Every Dog has a Story| PAWS Chicago Run for their lives.

I have often said that Buttons of Hope is not just about the button, it's about a story. The button is simply a tool, a tangible way for people to express their emotion. 99% of the time the photos are of people so the story you are about to read is not the normal Behind the Button story. Today I made buttons for Jerri Hatch who will to wear buttons in the PAWS Chicago Run for their Lives September 28th. (make a donation here) When you read Jerri's thoughts about her dog Balou I think you'll see why I was so touched by the buttons I made in honor of her beloved "best friend".

"Last year I did the Paws Run because I love animals and try to help with them in any way possible.  I believe I raised about $1200 last year for the event. This year I am doing the run in honor of my beloved Chocolate Lab, Balou, who unfortunately passed away on July 2nd from cancer.  So far my team and I have raised $3655 and counting. 

We will wear our buttons with pride on Sunday the 28th and honor my best pal and well as all deserving animals. Over the 13 years of his life he has lived with us in Singapore, NYC (he and I witnessed 9/11 first hand only living 3 blks from the trade center), Los Angeles and Chicago.  He got to ride across the country twice and seemed to love Colorado (photo of him and I attached in Vail, CO).  I know that everyone thinks that their pet is the most special but Balou truly was an amazing dog. On 9/11 he was the only thing that kept me somewhat sane as we had to evacuate and take shelter nearby.  Once the dust cleared and daylight appeared we then walked with thousands of others across the Brooklyn Bridge to stay with some friends for a few days. After that we had to live in a hotel for almost 6 weeks and while there the Red Cross had blocks of rooms and every evening Balou would let them all pet him and he become their "personal" therapy dog.  He was happy to oblige.

It has only been a short time since he left us and there is a huge void in our lives. He truly was a best friend."