When this contest first started I didn't think it would have come down to this. I've never really been on any sort of winning team until after collegiate sports and making my way onto a woman's recreational ice hockey team. While we killed in the regular season, we lost the tournament we hosted. Bummer. It took me years to get a little league jacket for champions, only because we were the only team in our league. Womp womp... (sad cartoon sound for those of you who don't know)

In our hearts we were always champions...

When I first got the emails regarding the Zootoo contest, we were already far down the list of shelters. We made our way into first place. We held onto first place with a few ups and downs from our pals St.Tammany, but for the most part, we still took on the lead. It wasn't until the last two months that we took a major hit from the other shelters who gained affiliates and momentum. It hurt our motivation a bit, but you know what? We're still here, and we're still pursuing the contest at full force.

Our volunteers have been inspirational. As an employee at LHS, I would have NEVER gotten to know any of our volunteers by just working at LHS. I got to know everyone through Zootoo, something I cannot say about any other social networking site I've been on. I've read stories, viewed photos/videos, read reviews, and all sorts of things. It really helped me get an idea of where everyone was coming from. When these familiar faces come to the shelter, it's truly a blessing.

I've learned so much from the writings of other affiliates through Zootoo. One important thing I learned was how to deal with Sharky's separation anxiety. I also learned about the training he received through the BADdogs program at LHS before I started working there. I learned how to train other dogs (Thanks Anthony!) and used my new found knowledge while Shivers was with us. I've seen people come through our doors to walk the same dogs week after week. I've seen people post photos of many of my favorites, and I've seen people who have adopted my favorites add their new pets to their zoo. (Nico & Rhoda aka Shivers)

Zootoo is coming Sunday. I have not had a day off in months. Even when I've been out of work or was "supposed" to be off, I've been working at night at my other job. I've managed to spend a lot of time on this site despite my busy schedule.

Sunday, I will be at LHS. I give EVERYONE permission to have the office call me to come down to help out. I will be in "volunteer mode." Then, I am going to march in the parade. I am not very Irish, but I am proud of LHS and all that we have done. I am going to try and buy bandanas and collars for the pups marching in the parade with LHS, and Sharky will be my male escort.

I hope to see all of your lovely faces at LHS on Sunday. I am extremely proud of all that we have accomplished!