"Tis the Season of Giving...and Learning

Four fat boxes of goodies are en route to Afghanistan.  I sent the K9 care packages this past Saturday with much appreciated help from Matt and T, and with only 2 small meltdowns of my own. Hopefully, they'll reach the soldiers just in time for Christmas, bringing a bit of home to the stark unfamiliarity of being overseas.  But most importantly, I hope these soldiers get a small sense of the respect and pride we have in them.  I can't think of a better way to start off the Christmas season for Arwen's Pack.

Since I started asking for care package contributions for the military working dogs and their handlers, I've seen some generous and beautiful acts.  I've had total strangers send me packages to pass on to the guys.  A friend of mine who is a vet nurse and single mother was the first to contribute for the packages and later also  contributed cash towards shipping.  Another friend and vet receptionist gave fat, colorful rope toys, and one of my favorite clients (Mom to 2 adorable Poms) from the clinic where I work called in an order for treats and chewies for the dogs. At least one Cub Scout troop and a couple of blogs also sent packages of their own!  I sent some of my dogs' Frontline, new dog toys, treats & rawhides, magazines, toiletries, a couple of backpacks, and playing card sets.  

All this will eventually smoosh into boxes...

Another view...

Through other care package websites, we found out that para-cord bracelets are popular with soldiers.  They're wristbands made of braided para-cord that the guys can unweave if they want to make use of the sturdy rope.  Matt and T made a ton of them to send, weaving well into the wee hours of Saturday morning.

para-cord bracelets (sorry about the blurriness)

And I'm not done yet - I don't think thoughtfulness has to be a once yearly event.  Here is my last post with the correct addresses.  I've asked the soldiers if they have any requests or if they care to share their thoughts with us.  I'll let you know if I get any responses.

When Dorothy of FiveSibes tried mailing her care package and was told the APO address was wrong, my heart sank.  I felt like I'd had the wind knocked out of me.  Words can't describe the feeling of dread I experienced.  Here I was, sending people out to mail packages to a nonexistent address!  I felt like a scam artist and a fool.  Luckily I got all the correct addresses fast and I my heart resumed beating, oxygen finally able to get through again.

What I learned from doing care packages:
1) Start earlier  - organizing anything takes time.
2) Triple check addresses - duh!
3) Expect the best to shine in people - you never know what will touch someone to open their hearts.
4) There's magic in connecting with others for a good cause - new friends are a gift!
5) Doing something you believe in takes perseverance but pays off in unexpected and delightful ways.
6) If you want to ask a teen to contribute of themselves, show them why it's meaningful (I'm so thankful for YouTube military working dog tribute videos!)
7) And finally, it's best to keep big, overflowing boxes of treats and new toys on a top shelf - we had 3 snooters working overtime to provide K9 care package quality control.

Arwen's Pack sends enormous hugs and positive thoughts to our soldiers in all those dangerous places so far from home.  We hope those amazing dogs will help keep you safe until you're home with your family and friends.  Merry Christmas!

"We'll be in a Sit / Stay until you get home!".  Here's Fenway in his Red Sox starter jacket :)

Super Important UPDATE on military care package shipping addresses!!!

Breaking news!

Our friend and supporter in the care package drive for military working dogs and their handlers, Dorothy of Five Sibes is an absolute angel!  She was ready to ship an enormous Christmas stocking (bigger than a Sibe!) at the post office when they told her the address in the original Facebook post, and therefore in my blog was WRONG!

BAH!!!!!!!

I am soooo sorry for this - I hope this wasn't an inconvenience to anyone else, but now we have everything squared away...I emailed the gracious Sgt Salem (original poster and care package idea Facebook buddy) and he got back to me with correct APO addresses, names and more info.  Here is the email:

Dave has 19 teams that he will pass the packages out to:

Dave Lynch
COMKAF HQ / VCSI-K9
APO AE, 09355

Clint has 40+ Handlers that he will pass the packages out to:

Clint Reynolds
Program Manager K9 Unit
APO AE 09320

or if you want to send to a specific soldier (these are British soldiers) who doesn't get any mail:

Dereck Gower
Les Thomas
Steven Brander
Brigit Yelen
Don Pearson

Same address:
(example)
DERECK GOWER
C/O CLINT REYNOLDS 
PROGRAM MANAGER K9 UNIT
APO AE 09320





As you can see,  there's plenty of need!  Please use the above addresses and NOT the one I originally posted!

I'm so excited to be able to do something good for these handlers - that's what Christmas is all about, right?  And it doesn't have to end there - if you'd like to send a care package along, feel free to do so anytime.  And remember to include a note with a personal message!

Military Care Package Update - It's Almost Over!

As many of you know, Arwen's Pack has been soliciting for care package goodies to send to military working dogs and their handlers in Kabul, Afghanistan.  This is the final wrap-up week of collection, with delivery scheduled for Saturday.  I'm cutting it a bit close delivery-wise, but I had to wait until payday this week for our family's contribution.

Look what came in the mail today!  Not one, but TWO packages were sent by Jennie Jones of Tennessee who said she has some of her dogs working over there!  What a great way to support our troops.  There were 2 heartfelt notes in the packages along with shaving cream, deodorant, candy!, magazines (Caeser's Way!!), DVD's, and a lovely digital camera.  I was brought to tears by her generosity.

Package #1 - Nyxie tried to stick her snooter into the dog treats :)

Package #2 - Notice the cool camera?  How generous!!

It's definitely not too late to send a package, either through me, or on your own.  If you send the package to me first, please keep in mind that I'll be mailing them out this Saturday.  If you'd like to send your package separately, the link to the original address is here.

