Tails of Bella the Therapy Dog

Marking

2009-09-21T13:11:00.003-04:00

As you know, male dogs tend to mark their territory by urinating on the grass, fire hydrants and whatnot.

Until yesterday, I was not sure what qualities human boys and male dogs shared in common.

I found out the hard way.

As usual, I alerted my mother when my baby brother had a stinky diaper and needed a change.

I usually supervise the diaper change just to make sure that everything is taken care of and that the little princes’ bottom stays clean and dry.

It has been fascinating to watch my brother grow longer and longer each time we put him up on the changing table.

As he has grown older, he has begun to more readily recognize my face and voice (well, bark).

With this new sense of knowing, I guess my brother wanted to make sure that another baby did not try to steal his dog.

So my brother did the unthinkable.

He peed on me, just like the male dogs do to mark their property.

Needless to say my mom scooped me up and plopped me into the bathtub for a good scrub down.

Although I didn’t like being peed on, I was touched (literally!) that my brother loved me so much that he wanted all his other baby friends to know!

The Road

2009-09-11T21:05:00.007-04:00

When Robert Frost wrote about “The Road Not Taken,” he forgot to tell you that the road may be long, bumpy and convoluted.

Even though we may try to steer away from Frost’s road, sometime we are forced to take the hard road to reach our final destination.

As Frost tells us, the road can change you.

But change is a good thing.

My road to sisterhood has been a long journey and I believe my time waiting for the gift of a sibling has made me a better dog.

Now that I have reached my final destination, somehow the pain of waiting has melted away and what has appeared is beyond my wildest imagination.

Each time my brother smiles at me my heart grows bigger, and I thank the heavens above that I am able to feel such a deep and steadfast love.

When my brother giggles, my limbs flutter in delight and I am amazed that I can feel so at peace.

And when I think of the future and the roads that my brother may travel, I hit the deck and roll all over his baby street carpet to make sure that it smells like me so when he is traveling, my scent will assure him that I will always be there for him.

For no matter what road you travel on, the love and support of your family and friends will help you find your final destination.

Sleep

2009-08-31T22:06:00.003-04:00

The most peaceful moment I have ever experienced was watching my baby brother sleep.

I know, I know as the saying goes, you are supposed to sleep when the baby sleeps.

But how can I be expected to do that?

Looking at his delicate sweet face gets my heart racing and I wind up staring at him for hours (so that is where my day goes!).

Now I understand how Monet could look at the same subject and paint it so many times so many different ways.

But Monet’s water lilies have nothing on my little brother.

So far my favorite time to watch him sleep is in the middle of the night when the soft moonlight illuminates his face.

Sometimes I think I even see little angel wings and a halo form around my brother.

Truly, our baby is a gift from heaven above.

So sleep tight my friends for I will be up all night awestruck by my baby.

The News

2009-08-24T08:46:00.004-04:00

You are probably wondering what happened to me. I am sorry I have been away for so long.

But I am pretty sure you will forgive me. I have some wonderful news to share.

I am a big sister.

Yes, you heard me correctly. I am the proud sister of a little baby brother.

At first I wasn’t sure what my parents brought home. They introduced me to this little squirmy thing wrapped up in soft cozy blankets.

This wasn’t an ordinary dog toy I thought to myself. I wasn’t really sure what it was, but it made a little coo sound at me and all of a sudden it felt like I was hit with a ton of bricks.

I was in love like I have never been before. Just when I thought my heart couldn’t grow any bigger, it instantly doubled in size to make room for our baby.

My lips quivered with joy and something greater than all the love in the world overcame my body.

As I began to wag my tail and my parents were smiling from ear to ear, I knew something miraculous happened that would change our lives forever.

So forgive me for not being on my blog in while. The love I feel for my brother has mesmerized me and I have been floating around in some alternate universe.

In this alternate baby universe, I have also been helping out a lot around the house. I have a new role as big sister and my duties are many from checking the safety of the baby equipment to tasting the bath water to make sure the temperature is just right.

Just when you think your heart can’t grow any bigger, someone enters into your life and changes you forever. Thanks to my baby brother, my heart will always be full of joy and amazement.

Size Matters

2009-05-31T08:04:00.004-04:00

Saturday I attended a picnic that thanked all of the dogs who volunteer their time participating in pet therapy programs.

I even had the chance to meet some new friends, both big and small.

