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Saturday, August 25, 2012

Beautiful New Collar for Therapy Dog Visits

I'm so excited about my most recent purchase for Toby!

From the See Beautiful website - a wonderful See Beautiful - We Do dog tag!

It will go on with just his "I Am A Therapy Dog" tag



And from Sugar's Paw House - a lovely turquoise Hawaiian floral print collar!




This will be just for Therapy Dog visits, a tribute to the beauty I hope Toby will bring to people's day. 

Note I: If you think Toby looks sullen, you would be right. He was 1 foot from the door with his leash on for a walk when the skies opened up. Ted even opened the back door so he could see the downpour for himself, but he was mad at us anyway!
Of course, later he did get a long walk.
Note II: Just to be clear, this is not an ad, review, sponsored or anything. Just a post about a collar, folks.
Posted by at 2:40 PM 7 comments

Beautiful New Collar for Therapy Dog Visits

I'm so excited about my most recent purchase for Toby!

From the See Beautiful website - a wonderful See Beautiful - We Do dog tag!

It will go on with just his "I Am A Therapy Dog" tag



And from Sugar's Paw House - a lovely turquoise Hawaiian floral print collar!




 This will be just for Therapy Dog visits, a tribute to the beauty I hope Toby will bring to people's day. 

 Note I: If you think Toby looks sullen, you would be right. He was 1 foot from the door with his leash on for a walk when the skies opened up. Ted even opened the back door so he could see the downpour for himself, but he was mad at us anyway!
Of course, later he did get a long walk.
Note II: Just to be clear, this is not an ad, review, sponsored or anything. Just a post about a collar, folks.
Posted by at 2:40 PM 7 comments

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Third and Final Partnered Therapy Dog Visit...

...was two days ago. From now on, Toby and I will visit on our own.
The last two visits went better than the first one. I was more relaxed (though still nervous). The highlight on Tuesday for me - a woman in street clothes crossed the hall to pet Toby, then looked me in the eye and said, "That just made my whole day!" Wow, can it get any better than that?
This is what we bring on a therapy dog visit: hand sanitizer, wipes, TDI paperwork, and Toby's ID and bandana.

For visit #2 we were partnered with the cutest Bichon Frise! He was adorable and I saw how great having a small dog is for pet therapy. His handler could just place him in the bed next to a patient and he snuggled right in like he could stay there all day! Toby and Bouncer were friends instantly too, and took "sniff breaks" periodically to get acquainted. Toby still pulls a lot at the hospital and I'm weighing whether to just work harder on his loose leash walking, or buy a front clip harness just for the hospital. The trouble is that at home it's much easier to stop the pulling. I've registered for an Advanced Obedience class with Mr. Dean to see if that will help get the pulling under control, but there may not be enough students enrolled to have the class. Two other factors made this a more successful visit - we had been in all of the visited areas before, and the visit was exactly one hour long. It was still about 5 minutes longer than Toby wanted to stay, but definitely one hour is his limit right now. 

You wouldn't think that a dog could get tired from being petted and praised. One of the handlers on visit #3 said her dog absolutely can't do more than an hour, and she reminded me that between the unfamiliar smells, constant interaction with strangers of all ages, genders, and health conditions (including cancer), and even walking on the slippery floors, pet therapy is exhausting for the pets. Toby also gets very thirsty. On Tuesday's visit one of the volunteers thoughtfully filled a portable dish with water from the drinking fountains for the dogs. The volunteer office also has a large dog dish attached to a big water bottle sitting on the floor for the therapy dogs. 
A well-deserved rest!

On visit #3, we accompanied two other therapy dogs. Heidi is Lobo's big sister. Lobo is the Keeshond we partnered for our first visit. Heidi is an older girl and definitely the queen of the dogs at the hospital. She made sure she got first dibs on all the doorways, elevator, and whatever loving was at hand! She was a big fluff ball and ridiculously cute, so she didn't have to work too hard to get lots of attention! Ben, a handsome old cocker spaniel, also walked with us. Ben was charismatic, with the persona of a Southern gentleman of the old school. You could almost see him in a little black string tie a la Col. Sanders. It was fun just to watch the two therapy veterans do their stuff. In time I hope Toby will become more patient and willing to stay with one person for several minutes. That said, for such a young and inexperienced dog I think he's doing pretty well.

What have I (equally inexperienced, but alas, not so young) learned from these three partnered visits?

