We immediately jumped on board and named STAR the beneficiary of our holiday gift for our dog walking company, The Monster Minders.  (Rather than buy pressies for our very lucky canine clients, we donate something in their honor each year.  This year it was 48 bottles of detergent to PAWS and $500 to STAR to jump-start the facility.)  We are thrilled to have another no-kill facility in Philly.

STAR’s Adoption Center will also be the home of Thrift for Tails, Philly’s first pre-loved pet supply center.  (Second hand jackets, beds, collars and leashes will be for sale to support STAR’s mission!  We snagged an AWESOME jacket for our pooch, for a fraction of the cost of a new one.)  The space is lovely!  Wood floors, bright walls, beautiful iron work (donated), and even “grass” (tile) in the kennels make STAR feel like a classy pet hotel or something.  But it’s not – it’s a miracle for these dogs.

In February, The Monster Milers will launch runs from this location as well.  That brings us up to three shelter locations in Center City for runners who’d like to volunteer with a four-legged running buddy.  If you’d like to jump on board in Northern Liberties, check out our orientation schedule.

Follow Street Tails on Facebook for updates about available dogs, volunteer ops and more!

Follow The Monster Milers on Facebook for updates about upcoming orientations, events and adoptions.

Team Monster 2011 (This was only about half of our team. The rest of the team were likely off partaking in the awesome food trucks!)

November 6, 2011:  What a stunning day for the Mutt Strut.  As you may know, it was originally scheduled for October 30th and was rescheduled for November 6th when a freak early-season snow/sleet/ice storm blew through the region.  We “strutters” are a tough bunch, in fact, we strutted through three years of rain (2009, 2008, 2007), but we totally supported PAWS’ decision to postpone the event.

And boy was it a wonderful decision.  We were greeted on Sunday with blue skies, mild temperatures, gorgeous Fall color and a wonderful turn out of supporters.  Team Monster was the #1 fundraising team for the fifth consecutive year.  We brought in $8624 for PAWS’ lifesaving services.  (Our goal was $10K – there is always next year for five figures!)

Oliver, Minder Michele's monster sits next to a bottle of bubbly that's taller than he is. (Prize for being the #1 team... )

Most of the Minders were there, though some of our team couldn’t make it because of the date swap, which was disappointing so we strutted extra enthusiastically for them.  Once again, the food trucks turned out, though I missed a chance to grab a cupcake.  She sold out before I could spare a minute!  Everyone was raving about the food and we DEVOURED a pizza from Pitruco’s Truck.  YUM!

Kristi meets a new friend... (This dog WAS adopted!)

On the adoption front, applications for dogs poured in all through the event.  In fact, when we were setting up our booth (before the event technically started) there were already three people spotted filling out applications at “Adoption Central.”  Many more adoptions are “pending” and I think we’re going to see in the upcoming days that many, many animals met their match at this year’s Mutt Strut.

PAWS raised $112,417 for our lifesaving efforts, a new record for the Mutt Strut. These funds will enable them to rescue so many animals in the coming year. From PAWS:  “To everyone who attended, donated, fundraised, sponsored, and volunteered, YOU made it happen.”

Check out more photos on our Facebook Album…

When she approached me, she was interested in how we got The Monster Milers (our non-profit volunteer running group that visits local animal shelters) off the ground. She wanted to know what lessons we learned from building a volunteer group from the ground up, in a non-conventional volunteer base of local runners.  An excerpt from our section:

“We [The Monster Milers] formed unconventional alliances within the running community. We’ve networked with race directors, athletic clubs, sports shops, etc. We found that most of the time, rescues are “preaching to the choir.” It’s great to have a supportive base of passionate rescue advocates, but what happens when everyone you’re targeting is already involved? By networking with the local running community and businesses, we tapped into a huge volunteer base. Only a handful of our volunteers had previously volunteered at an animal shelter. Most of them are shelter newbies, and that’s the most exciting part for us, because we’re expanding the community. Obviously, rescue advocates are a wonderful place to start, but if you can network into non-rescue circles, your impact is that much greater.”

