Cause For Paws

March 23, National Puppy Day. Millions changed their profile pictures and posted photos on social media showing off their 4-legged friends. It was a WONDERFUL day to be on Facebook and Twitter.

(Shameless plug.. here’s my ‘puppy’, Mack, forever young at 10 years and counting)

For today’s featured Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen contestant, there’s cause to pause for pets EVERY day, not just March 23. Helping animals, specifically promoting animal adoption, is her personal mission.

MISS PANHANDLE’S OUTSTANDING TEEN 2015 MARIE KLIEWER

(Photo courtesy Deyo’s Photography)

“I started my platform P.A.A.W.S (Promoting Animal Adoption Within Society) in memory of my paralyzed cat, Lieutenant Dan,” Marie told me recently.

Yes. Lieutenant Dan. Marie says the cat was found at Sarpy County’s Town and Country Humane Society when he was a kitten, brought to her parents’ veterinary office and ultimately, to the Kliewer home. For seven years, Lt. Dan was a treasured member of Marie’s family, even going on vacations with his humans.

“I started my Facebook page P.A.A.W.S. where I posted Lt. Dan’s success story and asked others to do the same,” said Marie. “I also post articles on how to be a responsible pet owner and the benefits of adopting a pet.”

Lt. Dan has since passed away, but Marie has plenty of first-hand experience at home with four other cats and a dog. She also volunteers every week at Town and Country walking dogs, cleaning cages and washing laundry. She showcases pets available for adoption every month at area PetSmart stores, and has created P.A.A.W.S. T-shirts and wristbands to raise money for the shelter.

“It’s all about service and what you do in your community to make a difference,” said Marie. THAT, she says, is why she decided to compete for Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen.

“I have been intrigued by pageantry ever since I was a little girl,” said Marie. “I heard about Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen pageant and all the great opportunities it offers through my cousin, Aleah Peters. I especially love it because you get to choose a platform you are passionate about and love and share it with everyone.”

Marie is also a talented dancer, trained in Lord of the Dance Riverdance and tap.

THERE’S MORE! Marie, just 15 years old, is ALSO an active sophomore at Plattsmouth High School.

To Marie, becoming Miss Panhandle’s Outstanding Teen didn’t add another burden to her already full to-do list, it tied together everything she already loves doing.

“This program is relevant for all young women,” said Marie. “It instills good work ethic, love for your community and community service work. It helps improve your interview skills, confidence on stage, self-esteem and public speaking. All of these skills you learn through this organization will help you in life and to become a well-rounded person.”

Mature advice from a young lady who can’t even drive yet.

Marie Kliewer is DRIVEN. Speaking on behalf of working mommas everywhere, I wish we could bottle her energy and share it! This already busy teenager has taken on her new responsibilities and embraced them, working with former TV News journalist Kali Tripp to fine-tune her speaking skills, and spending even more volunteer hours supporting the Children’s Miracle Network, Miss America’s community partner.

It’s one thing to have goals. It’s another thing to GO AFTER those goals. And it’s pretty darn cool to see someone so young eagerly pursuing what she wants. Definitely, cause to pause.