There's always a good-sized group of dogs at Aldens Kennels. Some are guests enjoying the benefits of the best dog-gone pet boarding service in the Midwest. Others are there for Aldens Board & Train program - a two-week mix of boarding and world-class dog training. And still others are there as semi-long-term guests - rescue dogs looking for homes.

Though all the dogs at Aldens are loved and cared for, there's only one dog at Aldens that is truly a celebrity. That dog is Bambi. Bambi is at least as cute as a young fawn in a Disney film. And Aldens Bambi does things the animated Bambi never considered. For instance, Aldens Bambi has performed in home-made music videos. He's also posed for photos with one of the top photographers in the country - Wancket Studios.

But, a real case in point is Bambi's involvement in charity. For instance, last year, Bambi walked in the Paws For A Cause walkathon raising more than $500 for the Gavers Breast Cancer Center and Gavers Breast Care Fund. This year, however, Bambi is not the only dog representing Aldens in the walkathon. This year, Bambi will be joined by members of the upcoming agility class at Aldens.

Aldens is sponsoring as many as 10 teams of dogs and owners who sign up for the agility class that starts at noon Saturday, Sept. 15. Each team receives a T-shirt for the handler, a bandana for the dog and a goody bag they can share.

"We thought Bambi might enjoy a little Aldens Kennels company in the walkathon this year," owner Al Domrase said. "It's a great cause and it's a lot of fun."

Aldens is also a corporate sponsor of the event and Bambi has also donated a 3-day motorcycle rental from McHenry Harley Davidson.

While the walkathon is a lot of fun, so is the agility class. Agility is a sport where a team of a dog and a handler compete against other teams to overcome obstacles with a maximum of proficiency and a minimum of time.

In the course of training for agility, dogs and owners/handlers develop a much stronger bond. Agility competition does not allow for verbal commands. Therefore, dog and handler must be on the same page. The process, by its very nature, increases the bond between the two. And, incidentally, it also improves the dog's obedience level.

Another benefit of agility is that it is great exercise. This is particularly important for older dogs who can otherwise become overweight and lethargic in their age. Agility is great for younger dogs, too. It helps to burn off energy that might otherwise get them into trouble.

For more information about Aldens Kennels or their agility class, call 815-728-0559 or visit www.aldenskennels.com.

For more information about Paws For A Cause, visit https://www.facebook.com/PawsForACauseCommunityDogWalk?ref=hl.