  • I'm getting better at reading the body language that says "no thanks!"
  • Often the dog is just the introduction. People often need a chance to talk, and petting the dog is a safe way to start a conversation. Lots of tact and active listening is required.
  • Do what's comfortable. I don't happen to like visiting the patient floors without a specific request, so we probably won't do as much of that. And - one hour is max, maybe even 45 minutes at first.
  • Hospital staff need the visits as much if not more than patients and family members! Stress relief?
Next week Toby and I will be on our own. Should be interesting :)
Posted by at 12:25 PM 10 comments

Third and Final Partnered Therapy Dog Visit...

...was two days ago. From now on, Toby and I will visit on our own.
The last two visits went better than the first one. I was more relaxed (though still nervous). The highlight on Tuesday for me - a woman in street clothes crossed the hall to pet Toby, then looked me in the eye and said, "That just made my whole day!" Wow, can it get any better than that?
This is what we bring on a therapy dog visit: hand sanitizer, wipes, TDI paperwork, and Toby's ID and bandana.

 For visit #2 we were partnered with the cutest Bichon Frise! He was adorable and I saw how great having a small dog is for pet therapy. His handler could just place him in the bed next to a patient and he snuggled right in like he could stay there all day! Toby and Bouncer were friends instantly too, and took "sniff breaks" periodically to get acquainted. Toby still pulls a lot at the hospital and I'm weighing whether to just work harder on his loose leash walking, or buy a front clip harness just for the hospital. The trouble is that at home it's much easier to stop the pulling. I've registered for an Advanced Obedience class with Mr. Dean to see if that will help get the pulling under control, but there may not be enough students enrolled to have the class. Two other factors made this a more successful visit - we had been in all of the visited areas before, and the visit was exactly one hour long. It was still about 5 minutes longer than Toby wanted to stay, but definitely one hour is his limit right now. 

 You wouldn't think that a dog could get tired from being petted and praised. One of the handlers on visit #3 said her dog absolutely can't do more than an hour, and she reminded me that between the unfamiliar smells, constant interaction with strangers of all ages, genders, and health conditions (including cancer), and even walking on the slippery floors, pet therapy is exhausting for the pets. Toby also gets very thirsty. On Tuesday's visit one of the volunteers thoughtfully filled a portable dish with water from the drinking fountains for the dogs. The volunteer office also has a large dog dish attached to a big water bottle sitting on the floor for the therapy dogs. 
A well-deserved rest!

 On visit #3, we accompanied two other therapy dogs. Heidi is Lobo's big sister. Lobo is the Keeshond we partnered for our first visit. Heidi is an older girl and definitely the queen of the dogs at the hospital. She made sure she got first dibs on all the doorways, elevator, and whatever loving was at hand! She was a big fluff ball and ridiculously cute, so she didn't have to work too hard to get lots of attention! Ben, a handsome old cocker spaniel, also walked with us. Ben was charismatic, with the persona of a Southern gentleman of the old school. You could almost see him in a little black string tie a la Col. Sanders. It was fun just to watch the two therapy veterans do their stuff. In time I hope Toby will become more patient and willing to stay with one person for several minutes. That said, for such a young and inexperienced dog I think he's doing pretty well.

 What have I (equally inexperienced, but alas, not so young) learned from these three partnered visits?

  • I'm getting better at reading the body language that says "no thanks!"
  • Often the dog is just the introduction. People often need a chance to talk, and petting the dog is a safe way to start a conversation. Lots of tact and active listening is required.
  • Do what's comfortable. I don't happen to like visiting the patient floors without a specific request, so we probably won't do as much of that. And - one hour is max, maybe even 45 minutes at first.
  • Hospital staff need the visits as much if not more than patients and family members! Stress relief?
Next week Toby and I will be on our own. Should be interesting :)
Posted by at 12:25 PM 10 comments

Monday, August 20, 2012

Monday Mischief With a Friend!

Our grandson came to visit this weekend for a little mischief with Toby...
"Hi Toby! Let's go find some mischief!"

"None here on the deck. Let's check the gazebo!"

"Now, you be real quiet, doggie. I'll sneak you in."

"Go,go,go! I'll keep watch, little buddy!"

"Shucks, no mischief here either. Let's see if we can find some in the house."

"Aha! Mischief!"

"You're the best partner in mischief ever!"
"One for you, doggie,
One for me.
Two for me, doggie,
Two for you.
Three for you, doggie,
Oopsie, dropped one...
Four for you, doggie...


Seen in Daily Dog Challenge - #292, "With a Friend"
Posted by at 9:12 AM 21 comments

Monday Mischief With a Friend!

Our grandson came to visit this weekend for a little mischief with Toby...
"Hi Toby! Let's go find some mischief!"

"None here on the deck. Let's check the gazebo!"

