I Don't Get It!

Okay, mom & dad are really into holidays and I really like that about them. Especially mom - she goes crazy at this time of year and it is really fun to watch her run around trying to do six things at once, bouncing into things and continuing at full speed (actually it is just like Gizmo, our 17 year old blind cat, but he makes me giggle doing that all year).

Last week though, dad made a comment that totally confused me, a little like why in the world mom was cooking broccoli and cheese (because who in the world would eat those two things together?). So anyway, Dad said that people in Costa Rica didn’t celebrate Thanksgiving since it was a uniquely American Holiday. I don’t get it. We dogs are flexible enough to celebrate EVERY holiday with our owners. Doesn’t matter what our human's nationality, religion, beliefs or whatever. Whenever they want to sleep in, buy gifts and eat lots of great food, we canines are all about that... so what’s the deal with humans not celebrating every possible holiday instead of only some.

Really, except for the fact that my mom and dad have the world’s greatest laps, I sometimes question why I put up with them. And finally, just to put me totally over the top as to this Thanksgiving thing, I watched dad cut up this huge chicken-like thing that had the absolute best bones I have ever seen. I mean, I’m talking about a leg bone half my size! But then, what does he do? He just eats the meat-he doesn’t even chew on the bone! What the heck!!?!

Humans ... they ignore each others holidays ... they pass up gnawing on massive bones ... and they cook broccoli and cheese ... Yet with all their idiosyncrasies, they have these great hearts, they love to give to each other and they work hard to help each other, like with this Canine For Kids thing. I guess that is why I really wish them all the best during this season of multiple holidays. May they all enjoy their time with their families and their pooches. Yeah, humans are okay - I know I plan to keep mine.

But really, broccoli and cheese?

Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy New Year and Happy all else that may be out there!

Tail Wags and Licks,

Bismark

Welcome to those of the Emerald Isle!!

Mom and dad just returned from a really long trip to Europe where one of my two legged brothers just got married. They were actually gone for only two human weeks but that is 14 weeks in my world and that is a long time! (I was so excited to see them when they got home; I could have peed all over myself...oh, that's right ..... I did) Anyway, my brother Josh married this Irish Lass named Catriona (aka Nina) who is terrific - she pets me a lot and lets me lick her face. The people who attended the wedding were overwhelmingly Irish (the real kind-from Ireland! Not like Irish Setters who just use the name).

During the Reception, Josh and Nina did something really cool. They handed out information about two agencies devoted to helping people and requested that those present at the wedding consider getting involved with one of them. The first was a neat organization that loans money to people around the world to start their own businesses. It is called KIVA (http://www.kiva.org/) and dad asked me to include it in this entry even though he hopes people will select the second organization which is..... US!!! That Josh and Nina would mention Canines for Kids at their wedding reception is really a very neat thing. It made dad cry, the wimp.

I don't really know much about Ireland so I was interested when I heard dad talking to someone about Ireland and the Irish... he said the island is very crowded and quite noisy. But it turns out that it is not the people of Ireland that makes it such a crowded country, but their hearts which are evidently massive. Then I heard dad say that the country is perhaps the loudest of any in the world because these massive hearted people sing and laugh without ceasing. As a dog with his heart in his chest and who spends most of my time using my mouth to eat and lick myself, I find this all very confusing. Yet mom and dad really seem to love these people so since they like them so much, so do I. But I'm still not crazy about Irish Setters.

So, time will tell but maybe we will be hearing from a few Irish folks in the future. If so, that would make Canines for Kids an International Organization!!! If not, it is probably because they are simply singing and laughing again which dad says enriches the world in and by itself.

That's about it for now. Dad is in contact with two organizations about adopting us as a fund raiser and I'll let you know if this develops further.

Tail Wags and Licks,

Bismark

Sabrina Comes Through!!