Talk about feeding your soul - I can't think of a better way!

Nyxie is working on her "stay" to support her working cousins in Afghanistan

Also, fans of The Walking Dead, please check out my newest Etsy shop item here.  Oh, I've never been good with secrets...here it is:

There's still time for Military Working Dog and Handler Care Packages - Update and More Suggestions

I hope everyone's Thanksgiving was delicious and spent with loved ones nearby.  We were lucky enough to have tickets to the Dallas / Miami game at Cowboys Stadium.  What an experience!  Yesterday we had our traditional turkey feast and each of us took turns giving thanks.  We three shared thankfulness for being together.  So much changes from year to year - kids grow up, people move, humans and their dogs age.  So for this moment, for this one blink in time, we are thankful.

If you read my last blog post, you know that I'm going to be sending care packages to military working dogs and their handlers in Kabul, Afghanistan.  These men and women, far from home and family, need all the support we can offer.  They're risking their lives each day, while caring for and working with their dogs, just hoping to make it back to their families intact.  Please consider them while shopping over the next week.  Along with the stress and uncertainty of living in a merciless and unfriendly environment, these handlers and their dogs deal with boredom and homesickness.  If you choose to send a package, I have the original Facebook post (with item suggestions and direct APO address) for care packages here, OR - Matt's software company, Webldr, has graciously offered the use of their PO Box:
Webldr LLC.

Grace Foley (K9 Package)

PO Box 631508

Irving, Texas 75063
I'll be sending all the items I receive at this PO Box during the week of Dec 5-9.  You still have time!

Here's another list of suggestions I found from a care package sending website of what soldiers commonly request:
  Baby Wipes
  Phone Cards
  Magazines
  Books
  Movies
  Hand Warmers
  Foot Warmers
  Tooth Brushes
  Mouthwash
  Febreeze
  Body Wash
  Body Spray
  Pringles
  Crackers 
  Cookies
  Beef Jerkey
  Comic Books
  Travel Size Games (chess, checkers)
  Deck of Cards
  Memory Cards (i.e. PSP's)
  Memory Sticks
  Suntan Lotion
  Non Carbonated Drinks (Propel)
  Uniform T-shirts (which can either be ordered on line 
     from AAFES or bought at the PX)
  Underwear
  Pictures From Home
  Thumb Tack (to hang the pictures) 
  Hard Candy
  Blue and Black Pens
  Notebooks
  Evelopes
  Fly Paper (some areas where the soldiers live have lots of flies)
  A multi-tool or really good folding knife
  Sun Glasses
  Digital or Disposable Cameras
  Travel Size Packets of Laundry Detergent
  Powdered Drinks, especially Gatorade
  Blank Writable CD's
  Crossword Puzzles, Word Searches, Soduku, 
  Sports themed things - football, baseball, etc


And for the Military Working Dogs:


Collapsible nylon water and food bowls
Doggles
paw pad salve
Durable rope toys
Durable chew toys like Kongs/ Nylabones
K9 ear and eye wash
Dog beds - orthopedic
Fast drying bath chamois
Hand towels, washcloths for paws
Grooming items - brushes, K9 shampoo, K9 toothbrush/ paste
Treats and chews


Please, please, please - remember to send a note for the soldier.  This will allow them to reconnect with home and the reasons why they're over there.  Many soldiers say these letters and notes from home are what keep them going over the many months of their deployment.  

"Can we send them tennis balls, Mom?  I have some to share!"

Let's Spread Some Holiday Cheer to Military K9's and Their Handlers!

Recently on Facebook, there was a post by a German Shepherd group that I belong to, German Shepherd Tips that really tugged on my heart strings.  This holiday season, as with each one in years past, there will be men and women serving in the military far from home and away from their friends and family.  I know we haven't even hit Thanksgiving yet, this might be a good way to get in the spirit of giving!

I can't begin to imagine the sacrifice these handlers are prepared to make each day.  I'm the person that starts crying like a baby when I know an animal in a movie is about to die.  Not only do these handlers risk themselves personally, they are also responsible for their ever-loyal partners, too.  Nobody can work side by side with these dogs daily and not become firmly attached to them.

I'm hoping some of you might consider participating in donating to a care package.  I think we might run the risk of making an overseas, deployed holiday, a bit less horrible for a few K9 Handlers and their dogs.  Here's the original post:

I know there are some enormous hearts out there in blogville.  Do you think we could gather supplies for these handlers and their dogs?  The list above is a great start - anything you add to it would surely be appreciated.  I was thinking - tennis balls, rope toys - the kinds of things that wouldn't be standard military issue.  For the Handlers - digital cameras, stationary, pens, jump drives (do they have computer access?).
Medical supplies for both handlers and their dogs aren't needed as they're provided for by the military.

Most importantly, please include a little note or letter with a few kind words.  I know if I was overseas away from home, reading a letter from someone that cared enough to think of me would mean a ton.  You can send the package yourself, or you can mail it to me and I will send a group package.  If you send your package directly, please keep in mind that it takes about 2 weeks to arrive and you must have a soldier's name (in this case - Clint Reynolds, Program Manager K9 Unit APO AE 09321 - see in letter above) or your package won't make it there.  I'm aiming to send a group package around the first week of December.  If you have any questions, please e-mail me at forpetssake2@yahoo.com , or you can send your package and letter to me directly at Webldr LLC, my hubby's software company that's graciously donated the temporary use of their PO box!

Webldr LLC.

Grace Foley (K9 Package)

PO Box 631508

Irving, Texas 75063

Nyxie dreaming of all her military cousins serving  abroad