To individuals with disabilities and veterans and first responders with PTSD, Helping Paws’ lovely trained assistance dogs are priceless.
“My life certainly changed when Eila chose to be my partner,” said Rick E., now decades into his battle with MS. “She has diverted my focus away from my troubles and problems, infusing my life with abundant joy.”
“In every possible way, Keio has improved my quality of life,” said Master Sergeant David B., former enlisted Marine. “While I still struggle with PTSD, I receive great relief having Keio at my side. I call him my ‘four-legged angel.’”
Priceless though they are, Helping Paws’ lovely trained assistance dogs do cost money. From the moment two lover-dogs meet until the day their puppy graduates, the Eden Prairie nonprofit spends in excess of $30,000.
The Paws in Motion 5K, held at Purgatory Creek Park on May 18th earlier this year, will cover most of the cost of one of those four-legged angels.
“Thanks to all 250 of you who turned out for this year’s Paws in Motion. What a fun and inclusive way to connect with our community!” said Jonathan Kramer, marketing manager for Helping Paws.
“Thank you to Mayor Case for the big countdown which kicked off this year’s concurrent 5K and 1-1/2K. Thank you to Uncle Muskrat, the American roots band which kept the festivities alive well after the race, and to all the vendors that participated as well. We were especially glad to welcome vendors Ashley's Dragons, Carlos Family Woodworks (IG: @carlos.family.woodworks), Normie's Toys (IG: @normiestoys), and PuzzlePup: each owned by Helping Paws’ very own clients.
“But above all else, thank you for the roughly $23,000 in donations we received during the event. Were it not for such generous support, our mission to change lives through ‘the power of dog’ wouldn’t be possible.”
Did you miss out on this year’s Paws in Motion 5K? Connect with Helping Paws and stay apprised of their upcoming events!
- HelpingPaws.org
- FB: helpingpawsmn
- IG: @helpingpawsmn
- X: @helpingpawsmn