I love when people read to me! Yesterday, was so cold in the morning I was worried that no one would come to read to me at the West Warwick, RI library. When I arrived there were lots of children waiting to read to me. They took turns reading lots of stories, snuggling to me and giving me lots of pats. Even some of the parents had fun petting me.

There were a couple children that wanted to be there, but were scared of me. I found out that they were scared of all dogs and not just me, which made me feel better.  My guardian brought a large stuffed animal she calls "little Sahara" for the ones that are scared of dogs to snuggle to instead of me. One little boy snuggled to little Sahara most of the time. A girl who was scared of me at the start pet me as I was leaving. That made me smile and wag my tail.

I look forward to having them read to me again on Saturday, May 20th at 10am.

Talking to New Students about Pet Assisted Therapy

I haven't been posting because my family has been monopolizing the computer! What is a dog supposed to do to get a little bit of online time? I finished my internship at the Cranston ARC, and am missing the many friends I made there, although when things settle down, I will go back and visit regularly.  Yesterday Jacqie, Lin and I visited the ARC, along with two other Pet Assisted Therapy teams to talk to Pearl Salotto's current Community College of Rhode Island Pet Assisted Therapy students. Jacqie and Lin talked about their internships and what they do during the time that they spend with the clients.

Lin told about how I wanted to get close to a client that is in a wheelchair and has limited mobility. I tried climbing on some bean bag chairs that happened to be next to him to get up to where he could reach me, but it didn't work because the beans in the bad made it like trying to walk up loose sand. I kept sliding!. Then they found a big armchair that they placed next to him. I climbed up on the roomy chair, sat down and leaned over to give him a big kiss on the cheek. The kiss startled him so after that I would just kiss the air around him or kiss his hand, which he liked. After the first few classes he smiled all the time when I was there! I made him happy!

Lin also told about the one client who sat on a big comfy recliner that I mentioned in a previous post. One day he looked really sad so I climbed up and sat on his lap! That made him very happy! After the first time, every class I would spend some time laying on his lap. I keep telling my family that I'm a lap dog, but even after that they still say that I'm just too big!

It was great seeing so many student interested in Pet Assisted Therapy!

Another great day at the A.R.C!

Today we added another person to the group! Lin started out by telling stories again and everyone took turns brushing me. I think that everyone like to brush me because it makes me so happy. I visited with everyone and gave kisses while everyone worked as a group to put big puzzles together on a magnetic board. Everyone liked putting the puzzles together and asked that we play that game again. Today one gentleman wanted me to sit on his lap while he was in the recliner. I climbed up on his lap to his delight and lay there for a while. It made him so happy. Its too bad that there are not more big chairs so I could sit on everyone's lap. I think that the people in the group would like that. I love my friends at the A.R.C.

Day 3 of my internship

Today we added another person to my class. It is fun getting to know everyone!

As always, my companion, Lin, starts out by telling everyone a story about something that happened to me. I love hearing the story and remembering what happened. I think everyone in the class liked hearing about my adventures!

After the story, everyone took turns brushing my fur. They all were very gentle, with some clients getting some help brushing me because they need help controlling their arms movements. I love it when they brush and pet me! Today I hopped up in a chair to get closer to one of the people who is in a wheelchair. I really like him and needed to sit on something to make me higher so that he could reach me more easily. When I sat in the chair, he was able to brush my fur, like everyone else in the room. My friend, Joanne, who is the program director at the facility, told me that by brushing my fur, it was helping him to use his arms which was going to make his physical therapist very happy! She also told me that he doesn't smile very often, which I didn't believe because he smiles a lot when I am there.

Another person kept telling me how much she loves me! She gave me lots of kisses, and I kissed her too! Everyone in the class wants me to give them kisses. Most everyone wants me to kiss their cheek, although some only like me to kiss their hands. I do my best to remember who only wants their hands kissed, and Lin helps me remember. Another client invited me to her house for chicken dinner, but Lin had to tell her that I only eat dog food and carrots!