Throughout the book she interviews rescue personalities from all over the country, to cover everything from how to hold a newsworthy event to how to formulate a basic press release.   Even though I was a featured contributor to this project, I’m eagerly awaiting my copy so I can take The Monster Milers to the next level.

Check out the National Association of Pet Rescue Professionals on Facebook or order you copy of Publicity to the Rescue today.

2010 Team

Stuttin' in FDR Park (2010)

The PAWS Mutt Strut is less than three weeks away!  We know there are many organizations that you can chose to donate to, yet year after year, The Mutt Strut is our main fundraising priority.

Why?  We simply love PAWS’ Mission.  They work to save the most vulnerable pets in Philadelphia’s crowded shelter system.  In any given year, thousands of pets are pulled from shelters by PAWS where they are at risk of euthanasia.  PAWS works hand-in-hand with other local shelters and are aiming to make Philadelphia a city where every healthy animal is guaranteed a home.  PAWS is able to do this thanks to amazing volunteer dedication, an extensive animal welfare network, and private donors who make it happen.

But PAWS does not stop there.  In 2010 they opened their brand new “Wellness Clinic” which serves as a low-to-no cost vet option for thousands of Philadelphians.  The idea is simple:  pets cost money.  Unfortunately, many pets end up in the shelter system for nothing other than economic reasons.  PAWS tries to lift this barrier by making basic vet care (vaccinations, spay/neuter, etc) affordable to Philly’s at-risk pet households.  In doing so they directly keep pets from flowing into our city’s shelters.

PAWS also facilitates “Community Pet Days” that consist of mobile vaccination units that target at-risk neighborhoods and communities.  During these events family pets are offered low-to-no cost vaccines, spay/neuter vouchers, and pet owners given training and welfare tips.

We’ve been working with PAWS closely since 2008.  Since the Summer 2010 our volunteer running group, The Monster Milers, has since brought in over 200 volunteer runners into PAWS’ doors to take dogs for a run while they await their forever homes.  It’s been an incredible journey and PAWS is a big part of what makes The Monster Minders (and Milers) who we are.  We cannot imagine Philadelphia without them!

Our goal this year is a big one.  Actually it seems quite ridiculous really.  We’re aiming to raise $10,000 for PAWS.  In 2010 we raised nearly $8,000, so while this is a huge number, we’re still going to strive for it.  PAWS relies totally on donors. They do  not receive money from the City of Philadelphia for the wonderful work they do, which makes the Mutt Strut so important.  In fact, it’s their #1 yearly fundraiser.

If you can donate $5, $10, $250, or $250 – every dollar counts.  Each donation allows PAWS to carry out their work to save the most vulnerable dogs and cats in Philadelphia’s shelters.  And the awesome part?  Once a dog/cat has found their forever home, PAWS immediately rescues another pet to safety.  If we can help PAWS with their funding, they can spend their time doing what they do best – moving unwanted animals into loving homes.

Will you help save some lives?  They won’t make it without you.

To donate to our team simply follow this link to go to our team page.  If you have the ability to donate $100 or more you will be treated to a free visit from your favorite Minder.

You can also walk with us!  We’re always a large team of Minders, clients, Milers, friends and family – so join us.  If you raise over $350 you’ll get a snazzy Team Monster t-shirt.  (PAWS also has giveaways for fundraising levels!)  The event itself is a festive event full of freebies, food, music, dogs (obviously) and community!  Dogs are welcome to Strut with you and costumes are encouraged.  It’s a great way to start a Saturday and you’ll be home by noon!  (Simply hit “Join My Team” on any of our pages!)

You'll get this snazzy shirt!

