In 2006 my life changed forever - in the form of one very adorable pooch now-named Jackson Patrick. He was a rescue from a shelter in Kansas City where I lived at the time and when I went to complete the adoption he was very ill. So much so that they weren't going to let me bring him home for fear that he might not make it. 

But he did and now Jackson is my best buddy. He's my companion when times are lonely, my protector when there's a knock at the door, and my cuddle buddy before sleep. 

After a difficult incomplete/DNF in Ironman Kentucky in 2008 and a tough couple years struggling with depression since, it's been Jackson and the sport that are reminding me what it means to be alive again. 

I turned 30 in January of this year and decided to again compete in Ironman Kentucky/Louisville on August 29, 2010. Redemption. (The Ironman is a 140.6 mile triathlon that includes a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and a full marathon (26.2 miles). Participants have 17 hours to finish.)

 

Redemption and the milestone age of 30 should have been enough motivation but I wanted one more: Competing for a cause. I've chosen Friends of the Shelter, which are the 501(c)(3) arm of the Franklin County Dog Shelter. This and other shelters give homes to abandoned and abused animals - pure breads and mixed breads. Their advocacy efforts give a voice to those without one. 

What should you give? $1, $5, $20, $100 ... or a per mile donation: $0.50 or $0.25. Whatever strikes you. 

 

Thank you for considering a donation to this very worthy cause.