Every time I visit them, I do all of my favorite tricks and  then they give me carrot slices as my reward. I really love carrots! They are told to put the carrots in the palm of their hand and to keep their fingers together. Even though I am very excited to get my treats, I am also very gentle. We want them to be safe around all dogs, so that is why we teach them to hold the treat in the palm of their hand. Not all dogs are as gentle as I am and we don't want any accidents!

After everyone had a chance to brush me and I went around giving kisses and being petted, Lin read them a story she wrote and illustrated. Everyone had a chance to see each page up close and study the illustrations. Some people just looked at the illustrations, but some really studied them, taking a long time to look.

The time goes really fast and I am sad when it is time to go home. I really love putting on my Therapy dog vest and visiting with everyone. I really look forward to going back and seeing everyone again!

My internship has started!

Yesterday I met a group of 6 wonderful clients at a facility for people with mental and physical challenges. They loved petting me and took turns as I walked around the room visiting with everyone. My companion read a story about me to the group to help them to get to know me better. The book had lots of photos of me doing all of the things I love doing, except for the one where I was taking a bath. I'm not crazy about taking baths. I love to swim, but not in the bathtub! One lady told me how pretty I am and how much she loves me whenever it was her turn to pet me. When she saw my photos in the book, she pet my photo and said the same thing. Everyone gave me a treat! I sure love my doggie biscuits! Two of the people helped me to do my favorite tricks by giving me my treat afterwards!

This week I am only going to the center once, but the next few weeks, I will be going twice a week! Going there makes me very happy. I can't wait to see my new friends again!

One of my internships

One of my internships will be at a facility for people with developmental and mental challenges. The program director, Joann is really nice and really loves the people she serves. While I was there finding out when I would be working, a fire alarm rang. I was escorted outside to the meeting area. The clients of the facility saw me and asked to pet me. They really liked me and I liked having them pet me. They told me that they wanted to see me when I came back to work there. It didn't matter if they were in wheelchairs and could barely reach me to pet me. I saw the smiles on their faces and it made me smile too.

I Passed my Final Competency Test!

Today I had my final competency test at an extended care facility. Since both my mom and grandma (or sister and mom depending on which one you talk to) were also being tested I got to go through that facility twice! There were so many really nice people that I got to see. Several of them asked me to give them kisses which I love to give! They really know how to pet a dog! I was so happy to be there. I loved seeing their faces light up when they saw me coming! It really makes me happy to visit them. One lady told me all about the dog who used to be her companion and how much she missed her. The test was to see how I behaved around the people at the facility and how treated them. The ladies that were testing me told me how well I did! They said that I was a natural!

Now on to the next step. Since both my sister/mom and my mom/grandma are doing internships, I get to do two internships! At the end of the internship, if I do well, I will become a certified therapy dog! I'm so excited!

Nursing Home/Assisted Living test

I just realized that I forgot to let you know that I passed the nursing home/assisted living center test the Saturday before last! The test was to see how I would do walking around the facility and visiting the people that live there. The first people I got to visit were sitting down in the dining room having their lunch. The lunch smelled so good, and I wanted to try some, but I know my manners! I didn't even beg. I visited with this nice lady in a wheelchair who petted me. She held her hands out for me to kiss! I visited some other people in the dining room too. Then we went into several of the rooms where the people weren't able to join the others in the dining room and had room service instead. We visited with two really nice gentlemen in the first room. I think one of the men wanted me to jump up into his bed with him, but there really wasn't room for me to do that and so I stayed right next to him so he could pet me.

There were some things that had fallen on the floor that I saw when we walked by. I was told to leave it because there could be medicine that would hurt me on the floor or some other spill that would be bad for me to lick up. I listened because I knew that they wanted me to be safe.

We visited with some really nice ladies in their rooms too. They all love dogs and were happy to see me! They were sad when I had to leave the room so that their meal could be brought to them. Then I got to visit the people in the dining room again and see the lady in the wheel chair one more time.

