HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

This past summer.....Riding with Kyle

Moments with Baxter

A MUST SEE........This is a tear jerker.... get your kleenex ready!!!!! click here This is why my platform is about and for Pets.... Hug yours today!! I love mine.....Annie, Leia, Palmer & Yoda! and In loving memory of Queen Amidala (1999-2007) & King Odin (2001-2010)

My first time.... at the GOAT Farm

Tuesday night I visited a Goat farm in rural Bowling Green with the BGSU pre-vet students. I am getting large animal and farm animal experience needed as a prerequisite to get into Veterinary Med school. When I attended the Stem event at BGSU a couple of weeks ago, I made contact with the Pre-vet students from BGSU, in which I was invited by the President of the student organization to go with them to the farms. Since UT doesn't offer this as a class or feature in the curriculum, its an advantage for me. Before applying for graduate school, its advised to have these experiences and instead of seeking this out on my own and going by myself, I have a group now that I can go with.

It is also a requirement to have at least 80 hours with a Veterinarian. Plus, all the studying I will have to do between now and next summer preparing to take the MCAT's, which will be 1 year out from hopefully attending Vet school, since I hope to graduate 2012 with my Bachelors in Biology. Looks like I am going to be very busy this next year or so! Probably won't have much time to work, compete in pageants or anything else for that matter! I would love to win a local title but I just can't fit as many pageants in to my schedule this year, not like I did last year. :(( I do really need to concentrate on these internships and MCAT's. My future depends on me successfully completing all the requirements before I can apply next year, so I have a limited amount of time to get it done plus taking full load of classes too! In addition to my responsibilities as Historian of Kappa Kappa Psi, which I have to attend all events and document with pictures and planning events such as the Band Banquet on Dec 4th which is my job to take care of it. So I am keeping very busy right now too! I will also be working with the TAHS starting in January helping with the after school programs with the Girl Scouts, in addition to my volunteering at the TAHS, and my summer camps teaching kids about being a responsible pet owner. PLus.... much much more to come!

Anyways, my Goat farm experience was a lot of fun and very informative. I will update this later with more details. I am going to sleep now since I have to be up in a few hours for the Race for the Cure.... please check back for pics!!!

<3 Jess

Dog Days of September tomorrow....

Adoption Events
Dog Days of September
by Stautzenberger College
Stautzenberger College is back once again with the Dog Days of September 2010 featuring the ever popular Seventh Annual Wiener Dog Nationals back at the Lucas County Fairgrounds on Saturday, September 18, 2010. Admission is FREE as always so bring the entire family including the dog(s) for a fun filled day with plenty of activities and entertainment. Dog-related vendors will have plenty of freebies and great deals on products and services. Food and refreshments will be available all day. Even Doggy Rest Areas will be set up for the four-legged members of the family to take a break and get some fresh water. Kids will enjoy crafts and activities at the childrens area.
Don’t have a dog, or looking to add another to your family? Numerous dog rescue groups will be represented with plenty of pooches up for adoption.

Saturday September 18
Lucas County Rec Center / Fair Grounds
1406 Key Street
Maumee, OH 43537
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Stem event at BGSU...

I assisted the Toledo Area Humane Society as they participated in the STEM event at BGSU on Saturday morning from 9 am - 1pm. It was a first time event and there were 100's of kids there participating in all the events. In addition to the TAHS, there were other vendors with games and activities for kids too!

At the TAHS booth we handed out paperwork... flyers of upcoming events, newsletters amd education programs offered by the TAHS. We played a game with the kids.... matching a picture of different dogs by a description and information about the breed. Plus, we played with Brutus....yes named after the OSU Buckeyes mascot. Brutus is a 4 month old Chiweinie,known as part Chihuahua and Dachsaund, also referred to as a "mutt" breed but in Hollywood it would be Chiweinie lol. Amyways, Brutus in is first debut event got to meet and greet the kids plus learn some socialization skills, which I think he did very well. Brutus belongs to Jackie one of the educators at TAHS and was adopted from the TAHS when his mother and 3 other pups were surrendered to the TAHS when he was 3 days old. He was fostered out until able to be adopted at 8 weeks.

It was a fun event and I get to be more involved with event and appearances made by the TAHS... more than just walking dogs and cleaning cages when I do my basic volunteer work which I also love to do. But it's a chance to relax some from collegiate curriculum....organic chemistry and molecular genetics is consuming my life again lol. Its a reminder of why I am doing this..... for the pets and animals. Plus I made a connection with BGSU pre-vet students as well, and received an invitation to come to the farm where they go and get some large animal experience with them..... so excited!! So life is good!!

