Well, it’s really simple here. This is the first official “pupdate” ever on our new P.U.P. page! Thank you so much for being here, and we can’t wait to have you participate in this year’s third annual Push Ups for Pups challenge to benefit the Motley Zoo Animal Rescue in Redmond, WA.
Why did we choose them? SO MANY REASONS! I was first connected with them through my dear friend and amazing pet photography, Marika at Dirtiedog Photography. (Check out her website! So much talent capturing pure cuteness! -> https://www.dirtiedogphotography.com/) She’d done work with them in the past and knew the organization well. After connecting with the wonderful humans over there, I started to do more research and learn what I could about the organization.
They’re a foster based rescue, meaning they have a team of amazing volunteers and fosters that help care for the animals while they wait for their forever homes. You know why I appreciate that? First, these wonderful people are caring for an animal that needs help; that takes a very special person. Second, the fact that the animals get to live in a calm, loving environment, vs. a shelter makes me very happy since the animals will endure less stress, and I want to support that. (Nothing against shelters, we need them as well until all people are better. I just love that these animals get to have a nice life while waiting for their next chapter.) I totally agree with the fact that it’s giving these specific animals their best shot, because nobody is the best representation of themselves when they’re stressed out. I know I am not, at least.
Then on their website I found their shop. O. M. G. I truly have found my people. I never knew I needed to find “my people,” but here we are! They combine rock n’ roll/punk rock/metal bands with animals to make puns. So check, check, check, for me!! I bought my “Mispits” shirt right away, and bought my family shirts as well so we could rep the brand while we put in work. To be honest, it’s still one of my favorite shirts, but I’ve expanded my collection. I even bought my husband one of their new shirts that says “Obeys Basic Commands,” which he won’t wear outside of our home. (He thought I meant it towards him, but I got it to represent Misty Toot, our younger pup. She literally does the basic stuff and that’s it. I got him “Food Motivated” to represent Jack Jack, but it may or may not apply to him as well lol.) Anyways, check out their shop -> https://www.motleyzooanimalrescue.org/online-store
Along with them being kind and rescuing animals, they’re super cool humans! They’ve been around since 2009 and have saved well over 3000 animals, which is ridiculous and amazing. I believe that they are the best chance at finding the perfect home for the animals they take in, and I want to support that how I can. Unfortunately, I am unable to foster at the moment, and I can’t bankroll them how I want to, yet. SO, instead of just feeling like I can’t help, I am doing what I can do to try to get more people involved with supporting them, spreading the word about the animals they help, and hopefully inspiring people to do challenging things.
“Adversity has the effect of drawing out strength and qualities of a man that would have laid dormant in its absence.”
Herodotus
Based on everything I’ve seen with my 20 year relationship with animal rescue, animals are amazingly resilient and strong. They endure the unimaginable, and yet still have strength, love, and hope. If they can do that, we can conquer our dislike of “push ups” or the feeling of defeat before we even begin. Let the animals be an inspiration to you, to try new things, to learn a new skill, or maybe do something you don’t love, but do it for a great cause. Motley Zoo is doing the groundwork, they’re in it, they live it, and my hope is to inspire people to support them however possible! Animals are a gift in our lives, and we all need to appreciate what they do for us just by existing.
The “RUFFle” prizes will be announced soon, so sign up for the “pupdates” to learn about those, social media challenges, and like our Facebook page -> https://www.facebook.com/pnwPUP)
I can’t wait to see you all soon and I hope you’re practicing your push ups (or squats!) Let me know if you need help with form or check out our tab for instructional videos (coming soon!)
X- Shea, Jack “Nuggernaut” Barkins, & Misty “Toot Monster” Jones
PUSH UPS FOR PUPS 