Woof its Wednesday !
We are half way through the month and the year is speeding by, I cannot believe it.
We have been busy as always Layla keeping me on my toes raring to go some where all the time, she is a busy bee for an 11 year old and I love it and would not change it for anything.
On Saturday I volunteered like I always do but kept it slow also so we would have more energy for the big day which was Sunday.
On Sunday we left the house at about 8 in the morning to get there on time plus depending on public transport I would rather be early than late.
Layla was in her element as we were riding the tram which she loves so it was a great way to start the day. We had to walk down hill from there to Golden Gate Park – Robin Williams Meadow where it was all happening.
There were loads of people, different booths, each organization had its own booth where they had set up snacks, etc for their walkers. We also had to sign in and I got a baseball cap, t-shirt and badge as a thank you for raising the money that I did. I also received an invite to the party afterwards but I did not go as Layla was tired and so was I.
Why is this event so important – With what is happening in the world today Organizations are having problems with funding and to keep them going every dollar helps so being able to get people to sponsor me, helps an Organization keep on doing the amazing work they do.
Why the Shanti Project – PAWS (Pets Are Wonderful Support) are part of the Shanti Project and as we are clients of theirs it is my way of giving back to them. They are an incredible organization and I do not know where I would be without them today. I have been with them since I had Baby, they helped me when she passed away, and they have been with Layla ever since.
What is the Shanti Project : Shanti Project exists to enhance the health, quality of life and well-being of people with terminal, life-threatening or disabling illnesses or conditions. Through a continuum of services, including in-home and onsite patient and care navigation, emotional and practical support and preserving the human-animal bond, Shanti strives to achieve the highest medical and quality of life outcomes for San Francisco’s most vulnerable.
Shanti is a Sanskrit word meaning “inner peace” or “tranquility”. It is an appropriate name since, ultimately, all of Shanti’s direct service and educational programs are aimed at easing the burdens and improving the well-being of people in difficult life situations.
The mission of PAWS is to preserve, support and nurture the human-animal bond for those most vulnerable in our community.
As a Domestic Violence Survivor this organization have become my rock in many many ways and have helped me become who I am today and therefore being able to walk the AIDS WALK and raise some money for them makes me feel great as I love giving back and this is one way I can do it with a smile on my face.
What is really unique about the walk also is that it is diverse, you will find kids walking, elderly people walking and of course the dogs walking so it makes it to be a fun family day for everyone. As you walk you have volunteers cheering you on, stands with water and other goodies, bands playing music, dancers and of course the natural beauty of the park.
Layla trotted along most of the way in her pink cooling vest which was great as I did not have to worry about her over heating although the weather was cool, I carried her backpack for emergencies LOL and I think when we got to the last mile is when she started lagging a bit so I put her in the backpack and carried her to the end. I think she was amazing though, doing at least 5 miles of the 6.2 miles with little legs but most important of all is we completed it – WOW.
So that was our Sunday, a long busy day but well worth it as I loved the walk in nature at a great easy pace chatting with a friend but giving back to the community at the same time.
I would like to say a special thanks to the following :
01. All my friends that had faith in me and sponsored me, you are all heroes
02 Jones Natural Chews who donated to Layla and Shanti lots of treats so no dog would starve and what was left over thanks to you has been put into the PAWS Pet food bank for others to enjoy.
03. Cool Aid for sponsoring Layla with the cooling vest, what a wonderful gift keeping her cool and comfortable during the walk – love this vest and would highly recommend it to everyone.
04. Last but not least, The Shanti Project, you are all amazing, no words can describe my gratitude for all you do and a special thanks for helping me get home after the walk with a ride.
Layla is off to her box to sleep after reading this through with me and I am drinking coffee,
Have a wonderful week all, take care and thank you for reading our blog this week,
Woof with love
Layla and Me