The people there were so friendly and nice. they all seemed as happy to see me as I was to visit them. I love being around people and being petted. On November 19, 2011 I have my final test and then start my internship. I am so excited about being a therapy dog!

The Mall Test

I love it when my family gets my harness and vest out of my bag. I wait quietly while they put them on me. I know that this is not just a normal walk that we are going on. It will be something special. On Saturday, I was taken to the mall to see how I would handle all of the excitement, distractions and people. There were lots of noises and brightly colored lights and interesting smells at the mall. Especially as we neared the food court! I walked quietly by Jacqie's side. There were children that ran up to me and wanted to pet me. I stood quietly while they stroked my fur. One boy asked if I gave kisses. Sure enough I gave him some! There were small children in strollers and small children sitting on benches that wanted to pet me. I was thinking that it doesn't get any better than this! I love being around children! I was sad when we left the mall and walked back to the car, but glad that I passed my test. I'm that much closer to becoming a therapy dog!

Kandu - an amazing little dog who really can do!

A Windwalker friend, Noreen, posted a story about a Jack Russell terrier that was born with only two legs. The person he originally lived with took him to the local animal protection league to be put down because he didn't think the dog would have any quality of life. Then he was adopted by a family near Steamboat Springs, Colorado, who made a device for him to wear so that he could run around just like any other dog. They even made a ski for him to use in the winter! They named him Kandu as in he can do anything! Kandu also is a therapy dog! He brings hope and comfort to those he visits. I love hearing about another dog to inspire me as I start my work as a therapy dog! To see Kandu in action, click the link below:

http://www.dogwork.com/kan6/?mid=52

It's Flu season - for dogs too!

A spike in dog flu cases has been reported through the United States and although I can not give it to my human family, it resembles the flu that they might get. Listed below are some links to information about dog flu.

http://www.wpri.com/dpp/news/local_news/north-smithfield-spike-in-dog-flu-cases-reported

http://www.dogsymptomscure.com/dog-flu-symptoms.php

Dog flu mostly resembles kennel cough. The most important thing to remember is that if your dog shows any of the symptoms of dog flu, keep them away from other dogs! Since it is spreads from the dog coughing or sneezing, it is easily spread. If your dog gets the flu, please call your veterinarian to find out if treatment is needed.

A Friend's Poem and Story

Two of my springer spaniel friends, Guinevere and Theo's  mom, Cynthia Vanaudenhove, sent me this poem and the story that inspired it. Please enjoy reading, but any other use must have Cynthia's written permission since she holds the copyright. Her contact information can be found at http://www.windwalkercoalition.org/Executive_Board__.html
Why I Wrote the Poem
The poem was written because of my Professional Pet Assisted Therapy with a wonderful lady at Zambarano Hospital who has known all 6 of my dogs;  Fallon, Abigail, Scout, Tucker (all 4 gone now) and now Guinevere & Theo. She had an especially strong bond with Fallon and Abbie and had formed a sort of "secret" relationship with them. They would sit close and seem to share secrets. It was amazingly touching. She was their favorite client..or shall I say special friend. And she said goodbye to Fallon only days before Fallon passed away. When I came to tell her, I brought Abbie with me, who sat with the lady as she cried about Fallon's passing. It was deeply emotional but strangely wonderful. Nothing like it! So this is to honor Fallon, Abbie and their special friend...who sadly I cannot name....shhhh its another secret..but my dogs know who!
-Cynthia Vanaudenhove


I'm bringing you Joy on all fours!

by Cynthia Vanaudenhove

God said:

I have a job for a dog.

I'll give him all fours, then he can carry my joy

A wagging tail and a smile, that's what the job requires

Joy on all fours he will do.

And dog said:

I'll bring them your joy on all fours!

That's what I will do

I'll share my toy or shake my paw

I'll sit by your chair or touch feet on the floor.

I know what you see, just a dog, but much more.

Do I remind you of a one that was once yours?

