The Roseville Kennel Klub Story: How 21 Pets Became Champions for PolioPlus

When people ask how the Rotary Club of Roseville built one of the largest PolioPlus Society Kennel Klubs in Rotary, the answer isn't a fundraising strategy or a membership campaign.

It's a story about love—for pets, for family, and for Rotary's promise to eradicate polio.

For Dave and Kathy Clemens, that love started long before the Kennel Klub ever existed.

Dave grew up as the son of a veterinarian. Their home was rarely home to just the family dog. There were always "unwanteds" and rescues needing a temporary place to stay—sometimes three, sometimes seven at a time. As a teenager, Dave spent weekends working as a veterinary technician. Caring for animals wasn't a hobby; it was simply part of life.

Yet despite their lifelong love of dogs, Dave and Kathy waited years before bringing one into their own home. During the busiest years of their careers, they worried a dog would spend too much time alone.

Then everything changed.

As a going-away gift, Kathy's employees surprised her with a beagle puppy named Lucy.

"We literally had to figure it out," Dave recalls.

And figure it out they did.

Lucy attended doggy daycare near Livermore City Hall, where Dave worked as a City Planner. Before long, she became the unofficial "Office Canine," greeting visitors alongside the office cat and winning over everyone she met.

Years later, when Roseville Rotary Past President Megan shared news of a new initiative called the PolioPlus Society Kennel Klub, Dave immediately recognized its potential.

"It was obvious what I needed to do."

They donated in honor of their 3 beloved beagles, Lucy, Patty and Marcie, then signed up their current pups, Sally and Peggy while encouraging fellow Rotarians to do the same.

One member joined.

Then another.

Then three more.

Then many more.

Today, the Rotary Club of Roseville PolioPlus Society Kennel Klub has grown to an incredible 21 members. Their beloved pets have become ambassadors for Rotary's fight to end polio while inspiring fellow Rotarians to get involved in a fun and meaningful way.

Together, Roseville Rotarians have contributed nearly $5,000 to PolioPlus, helping protect children around the world from a disease we're closer than ever to eradicating.

For Dave and Kathy, the cause is deeply personal.

They are both original Polio Pioneer vaccine volunteers, among the children whose participation helped prove the effectiveness of the vaccine that would eventually protect millions of people worldwide. Their parents made the courageous decision to place them in those historic trials, helping change the course of public health forever.

Today, that same commitment continues through Rotary.

Long before joining the Kennel Klub, Dave and Kathy were already dedicated supporters of PolioPlus through the Paul Harris Society and District 5180's annual polio fundraising efforts. The Kennel Klub simply offered another way to support a cause they believe in so deeply.

"Pets and PolioPlus—what a simple yet brilliant idea," Dave says.

And perhaps that's the magic of the Kennel Klub.

It creates a simple, joyful way for people to contribute to something much larger than themselves.

"Just add my dog, cat, goat, horse, turtle—to the fight."

That simple idea has opened hearts and wallets throughout Roseville and beyond.

The Roseville Kennel Klub's story is also one of perseverance and love. The club recently mourned the loss of Albert, one of its cherished members. Yet even in loss, the mission continues, as Albert's family welcomed a new pug, Teddy, who now carries on Albert's PolioPlus legacy.

Through the beloved members of the Roseville Kennel Klub, Dave and Kathy have demonstrated something powerful:

When people connect a cause to something they love, extraordinary things happen.

The Roseville Kennel Klub is more than a group of pets wearing red End Polio Now bandanas. It is proof that creativity, passion, and personal connections can inspire generosity in ways traditional fundraising often cannot.

From all of us in the Rotary PolioPlus Society Kennel Klub family, thank you, Dave and Kathy Clemens, for your unwavering commitment to Rotary's promise, your love for animals, and for reminding us that every pet can help change the world.

Twenty-one pets. Nearly $5,000 for PolioPlus. One inspiring example of Service Above Self.

The story of the Roseville Kennel Klub is still being written—and we can't wait to see what comes next. 🐾❤️