POOCH PLAYOFFS 2023
CONGRATS TO OUR 2022 WINNER!! RUSSELL!
RUSSELL MOVES ON TO THE NATIONAL COMPETITION!
Russell won our local Pooch Playoffs competition and now moves on to the NATIONAL EDITION! We are so excited to have Russell and his devoted fan club representing Clinton County! Voting begins tonight, APRIL 2nd @ MIDNIGHT and ending APRIL 3rd @ 11:59PM. A little change at the national level, the voting is ONCE PER EMAIL during the entire 48hours. No brackets this time! It's a winner takes it all and I know Russell can do it! Click on the button below, find Russell's sweet face and vote for him! Remember YOU HAVE TO INCLUDE A VALID EMAIL FOR YOUR VOTE TO BE COUNTED!
Thank you again to all of the awesome pups who participated in Pooch Playoffs 2022! Together we raised $1600 for Chakotah Therapeutic Riding Center! I had a fantastic time getting to know each dog and this amazing charity! Now! Get to VOTING!!
GOOD LUCK RUSSELL!
POOCH PLAYOFFS 2022 PARTICIPANTS
Tell me more!
What is Pooch Playoffs Anyway?
Pooch Playoffs is a super fun way to support a local animal centered charity as well as find out if you have the ULTI-MUTT cutie!
Each session is $99, 100% of which is donated to Chakota Therapeutic Riding Center (TRC). Each paid session fee received a complimentary professional pet portrait session as well as a 5x7 keepsake metal print. Sessions were scheduled March 1st -March 16th Tuesday-Saturday. Each session is up to one hour long and full of fun!
Each pooch will then be entered into a local bracket style competition. The first round of Voting begins March 18th with the final bracket winner to be announced March 30th! The winner will then be entered into a national competition with a chance at more goodies and prizes!
We run this event every year during the March Madness basketball season. If you know a pet or animal centered charity that you think would be an excellent beneficiary of this competition, contact us!
Meet the 2022 Charity!
Chakota Therapeutic Riding Center, Albers, IL
I had the wonderful opportunity to visit Chakota Therapeutic Riding Center Sunday. I had heard of Chakota before but really didn't understand the work they did. Every year, Pooch Playoffs raises money for charities involving animals so I decided this was the perfect platform to learn more about what Chakota does in our community and educate all of us on the benefits of therapeutic horseback riding as well as the needs they have as a 501c3 charitable organization.
Chakota Therapeutic Riding Center's mission is to provide people with disabilities the opportunity for therapeutic interaction with horses, with the goal of increasing their self-esteem, dignity and emotional well-being.
According to their Facebook page, "The benefits of Therapeutic Horseback Riding are well documented. Because a horse's gait is similar to the human walk, riding strengthens and supports the natural motion of the spine and pelvis. This repetitive motion helps balance, coordination, strength, and muscle tone as it gently mobilizes the joints. In addition, riding and interacting with the horse fosters self-confidence and motivation. The freedom and independence the Riders experience through Chakota's programs act as a bridge to accomplish and lead to success in other areas of their lives as well!"
I witnessed these benefits first hand watching Rachel riding her buddy Deuce. Rachel's parents, Katie and Craig, told me that Rachel used to not be able to sit up on Deuce by herself. Since she began riding her core muscles have gotten stronger and she can now ride on her own. I watched Rachel squeal with delight as she rode Deuce. It was a great experience for Rachel and her pal Deuce.
Ways you can help! First stop to help is participating in Pooch Playoffs! It is a great way to help a wonderful organization and have beautiful artwork created of your pup! The Main Event is Chakota's largest fundraising event. This year the Main Event, a dinner, dance and silent auction, will be on Saturday, April 9th at the Albers American Legion Hall. You can purchase a ticket before the event or at the door. Check out their Facebook page for more information. They are also looking for creative fun silent auction items to include in their event.
Volunteering is another great way to help out at Chakota! They need help with maintaining the grounds, stables, horses, instructors, leaders, walkers, birthday parties and so much more. To learn more about volunteering, you can join them on March 3rd from 6-8PM at the Aviston American legion hall. Eagle Scout projects and Girl Scout Gold Award projects are also welcomed! Currently there is a Boy Scout working on his Eagle project which will involve work on the parking lot and a Girl Scout working on her Gold award by putting in a serenity garden. Contact Chakota to find out how to help these scouts and support TWO great causes!