Many of our followers know that The Monster Milers are taking part in a 202.2 Mile Ragnar Relay this weekend.  We will be running as a team to raise awareness about adoption in the Philadelphia area.  It’s actually going to be a crazy “Adopt a Running Buddy” event – our vans are going to be PLASTERED with adoptable dogs from ACCT and PAWS.  There will be thousands of runners and spectators who will see our vans and the bios/photos of over 35 dogs who need a home, now.

We have our runners, we have our vans and we have two volunteers.  The problem is we need THREE volunteers.  The idea is that each team also provides three volunteers to work at check-points and support the runners.  We have less than 48 hours to go, and we’re short a volunteer.  Can you help?

Here are the details:  Another volunteer will be needed at Exchange 34, Paddy Kennedys on Route 115 in Blakeslee, PA 18610, just two stops from the finish line and at the top of a pretty brutal hill for the runners.  We need the volunteer there from 9am to 2pm on Saturday October 8th.  (Yes, three days from now.)

We expect to finish around 5pm on Saturday, volunteers are invited to the post-race party.  (The party is supposed to be pretty epic!)  Volunteers get a shirt from Ragnar, we’d also give them one of our shirts and a visor.  Philip will be at the same exchange so they’ll have a fellow Miler volunteer to hang around with, and the volunteering part is just helping to direct the vans to the right parking spots, mark down the runners who come through, and cheer people on.  (Which the runners will need after that leg – it’s a brutal 7-miles.)

Can you help?  If so, please email us at themonstermilers at gmail dot com.

Thank so much!

Are you a pet lover? Rescue advocate? Professional in the pet industry? Interested in becoming one or looking to get involved? Tap into the power of “Philly Unleashed” and connect with like-minded people on July 21, 2011 from 7-9 pm for a Happy Hour at Mac’s Tavern, located at 226 Market Street in Philadelphia.

Sponsored by ThePhillyDog.com, “Philly Unleased” events are open and even better – they are FREE! It’s about an open exchange of ideas, networking, meeting potential customers, getting to know others in the community and having fun!

Come and learn about our non-profit group, The Monster Milers (we’re the featured charity and I have to give a speech!  Yikes!).  The primary mission of The Monster Milers is to connect Philadelphia runners with homeless dogs as running companions.  We provide ongoing support for PAWS (Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society) through sponsored adoption events and running adventures for the homeless dogs as they wait for their forever homes and their mission to help save rescue dogs.  (And we hope to be at ACCT later this year!)  The corporate sponsor for Philly Unleashed  is www.bedtimebones.com.

I hope you can join us for “Philly Unleashed” and bring a friend or two!  Please RSVP on our Facebook Page, “Philly Unleashed” so we can get an approximate head count.  Hope to see you there!

Fun Nose Work (canine scent detection) Intro class on Tuesday nights at 6pm – 7:30pm starting Tuesday, March 22nd.   It’s being held at the Whole Animal Gym (WAG) in Queen Village at 611 S 2nd St near Head House Square. The introduction class will run 6 weeks and will be limited to 7 or so dog/owner teams.   There is plenty of street parking.  (To sign up contact Pat, her details are listed below!)

Dogs love this sport and the best part is that it tires them out, not their owners.   It also can be practiced in small areas, both inside and outside, any time of the day.

Requirements: Participating dogs cannot be aggressive and must be motivated by food.   Owners must be able to bring a crate or a pop-up tent for their dog to relax when they’re not searching,

Dogs have an amazing sense of smell and a natural desire to hunt.  The sport of K9 Nose Work is designed to develop a dog’s natural scenting abilities by using their desire to hunt and their love of toys, food and exercise.  It’s a great way for a dog to have fun, build confidence, and burn lots of mental energy.

From Carrie (The Monster Minders) – We do scent work with our dogs as a fun game in the house and it’s amazing to see how much confidence it gives them.  I swear they’re prouder about finding the actual treat then they are about eating.  (Well, maybe it’s a tie.)  It’s a wonderful skill and is so enriching for canines!