It was entertaining to watch the big dog tails wag and almost knock the food off the picnic tables.

My little dog friends and I were all holding our breath and hoping that the Great Dane would knock the cold cut platter down to our level. Boy, that would be heaven.

Every once in a while I wish I could swap places and be the biggest dog on the block.

I wonder what that would feel like.

As it turns out I am going to have my chance!

Next month my family anticipates a new little arrival. Although it won’t be covered in soft furry hair like me, I hear that these small bundles of joy called babies are quite cuddly.

Once this baby arrives I will no longer be the smallest member of my pack. Yipe!

But I do hear that I will have to learn some big sister skills so that I can welcome the newest addition to our family. Stay tuned for my progress.

A Free Trip

2009-05-14T15:41:00.006-04:00

Have you ever wanted to travel to somewhere far, far away or somewhere exotic and exciting?

What if I told you that you could go there for free?

Sounds too good to be true? Well it isn’t!

Pick up a book!

Some of my pet therapy buddies and I participated in a reading program at a local elementary school last month.

The kids circled around and cuddled up with their new furry friends and read us their favorite stories.

One little boy took me on a camping trip.

Another little girl took me on a garden expedition.

It was so relaxing to sit back and listen to the stories and partake in the magical adventures.

So remember if you want to escape to a fascinating place, just pick up and book and you can go wherever you want to! And you can even bring your friend!

I'm Back

2009-05-07T02:02:00.004-04:00

Just a quick note to let you know that I’ll be back on my blog!

Sorry for the holdup, but my staff writer has been busily working on her schoolwork.

She assures me she will get back to working as my assistant.

I would do it myself, but I just can’t quite master the necessary fine key-strokes as my paws are too big.

Hopefully you are still eagerly awaiting my blog entries.

That is, if the rain has not washed you away!

In meantime, enjoy all the green the rain has brought us and I’ll be with you soon! ! I have some new exciting adventures and stories to share!

I Ate the Mail

2009-04-07T09:20:00.002-04:00

I guess I have to admit it. Believe it or not, I have a bad habit.

Some people have bad habits like eating too many cookies or forgetting to brush their teeth before bedtime.

Well my bad habit is not so common; it is mail.

Every time the mailman comes to put the mail through the door slot, I grab it and run around the house.

I am just so excited to see who might have written me a letter!

And some people have even mailed me dog biscuits!

So needless to say, whenever the mailman comes to the door I get very excited and practically salivate hoping that there is a treat buried in the middle of the mail.

My bad habit has become so notorious that I have earned the title of “the little dog who eats the mail” among the postal carriers.

But I guess the post office isn’t too mad at me because they still give me treats every time I see them!

Thanks for stilling loving me, even with all my faults!

Rain Drops

2009-03-29T09:11:00.004-04:00

There are so many songs about rain.

Start humming and see what you come up with.

Maybe you started off with, “rain, rain go away come back another day.”

Or another tune you may be singing, “rain drops keep falling on my head.”

Motivated by the songs about rain, I decided to put on my slicker and take a walk outside.

I was looking for a little inspiration for my pet therapy visit tomorrow.

And then I saw it.

There were lots of little kids outside romping around in their goulashes and raincoats, just happily soaking in the fun of the rain.

What a great way to experience the world!

Tomorrow when I visit the children’s unit at the hospital, I think I’ll wear my raincoat and dance around with the kids.

We’ll have to come up with our own song. Maybe it will sound something like “it is raining fun in the hospital.”

Tug O' Ears

2009-03-23T21:43:00.003-04:00

You just never know when you’ll be needed.

On Sunday I attended a bicycle race.

No, no I wasn’t one of the racers. Cycling is a sport I have yet to try. But my dad races bikes and he is super fast!

While I was waiting for the race to begin, a little girl named Shelby ran over to me to say hello.

Shelby was an adorable little girl who was mentally challenged.

At first Shelby was shy, but in no time she flung open her arms and hugged me.

Unexpectedly she grabbed my ears with her hands and pulled my ears straight out to the side – I looked like the flying nun!

Shelby looked deep into my eyes and told me she loved me.

I didn’t move so she could continue to hug me.

Shelby’s mom kept calling her, but she wouldn’t let go of me.

The more her mom called, the tighter she hugged me.

I wasn’t sure what Shelby was holding on to, but while we were together she seemed to be at peace.

