Our Story:
My wife Diane and I made our first trip to Africa more than a decade ago. This fascinating continent gets under your skin. In fact, we loved it so much that we started a safari company!
Dog Collars for Africa
But while the African wildlife is magical, it is your bond with the people of Africa that last a lifetime. On our numerous trips we have made friends who may appear to have nothing by American standards, yet are the richest people in the world. They have taught us the lesson that it does “take a village.” Everyone helps everyone. That lesson inspired us, like so many others, that we wanted to do something to help out. It was a way for us to say “Asante Sana” – thank you very much – for the wonderful experiences we have had in Africa and for the help we have received in operating our safari company.
In addition to loving Africa we also love dogs. In fact we are crazy about dogs! Our German shepherd rescue, Heidi, could be the most spoiled dog in the world. How many pooches do you know who were given acting lessons and have appeared on television, in videos and on the stage? Oh, and our “working dog” is also a journalist – with doggy stage mom Diane, she writes a column for a local website. http://studiocity.patch.com/columns/a-paw-in-the-door
One day these two passions merged together in an “AH HA” moment. We wanted to get a holiday gift for Heidi, the dog who has everything, and found a great African organization (Beads for Education – http://www.beadsforeducation.org/) that was selling beautiful beaded items that included dog collars.
But more importantly Debby Rooney, the amazing founder of BEADS introduced me to Patrick Papatiti, a Maasai warrior who lives in Kenya and asked us to support his education at the United States International University (USIU) in Nairobi Kenya. We have been doing so for several years. And now Patrick is ready to graduate with a degree in International Business Administration.
In December 2011 I had the honor and pleasure of visiting Patrick and staying with him in his village in the shadow of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Once again I saw the sharing and caring attitude of the African people. As we watched his cattle and goats graze we discussed how we could operate a business together. And as is typical Patrick discussed with me how that business would benefit his village. Patrick’s wife Agnes and the women of the Ongata-Rangai village are incredible bead artisans. The light bulb went on. How about selling beaded dog collars and using the proceeds to improve life in his village? It would help the village, allow us to, give something back and provide fellow dog lovers with something rare and unique. And that is how Dog Collars For Africa was born.
Thanks for visiting our site and supporting Patrick and his village. We know your dog’s tail will be wagging as they show off their unique beautiful collar. And you can take pleasure in the fact that you are helping a village of warm friendly people realize their dreams of educating their village and improving their lives.
Asante Sana,
