Not long ago I talked about the need for more community-service initiatives for tweens.  I'm happy to report that I found a great cause not only for my tween, but also for me, my friends at work and our dogs.

The Jacksonville Humane Society hosted their first ever Trail of Tails walk this past weekend to raise money for the growing number of homeless pets crowding their shelter.  The day-long event started with a 1.5 mile walk along the river and ended at a park filled with booths and activities for pets and the people who adore them.

My daughter (third from left in rose-colored shirt) and her friend (first on left) were so excited to see so many four-legged friends altogether in one place.  They gladly gave up their much coveted sleeping-in time on a Saturday to get up and walk a distance they moan about covering in gym class once a week.  The hook?  Passion.  A passion for pets.  My daughter has one (the Weimaraner in the front). Her friend has several furry friends, but no dog...yet.  They both share a love for dogs that is boundless.  And that love has them so excited they are already planning to participate in the Jacksonville Human Society summer camp program and recruit a host of friends (and dogs) to walk with them at the event next year.

As parents, we want the best for our kids.  We try to expose them to a variety of experiences and opportunities in the hope that they will find their passion.  We could probably save a lot of time (and heartache) if we stopped every now and then and simply observed what our children were saying and doing when no one else is supposed to be watching.  My daughter and her friends talk about dogs all the time.  They read books about them.  They collect stuffed animals of every type and breed.  THey have calendars and magnets, pencils and staionery...all adorned with dogs.  They even talk as much about what the dogs did during play dates as they do about what they did with the human friends they supposedly went to play with in the first place.  It only stands to reason they would bring that same passion and enthusiasm to a community service project that involved their four-legged friends.

The key to long term success and happiness in any thing in life really boils down to passion.  Find it.  Feed it.  And feel the positive effects for your tween (and yourself) today.

P.S.  Thanks to Jenifer, Sam, Amy and Romain (pictured from right above) for putting together "These Paws Were Made for Walking" team from St. John & Partners.