"Now, you be real quiet, doggie. I'll sneak you in."

"Go,go,go! I'll keep watch, little buddy!"

"Shucks, no mischief here either. Let's see if we can find some in the house."

"Aha! Mischief!"

"You're the best partner in mischief ever!"
"One for you, doggie,
One for me.
Two for me, doggie,
Two for you.
Three for you, doggie,
Oopsie, dropped one...
Four for you, doggie...


Seen in Daily Dog Challenge - #292, "With a Friend"
Posted by at 9:12 AM 21 comments

Monday, August 13, 2012

Toby Reveals the Real Mischief Maker

What to post for Monday Mischief? Toby has been so good (and I helped him by thoughtfully hiding the steak for supper on top of the refrigerator yesterday). Really, no mischief to speak of.  I may have to change my blog title if this keeps up.

However if Toby could post about "mischief" from his point of view, I think he would have a lot to say.
Here's Toby's  list of his owner's mischief:
"They could at least have waited until Christmas!"

1. New camera and computer (first Mac ever!!!) in the same week is just mischievous. I get my walk and dinner and otherwise feel ignored in preference to a big glowing screen. WOOF to that.
"She didn't leave me much shredding to do!"

2. Mom was kind enough to buy me a new huge squeaky toy that looks like a squirrel after a serious nuclear power plant accident. Then, after I got all the squeakers out so it was perfect, she tried to play tug with me and it ripped in half the long way. So now it's just ruined.

3. She admitted already about hiding the steak meat when she went upstairs to help Ted learn how to turn on that insufferable new computer.

4. She took me on 3 errands today and actually left me in the car at the post office. I don't care that she was only gone 2 minutes and remembered to open the windows. I howled EXTRA loud. I hope she was ashamed of herself.

The scene of the crime.
"Ah, the good old days."

5. The bed next to the computer that I used to sleep on while Mom stared at the big glowing screen? Gone. They moved it to a different room after they put a new floor in this weekend. How thoughtless can people be?

However I still love my people and try to remember that I have only been training them for less than 2 years. I keep to the doggie code of patience and steadfast love. I remind them as gently as possible that I am their best and most loyal friend. That's me - always trying to set a good example.
Hmmm...  how to reach the top of the fridge....
Posted by at 1:59 PM 11 comments

Toby Reveals the Real Mischief Maker

What to post for Monday Mischief? Toby has been so good (and I helped him by thoughtfully hiding the steak for supper on top of the refrigerator yesterday). Really, no mischief to speak of.  I may have to change my blog title if this keeps up.

 However if Toby could post about "mischief" from his point of view, I think he would have a lot to say.
Here's Toby's  list of his owner's mischief:
"They could at least have waited until Christmas!"

 1. New camera and computer (first Mac ever!!!) in the same week is just mischievous. I get my walk and dinner and otherwise feel ignored in preference to a big glowing screen. WOOF to that.
"She didn't leave me much shredding to do!"

2. Mom was kind enough to buy me a new huge squeaky toy that looks like a squirrel after a serious nuclear power plant accident. Then, after I got all the squeakers out so it was perfect, she tried to play tug with me and it ripped in half the long way. So now it's just ruined.

 3. She admitted already about hiding the steak meat when she went upstairs to help Ted learn how to turn on that insufferable new computer.

 4. She took me on 3 errands today and actually left me in the car at the post office. I don't care that she was only gone 2 minutes and remembered to open the windows. I howled EXTRA loud. I hope she was ashamed of herself.

The scene of the crime.
"Ah, the good old days."

5. The bed next to the computer that I used to sleep on while Mom stared at the big glowing screen? Gone. They moved it to a different room after they put a new floor in this weekend. How thoughtless can people be?

 However I still love my people and try to remember that I have only been training them for less than 2 years. I keep to the doggie code of patience and steadfast love. I remind them as gently as possible that I am their best and most loyal friend. That's me - always trying to set a good example.
Hmmm...  how to reach the top of the fridge....
Posted by at 1:59 PM 11 comments

Friday, August 10, 2012

Seeing Beautiful Smiles

When my loved ones See Beautiful,
they smile...













... and I See Beautiful!

Happy Birthday Sugar!
Posted by at 9:40 AM 18 comments

Seeing Beautiful Smiles

When my loved ones See Beautiful,
they smile...











... and I See Beautiful!

