What We Do

Waterloo Kiwanis Club

9 hours ago

Training success starts before you ever ask your dog to do anything. At Retrieving Freedom, creating the right environment is a key part of how we help dogs learn and succeed.

Choosing a quiet, non-distracting environment helps your dog focus on you instead of everything happening around them. Pick up toys, turn off the television, and make sure the dog you are working with is the only animal involved. Having your food ready in a pocket, bowl, or treat pouch also keeps the session flowing smoothly.

Katie Ruiz explains, “So many things can pull a dog’s attention away. Setting up the space ahead of time gives your dog the best chance to succeed.”

She also recommends choosing a marker word like “yes,” “good,” or “nice” and using it consistently. That word becomes a clear signal to your dog that they did something right and a reward is coming.

This foundation is critical in Service Dog training, where dogs must learn to stay focused and confident in busy, real-world environments. The same principles can help pet dogs succeed at home, too. ... See MoreSee Less

Waterloo Kiwanis Club

9 hours ago

Government can’t do it all—and that’s where nonprofits step up. Across the Cedar Valley, Nonprofits like Exceptional Persons, Inc. partner with their community to ensure people with differing abilities have opportunities, support, and meaningful connection. Nonprofits are neighbors helping neighbors—making sure no one falls through the cracks. #NonprofitsGetItDone NonprofitsGetItDone.org ... See MoreSee Less

Waterloo Kiwanis Club

9 hours ago

Don't miss our Lunch & Learn this Thursday!

Register now: members.growcedarvalley.com/events/Details/lunch-learn-talent-talks-what-yp-s-are-looking-for-in-...

This candid conversation will explore expectations around workplace culture, flexibility, career growth, leadership, purpose, and communication, straight from the voices living it every day. ... See MoreSee Less

Waterloo Kiwanis Club

9 hours ago

Fix a Feline: Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Event for Outdoor Cats
Cedar Bend Humane Society (CBHS) is hosting Fix a Feline, a low-cost spay and neuter event to help address pet overpopulation and support the health of community cats in the Cedar Valley.

🗓 February 1 – March 31, 2026
🐱 For barn & free-roaming cats
Spay and neuter services are available at a reduced cost of $55 per cat for eligible outdoor free-roaming and barn cats four months of age or older.

⚠️ Ear tipping is required for all participating cats.
Ear tipping is the universally recognized method used to identify cats that have been spayed or neutered, helping caretakers and animal welfare organizations quickly recognize altered cats in outdoor populations.

🐱 Services Available:
• Rabies vaccinations are optional and offered at no cost with each spay/neuter surgery, upon request
• Feline distemper vaccinations are available at a reduced cost of $20

🐱CBHS has a goal of altering 200 cats during this event, helping improve the health and stability of outdoor cat populations and reduce strain on shelters and rescues.

📞 Appointments are required and must be scheduled in advance.
Call 319-486-1806 to schedule.

📍 Cedar Bend Humane Society
1166 West Airline Highway, Waterloo, IA 50703-9634
#cedarbendhumanesociety #waterlooiowa #fixafeline ... See MoreSee Less

Waterloo Kiwanis Club

1 day ago

We are excited to welcome Seth Sterns from The Job Foundation as our February 19th meeting. The Job Foundation's mission
"to equip K-12 students and their families for economic advancement." With the end goal being "a long-term investment in youth growing up in low-income households by equipping them with the knowledge, tools, and assets to become financially independent adults." ... See MoreSee Less