In my career, there are certain parts to it that I absolutely LOVE. One of which is the ability it affords me to help out non-profit organizations like the Therapy Animals of Utah or TAU.

TAU (previously known as Utah Animal-Assisted Therapy Association or UAATA) is an organization that focuses on the healing power that animals bring to those in need. They take their therapy animals to childrens cancer hospitals, rehab center, hospices, assisted-living centers and so on. The joy that these animals bring (and not just dogs mind you, they have cats, miniature horses and guinea pigs too) is so incredible. There are stories after stories of disturbed patients who hadn’t spoken in years that once they had a non-threatening animal come nuzzle up to them that they began speaking again. Children who have been through traumatic events who start to smile again because a dog licked their face. I’m telling you, it’s heart wrenchingly good stuff here!

I first got involved with TAU about six or seven years ago. A very good client of mine, Beehive Bail Bonds, requested my help to promote a fund raising event, “The Squatters Chasing Tail 5K Fun Run”, that they hold annually. I was a radio sales rep at the time and was able to get a few stations to run commercials promoting the event free of charge.

Since that time, Beehive has continued to be my client and I have continued to promote their event, but in a slightly grander scale. I am proud to say that each year it has grown and if my efforts had something to do with it, I am absolutely thrilled about it.

This year we had an additional fund raising event where we locked a local radio personality, Jay from 107.9 The Mix, in Jail and had to raise $1079 to “bail him out” with all proceeds going to Therapy Animals of Utah.

Our Reno 911 Beehive employee and Jay, our imprisoned DJ

Jay interviewing one of the therapy teams

Little man Tate, the Chinese Crested Hairless therapy dog

Even though I had to be there at 6am, I still forced a smile and answered the phones. Chairty will make you do the damndest things.

I’d like to say that raising the money was simple, but that would be a lie. It took a long time and quite a few donations from radio employees, Beehive employees, myself and my agency to really get the ball rolling.  I fully understand that times are hard and asking people to give up any of their discretionary income is a tough thing to do.

That said, if you do have tons of money and no where to donate it, consider Therapy Animals of Utah.

OR

If you live in Utah and want to participate in the Fun Run, it is this Saturday (11/7/09) at Wheeler Farm. You can walk or run the course and dogs are welcome (of course) on leashes. This will be my first year actually running the course. If you hear a funny weezing sound coming from the bushes, it’s probably just me trying to remember why I thought running would be more fun than walking (seriously though I have been training… which means I’ve gone running like 3 or 4 times. Yeah, I’m totally prepared).

Anyway, you can find more information HERE.

Hope some of you drag your fannies, and your puppies fannies out there. There is food and a raffle drawing too!

Blogfully yours,

Summer

Summer Random, sometimes I get on a soap box