 Happy Birthday Sugar!
Posted by at 9:40 AM 18 comments

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

First Therapy Dog Visit - Wordy Wednesday


Today Toby and I made our first visit to the local hospital as a therapy dog team! I have a "worrywart" personality and today was no exception as I felt my anxiety level rising through the morning. It didn't help me that the pouring rain prevented Toby from getting his usual energy-draining morning walk. I bustled around, ironing his TDI bandana, completing the paperwork for the visit, packing a little oops bag of wipes, and trying not to make Toby anxious too.

Finally it was time to tie on the bandana and leash and go to the car. Toby was happy and surprised to be leaving the house since it was raining. I think he remembered visiting the hospital a few weeks ago, because his tail was wagging and he whined with excitement as we entered the parking lot.

We made our way to the volunteer office to sign in and meet Sharon and Lobo, the experienced team we were partnered with today. Toby was pulling on the leash, a bad sign that upped my tension level. Lobo, a gorgeous fluffy Keeshond, and Toby took to one another instantly and were very good together. Sharon is a bit older than me and has been visiting with her two therapy dogs for over four years. She is calm and relaxed which was helpful for me.

After a chat in the office we began to slowly wend our way through the hospital. We stopped by waiting areas and lounges, the physical therapy department, through the halls and elevator, and finishing with the second floor. Whenever anyone showed interest we stopped to let people interact with the dogs... and us. To my surprise a lot of people began with the dogs but soon were talking to Sharon and me. One gentleman took out a pen and asked for the names of trainers who could help him get his dog certified with TDI. A lot of people were eager to talk about their pets, including cats. In fact several people asked if cats were allowed to visit the hospital too.

Toby was very good most of the time, though I wished he took less interest in sniffing every square inch of the hospital. I did explain that he's a sniffer and of course Sharon and I told people he was a newbie, in fact it was his very first day. It was cool that people were so pleased and surprised to see dogs. The staff expects them of course and have treats on hand...Lobo clearly expected the little rewards. And what could be more pleasant than strangers saying over and over how cute your dog is?

Two incidents stand out for me. The first was when we entered a crowded surgical waiting area. Sharon took the lead in announcing that we were there with our therapy dogs if anyone would like a visit (she did this when we entered any public space). Strangely, people shrank back, shook their heads, frowned; one man even said "NO!" angrily. Well obviously we moved on. Sharon said, "That was weird..." so I know that wasn't something that happened often.

I should say right here that everyone has a perfect right to refuse a pet therapy visit and we understand that some people are allergic, some are afraid, or some folks simply don't feel like it right then. What made this situation odd was the unanimous reaction among so many people, almost like a bad vibe in the atmosphere.

The other scene that struck me was the last room we visited. This was a very frail, lovely elderly lady. Though in her 90's she had all of her intellect and was eager to pet the dogs. She petted Lobo's head for several minutes but soon tired because she had a hard time reaching him. Then it was Toby's turn, and I pulled a chair up and indicated he should get up on it. This made it easier for her to reach him, plus she could see his face. I felt so good to be able to help her enjoy his company. This lady and her daughter talked to us for a long time about all sorts of things. Lobo and Toby settled to the floor, tired from what was now going on 90 minutes of pet therapy. I sort of focused on the conversation and didn't realize at first that Toby had gotten up. Next thing I knew he was licking the patient's foot! Luckily for us she was delighted, especially when I told her that's how he likes to get me out of bed in the morning! Then she reached out her hand and he kissed that. She was so happy. It was really great.

Toby really was tired though and right after that he gave me a "woof" to say he was ready to go, which is a big no-no (barking). I think they'll make allowances for a bit but I'll definitely have to work on that. Also I'm resolved to keep future visits to one hour. Last but not least I'm resolved to be more relaxed and enjoy the experience more the next time.

Note: No photos today - I had my hands full with Toby and everything going on. Next time I'm going to try to get a picture of him in front of the hospital. 

Posted by at 3:57 PM 16 comments

First Therapy Dog Visit - Wordy Wednesday


Today Toby and I made our first visit to the local hospital as a therapy dog team! I have a "worrywart" personality and today was no exception as I felt my anxiety level rising through the morning. It didn't help me that the pouring rain prevented Toby from getting his usual energy-draining morning walk. I bustled around, ironing his TDI bandana, completing the paperwork for the visit, packing a little oops bag of wipes, and trying not to make Toby anxious too.

 Finally it was time to tie on the bandana and leash and go to the car. Toby was happy and surprised to be leaving the house since it was raining. I think he remembered visiting the hospital a few weeks ago, because his tail was wagging and he whined with excitement as we entered the parking lot.

