Saturday, May 9, 2009

DIDSBURY SHOW & SHINE

The BBQ fell through but we knew we wouldn't be able to get that news out to everybody so should be there anyway.  We went down at 11 am, set up our table with it's paw print tablecloth and started to distribute information about 4 Paws for Ability and Dawsyn.   We plastered the window behind us with posters with pictures and managed to draw a little attention.  Our goal was no longer to raise $$ so much as raise awareness.  

We handed out puppy stickers to the children and doggie treats to the dogs that went by and gave their respective parents an information package about service dogs specifically highlighting Dawsyn's need.   Many friends dropped by a gave us their donation on the spot which was very encouraging but humbling at the same time.  We understand why fundraising is part of the requirement to receive a 4 Paws dog but it's difficult as well.  On the other hand, I was very excited to give an information package to the Dad of a boy with autism and encourage him to check out the website to see what a service dog could do for his son.  THAT is why they ask us to fund raise.  It not only helps us to raise the required training dollars but also educates others about the availability of service dogs for "untraditional" illnesses.  

A real treat this afternoon was meeting a dog that was very nearly identical to our Moshi. Deacon is a Siberian Husky that differs from Moshi only by being a male and having blue eyes rather than brown.  I actually got tears in my eyes he was so similar.  Even Dawsyn immediately called him Moshi.  We've offered to dog-sit anytime and am hopeful that we will be taken up on that offer!  However, in our excitement over meeting the dog, we forgot to ask his owner what his name was!!  Silly dog people! 

The reporter from the Didsbury Review cancelled our interview for Friday night so that will have to be rescheduled for sometime next week.   We hope to have a full story in the paper along with information about an upcoming fund raiser either this week or next.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Hi There!
I notice that there is no direct way to contact you (e-mail address), so I'll just post a short comment. I was wondering what your fundraiser will be like - will you be auctioning items that have been donated? If so, I would be willing to donate a painting... check out my blog at http://thistledownarts.blogspot.com or my website at www.joannegiesbrecht.com. You can contact me at jogiesbrecht@gmail.com (I am a friend of Cynthia although I don't know if she will admit that! LOL)

Dawsyn's Mom said...

Thank you Joanne. I have emailed you with my contact information.