ready to start their journey as service dogs-in-training and the new foster homes were more than ready to find out which puppy would go home with them. It is so fun to watch the foster homes as they receive their puppy and seem to fall instantly in love. These foster homes will give the “Reindeer Litter” their permanent names and these puppies will now join the “Class of 2014″. Thank you to all the well-wishers who attended. The Keeley puppies, Nick (now Quincy) and Nora (now Britta) were there with their new foster homes to meet their new classmates.

Thank you to those involved in getting this litter off to such a good start; Jessie for donating Lambeau’s stud services and the Martiny family and Elise for the amazing job they did raising this litter.

Click to view slideshow.

Christopher and Dana Reeves Foundation

Helping Paws, Inc. — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:33:38 +0000

As we move through our first month of celebrating our 25th Annivesary, we received some great news! Helping Paws has been awarded a Quality of Life grant from the Christopher and Dana Reeves Foundation supporting the training of service dogs for individuals with physical disabilities.

Staff Celebrations

Helping Paws, Inc. — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:23:25 +0000

We took a break from the monthly staff meeting to celebrate Wendi’s birthday and Maureen and Jo’s one year anniversary as Helping Paws staff members. The cake and homemade bread were delicious!

Minnesota’s “Give to the Max Day” Returns on November 16

Helping Paws, Inc. — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 20:16:43 +0000

So mark your calendars to support Helping Paws on Wednesday, November 16 between 12:01 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. An anonymous donor will be matching the first $20,000 donated online to Helping Paws. Double your support!

“Give to the Max Day has been a powerful channel for us to raise money to provide more service dogs for people with physical disabilities, ” said Pam Anderson, director of development. “As a small nonprofit organization, we have found online tools to be a very effective method to reach our donors.” Be part of “The Great Minnesota Give Together.” More information to follow next week. Happy Halloween!

Fall 2011 Team Training Class Graduation

Helping Paws, Inc. — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 18:22:12 +0000

Please join us in celebrating the completion of the three-week Team Training course by six individuals and their service dogs.

Program followed by refreshments.

Date: Friday, September 30, 2011 Time: 7:00 p.m

Location: Hopkins High School Auditorium, 2400 Lindbergh Drive, Minnetonka

Graduates:

Lynne Dorr and Lulu–Foster home: Joe Gadbois and Liz Roepke

Amy Hermanek and Dempsey–Foster Home: Paul Yamashita and Doreen Bell

Eileen Langeslag and Sawyer–Foster Home: The Drummond Family

Caroline Ostrom and Oliver–Foster Home: Dan Velasquez

Sam and Tracy Tabaka and Rocket–Foster Home: Carol and Tom Lamoureux

Sheba – The Great Pretender

Helping Paws, Inc. — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 20:18:31 +0000

Well Sheba fooled us all. She enjoyed all of the extra attention and food she received as she went through her pregnancy and as it turns out, she was milking it for all it was worth. Even though she has been exhibiting signs of nesting and has gained over 10 pounds, it was confirmed today that she is no longer pregnant. As can sometimes happen in the canine world, she has reabsorbed the fetuses. We are all disappointed that we will not
have a litter of Labrador Retrievers this spring, but we are very grateful to
Sheba and her caretaker home, Bev and Herb Swedeen, for the two litters of
puppies Sheba has given to Helping Paws. Sheba will now retire from the
breeding program and continue to live with the Swedeens as their companion dog.
And boy is she going to be surprised when all that extra food goes away and she
is put on a diet!

For waiting foster homes – we are planning for litters in the Fall.

The Circle of Life Litter

Helping Paws, Inc. — Tue, 31 May 2011 02:15:09 +0000

Today I visited the Circle of Life litter (River x Ozzie puppies). I went there supposedly to drop off a few supplies, but in reality it was to get a puppy fix and take a few photos. Well by the time I got there they had just finished lunch and were settling in for an afternoon nap. So much for the action shots I wanted but I have to say, even sleeping they are absolutely adorable.

Click to view slideshow.

Exploring the World

Helping Paws, Inc. — Sun, 29 May 2011 01:42:40 +0000

Nothing is cuter than a litter of puppies playing outside. The weather took a turn for the better on Friday, giving the potato patch (Lola x Maverick litter) the opportunity to step out and expand their world. They were given the run of the backyard, which was more than enough room for them to run and play and chase Mom. A great time was had by not only the puppies but also the people watching them.

Click to view slideshow.

2011 Wag Walk & Run

Helping Paws, Inc. — Wed, 25 May 2011 16:16:16 +0000

The 2011 Wag Walk & Run took place last Saturday, May 21. The weather was a little iffy, but over 400 people turned out and helped us turn a gray day into a great event. Many thanks to our sponsors, vendors and volunteers who helped us pull off another wonderful Wag Walk & Run.

Click to view slideshow.

Puppy Update

Helping Paws, Inc. — Mon, 23 May 2011 19:20:59 +0000

The Lola x Maverick litter (better known as the potato patch) has been growing like weeds and are absolutely adorable. Last week they added puppy food to their diet and this past weekend they ventured out into the world (or at least a small portion of the backyard and patio.) Thank you to the Voellers for these great photos.

Click to view slideshow.