If your wondering what Goldendoodles and shoes have in common, let me tell you – in my house they go together like a pair #punintended
Back in February I wrote a blog post titled GOT SHOES. It was a story about Doodle Dad’s desire to collect 1,000 pairs of shoes to share with those in need of quality footwear…
What started out as a social action shoe drive with his Fraternity quickly became a crusade for both Harley & I when he posed in one of the photos…
Olde Towne Pet Resort saw it on Facebook and offered to help. They graciously set up a dropbox at both locations for other pet parents to bring unwanted shoes. Soon we had a wagon full…
Then something magical occurred – we received a DM from one of Harley’s FACEBOOK FRIENDS (a Doodle parent we’d never met) who wanted to donate shoes! What a great way to meet someone!
Our garage is swollen with shoes. We’ve got dress shoes, tennis shoes, sandals and boots. We are elated with the thought of reaching our goal.
Jax, has actually started to pitch in and help. He’s insisting on donating my dog walking clogs…
When Jax and I took Harley to day camp on Friday we were super excited to see the box was full of shoes again!…
But we were speechless and deeply moved to find a note in there from “Bacon” one of Harley’s furrends…
Wasn’t that the best? #lovemesomebacon
By the time we set up the #happyfeet Shoe Shop on Friday, April 17th and Saturday April 18th – I truly believe we will have exceeded our goal!
There are so many different agencies involved in the shoe movement, I had no idea of this extreme need.
Here are a few facts from SOLES4SOULS that just blew me away –
Photo courtesy of Soles4Souls
- shoes help prevent the spread of parasitic diseases that plague over 1.4 billion people worldwide
- over 400 million children worldwide live in extreme poverty. Many of them don’t have adequate shoes
- many serious health conditions can be absorbed through the feet
- going barefoot puts you at risk for cuts, scrapes, and puncture wounds
- a child’s bare foot is particularly at risk for infection by hookworm
AREAS IN NEED ARE –
- Disaster Relief Victims
- Summer Camps for Disadvantaged Children
- Women Domestic Abuse Shelters
- Inner City Hospitals
- Homeless Shelters
We also plan to assist some of these local agencies as well.
Thank you to so many for your generosity and donated shoes. If you are living in the Northern Va area, hearing about this for the very first time and have shoes to spare – please feel free to drop them off at either one of the OTPR locations:
8101 Alban Road, springfield, VA 22150 (703-455-9000)
21460 Squire Court, Sterling, VA 20166 (571-434-3300)
If you’re not in the area and you’d still like to help – please share this story on your social media pages, so others nearby will know.
Want to make this the best week of your life? – be kind to someone and see how happy you become!
Welcome to the MONDAY MISCHIEF Pet Blog Hop!
The hop that wraps up the weekend!
brought to you by Alfie’s Blog, Snoopy’s Dog Blog, My Brown Newfies.
March 23, 2015
Harley you are super – great job helping with a great cause!
March 23, 2015
Vickey – Harley cracks me up, when we “tip-toe” through the garage to get outside, he is so careful not to step on the shoes. Jax stepped all over them the other day, and Harley barked at him as if to say “watch it dood!” Hilarious 🙂
March 23, 2015
What a great cause…I’ve got a box of old shoes in my storage shed – want them?
March 23, 2015
Sure! Send them to us 🙂
March 23, 2015
Hooray for community-minded Doodles!!! Good job boys!
March 23, 2015
I like that Deirdre – “community – minded Doodles” – thanks!
March 23, 2015
Amazing!!
March 23, 2015
It’s been a humbling experience Tiffany to see so many come together 🙂
March 23, 2015
How awesome are you?! I once attended a Sole Hope party. We cut out show parts for people in Africa who are effected by jiggers, the foot parasites. The women in villages construct the shoe, thus earning money, then the shoes go to the villagers. Way cool.
March 23, 2015
Flea – that’s my kind of party! It is so rewarding to get involved and help other people – I love social action events. This has been a great deal of fun involving the boys and meeting so many wonderful people. Good for you!!!!
March 23, 2015
What an amazing cause, good job!
March 23, 2015
We’re trying Talent Hounds. Every little bit helps….
March 23, 2015
What an amazing accomplishment! I know the Lady always donates her gently used shoes to charity, so glad that your are helping so many in need. Love Dolly
March 23, 2015
Thanks Dolly, I’ve never thought of shoes before – never knew there was such a need….
March 23, 2015
Jax you’re lucky to have Harley to teach you the ropes. And you’re so cute! LeeAnna at not afraid of color
March 23, 2015
Thanks LeeAnna, let’s hope Jax survives to appreciate everything later BOL
March 23, 2015
Lots of shoes there. We just hope your garage doesn’t have a strong smelly, human feet smell 😉
March 23, 2015
So far because of the cold weather the scent hasn’t been too bad! You and Bailie would have a field day in there doing some nose training I bet!
March 23, 2015
I think you’re going to definitely surpass your goal! We’ve been donating old clothes and shoes to a school here that uses them as a fundraiser.
March 23, 2015
I think so too Mr. N. Surpassing our goal would be doodle-tastic indeed! Good for you donating things you can no longer use. Every effort helps!
March 23, 2015
I still think this is just the most awesome thing ever! And your new friend sounds like a pretty cool guy. It’s little notes like those that really put a smile on your face 🙂
March 24, 2015
Thanks Ann, I was so touched by Bacon’s note – it really made my day, so I just had to share! I will make sure I keep everyone updated as we get ready to launch….
March 23, 2015
Awesome cause!! I LOVE that Olde Town Pet Resort supports you with it ~ I really miss this place ~ the pups always had a blast at day camp & also in the pool!
March 24, 2015
Barbara – I love that place too! They are incredible sponsors to my blog as well as a great place to take your dog. I’m so grateful to them for helping out.
March 23, 2015
Great cause indeed, thank you for what you are doing!
March 24, 2015
JoAnn – I’m loving the experience. It feels good to do something worthwhile for others. Thanks so much for reading!
March 24, 2015
What a great cause! And so happy the Doodles are doing their part to help. Think of all the #happyfeet!
–Wags (and purrs) from Life with Dogs and Cats
March 24, 2015
Exactly Susan – hopefully there will be 1,000 plus #happyfeet
March 24, 2015
Cathy – Would you mind emailing me your address? Wrigley, Piper, and I would like to send you some shoes!
March 24, 2015
Terrific Amanda- I will do that right now! Thanks so much!
March 24, 2015
Wow, you doodle folks are doing amazing! I guess it pays to shoot for a high goal.
And it sounds like you’ve inspired so many others to help. Great job!
March 24, 2015
Thanks Pamela! We are so amazed at the turnout and support that people are showing by sharing shoes. Truly amazing!
March 25, 2015
How heartwarming to see what a success this has been for you, and to see that even the new addition to your family has gotten in on the action.
I can’t wait to hear how many pairs you end up with in the end…I definitely bet you will exceed that goal.
March 25, 2015
JanK – I’m too thrilled myself. I am curious too. It looks like a whole lot because they have taken over my garage, next week we will start grouping them by men – women – children, tying shoe laces, etc… Should be great fun 🙂 especially with Jax running through the shoes as he seems to enjoy doing these days.