 We made our way to the volunteer office to sign in and meet Sharon and Lobo, the experienced team we were partnered with today. Toby was pulling on the leash, a bad sign that upped my tension level. Lobo, a gorgeous fluffy Keeshond, and Toby took to one another instantly and were very good together. Sharon is a bit older than me and has been visiting with her two therapy dogs for over four years. She is calm and relaxed which was helpful for me.

 After a chat in the office we began to slowly wend our way through the hospital. We stopped by waiting areas and lounges, the physical therapy department, through the halls and elevator, and finishing with the second floor. Whenever anyone showed interest we stopped to let people interact with the dogs... and us. To my surprise a lot of people began with the dogs but soon were talking to Sharon and me. One gentleman took out a pen and asked for the names of trainers who could help him get his dog certified with TDI. A lot of people were eager to talk about their pets, including cats. In fact several people asked if cats were allowed to visit the hospital too.

 Toby was very good most of the time, though I wished he took less interest in sniffing every square inch of the hospital. I did explain that he's a sniffer and of course Sharon and I told people he was a newbie, in fact it was his very first day. It was cool that people were so pleased and surprised to see dogs. The staff expects them of course and have treats on hand...Lobo clearly expected the little rewards. And what could be more pleasant than strangers saying over and over how cute your dog is?

 Two incidents stand out for me. The first was when we entered a crowded surgical waiting area. Sharon took the lead in announcing that we were there with our therapy dogs if anyone would like a visit (she did this when we entered any public space). Strangely, people shrank back, shook their heads, frowned; one man even said "NO!" angrily. Well obviously we moved on. Sharon said, "That was weird..." so I know that wasn't something that happened often.

 I should say right here that everyone has a perfect right to refuse a pet therapy visit and we understand that some people are allergic, some are afraid, or some folks simply don't feel like it right then. What made this situation odd was the unanimous reaction among so many people, almost like a bad vibe in the atmosphere.

 The other scene that struck me was the last room we visited. This was a very frail, lovely elderly lady. Though in her 90's she had all of her intellect and was eager to pet the dogs. She petted Lobo's head for several minutes but soon tired because she had a hard time reaching him. Then it was Toby's turn, and I pulled a chair up and indicated he should get up on it. This made it easier for her to reach him, plus she could see his face. I felt so good to be able to help her enjoy his company. This lady and her daughter talked to us for a long time about all sorts of things. Lobo and Toby settled to the floor, tired from what was now going on 90 minutes of pet therapy. I sort of focused on the conversation and didn't realize at first that Toby had gotten up. Next thing I knew he was licking the patient's foot! Luckily for us she was delighted, especially when I told her that's how he likes to get me out of bed in the morning! Then she reached out her hand and he kissed that. She was so happy. It was really great.

 Toby really was tired though and right after that he gave me a "woof" to say he was ready to go, which is a big no-no (barking). I think they'll make allowances for a bit but I'll definitely have to work on that. Also I'm resolved to keep future visits to one hour. Last but not least I'm resolved to be more relaxed and enjoy the experience more the next time.

 Note: No photos today - I had my hands full with Toby and everything going on. Next time I'm going to try to get a picture of him in front of the hospital. 

Posted by at 3:57 PM 18 comments

Monday, August 6, 2012

Mild Mischief, Less Crate TIme

This weekend we got brave.
Until then, if we left the house for any length of time Toby had to go in his crate or the back yard. We just couldn't trust him alone in the house.
Cozy, but still a cage.
Toby was actually less anxious about being left alone if he was crated. If we were going to leave him for more than an hour or two though we always left him in the yard instead (weather permitting).

When we had a party to attend at the neighbors on Saturday, I felt terrible about confining him to the crate.
You can see why.
With the heat index topping 100 degrees though, we didn't want to leave him alone out back either. So we decided to close off the upstairs and try letting Toby have freedom downstairs while we were gone. (He already had graduated to being out of the crate at night and sleeping in our room.) We did check on him every 45 minutes are so and he was perfectly fine. Mostly he seemed to sleep in his favorite corner of the dining room.

So Sunday when we ran errands we tried the experiment again. This time we were gone for two hours. When we pulled into the driveway I said, "Well, what's the worst that could happen? The couch cushions torn up?? " (We weren't worried about potty accidents since Toby never breaks housetraining.)

To our relief a new couch won't be needed. The house was fine and so was Toby. Yay! I'm optimistic that one day soon we can return the crate to SEVA GRREAT and be crate free!

To be honest, I don't think this is a training issue but a maturity issue. At 18 months old Toby is growing up.

He's still got a little mischief in him though! This is the scene next to the computer when I got up this morning:
Happy Mischief-Making!

Snoopy's Dog Blog
Posted by at 10:39 AM 12 comments
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