400 Members, One Incredible Mission: Thank You, Kennel Klub Family!
We did it!
The Rotary PolioPlus Society Kennel Klub has officially reached 400 members!
What an incredible milestone—and it's all because of you.
Today, our Kennel Klub family includes 400 pets and their humans, representing 15 different kinds of animals across 13 countries. Even more exciting, 10 new Kennel Klubs have formed—or are currently forming—in Rotary districts around the world, helping spread our mission even farther.
As we celebrate this achievement, I can't help but think back to where it all began.
Several years ago, a Long Beach Rotarian saw a photo of me proudly wearing my red End Polio Now bandana. She asked my dad, Greg Owen, if she could turn that photo into a flyer to encourage support for PolioPlus.
At the next Rotary meeting, members received a simple flyer with my smiling face and a simple invitation:
Hi, I'm Mollie Owen.
I'm giving up $10 worth of treats a month to End Polio.
Will you join me?
That little flyer sparked something extraordinary. It inspired more than 100 new PolioPlus Society members, and before long, the Rotary PolioPlus Society Kennel Klub was born.
What started with one photograph and one simple question has grown into a worldwide community of compassionate people and their beloved animals—all united behind one mission: ending polio forever.
Every dog, cat, horse, donkey, owl, tortoise, hummingbird, squirrel, sheep, alpaca, chinchilla, ferret, fish, turtle, and every other amazing member of our Kennel Klub represents hope. Together, we've shown that pets can inspire people to make a real difference in the lives of children around the world.
To every member who welcomed your pet into the Kennel Klub, thank you.
Thank you for believing that even the smallest act of generosity can create lasting change.
Thank you for sharing our story, inviting friends to join, and helping our family grow one member at a time.
This milestone belongs to every one of you.
Most importantly, thank you for standing with Rotary in the fight to eradicate polio. Every membership represents another step toward a future where no child will ever have to suffer from this preventable disease.
Who would have imagined that one photograph, one flyer, and one simple invitation could grow into a global movement?
It's a wonderful reminder that extraordinary things often begin with one small idea—and one person willing to ask.
Congratulations, Kennel Klub family, on reaching 400 members!
I'm so proud to be on this journey with all of you, and I can't wait to welcome the next pets and people who will help us finish the job and celebrate the day the world is finally declared polio-free.
With big tail wags and a very full heart,
Mollie Owen 🐾
End Polio Now Mascot | Rotary Zone 26/27