Update: Our 1st Year at Dogtoberfest

On October 16, the Disabled Advantage team attended our 1st Dogtoberfest in Blue Springs, MO. 

Although Disabled Advantage has been in business since 2021, this has been the first year I've attended any business events, mainly because I had no idea how to find them, let alone how to sign up as a vendor! This year, I've made new connections in my local business community, and this has enabled me to expand my reach, learn new things, and get inside knowledge into business community events. Dogtoberfest was, actually, the very first event I signed up for, but the 3rd one we attended, because their sign up opened so early in the year. 

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At this event, I was joined by my husband, Adam, and my best friend, Maddie, with her dog, Max. Austin was there, too, of course, being my service dog. Maddie and Max, were my first clients. Max is almost done with Therapy Dog training. 

We set up two tables up front with information about Disabled Advantage, flyers about types of working dogs for adults and kids alike, stickers of Robbie with my "Let's Do This" mantra for working through pain, free training tip guides for socialization & confidence building, a video of what it looks like to train with me, signs with my new Patreon page info, and a memorial to Robbie with his photo and vest. I had wanted him to be with us, and this way, he could be. 

It was a long day for all of us. Austin started out off duty for a walk with my husband and Max's team, then moved to on-duty for me, bracing, giving counter-balance assistance as needed, and helping to stabilize my body temp. He got a few breaks during the day, where I'd take his gear off and we'd play tug in our tent or do fun training. It was a nice day, or would have been for someone without CRPS! As it was, we had a hard time keeping me warm in 60F with light wind. I was wrapped in blankets, with hand warmers, fingerless gloves, and a heated blanket. I almost dipped into shock over lunch, but Austin stabilized me and this enabled me to keep going. 

I hope I reached the people who needed to connect with me. Several people stopped by throughout the day to take information, ask questions, or remark on Donut's eerie ability to hold a Sit all day. I was able to walk through the event for a little bit, which was good for both of us. Events are a strain on my CRPS due to the sitting, smiling, talking, and remaining in a heightened cognitive state for answering questions and helping people effectively for long stretches of time. They typically take 2-3 days for me to recover. If you're at an event and see us present, I'd love for you to stop by and ask questions! When I can help even one person, it's worth it for me to be there. Dogtoberfest was a fun event to be a part of, and I hope to attend again in future years!

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