My name is Christine and I have worked for the Lewis & Clark Humane Society for almost 27 years. 

I am participating in Paws vs. Claws this year, raising money for Team Paws (the dog team!) I love both dogs and cats equally, but this year I felt like I just had to raise money for team paws, in memory of my sweet Poppy who passed away less than a year ago. 

Poppy and I met when she was just 6 months old. She was alone at the shelter and I had just lost my Lily - and in walks this beautiful and sweet shepherd. It was like she was sent to me on purpose. I took her home immediately. 

It was soon after taking her home that I realized that Poppy had a ton of issues. She had Megaesophagus, which meant she needed a total diet change, constant checkups, and a tons of monitoring to make sure she was getting all of the nutrients she needed. We also discovered about one year in that she had elbow dysplasia as well, meaning she needed even more care and monitoring. But nothing would deter me from always being by her side. 

Poppy was a constant companion. She kept the other dogs in the house in line, and made sure everyone who came in was thoroughly inspected. She was my running companion right until the end, when her legs started to give out. She was my best friend. 

Princess Poppy was there for every important moment of my life; she walked me down the aisle at my wedding, and sat on the train of my dress while I said "I Do."  Losing her has been one of the hardest things I have ever gone through, but no matter how hard it gets I'm so thankful that I had 11 years with her. 

By donating to my team you are not only helping me to raise money for the place I love, and the animals I give my whole life to -  you are also helping me reach my goal of $500. If I reach my goal I will be able to have a picture of Princess Poppy forever immortalized in a book I will receive for my efforts. 

No matter how big or small the donation please know that I appreciate you.