I'm able to reach out and willing to share

I'm soft, I'm gentle, I simply show you I care

Yes for you I am here.. Do I hear a tear?

Do I see something that is hard to bear?

My eyes are sharp, when yours are not

I see deeper than most. A person, and a life, I see what they don't, I see quite a lot!

My ears listen when your voice stops

I can hear what others forgot

Tell me your story, I'll tell you mine.

We'll talk a while and then I'll give you a sign

A sign that will be simply between you and me

A paw that will mean, “ I see, I see”.

My touch speaks to your soul

Your soul is alive and so full.

“What? They can't hear it? “

“Shhh .They aren't a dog.....I'll tell them all. “

I'm bringing them joy. Joy on all fours.

Joy that makes glad & opens the doors

Joy that turns rain into beautiful bows

Joy that creates smiles from once hidden by sorrows

Joy that sings songs that take us through tomorrow

I wish they could see what I see – God's beings

I wish they could hear what I hear –  voices singing

I wish they could touch what I touch – truest feelings

I could tell them so much – it would be healing

But between you & me it will be

Too bad they can't be me

But God made me a dog not a frog or a tree.

He made me to feel and hear and to see

So I could sit beside you today and make you free

I'm bringing them joy on all fours

You see Joy times four is so much more!

Just let me bring them what I'm made for

That's why God made me a dog not a moth or a boar

I'm bringing them joy on all fours

.

Joy is for life, for love and for all.

I'm bringing you joy on all fours.

Now they call me a therapy dog, but I'm just a dog,

A dog God made to bring you His Joy on all fours!

 © 2011 C. Vanaudenhove

Rest In Peace Rocky

West Warwick Animal Shelter reported on October 27, 2011 that Rocky lost his valiant attempt to recover from his ordeal. Rocky was the dog found starving that I mentioned in a couple of previous posts. In the end, his kidneys shut down because of Lyme disease.  Rocky was loved by the people at the shelter and they took good care of him. Rocky had people checking the West Warwick Animal Shelter facebook page to see how he was doing. People who cared what happened to him.

Please talk to your veterinarian about vaccinating your pets for Lyme disease. Give them their flea and tick treatments every month, and have your vet test them for Lyme at their annual check-up. My vet gives me the Lyme vaccine and she checks for Lyme when I have my blood-work checked at my annual exams. Even with the flea and tick treatment, my family often finds ticks on me. Be vigilant! Please keep your pet safe.

Happy National Cat Day

From the description of National Cat Day below, It seems like cats do the same things for their families that us dogs do for our families. My family has visited nursing homes and extended care facilities have resident cats that are given free roaming privileges to go visit the patients that they feel like visiting, when they feel like visiting them. They provide services just like us therapy dogs.

National Cat Day, October 29th, was founded in 2005 by Pet Lifestyle Expert & Animal Welfare Advocate Colleen Paige to help galvanize the public to recognize the number of cats that need to be rescued each year and also to encourage cat lovers to celebrate the cat(s) in their life for the unconditional love and companionship they bestow upon us.


So if you have a cat in your life, give them some extra love and special kibble today to thank them for all the unconditional love that they bring to your life.

Update on the starving dog

When I blogged about this poor dog, nobody knew much about him. They found out that his name is Rocky. The police have located the owner and are currently investigating to find out if Rocky escaped or if he had been neglected. Rocky has a very advanced case of Lyme disease that is causing his kidneys to shut down. The West Warwick Animal Shelter (RI) that is taking care of him said that after his blood work came back the vet recommended that he be hospitalized right away. They said that Rocky is still eating and drinking and  making a little progress everyday. The outpouring of support and offers to adopt Rocky on the shelter's facebook page is wonderful to see. At this point Rocky is not available for adoption until the police finish their investigation.

Animal shelters perform countless acts of kindness, helping dogs like Rocky to get better, or helping to reunite a lost pet with their human friends. I'm glad that Rocky has such nice people helping him to get better and caring for him. If you are able to donate to your local shelter, I know that they would appreciate your support.

