Posted on April 17, 2023

The Greater Des Moines Partnership has announced that the second annual Iowa Legislative Slow-Pitch Softball Game will take place on Sunday, June 4 at Principal Park.

Iowa Republican legislators and Iowa Democratic legislators will face off after the conclusion of the 1 p.m. Iowa Cubs game. Hosted by The Partnership, the event proceeds will benefit the Puppy Jake Foundation and the Iowa Food Bank Association.

 “As a nonprofit, bipartisan organization, The Partnership values civility, a trait that will be on full display during the Iowa Legislative Slow-Pitch Softball Game,” said Andrea Woodard, Senior Vice President of Government Relations and Public Policy at The Partnership. “We encourage community members to support the Iowa Cubs and then stick around to cheer for our elected officials in what promises to be a lighthearted yet competitive game.”

For the price of $14, each attendee will receive a ticket that grants them access to both the Iowa Cubs game and the Iowa Legislative Slow-Pitch Softball Game. The Iowa Cubs will celebrate the Iowa Caucuses during their game and will take the field in special jerseys.

 For more information, or to purchase a ticket, visit The Partnership’s website.

Posted on January 2, 2023

The Puppy Jake Foundation board of directors is pleased to announce the hiring of Lisa Russell as CEO. Russell succeeds Becky Beach who retired from the organization earlier this year.

“As we enter the next chapter of our organization, Lisa’s experience and enthusiasm for our mission is a great match,” said Jeff Link, board chair. “She has served on our board for several years, and when Becky retired earlier this summer, she stepped into the interim role with ease. When she expressed an interest in staying on in the role indefinitely, we were pleased. Her vision for building on the success of Puppy Jake fit well with the board’s.”

Since 2000, Russell has owned her own communications and public affairs agency that worked with a variety of nonprofits and businesses to provide an extra set of hands. She has also volunteered with a number of local nonprofits and is an assistant boys track and country coach coach at Des Moines Roosevelt High School.

 

 

Posted on November 25, 2022

It takes a lot of time and money to rasie a service dog for a veteran. 

We use volunteers to help guide puppies through five phases of training. It takes two years to instill both basic training, as well as the special skills a veteran needs. These skills can help with mobility. For example, a service dog can pick something off the floor, open doors or brace to help the veteran stand up. They can also be trained to help comfort a veteran with PTSD by laying across their lap or creating a controlled distraction. All of this is trained by our army of volunteers. If you'd like to help by volunteering, please send us an email with your name and contact information.

Because we cover the costs to raise the dogs, we are continually raising money. It costs $20,000 to rasie a dog for two years. This  includes covering veterinary costs, food, and equipment. This Giving Tuesday, we are challenging our friends to help us raise $10,000 this weekend. When we reach that goal, we'll ask your help in naming a puppy.  You can send a check to our office or click the donate button above. Please note #PJFGivingTuesday.

We appreciate all the help we get from our supporters. We couldn't do it without you. Thanks to you!

Posted on August 8, 2022

We still have a few spots to fill for the 2022 State Fair booth. Come join our board members and staff as we share information about the Puppy Jake Foundation. Contact the office for more information! 

Posted on April 27, 2021

A must attend event! 

 

An evening discussion with Rob O’Neill and Will Chesney, the Navy SEAL Special Operators who took down Osama Bin Laden.  These Navy SEALs are coming to West Des Moines in support of Puppy Jake Foundation and raise awareness of Veterans that may need the assistance of service dog.

Friday, June 18th at theRewind  Hotel in West Des Moines.
VIP reception at 6pm
,   Program at 7pm, Platinum reception at 9pm.

Tickets are going fast - get yours today.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/no-ordinary-operators-tickets-150938712753?

Posted on March 4, 2021

Join the entire Puppy Jake Foundation family at the 9th annual major fund raising reception on Wednesday, May 19th.  The fun begins at 6pm at Smash Park,  625 Coachlight Drive in West Des Moines.  (The Sticks Buidling has been sold however they are participating and designing items this year as usual.)  As in years past, we hope that Simon Conway will broadcast his show live from the event!  

Smash Park offers fun and games, including an arcade.  Bring your friends for a special evening.  All proceeds support Puppy Jake Founcation.  Tickets are $100/couple.  Donate online on this site and put "Annual Reception 2020" in the 'honor' line!
 

 

 

Posted on December 1, 2020

Puppy Jake Foundation provides service dogs to perform tasks and provide companionship for American veterans with disabilities, all at no cost to the veterans or their families.

The estimated cost of each service dog, from birth to placement, is between $18,000 and $20,000. The expenses of a Puppy Jake service dog range from: 

  • Purchase of purebred puppy - $1,500
  • Veterinary care for a year - $1,500
  • Training for a year - $10,000
  • One year of food - $576
  • Crate - $75
  • One month of food - $48
  • Training vest, backpack and bandana - $80
  • Collar & leash - $30

Each donation matters. Show your support by giving what you can and help a veteran who gave so much for our country. You can also make a donation to honor a loved one – whether it’s a friend, family member or fallen soldier.

https://secure.piryx.com/donate/A4wJmXMx/Puppy-Jake-Foundation/donate

Let the season begin and thank you for your support!

 

Posted on July 16, 2020

It's LIVE!

The annual PJF auction is up and running from now until midnight on July 26th!  Please click on this link and support Puppy Jake's mission of providing  service dogs to wounded Veterans (and you get a great deal for yourself!).

 https://event.gives/heroes20/items

 

Posted on February 12, 2020

It is with great pleasure that I share with you that in July 2019, Puppy Jake Foundation achieved accreditation from Assistance Dogs International (ADI).   ADI is an international organization that sets standards in all aspects of an assistance dog organization.    PJF began the process in 2014 – and yes, it took five years to obtain accreditation. When Puppy Jake completed the rigorous process and met the high standards set by ADI, there are only 73 organizations in the United States to have achieved accreditation.  Having received accreditation, the Veterans we serve will now have additional benefits at the VA.  Hats off to the entire PJF team for reaching this tremendous level of excellence.A very important milestone was acheived by Puppy Jake Foundation in July  2019. 

Posted on July 29, 2018

#ALLIN

Jethro's BBQ has partnered with the great folks at "The Woody Show" - radio show broadcast nationally and 106.3- to support Puppy Jake Foundation.  For every "WoodyWich" sandwich that is ordered, Jethros will donate $2 to PJF.  The special promotion ends on August 31st--so PLEASE get to your closest Jethro's and try this sandwich!  The sandwich is smoked pork and beef, Jethro's secret BBQ sauce, pepper jack cheese, cripsy onions ALL on top of a 1/4 pound hand breaded pork tenderloin.    Puppy Jake and DJ admired the sandwich and the rest of the team was able to eat it!  Trust us--it's awesome.    #ALLIN  

Puppy Jake Dog DJ with the "Woodywich"
Foster Jamie with the "Woodywich"
ALT 160.3 DJ Alex Mac and Puppy Jake dog Jake with the "Woodywich"

 

 

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