Last fall, my local hardware store was having a sale on soapboxes. So, I brought one home for Henry, just in case he’d have something important to say and would need a special place on which to say it. After all, with dogs like Henry, who descend from royalty, you just never know.

And, lo and behold, yesterday the soapbox was put to good use.

As  I was driving home from work, singing along, at the top of my lungs, with the car radio, I came upon quite a commotion in my front patio. A gathering of dogs, at least a couple of dozen great and small ones, and they were all feverishly wagging their tales in semi-rapt attention. And, who should be the one basking in the limelight–standing tall on his soapbox?

None other than a certain Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, whose claim to the throne is as genuine as yours or mine. In other words, it was Henry.

Henry was barking like the Dickens, in his high pitch voice, a tone that usually means he means business. He was also making all sorts of hand gestures with his front paws, while trying to balance himself on the soapbox on his hind legs. The precarious situation was compounded by a flurry of dogs trying to climb on the soapbox with him. It seems they didn’t understand that only one dog at a time could stand on the box and speak.

“Friends! Countrymen…,” he was saying. “I beseech you to listen carefully, for what I’m about to say is of grave importance. The time has come to help our fellow canine friends, who have not been adopted by nice humans, as we have.”

“Henry,” I interjected. “What’s going on here?”

“Cook, I’ve decided to sign us up for the San Diego Humane Society and SPCA 2013 Walk for Animals. We need to take a stand and walk for all the dogs of the world!”

“All the dogs?”

“Ahem, yes,” he said, adding, “Of course, it’s really just like a constitutional but instead of just enjoying the fresh air and scenery, we’ll also be raising money for dogs, and cats, I suppose. Maybe a few rabbits, too. For, did you know that each year, 5 to 7 million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide? And, 3 to 4 million are euthanized?”

“That’s terrible, Henry.”

“Indeed, it is, Cook, and we need to do something about it straight away. Which is why I’m telling all my friends, that you and I are walking to help raise awareness and funds for the animals that end up in shelters each year, in the hopes that they’ll sign up, too.  Or, if they can’t, perhaps they’d consider helping us reach our goal? What do you think?”

“Did you say, our goal? I didn’t know we had one.”

“Oh, Cook! I daresay we do! I’ve committed us to raising at least $250 ($1,000 for our entire team!). Imagine if everyone who reads your blog gave just $5 each?  Why, think how far that would go in helping the animals at the San Diego Humane Society!”

“Henry, I’m not sure everyone will be able to help us.”

“Well, all it takes is one, and that’s a start.”

“So, what do we need to know?”

Henry then informed me of the work that has been done by the San Diego Humane Society and SPCA. For example, last year, they:

• Cared for 7,440 animals
• Increased adoptions to 4,882 animals, and returned 977 animals to their owners
• Spayed/neutered 6,437 animals
• Responded to 1,845 reports of neglect or abuse
• Touched the lives of 12,876 people who enjoyed the unconditional love of a Pet-Assisted Therapy animal

“Henry, I’m glad we’re doing this. It’s wonderful you to want to help the Humane Society.”

“Noblesse Oblige, Cook. Noblesse Oblige!”

Henry then put his soapbox away and went to bed, claiming the strain of the day had done him in.  So, I’ll fill you in on the rest.

On Saturday, May 4th, Henry and I, along with our team—Clifford’s Crew—will be walking alongside thousands of animal lovers in support of the San Diego Humane Society and SPCA’s 19th Annual Walk for Animals. According to Henry, this fun event raises awareness and funds for animals in need.

Readers, Henry and I hope you’ll help by supporting our participation. After all, the event gives hope to so many animals in the face of uncertainty and, though the challenges they face are hard, offering them a second chance at happiness is simple.

Your gift will help provide food, medical care and a safe haven for thousands of animals in need. Besides, it’s tax-deductible (for U.S. residents)!

You can make a donation by clicking here, or mail your contribution to the address listed below. Whatever you give will help—every dollar makes a difference!

You can win a Kindle version of this book! Just donate $15 or more by end of month. Winner announced March 4, 2013.

Please send checks, including walker’s name (Monica Medina) to:
San Diego Humane Society and SPCA
Attn: Walk
5500 Gaines Street
San Diego, CA 92110

Plus, good news! Anyone who donates $15 or more by February 28th, will be entered into a drawing to win a Kindle copy of Little Boy Blue, the true story of a puppy’s rescue from death row and his owner’s journey for truth, written by Kim Kavin. A must read.

Henry and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts. I’ll be sure to let you know when we reach our goal. I’ll be posting photos of the day, when the time comes.  Because, if you ask me, it’s sure to be a fun day for a good cause!