Here are some pics from the event.....

My commercial

My commercial with the Toledo Humane Society is now being played on Channel 13.... hope you get to catch it.

The dancing Merengue dog....

http://www.boingboing.net/2010/08/31/dancing-merengue-dog.html

Paws 4 Cause Charity Drop Off

My Charity Drop off was held today at the Cass Road Baptist Church from 10-5pm. It was a success in collecting prom dresses!
We will continue to collect old and fairly new prom dresses, books and other clothing items between now and September 25th, so if you have any items you would like to donate please contact me and I will arrange for a pick up.

The Paws for Cause Charity Benefit will be held at the Cass Road Baptist Church on Saturday, September 25 from 11am-5pm. More to come on that Charity even soon. But for a peek....there will be vendors, food, face painting and animal shape balloons for kids, vendor basket raffles, Ohio State quilt raffle, and special raffle for every canned or staple food item brought to the benefit and donated to the church food pantry. There will be entertainment, a fashion show of the prom dresses and guest appearances to be announced later. All proceeds from the Charity event will benefit the Children's Miracle Network, Toledo Area Humane Society and American cancer Society.

CHECK BACK SOON!!

Toledo Area Humane Society Event - Kitten Shower

Want to ADOPT a KITTEN..... JULY 31 at the TAHS

Need Sponsors!!

CHECK this site out!!! Bankies4Babes

HELP ME RAISE MONEY for CHILDREN's MIRACLE NETWORK and for every $5.00 donated a Blanket with be given to a sick child or baby. A 2 for 1 Charity contribution. CHECK OUT details!!

What's Up.........

Hello, sorry I haven't blogged in awhile but I have been very busy..... I enjoyed my few days away at Miss Ohio week competitions. It was really exciting watching the preliminary level and then being there for crowning our new Miss Ohio 2010 - Becky Minger. Congrats Becky you were so awesome all week! Also, Congrats to 1st RU Shannon O'Neill and 2nd RU - Marisa Buchheit, my Miss Maple City team!!! I'm so happy for you and so proud!! We, mom and I spent the week with friends in Columbus, Carrie and Eric which was a lot of fun, thanks guys!!

Well for most people, school has been out but not for me. I am taking summer classes this year Calculus 1 & 2. So, I just finished my first summer session of Calc 1 and now starting the second session of Calc 2 which will be over the first week of August. Just in time for Band camp to start at U of Toledo Rocket Marching Band. I am Section Leader for the Piccolo section so I will be busy this fall.

As for now, I am working this summer at Steak & Shake restaurant, trying to make as much money as I can before school starts because with school, marching band, and Kappa Kappa Psi I probably won't have time to do to much of anything else. Chemistry and Biology consume my life and free time does not exist because it is usually spent studying and studying and then more studying. I was elected Historian for Kappa Kappa Psi so I have to document everything the Fraternity does and scrapbook all the events by taking pictures etc. so that's going to keep me busy too.

In addition to work and school, I have been working on a fund raising Benefit for charity that hopefully will be all put together real soon. Plus, this is the month I will be doing an internship with the Toledo Humane Society, teaching at Summer camps for kids about being responsible pet owners which follows along with my Platform for Miss Ohio. So excited and can't wait!!

<3 Jess

Bark in the Park Fundraiser!!

The fundraiser was a success! I enjoyed being the official photographer for the dog contest. Some pics to follow. Several dogs and cats were adopted that day which is always a bonus!

Talked to many vendors about my platform and gained their support. Will write more later

Special Events To Benefit The Homeless Animals Of The Toledo Area Humane Society

Come join me in raising money for the TAHS... will be kicking off my new promotion to raise money for CMN and TAHS. Learn more about my promotion and charity benefit that is planned for this summer. SEE you there!


Bark In The Park Begins
Sunday May 16, 2010
9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Walk Registration begins 10:00 a.m.
Walk begins 11:00 a.m.

Advance Registration & Early Shirt Pick Up

May 7 & 8 May 14 & 15
11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Click here for registration form.

Children 12 and under can help make a difference by becoming a junior walker. Click here for a junior walker registration form

Thanks to our generous sponsors!



Invisible Fence ® Brand
Debbie J. Papay, Attorney Providing for Pets in Trusts and Wills





Bark in the Park

Show off your favorite furry friend while supporting the homeless animals of the Toledo Area Humane Society.

