On Saturday night, I had the honor of holding Emmett’s leash as he donned his black tie to attend PetSafe’s annual gala benefiting the Morris Animal Foundation’s canine cancer initiatives.
We were thrilled when PetSafe asked Emmett to be their guest of honor. Of course he accepted! Clearly, cancer research and prevention is a cause near and dear to our hearts, and we were so happy they chose him to serve as a sweet and handsome representative for families affected by cancer.
The evening was lovely. It started with a silent auction – I won an automatic litter box and a year’s supply of litter – woot! Emmett was beside himself because everyone wanted to come say hi, give him scratches, and feed him treats. He was in rare form, strutting around the room, asking people for their hors d’oeuvres! Then he discovered that there was a treat buffet set up for all the dogs in attendance!
The organizing committee did an amazing job with the event. All the little touches were fantastic – there were “piddle paddles” so that, during dinner, if your pup had to potty, a volunteer would take him for a walk. The centerpieces were made from toys and treats, and even the (flameless) candlelight was contained in dog toys.
All of this leads us to the main event. During dinner, they played a video that Andrick Buggs, PetSafe’s genius Videographer/Editor, created about Emmett.
The Bucket List Final from Maggie Marton on Vimeo.
We were moved. I think – I hope – many attendees were. During dinner and while they played the video, we had the privilege of sitting with David Haworth, DVM, PhD, who is the president of Morris Animal Foundation. He shared his family’s story of being touched directly by canine cancer, then he shared a bit about the Foundation’s mission. I’m so happy that, in some small way, we were able to impact their fundraising efforts.
As the evening wound down, some of the dogs started to doze off…
Not Emmett! After the video played, and after dinner was over, people kept coming over to introduce themselves to him. He met a local television anchor and his wife, plus dozens of people who were excited to meet “the” Emmett. It was so fun to see him prance around and snuggle up to all these people!
He did, however, completely crash the next day.
We had a wonderful time, and it was such a pleasure to be able to help raise money for something that is so important to us. In fact, on the tails of the event, Emmett is heading up to Purdue University today for his next round of tests. We’re so grateful we were given the opportunity to share his story and support the Morris Animal Foundation.
We’re so grateful to PetSafe for inviting us to be a part of this event and for taking the time and effort to put together that lovely video about Emmett. It was such a meaningful night for us. We’ll be forever grateful.
There is a giveaway for you, too! PetSafe provided gift bags to attendees, and I have one to giveaway to one of you!
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Thank you, PetSafe, for including Emmett’s story in your lovely event. We were thrilled and honored to have him be the guest of honor – it was a true pleasure! We sincerely hope that we were able to help raise money for the so-deserving Morris Animal Foundation.
Our hearts are overflowing!
DashLilly
ohhhh Emmett! What a special evening for everyone involved! And, thankfully I had the sense to watch this before work! I can now wash my face and re apply my makeup!! The video is perfect.
Debra
That looks like a really well done event. Just reading this post had me crying, so I’ll wait till tonight at home before looking at the video.
Emmett really looked like he was having the time of his life and had a well deserved “fun hangover.”
Jennifer
what an awesome event for an awesome dog (and that dog’s awesome family)
deb long
we were very moved by this post, Emmett is very handsome! We wish Cancer would disappear. Hugs
stella rose
jan
What a wonderfully well organized and dog-friendly event for a good cause. And Emmett’s little black tie is perfect.
Murphy & Stanley
Well, we didn’t make it through that video without mom getting all leaky eyed! That is a wonderful video. Emmett is accomplishing a lot in his life!
Your Pals,
Murphy & Stanley
Pamela | Something Wagging This Way Comes
What a great cause. And what a wonderful chance for charming Emmett to be the center of attention.
Loved the video.
Rebekah
What a nice event, and Emmett is soooo handsome.
Jan K
Love that first photo….you all look great! What a wonderful event and so special for Emmett to be featured in the video (which was great), and to be the guest of honor.
Jackie Bouchard
Wow, how great! We love MAF and have been to one of their black toe fundraisers. How fun to bring Emmett along!! Love the video!
Carol Bryant
Way to kick butt and rock a tux, Emmett. Your family looks pawsome, too! Congrats!
Kathy
He is so handsome!! And sounds like he was so well behaved!! Glad everyone had such a great time!!
Stacy
Oh, my pups would love to win this!
Lauren
How did I miss this a week ago?? What an awesome story, and I’m so glad you guys and Emmett got to enjoy yourselves as a family that way. (I’m also glad you discovered the Morris Animal Foundation.) 🙂
Love and hugs to you and all your critters!
KimT
OMD Happy Dance, Happy Dance…. How cool to win! Almost as pawsome as having you for a friend, Emmett. You rock. Totally. Bring a not-so-humble girl to her knees. Kisses!!! – CindyLu xx