A Paw-some Year of Progress: Celebrating What We Accomplished Together

6.18.2026

By Mollie, Founder of the PolioPlus Society Kennel Klub

Woof!

As another Rotary year comes to a close, I’ve been spending some time reflecting on everything our amazing Kennel Klub family has accomplished together. From my favorite spot by the window, I’ve watched our community grow, our impact expand, and our mission move one step closer to a world where no child ever has to worry about polio again.

What began as a simple idea—bringing together animal lovers who want to help End Polio Now—has grown into something truly extraordinary.

372 Members Across 12 Countries

Today, the PolioPlus Society Kennel Klub proudly includes 372 members spanning 12 countries. Together, we’ve built a diverse and welcoming community united by a common purpose: helping Rotary eradicate polio forever.

Our members represent an incredible variety of species, including:

• Dogs

• Cats

• Birds

• Reptiles

• Chinchillas

• Ferrets

• Donkeys

• Horses

• Sheep

• Alpacas

• Fish

No matter the species, every member plays an important role in raising awareness and supporting Rotary’s mission.

Growing Around the World

This year we were thrilled to welcome 8 new Kennel Klubs worldwide, helping spread our message to even more communities and creating new opportunities for pet lovers to support PolioPlus.

Each new Kennel Klub represents more advocates, more awareness, and more hope for a polio-free future.

Turning Compassion Into Impact

One of the achievements I’m most proud of is what we’ve accomplished together financially.

During this Rotary year, Kennel Klub members and supporters helped raise $90,530 for PolioPlus.

Thanks to the generous matching funds from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, that total becomes an incredible $271,590 toward the global effort to eradicate polio.

Every dollar helps vaccinate children, strengthen surveillance systems, and bring us closer to the day when polio exists only in history books.

A Rolling Tribute to Our Members

One of the highlights of the year was the completion of our 48-foot PolioPlus Society Kennel Klub trailer.

Featuring photos of many of our members from around the world, the trailer serves as a rolling tribute to the dedication, generosity, and passion of the people and pets who make our mission possible.

As it travels throughout Southern California and beyond, it spreads awareness and reminds people that together, we truly can End Polio Now.

Mollie’s $30,000 Challenge Exceeded

When we launched Mollie’s $30,000 Matching Challenge, I knew our Kennel Klub family would rise to the occasion.

What I didn’t know was just how enthusiastically everyone would respond.

Not only was the challenge met—it was exceeded!

To everyone who donated, shared the campaign, encouraged others to participate, and helped spread the word: thank you. Your generosity continues to make a difference in the lives of children around the world.

A Growing Community

Our online family continues to thrive as well.

Today, our Facebook Group is 542 members strong, bringing together pet lovers and Rotary supporters from around the globe.

Every photo, story, and conversation helps build connections and strengthens our shared commitment to ending polio.

Looking Ahead

While we have much to celebrate, our work is not finished.

In fact, we are closer than ever to achieving something historic.

Polio has been pushed to the brink, but the final steps are often the hardest. That’s why we must continue supporting PolioPlus, raising awareness, recruiting new members, and sharing Rotary’s story with our friends, families, and communities.

The finish line is in sight.

Together, we can help ensure that future generations of children can run, play, walk, and chase their dreams without ever knowing the threat of polio.

Thank You

To every PolioPlus Society member, Kennel Klub member, donor, volunteer, club leader, and supporter—thank you.

Thank you for believing in this mission.

Thank you for supporting Rotary’s promise to eradicate polio.

And thank you for proving that when people and pets work together, amazing things can happen.

With gratitude and tail wags,

Mollie
Founder, PolioPlus Society Kennel Klub

Together, we can End Polio Now.