The Bark in the Park is a fun event for everyone in the family, including your four-legged friends! Activities include a 1.5 mile journey around Arrowhead Park, music, food, vendor displays, raffles, festival style games, animal contests, demonstrations and more.

Help raise money for the animals of TAHS by collecting pledges for your walk time. Prizes will be given to the top individual pledge raiser and the two top walk teams. A special prize will also be given to the "Top Tot", a junior walker age 12 or under, who raises the most money in pledges. All walkers will receive a commemorative t-shirt for their participation in the event.

Be sure to join in our exciting dog contest including:

Most unusual looking dog
Looks most like its owner
Biggest party pooper
The most misbehaved
Sloppiest kisser
If your favorite furry friend doesn't happen to be a canine, you can still join in the fun. Why not try pinning a picture of your cat, bird, hamster, horse or rabbit to the front of your walk shirt and show that you are a proud pet owner!

Mama has been missing since last week :((

Well since last Tuesday, mama kitty has disappeared. She ran into the neighbors shrubs last week when the TAHS officer and mom tried to catch her to get her medical attention and since then has wandered elsewhere and we have not seen her. :(( She has either found another place to settle into with food, water and shelter or she was so sick she curled up somewhere and died. We miss seeing her around!! :((

TAHS- Gilbert

Click here for story about Gilbert... an abandoned cat needing a new home

The benefit of micro chipping your pet

See how micro chipping your pet can benefit you and your pet

First Annual PETS/CMN Charity Benefit

My first annual PETS/CMN Charity Benefit planning is underway. A date has not been set yet, but plans are being made to host the first annual event late this summer or early fall.

If you would like to get involved please let me know. I am looking for donations for gift baskets to raffle off. Any craft projects, products or treasures you wish to donate is greatly appreciated. All gift baskets will be displayed the day of the benefit as well as be listed on this website before the event. The more who participate the more money that can be raised the better for CMN and TAHS.

Looking for anyone who is willing to crochet, knit, quilt or fleece blankets for babies, children, teens and Pets for charity. A few Quilts will be either raffled or silent auctioned. I will also post pictures on this website prior to the charity event of the items to be raffled off. The blankets will be donated to local children hospitals and blankets for pets to the Toledo Area Humane Society. All proceeds from the benefit will be donated to the Children's Miracle Network and Toledo Area Humane Society. Would like to have over 100 blankets by the time of the Charity event, so if you would like to make one or more and donate please let me know. Currently I have about 10 crocheted blankets. Pics to follow of blankets and items as I receive them.

Check back later as more plans are finalized and details are available. This event is sponsored by Jessica Nelson.

My Internship with the Toledo Humane Society

My training for my internship with the TAHS will be starting soon and I am so excited. My first meeting is coming up and preparations are underway. This summer I will be teaching at Summer camps with the TAHS teaching young age children around age 10 about pets and being a responsible pet owner.

In the meantime, I am continuing my effort in volunteering and taking care of our furry friends at least here in northwest Ohio.
Check back later for pictures and updates.

<3 Jess

"I kick my dog"

Okay, so here's the story about " I kick my dog" statement. I competed last week at Miss Muskingum Valley in Zanesville, Ohio as most of you know. I am very passionate about my platform and advocating for our furry friends is very important. I was so excited after my private interview as I felt it was the BEST interview that I have ever had in all the competitions I have done. It was 10 minutes of intense and hard core questions about my Platform. Questions about PETA, animal testing, cruelty and fur coats. I didn't know that one of Miss Ohio sponsors gives the new Miss Ohio a mink coat!! Being my platform is about Pets and against cruelty it would be hypocritical of me to accept a mink coat... don't ya think? Even though I would thank them for their support of the program I would ask for a faux fur instead! I think that is a reasonable compromise.

But, the kicker of it all, was when one of the judges admitted to kicking his dog. Yes... this truly happened in my interview. Several of the other judges looked at him like are you serious!! The judge was Kirk Barton, from Columbus, Ohio. A former Ohio State Buckeye football player and currently plays for the Detroit Lions. Google his name and there is a lot of pictures and articles about him. So what do you say to that? I was so shocked and taken back by that statement that I couldn't even concentrate on the next question he was asking. It was like a stab in my heart to hear him admit such a terrible act. So.... I called him on it! His rationale for this statement was.... you know when you come home from a long day and you have had a crappy day and the dog gets under your foot and you kick him to go away!!! Really???? After researching this I found out his dog is a little Yorkie too! My response to that is when I come home and have a bad day, I hug my pets and play with them and I feel so much better after. Sometimes, I will go volunteer at the Humane society to relieve stress and think! The animals are so accepting and loe when you pay attention to them. How can I justify this cruelty by kicking your dog to be excusable because your having a bad day!!! He later said he was joking...... was he really?? then why would you make a statement like that to someone whose platform is against animal cruelty and teaching being a responsible pet owner. Obviously, being a cocky football player excuses that disrespectful behavior.