Sometimes human beings make me so crazy I want to just bite one of them! The only problem with that is that it would undoubtedly be dad who I would bite (I couldn’t possibly bite mom for Pete’s sake). And if I did bite dad, he probably wouldn’t react too well to that and, well, I think I’d probably regret that action very much... but these two legged beings drive me crazy nonetheless!!

Here they go to all this trouble to raise money for the school in Tortuguero and then have so much trouble getting it all there!

Here’s what happened:

Dad received the information about the bank that the school uses in Costa Rica but he was uncomfortable with sending a deposit directly to the bank for a bunch of reasons, not the least of which was that the banking information seemed incomplete, as did the address. Plus, he has never done an international deposit and was clueless as to any additional requirements that might be involved. That said, dad sent $3,200 to his friend at the Caribbean Conservation Corporation who promised to see that it all got to the school. Of that money, $2,600 was a check made out to CCC and the remaining $600 was from the backers of Sabrina (our adorable Long Island walker).

The $2,600 was deposited into the CCC account and transferred to the folks at the school without any problem. However, after much effort by Roxana at CCC in San Jose, Costa Rica, the remaining checks (all made out to the Tortuguero School) could not be deposited at all since the school’s "bank" is evidently a part of a larger account of which Toruguero is only one of many. Therefore, there is no account in the name of Tortuguero and no way to deposit the checks. (I am at a loss about all of this, but dad seems to get it, or he’s just lying and is as confused as I am).

Anyway, long story short, Roxana returned the checks to dad who returned them to Roxana on Long Island. Dad and I figured that the money was gone for good - that no matter how big the hearts of Sabrina’s backers, none of them would be understanding enough to simply write new checks.

“Oh ye of little faith.”

Sabrina must have used her amazing canine charms because every single one of her seven supporters went along with re-donating money and they sent a check made out to the Caribbean Conservation Corporation for $600. It has been sent to Roxana and will soon be on its way to the school.
Really, sometimes people just drive me nuts, but thanks to Sabrina and me, it all is going to work out just fine.

That’s it for now...

Tail wags and licks,

Bismark

Communications - Communications - Communications!

When I first began thinking about putting together some sort of fund raising activity to benefit the school in Tortuguero, I assumed that the only significant obstacle that would confront me would be the actual raising of money. Seemed logical to me at the time.

If a person’s goal is simply to raise money, what other problems could possibly crop up which would rival that one task? My initial e-mail to our guide in Tortuguero, Johnny, was filled with enthusiasm and ideas. It was not until about 5 weeks later when I finally heard back from Johnny and I understood the delay. He had obviously spent a lot of time trying to find someone who would translate my English into his Spanish. Because Johnny spoke English better than I, it was my assumption that, of course, he would read and write it as well. Wrong. This realization led to my search for someone who would translate my English response to Johnny into Spanish as I did not want to burden him yet again at his end.

After several months, Johnny put me in touch with the English writing Principal of the school, Omar, and letters were quickly exchanged. There came a point however when his letters stopped and it was some time later that he wrote me, informing me that he had only been temporary at Tortuguero and was now at another school a long distance away. A few months passed with me trying to find another contact in Tortuguero who could read and write English as I am totally illiterate when it comes to Spanish-God knows, I have enough trouble with English!

At long last, I received a letter from Roberto at the school... in Spanish. Seeking out someone who would be willing to devote a pretty fair amount of time translating my English to Spanish and Roberto’s Spanish to English, my brother in San Diego put me in touch with my newest best friend, Elmar. So long as I do not drive Elmar crazy with too many letters back and forth, it is my hope that he will remain interested and willing to do the translations for me. He has become an integral part of this entire project.

This is all new to me and I’m learning as I go. I keep thinking of the Beatles and a line from one of their songs which, as I recall, went, “Communications is the problem to the answer.” It has taken me nearly 40 years to finally understand what they meant.