Support Animal Shelters

At this time it is not known if this dog escaped and couldn't find any food to eat or if he was neglected. My dog friend Glady's companion Heather just posted on facebook about this dog that was found starving on the border of Warwick and Cranston, RI. Either way, it highlights the good work done by the shelters, and the compassion of the good Samaritan that found the dog and cared enough to put him in their car and go for help. The vet has examined the dog and he is heart-worm negative, but Lyme disease positive. The shelter has started giving him treatments for Lyme disease.  The rest of the results of his blood work will be back in a few days. He is currently eating the food the shelter has provided and resting.

If you are not able to care for your pet, please call your local animal shelter or Humane Society to find out what help is available.

Support Animal Shelters!
Animal shelters are great places for you to find a sweet, temperament-tested friend for your family.  My bothers Toby (RIP) and Amaretto were adopted from shelters. Shelters also need your donations to help them provide for the pets in their care. Helping the shelters and the animals that live at the shelters will really make Sahara Smile!

Register Now for new DJPPAT certificate Program Classes

The coursework that my human companions are taking in the DJ Professional Pet Assisted Therapy Program started with a class on the ethics, practices, history and research into Pet Assisted Therapy. In addition to reading and discussing the textbook, every week people who were certified and working in Pet Assisted therapy came to talk to the class to talk about their experiences in a wide variety of institutions. They  also brought their family pets that had been trained and certified to help others! Those pets are the real heroes of the program! There were also field trips to different locations where the therapy pets work to see those amazing pets in action and the important work they do! I'm looking forward to the day that I first am able to do the job!

If you are in the Rhode Island area and are interested in the program, there is a link below, and also on the side bar to find out more about the program. You can register now for the classes that begin on March 13, 2012!

http://www.ccri.edu/cwce/career/pet.html#course-info

Friends Rosie and Star Receive Canine Good Citizen's Award

My friends Rosie and Star received their Canine Good Citizen's Awards. Rosie received hers this summer and Star received hers last weekend. Rosie and Star are in my class training to become Pet Assisted Therapy dogs with me. I'm going to work hard to earn my Canine Good Citizen's Award too. This is a separate class and test than the Pet Assisted Therapy training, but is something to further reassure people that I have learned my manners and know how to behave properly. This is important when arrangements are being made for me to visit a new facility where the people in charge have not met me.

Congratulations Rosie and Star!

Training class update

My training class on Wednesday had me going to a facility for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Because it was late in the day, most of the people had gone home, but I got to meet a few of the clients. I loved having them pet me. One little boy was afraid of dogs, but I lay down on the floor so he wouldn't be as scared. He touched me ever so slightly and then I kissed his hand.

The training was to see how I would react visiting a place I'd never been before. They checked to see if I got upset riding on an elevator; if I would walk by my companion's side on a linoleum floor, walking up and down stairs and going through a series of doors. I was also being tested on how I reacted to people I didn't know approaching me in a new environment. I think that I did a good job. The lady, Joanne, that works at the facility was so friendly and nice! Maybe I'll get to go back there sometime.

Nevada's Cooney's law

Last week in Nevada a law went into effect making animal cruelty a criminal felony. It took lots of people in Nevada getting upset and demanding change after Cooney, a shelter dog, was tortured with a box cutter and killed by his "owner". It makes me so sad to think that there are dogs out there who are intentionally hurt by the people they trust. I can't even imagine it since I am a dog that is treated with love and respect, given lots of attention and everything that I need.

Laws like this are not only important to given justice for the abused animal, it is also important for society. There is a well documented link between people who abuse animals and people who are violent and abuse other people. Investigators discovered that serial killers like Ted Bundy and Jeffery Dahmer were known to have tortured animals when they were children. There are even organizations, such as the National Link Coalition, fighting for animal rights that document the link between violent criminals and earlier animal abuse.

If your state does not have a law criminalizing animal abuse, please call your legislators. Please don't let abusers get away with abusing and killing animals.