“The Paws Cause” at 2014 AQHYA World Show and Reichert Celebration
Logo courtesy of TPC. Designed by Jennifer Horton.
By: Brittany Bevis
Horse people are dog people too. It’s a fact that’s plain to see by the countless canines roaming around the fairgrounds at any given horse show. Whether your perfect pooch is a cuddly Corgi or a sweet Shepard, these four-legged companions provide equestrians with love, security, and protection while we’re away from home.
Many a horse enthusiast will admit, that more than once, they’ve headed home from a horse show with an extra canine in the back of the truck. This familiar blending of equine and canine sparked an idea for Ruth Ellen of The Horse Source. As a result, she is spearheading a dog adoption/rescue event she calls, The Paws Cause, which she hopes to have in conjunction with some of the country’s major horse shows.
“Every horse show person, that I know, has rescued some dog, either from a shelter, from the streets, or from the barn at a show,” Ellen says. “I thought it would be a great idea to bring a dog adoption event to the horse shows. Millions of dogs are euthanized every year. How many dogs’ lives can we save with this event?”
After presenting her idea to show management at the Reichert Celebration, JR Reichert immediately jumped on board and The Paws Cause began to gain momentum.
“From that moment on, with JR’s enormous support, The Paws Cause took shape,” Ellen says. “It will be held on each of the three weekends of the Celebration (August 16th and 17th, 23rd and 24th, and 30th and 31st). The dogs will have an entirely air conditioned area. When the Humane Society said they would come with their semi, but some of the dogs would have to be outside, JR said he would provide those dogs with Porta Coolers. To date, we have nine rescue groups participating and are waiting for affirmative answers from at least ten more.”
You want to take me home, don’t you? EquineChronicle.com photo.
Next, Ellen met with the manager of AQHYA and Youth Development, Robin Alden, during the AQHA Convention. The initial response was enthusiastic and positive.
“Although it took two months of writing letters and making phone calls, last week, AQHA gave approval for The Paws Cause to be held on August 3rd at the AQHA Youth World Show. Special thanks to Pete Kyle! We have just started to contact rescue groups in and around Oklahoma City.”
Currently, Ellen is looking for dog rescue or adoption groups in the Dallas-Fort Worth and Oklahoma City area who might be interested in attending The Paws Cause at the Reichert Celebration or AQHYA World Show in August. She is also looking for volunteers willing to assist with set-up and daily activities. Sounds like a great way for youth club members to get some extra hours of community service…
“At each of the venues, I will provide extra volunteers to help the rescue group volunteers with walking, watering, and cleaning up. Bandanas are being made with the TPC logo and ‘Adopt Me’ on them. Any time the dogs are out of their crates or pens, they’ll wear a bandana to raise awareness of their presence. There will be Pooch Parades to show off the adoptable dogs.”
“Please help us find at least 50 great homes for 50 great dogs….75? 100?”
The success of The Paws Cause depends largely on participation from our horse show friends. You can help out by either volunteering for the event, contacting local rescue groups, or simply spreading the word by sharing this article.