Written By Bismark

We dogs know not to minimize goals but my dad has a tendency to be a bit wimpy at times. He had hoped for 10-15 Walkers who would average $200 each, resulting in a total raised of $2,000 to $3,000 for the Tortuguero School. Here is what actually happened:

Our Walker Results: (in no particular order)

Tyler - $620

Clark - $160

Jack - $40

Josie - $85

Cora - Walked in support

Bailey & Harley - $100

Bismark - $540

Sundance - $200

Sabrina - $600

Alabama - Walked in support

Sasha - $200

Teddy Bear - $100

Josephine - $305 (PLUS a full box of school supplies)

Proxy - $250

So, this is 15 Walkers total. The amount of money we dogs raised is $3,200!! (dad added a bit to make it come out even, but it was my idea).

Everyone did great, but I have to mention those in the "Six Hundred Club," which includes Tyler and Sabrina. Over $600 each! Very cool!

Several of our Walkers were able to get additional dogs involved instead of asking their owners to simply give money and this added enough to put us over the top for sure. From the lists of actual "donors," it appears that we had well over 50 people donate money to us and that is a great base for the future.

Fun and successful ... I knew it was going to happen ... and dad was nervous ... what a wimp.

Tail wags & Licks, Bismark

The WALK

Written by Bismark
(David Cleveland’s dog)

I was up before the birds, my mind racing with worries, things to do, a hundred “what ifs,” concerns about the After-Walk get together. I had so many things on my mind, I probably solved Global Warming but it got lost with all the other thoughts. Would anyone actually show up? Did everyone raise money? Will the dogs get along with each other, with the strange humans we have never seen before? Will the humans get along or be defensive about their dogs, blaming someone else for every snarl, growl and bark?

The weather was absolutely perfect by the time we arrived at Washington Park, sunny and in the sixties. By the 1:00pm start time, 18 Handlers had arrived with their 11 Walkers, and the mood was nothing less than festive. Several of our Walkers were dressed to kill and were absolutely adorable. These 80 legs took just over a half hour to complete the one human mile, seven doggie mile walk (if one human year equals 7 doggie years, it seems only logical that 1 human mile would equal 7 doggie miles). Even with many temptations from other, unleashed dogs in the park, our Walkers were perfectly behaved, absolutely perfect.

Upon completion of our Walk, Handlers and Walkers alike piled into vehicles and all returned to my house for a Thank You Post Walk Party. Tyler’s Handler, Jeff, had prepared a wide range of cold and hot goodies and for just under two hours, we all visited, talking about the Fund Raiser, planning for next year, laughing at the Walkers running leash-free in the fenced in yard. As the afternoon progressed, some of our smaller Walkers, including me, seemed to get tired and started becoming a bit cranky, but behavior was amazing throughout.

Even the two-legged beings got along! Throughout the Post Party, Handlers presented my dad with envelopes filled with cash and checks. Josephine’s mom & dad even brought a large box filled with school supplies, getting a head start on our next project for the School in Tortuguero which is planned for August & September. Later that evening, we received phone calls from the West Coast & the East Coast Handlers with the dollar amounts raised and details as to their Walks.

At the onset of this project, my dad’s expressed goal to those he solicited to take part was to have 10-15 Walkers with a goal of $200 per dog, resulting in a total amount raised of $2,000 to $3,000. The final result (with still a few more checks expected) is 15 Walkers who raised $2,766. That we will exceed $2,800 is pretty much assured.

This was a success, no matter how it can be measured. The enthusiasm, the level of commitment, the fantastic spirits of all involved was nothing less than fantastic. It turned out to be both a Fund Raiser and a Fun Raiser, which promises to grow even more in ‘08, especially if we find an official Non Profit to adopt us.

Tail Wags & Licks to all!