What I was happy about, having a good interview about my Platform thinking it was awesome turned out to be a nightmare due to a jerk who had no business being on the judges panel. It is so true that Interview can make or break you. There is no way an interview can be judged fairly with a judge like Kirk Barton who shows no respect for himself, his dog or for the Miss Ohio program. To him it was a joke and he made sure he showed it by his actions. This same judge also thinks that Michael Vick is awesome. What part of criminal acts of abuse and cruelty is considered awesome? Vick was sentenced for animal abuse and cruelty, this is not a role model in my opinion. He also admitted to this team mates and fans that he did not give his all when playing before thus not making him a good team player or role model. So......I think I am justified in making the statement that Michael Vick is not a good role model. Even despite all the facts and information to justify my statement Kirk Barton still thought he was awesome. So.... does that mean he condoned dog fighting? Did he participate at some time in this illegal activity? Makes you wonder.

To some my Platform may be a joke to them and may not take me serious, but it means everything to me and it means everything to other people who have the same passion as I do for animals. Pets are my life.... and my future. Just like Football means everything to Kirk Barton, Pets and animals means everything to me. If I respect him and his sport, I think I deserve the same in return. He didn't have to agree with me but should have sit back and listened , maybe he would have learned a few things. Next he will be telling me Dance is not a Sport, when I practice just a much and as hard as he does in Football practice. Even Albert Einstein said "Dancers are the athletes of God". I guess this will be a debate for the next blog time.






Vick for Playgirl or PETA article

Micheal Vick speaking out on dog fighting

Mike Vick article


Second Chance for Michael Vick
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The official Mike Vick website

okay so I found this on Mike Vick's website.....please check this out thought it was very interesting in lieu of his history, he has the nerve to call non-supporters Trolls!! What do you think?

I am a firm believer that everyone deserves a second chance. Despite the fact I still think Vick is poor role model I will say if he is sincere about what he is doing he is trying to make amends. See article here
But is he doing it because he lost it all and trying to regain it and his image that he destroyed or is he sincere about believing this and knows what he did was wrong and wants to make a difference! Time will tell!

HAPPY..... what is it???

Tell Your Representatives to Pass the HAPPY Act for Pet Care Tax Deductions Now

Targeting: The U.S. House
Started by: Stephanie Feldstein
To some people, a tax deduction for pet care may not seem very important compared to many of the other issues our federal government is dealing with these days. But for 71.4 million American households that own pets, and for the 3-4 million animals euthanized in shelters each year, it's a question of life and death.

Our struggling economy has seen a spike in animals being relinquished to shelters when owners can no longer afford their care. Veterinary offices, like most other businesses, have also seen a drop in client visits, which means that many animals may not be getting the care they need. If people knew the money they spent on their pets could be coming back to them at the end of the year, it might help them keep their four-legged family members, and to keep up with their care. A pet care tax deduction could save pets' lives and reduce the societal costs of sheltering homeless animals.

Don't let the HAPPY (Humanity and Pets Partnership through the Years) Act fall off Congress' agenda - write your representative today!


Vote for HAPPY here


check out this site for more information

Check this out....

Cat Genie website
Everyone should own one of these.....

Precious Paws in LA website

"I Kick my Dog"

Check back for the story on this title soon. You will be amazed!

Last Friday- my play day at the TAHS

Updated pica of George - his wounds are healing and needs more surgeries yet follow his progress by clicking here.....



Other animals at the shelter that need a forever home.......

This is Bear

This is Misty..... I want her!!

This is Mimi

This kitten is Lucky






This is another pic of Misty

This is another pic of Bear





This is Rusty.....

This is Buckeye......

Another pic of Buckeye

This is Simon

This is me with Bear.....

This is a Chow mix puppy

Chow puppies....they just had surgery that day

This puppy is BArney and a little shy

Golden Retriever puppies

Rusty cathchin some rays playing in the snow....

Chow puppy - Sassy

Black Lab puppy.....

Golden Retriever puppies.....

Fluffy but a BIG cat too!......

me getting kisses from one of the puppies.....