November 19, 2013. Albuquerque, New Mexico. Not every dog holds a charity drive, but that is exactly what Travelin’ Jack, New Mexico’s award-winning pet travel journalist, 3-time award winning dog author, and New Mexico’s Dog-Governor, is orchestrating this December. Because Travelin’ Jack has acquired fame in New Mexico….and beyond, he is taking his canine celebrity status to a new level with a 3-part “GIVE BACK” holiday charity drive.

TRAVELIN' JACK'S HOWL-I-DAY 'GIVE BACK' TOUR 2013 will take place from December 1st-through December 15th in Albuquerque, and will consist of 5 events designed to support 3 worthy non-profit organizations: Toys For Tots, Meals on Wheels and Save Lucky Paws. The goal of the tour is to a) present unique events in which local consumers can participate b) educate consumers about the organizations and c) help raise funds and gifts for the organizations’ recipients.

1) SAVE LUCKY PAWS. Located at Coronado Mall, Lucky Paws is a unique arm of the Albuquerque City Animal Services Department. It operates more like a pet store than a shelter and has the highest adoption rate in the city with the lowest return rate. Travelin’ Jack will host a HOWL-I-DAY OPEN HOUSE with help from Santa Paw's Elf helpers on Sunday, December 1st from 12-4PM. Holiday shoppers can stop in this mall location shelter adoption center, make a donation of any dollar amount, select a toy from the BIG CHRISTMAS TOY BOX filled with new dog/cat toys and drop that same toy into the Super-sized Christmas Stocking. The donated toys will be distributed to the shelter pets on Christmas. GOAL: Target the post-Thanksgiving mall shoppers with a festive fun...EASY way to 'GIVE BACK' to a worthwhile pet organization.

2) TOYS FOR TOTS. Travelin’ Jack has been named the official mascot for the 2013 NM Marines Toys for Tots campaign. For the 2nd year, he will present the LARGEST DONATION EVER MADE BY A DOG to NM Toys for Tots....500+ children's books. The first event will take place Friday, December 6, 4-9PM, Holiday Stroll in Old Town Albuquerque. Travelin' Jack will be at Treasure House Books and Gifts. For each book purchased that evening, Jack will donate a book to Toys for Tots. The second event will take place Sunday, December 8th at The Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum- "Holidays Take Flight" event from 11AM-3PM. Travelin’ Jack will paw-ticipate in this popular local holiday event. He will represent the Marines and will present 500+ books to Toys For Tots. Goal: To support the Marines Toys for Tots campaign, raise awareness and help solicit toy and book donations to needy local children--two more easy ways for consumers to “GIVE BACK” to a worthwhile local charitable drive.

3) MEALS ON WHEELS. This particular campaign is designed to support their low-income pet families food program. As meals are distributed to Meals on Wheels participants who own pets, they will also deliver holiday goodies for the pet. Pets also receive quality pet food donated by Enchantment Pet Resort & Spa. The 1st event to support the Meals on Wheels holiday program for pets will take place on Saturday, December 14th from 11-2PM at Three Dog Bakery (Montgomery Blvd) with a PupCakes & CupCakes Howl-i-day Reception for people and pets. The open house will provide opportunities for guests to purchase holiday treats for the MOW pets as well as partake in tasty pup-cakes for pups and cupcakes for people. The 2nd event will be a Howl-i-day Pet Party on Sunday, December 15th at Il Vicino Pizzeria (Corrales Rd & Alameda location) from 2-4PM. This event will be ‘the pup party of the season’ and will take place on their Pet-friendly Patio. It will be an Open House party for Pets dressed in their Holiday attire, with a contest for cutest holiday pets. Photo ops with your pet in a take-home Souvenir Photo support donations to MOW. Il Vicino Pizzeria will also be donating 20% of sales generated that day for the fundraiser (they must reference it)…in ALL 3 Albuquerque locations to Meals on Wheels. GOAL: To support Meals on Wheels and to educate consumers about the MOW pet component of the program by providing holiday food and gifts for the participants’ pets.

Travelin’ Jack will be on hand for photos and more as he plays “SANTA PAWS” at ALL these events, while helping raise funds for the 3 worthy organizations.

Travelin’ Jack, a 5-year young Olde English Bulldogge, has been featured in New Mexico (and beyond) on television, radio, magazines, electronic media and newspapers. His journalistic career began with his Dog-Blog-Travelogue followed by his own television segment (Jack’s Tracks) on New Mexico produced TV show “Travel Guide New Mexico” where Jack showcased Pet-Friendly New Mexico. In 2010 Travelin’ Jack was the first dog ever to receive an award from the New Mexico Governor’s Conference on Tourism for his work in Pet Travel and Social Media. Travelin’ Jack has also represented New Mexico in published articles in national pet magazines, on national veterinary and pet internet sites and publications. He appears on television regularly promoting “all things pet”. He continually travels around the state and has even been hired as a “Speaker” at a national pet conference in Washington D.C.. He has also appeared as a dog-model in numerous advertising and marketing campaigns representing everything from national pet product companies to prestigious tourism destinations. Travelin’ Jack appears at events and festivals throughout New Mexico.