Bismark (I’m the really handsome, long hair mini Dachshund in the pictures)

CLICK HERE FOR PICTURES OF THE DOG WALK:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?Uc=o8cdq62.7uyksmza&Uy=-6o80nn&Upost_signin=Slideshow.jsp%3Fmode%3Dfromshare&Ux=0&mode=fromshare&conn_speed=1

The Walk - Overview

CANINES FOR KIDS WALK

Overview:

Purpose: to raise money for the School Barra del Tortuguero. All funds raised (100%) will be deposited into the school’s account in accordance with attached letter. “The Walk”: Unlike other “walks” and “runs,” the two legged participants are merely the “handlers.” The actual fund raising will be generated by our four legged “walkers.” Each dog will raise pledges supporting them in a one mile walk (actually seven dog miles). The canine may accept the assistance of his/her handler in raising pledges and collecting money. It will be the hope (aka goal) of each canine to raise $200, but that is just a goal.

Each canine may have as many handlers on the day of the Walk as desired, so entire families are invited to escort their walker (so long as it is okay with the dog).

THIS IS AN UNOFFICIAL, INFORMAL EVENT!

Although the walk will take place in Washington Park, we have no official sponsor,
there is no sanction by the city of Albany (and therefore the City has no responsibility at all) and we have no Tax ID number which would allow donations to be tax deductible. We are on our own-each handler will be responsible for the behavior of their own walker.

We will simply be a group of people getting together to walk our dogs. Once the event is over and the entire area cleaned perfectly (if you get my drift on this), all participants, walkers and handlers alike, will be invited to come back to Dave & Susi’s home for an Open House of snacks, soda, a beer or two and the final results of the funds raised by our canines.

Accountability of funds will be essential and that responsibility rests entirely with me (Dave Cleveland). Checks may be written directly to the school if this is required by the donor (but this is highly discouraged since any check that “bounces” as part of an international deposit will undoubtedly create nightmares). Cash and checks collected and given to me will be accounted for with totals per canine being e-mailed to all involved.

This way everyone can keep track of the money and verify that the amounts listed are exactly what was turned in to me. I will then deposit the entire amount into Susi and my personal checking account and purchase a money order or Bank Check for that amount. I will e-mail a copy of that check to all participants along with copies of any deposit verification from the bank in Costa Rica. It will be my commitment to account for every penny and to prove where it went-any other documentation that any of you would like, please let me know and I will provide it if possible.

If we can garner 10-15 walkers and raise $2,000 to $3,000 for the School Barra del Tortuguero on our own this year, how amazing would that be?! With some luck and whatever help any of you may be able to provide, my hope is to find a Non-Profit organization by next year that will back us in our Canines for Kids walk, thereby giving us a Tax ID number to use and the insurance needed for a permit to do this officially in Washington Park.

Date: May 5, 2007 Times: 1-2:00pm “The Walk”

2-4:00pm Open House at the Clevelands

All additional details will be sent to all of you who express a desire to take part in our Canines For Kids fund raiser.

First Letter about the Dog Walk

Dear (Dog Name) (please give this to your owner to read),

As you are probably aware, Susi and I had the opportunity to celebrate our 30th anniversary by vacationing in Costa Rica in March, 2006. During that trip we absolutely fell in love with the country and its people. Ever since, I have been trying to find a non-profit organization dedicated to the schools and the kids of Costa Rica but have so far been unsuccessful.

The one area of Costa Rica that had the strongest impact on us was the small town of Tortuguero on the East coast. The needs at that school are many, but in dollar terms they are not beyond fulfilling. I have come up with an idea for a “Fund Raiser” to raise money for the school and have met with City of Albany officials to obtain a permit. The problem is that they require a Tax ID number indicating this is for an officially approved non-profit organization and an insurance policy protecting the city (both reasonable requests). I’ve been unable to obtain either.

Instead of simply giving up on this idea, it is my hope to reduce the goal but still raise money for the objective by asking dog-owning friends, relatives and co-workers to join in an unofficial fund raiser. I believe it will be a lot of fun and offers at least the potential to send a couple of thousand dollars to the school.

