Beginning on Wednesday, Nov. 1 at 7 p.m., our trainer and veteran Jenn Hirakawa will lead a fun, interactive class to help make your naughty dog become a perfect dog? The class will meet weekly for 15 weeks and cover obedience skills such as sit, down, heel, stay, four on the floor (no jumping!) and much more!
Dogs must be at least six months old. Class size is limited to so register today.
We are excited to announce a new training class for veterans and their pet dogs -- Dog Perfect for Veterans.
Beginning on Wednesday, Nov. 1 at 7 p.m., our trainer and veteran Jenn Hirakawa will lead a fun, interactice class to help make your naughty dog become a perfect dog? The class will meet weekly for 15 weeks and cover obedience skills such as sit, down, heel, stay, four on the floor (no jumping!) and much more!
Dogs must be at least six months old. Class size is limited to so register today.
We are excited to announce a new training class for veterans and their pet dogs -- Dog Perfect for Veterans.
Beginning on Wednesday, Nov. 1 at 7 p.m., our trainer and veteran Jenn Hirakawa will lead a fun, interactice class to help make your naughty dog become a perfect dog? The class will meet weekly for 15 weeks and cover obedience skills such as sit, down, heel, stay, four on the floor (no jumping!) and much more!
Dogs must be at least six months old. Class size is limited to so register today.
Thanks to WHO 13 for doing a story about Zac and Lindsey and their efforts to educate about the rights of service dogs.
Unfortunately this is an all too common scenario: a service dog is turned away from a public place even though his or her presence is permitted through the Americans with Disability Act (ADA). There are only two questions you can ask a person with a service dog: "Is that a service dog?" or "What tasks does the dog perform?"
But did you also know you should expect a service dog to be well trained? The dog should be by the handler's side, eyes checking in frequently. The dog should be under control, likely with a leash. This means the dog should not be tugging at the end of the leash either behind or ahead of the handler. Typically, service dogs are not held or put in carts. The dog should not be standing on his hind legs looking in bins or barking at others. If the dog is disruptive, he or she can be asked to leave.
Service dogs need to be able to function in public without distraction, this is the primary difference between service dogs and emotional support animals. This can be measured by public access tests administered by accredited examiner. Puppy Jake service dogs pass annual public access tests by independent examiners.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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!
