2019- THE FIRST EVER!
It was so much fun and honestly, I cried afterward, and not because I did too many push ups. I chose to do it on my birthday because I don’t need gifts or attention, but I could use it to share something that I am passionate about. I was/am so extremely touched that people actually wanted to participate and cannot thank everyone involved enough!
We had about 12 participants that had signed up for 20 minute windows to do as many reps as possible. It was super fun, mostly made up of my friends, and the people who weren’t my friends, were family members or friends’ family members.
After all of our reps were said and done, we had raised about $1500.00 for the rescue we chose that year, Aberdeen Scottish Terrier Rescue of Renton, where we had just rescued our little “Toot Monster,” Misty Jones.
2020- OH, I guess we’ll do it virtually!
We all know what 2020 was like. Masks, avoiding leaving homes, and no socializing. That doesn’t really go well with a fitness event in a closed room full of people, so we switched things up and adapted to what we needed to do! If the doggos can adapt to whatever life throws at them, there’s no way we’re going to let them down!
My dear friend/most amazing pet photography ever (see evidence everywhere on this website,) Marika, connected me with Motley Zoo Animal Rescue. Holy moly, they really are rockstars! They helped spread the word, got pledges, and they all participated! We even had special guest appearances by some of the wonderful foster pups, (HUGE thank you to the fosters for joining us on top of everything else they do!!)
We had expanded the dates from one day, to three event days, just in case people had ‘plans.’ LOL, plans in 2020. Anyways, we met via video chat and spent about an hour together doing push ups, looking at everyone’s cute pets, and learning more about Motley Zoo!
Leading up to the event, we had put out instructional videos to make sure people had their push up form down (and not so secretly, so they could do LOTS of reps.) We added in the “P.U.P. Team” option, so anyone could participate, even if they were unable to/didn’t want to do their reps. They could choose to assign them to one of our team members and we’d knock them out. Jack and Misty were even on the team and did about 25 push ups each!
We ended up raising a little over $2000.00 for MZAR in a pandemic! All of us bonded over pups, push ups, and one pupper in their care even found her forever home during that time! (Not taking credit, but we got to witness it, which was amazing and heartwarming!)
I’m so excited that we were able to continue this during a very weird time in the world, and can’t wait to see what we can do with them this year!
Check out this link to our recap video on YouTube! https://youtu.be/M8JhdE8hB9U
2021- The world was weird, but we prevailed anyway and helped the Puppers!
We chose a new layout (again) and it seemed to work pretty well! Instead of only having specific days to do reps on, participants were able to accumulate push ups or squats throughout the whole month.
In the end, we were able to make a donation of over $2300.00 to Motley Zoo Animal Rescue. What do they use it for, you ask? Check out their website here for descriptions on what donations are used for. Also just a reminder, they are a 501(c)(3) foster based, volunteer-run, Washington State Non-profit organization.
If we’ve learned anything so far: It’s going to be fun. It’s going to benefit our furry little friends, and it’s probably going to keep growing and changing through the years just like us humans do. Stay tuned and don’t forget to sign up for “pupdates” so you can be in the know about P.U.P.!
2022- STILL GOING STRONG, BUT DIFFERENT AS USGE.
BUT THEY’RE ALL EQUAL IN THE P.U.P. EVENT!
Here’s what we did in 2022:
The whole month of May was P.U.P. month again! On Sunday, May 1st,2022, we officially kicked everything off and reps started counting then.
We’re in it for the animals, but we also wanted it to be convenient for you. You had the whole month to perform your reps and show the puppers how much you love them. All we asked is that all reps and donations be completed by May 28th at the latest.
Plus, we had a little boost at the end with our finale and “ruffle” event! On Saturday, May 28th, 2021 from 12:00pm to 2:00pm we were celebrating in person at the O.W.N. facility. Our location has both indoor and outdoor spaces that will be used for our finale, depending on the weather, and it was super fun.
There are three main ways people could participate: Pledge based donations, strict donations.
-Pledge based donations:
- Participants may do push-ups or squats and count them towards their pledged reps. (You do the reps for your donation.)
- Participants may make a donation and assign the reps to one of our P.U.P. Team Members! (You tell us how many reps, and we earn your donation!)
-Strict donations:
- It’s all to help the animals, so if you would like to skip the “Push Up” part, and only focus on the “Pup,” we understand, and we love you for that, too! Thank you!
Teams were welcome for any of these options as well! Office buddies, college roomie, your dog’s friend’s parents, all of the above!
Aside from the fact that some animals would have better lives because of you (you angel, you), all donors were entered into our P.U.P. Ruffle at least once just for participating! The entries were in $25.00 increments, so if someone donated $10.00, they get one entry, and if someone donated $200, they get 8 entries, and so on. Prizes have changed each year, but they’ll most likely always be from local small businesses, dog related, or gym related. 😊 As the event gets closer, prize details were released, so it helps to stay tuned, or sign up for pupdates at the bottom of the page!
2023- PUP FOR PAWS
PUSH UPS FOR PUPS
for PROGRESSIVE ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY
We chose to support PAWS for P.U.P. 2023 because we love what they are doing for all of animal welfare, domestic and wild alike. We need to love and respect nature and all creatures in it, and make sure that our actions align with what we say.
Throughout the month of May we had people purchasing merch in support of PAWS, and we hosted a silent auction. The auction items included training packages from O.W.N., massages from two local massage therapists, a self care bundle to help with stress, and a few other small items to help us raise funds for PAWS. We were able to donate a total of $3402 and were successful in making our 5th year our biggest impact yet.
Sometimes we can’t always do the work directly, and that is okay. What we can do in that situation, is show our support for organizations, like PAWS, that are on the frontline of making major changes for the better.
(Click here for future family members -> https://www.paws.org/adopt/)
PAWS is truly wonderful for the animals, and we’re so thankful that they’re doing the work that they are!
2024- PASADO’S SAFE HAVEN!!!
We were successful in helping the animals again! We held a silent auction online that ran through the month of May, and sold some P.U.P. merch which allowed us to donate $3814 to Pasado’s Safe Haven! They’re amazing and they not only care for dogs, but for all domesticated animals that have been abandoned or abused.
In their own words: “Pasado’s Safe Haven investigates animal cruelty and provides sanctuary and rehabilitation to animals who have suffered from abuse and neglect. We advocate for better laws to protect animals and work to educate the public about how they can help end animal cruelty. Our programs help save the lives of thousands of animals each year and inspire people to reimagine their relationships with all beings.”
Another amazing thing about Pasado’s is their legal team! They are in large part why it is now a felony in Washington state to abuse or neglect an animal!
Some of our wonderful neighboring businesses in Wallingford helped make sure we had cool auction items to help out the animals. Fuel Coffee & Books, North Seattle Bodywork, O.W.N. Performance, Queenie & Drone, and everywhere that let me put up flyers- you’re all very appreciated! A huge “Thank You” to all those who donated to Push Ups for Pups and helped support the wonderful animals and people at Pasado’s Safe Haven! I can’t wait to see what we can do next year!
2025- PASA(DOS) SAFE HAVEN!
Pasa-“dos”… like 2, get it? We’re supporting Pasado’s Safe Haven again this year!! They are wonderful and we appreciate how they rescue and care for all domestic animals. We also love that they are on the frontlines of protecting animal rights in the courtrooms as well. They stick up for the animals and they stick to their values.
Check out their website: https://www.pasadosafehaven.org/
Stay tuned and sign up for “PUPDATES” to keep up with P.U.P. 🙂
PUSH UPS FOR PUPS 