Please review the enclosed material and let me know if you, your friends and/or your family would be interested in taking part in this event. It is out of the ordinary in many respects: donations are not tax deductible, it will have no official status as an approved fund raising activity by the city, state or federal government and the only “support” we will receive will come from ourselves.

Let me know what you think, one way or the other. This could really be a big help to the school and a lot of fun for us.

Sincerely,

David Cleveland

Why the People of Costa Rica?

It is hard to imagine a people who are friendlier, more peaceful, more devoted to nature than are the Ticos. Researching Non-Profits for Costa Rica, there are literally dozens of them ranging from protecting the vast forests of Costa Rica to safeguarding animals, birds and sea life.

The guardian of these resources is the people of Costa Rica. I could find no Non-Profit dedicated to helping those people that help God’s creation.

Located literally in the middle of the jungle, the town of Tortuguero has a population of approximately 1,000. The only access to the town is by boat, a one and one-half hour trip by way of an inland river. Electricity came to this area only in 1983 and water ten years later. There are currently 5 or 6 “resorts” for tourists (these are individual bungalows with very nice accommodations, but not a resort in the normal definition). As a destination, Tortuguero is purely eco-tourism. Despite being located on the Carribean, swimming is hazardous and the river filled with unfriendly caimans and crocodiles, so water sports are not an option. Tours of the jungle in small boats carry nature seeking tourists into dense areas filled with wildlife.

The school itself is very small and extremely basic. There are approximately 190 students and the needs at the school are numerous. Having given liberally over the years to a multitude of charities, churches and other very worthy causes, I have never regretted giving to these organizations, but felt doubtful that my contributions actually made much of a difference.

In Costa Rica, a little can go a long way. Hundreds of dollars can make an actual difference in a single school-thousands can actually fulfill an annual budget’s worth of unfunded plans and dreams. Coincidentally, the amount of money I pay in school taxes just for my home in Guilderland, NY is almost exactly the same amount the School in Tortuguero has listed as their entire annual budget shortfall.

Raising just a relatively small amount of money for the School Barra del Tortuguero can make a huge difference to that school, to that community. A few thousand dollars can satisfy their entire annual need! With all the strife and conflict that this world endures on a regular basis, it is an unfortunate fact that those countries that never bother anyone are often overlooked. Nations and peoples that simply live their lives peacefully are rarely, if ever, the recipients of aid and assistance. Costa Rica is such a nation, the Ticos are such a people.

Why Costa Rica?

This is a small country with an official population of approximately 4.5 million. It is estimated that up to an additional 1 million illegal immigrants are also in the country seasonally, mostly from neighboring Nicaragua. Citizens and immigrants alike are provided with full health care and schooling. This is a peaceful nation whose Army was disbanded in 1948 and has never been re-established. Guns are rare as is hunting due to the overwhelming love that Ticos have for wildlife and nature. Costa Rica has a stable Democracy which has been an example to neighboring countries for generations. While neighbors have struggled with dictatorships and civil wars, Costa Rica has lived at peace with itself and those surrounding countries.

Education is provided for all residents of Costa Rica and is considered good by Central American standards. Children ages 5-15 must attend school which is a good reason that Ticos are 96% literate. To eliminate obvious economic differences among those with money and those without, students are required to wear the same school uniforms allowing all children to be equal at least in dress while at school.

Costa Rica has thirty-four percent (34%!) of its land “protected” to ensure safeguards for its unique rain and cloud forests and its diverse abundance of wildlife (this would roughly be the equivalent of our nation declaring all land east of the Mississippi River to be National Forest.)This fact alone speaks all the words necessary as to the Tico devotion to their country, their love of nature and their role as a responsible brother in the world community. Revenues from
their new and growing eco-tourism industry not only provide jobs for the population but produce enough “profit” so as to guarantee that these lands remain protected and a future inheritance to its citizens and the world.

Finally, why Costa Rica? Why not?