Check out Pat here:

K-9 Training & Behavioral Therapy

Queen Village

Philadelphia PA

W: (215) 551-5254

C:  (267) 977-5027

F: (215) 551-5069

www.k-9training.org

Before we talked about fun stuff (like t-shirts, pint glasses and freebies for runners) we decided to cover the basics: Where, When and How.

Dates:  We had a calendar with most of the local races listed to pick a date that wouldn’t conflict with any other major events.  (Which we think we have done…  We will reveal it once we get the permits.)

Location:  We discussed three possible locations – Penny Pack Park, Kelly Drive and Penns Landing.  All with pros and cons. Still working on permits.  We want to chose a route that would not only be convenient and scenic for runners, but also wouldn’t cost us a TON of funds to obtain permits.

How:  We all have little jobs to do before our next meeting.  Some Milers are compiling a potential sponsors list, I’m trying to get us encorporated as a non-profit (501c3 won’t happen for at least a year, but we want to get the ball rolling), Rebecca is heading up the permits and insurance practicalities.

I left the meeting buzzing with excitement.  Going into it, I found myself COMPLETELY overwhelmed with everything that was needed.  Each Miler brought something to the table and together, the task seems a lot more manageable.  We can’t wait to bring you Philly’s largest (and only?) race to benefit local animal welfare groups.  Specifically Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society and Hand2Paw.

Stay tuned.  It’s really happening.

I don’t bark or get on furniture (when you are home, anyway). I am also house trained.

If you like running and need a good running partner, I am good at that, too.  In fact, I love to run.  To meet me, contact The Monster Minders and they can put you in touch with my mom.

Thanks!

This morning I said goodbye to my faithful friend.  It’s always hard when we lose monsters, but Bernie was especially hard on me.  Probably because I’ve been walking her five days a week for the last five and a half years.  (I guesstimate about 1500 walks, who knows how many overnights of movies and snuggles.)  I remember when we went for our first “Meet and Greet” with Bernie’s family.  They were nervous about hiring us (we had little-to-no reputation), but we won them over.  It was their support from the very beginning that shaped us and gave us the confidence to end up where we are now.   Bernie saw us win our first award, she cheered me up when my grandfather died, and when we got a scary diagnosis for my mom’s cancer, she’s seen me on good days, on bad days, rainy days, heat wave days, on happy days, on sad days.  She’s been everything a friend should be.  Faithful.  Reliable.  Constant.

That’s what makes our job so special.  Yes, we get paid for what we do.  And to pretend that this wasn’t a business would be silly.  But these monsters are our friends.  Every day we are greeted with the utmost excitement and joy by them when we arrive.  They trust us and we trust them.  We get to know them as well as we know our own dogs.  So much that I’m still in denial that I won’t be able to watch Bernie nose-dive into the snow every time a storm hits, I won’t get to see her scarf her lunch down in about .32 seconds and then check the floor to make sure there are no run-away kibble pieces, I won’t get to kiss her on the top of the head everyday after our walk and say, “See you tomorrow Bernie-girl.”  It’s heart wrenching when we have to say goodbye.

But then I walked Macey.  (Another dog I’ve been walking for five years.)  When I arrived she immediately jumped up on her couch and rolled over for her (expected) “hello-how-are-you-doing” belly rub that she knows she’s going to get whenever I walk through the door.  Once outside she decided that she wanted to lay down in just about every snow bank she saw.  We had to stop every 50 feet because Macey seemed to think the freezing snow banks we’re as comfortable as her warm couch at home.  And despite my blue mood after saying goodbye to Bernie in the wee-hours this morning, I was cheered up by yet another one of my magical, daily monster friends.  (Thanks for that Macey.  I really needed it today.)  And I guess that’s why I love being a Monster Minder.

I love you Bernie.  And I always will.  Thank you for being my friend.