I told Shelby not to worry, I’d be at the race again next week and would eagerly await another hug.

Satisfied, Shelby smiled and waved good-bye.

Irish Dog Wisdom

2009-03-15T06:00:00.009-04:00

With age comes wisdom.

To buy me a few years, I decided to put this kerchief to make me look more mature.

Of course you all know some of the traditional Irish blessings.

“May the road rise to meet you.”

“May the wind be always at your back.”

… and so on.

But you won’t find much regarding Irish dog wisdom, so I thought I’d cook some up for you to enjoy on St. Patrick’s Day.

May your bowl always be full.

May you toys be extra squeaky.

May the treats be plenty.

May the grass be green to run on.

May your tail always wag because you are surrounded by friends.

And most of all, may you never loose your puppy enthusiasm for life!

Melt Down

2009-03-07T05:57:00.001-05:00

When someone is experiencing a melt down, usually that is a bad thing.

But in this case is it a wonderful thing!

As spring is trying to make its way, all the snow is slowly melting away.

If you listen closely, you can hear the water trickle down the sidewalks.

As I listen to the steady rhythm of the water, I think of all the new life that is to come.

If I close my eyes, I can already smell the daffodils and tulips.

Ah, the sweet smell of spring on the way!

Heaven

2009-02-24T08:10:00.003-05:00

Do you believe in Heaven?

I believed in Heaven before, but I sure do now!

Yesterday at the hospital a nun stopped me in the hallway.

She said I have something very important to tell you.

My Mom and I were a little taken aback as we never met her before, but nonetheless we stopped for the important message.

She came over smiling from ear to ear and gently told us that dogs go to heaven.

I was so excited to hear that.

I wonder what heaven will be like and I sure hope I get in. I guess I’ll have to make sure I log plenty of pet therapy hours to make sure my name is on the guest list at the pearly gates.

The Day After

2009-02-15T18:43:00.002-05:00

It is a sad day when the holiday is over.

But if you can keep a small memento to remind you of all the fond memories, the holiday can live on for a long, long time.

I was lucky enough to receive flowers from my Valentine.

The flowers still smell so sweet and the aroma can be intoxicating at times.

Every time I catch the scent (which is often since my doggie nose is so sensitive), I think how lucky I am to be surrounded by so much love and splendor.

Thank you dear Valentine for the flowers and the thought of you that is with me each and every day.

I Love You

2009-02-09T18:21:00.003-05:00

The three sweetest words one can hope to hear are “I love you.”

In my case, this day was extra sweet as almost everyone I passed in the hospital giggled and uttered those words to me.

“I love you.”

It still makes me feel cuddly inside as I remember the smiles and warm words shared today.

Maybe it was all the snow that melted away or the foreshadowing of a tender Valentine’s Day, but nonetheless there was something special in the air today that brought people together.

I have to confess, my Valentine’s Day get-up might have something to do with it too.

Somehow the smiles today seemed to be extra warm and there was magic in the air as people extended their hearts and hands to stop and share in some affection.

I hope that your Valentine’s Day is as warm as a freshly baked loaf of homemade bread and as sweet as the finest chocolates.

And most of all, remember to tell those who you care about that you love them on Valentine’s Day!

Sending you my best smooch! Woof! Woof!

The Safety Professor

2009-02-05T05:29:00.001-05:00

Last month I enrolled in college again.

Not as a student, as a professor!

Well maybe not exactly a professor, more like a guest speaker.

You might think from my safety vest that I spoke about being a patrol or security dog.

While I try and try to look big and ferocious in my safety suit, at the end of the day I am still a fluffy, cuddly dog and as you might expect I spoke to the college students about what it takes to be a therapy dog.

The students inspired me as they listened intently and took copious notes during my talk.

Their eyes sparkled with an enthusiasm about creatures large and small.

So often I spend my time trying to take care of others by making them happy, and it feels comforting to be the recipient this time and see so many young people studying to learn how to take care of animals.

Thanks to all the animal lovers who are training to make the world a safe and healthy place for me and my fellow dogs!

The Crumbs

2009-01-20T15:31:00.003-05:00

What might be a crumb to others is a banquet to me!

Some of you might take birthday cake for granted, but I sure don’t. It isn’t often that I get to steal away a crumb.

Luckily this time I did not have to resort to robbery! I would hate to have to be put in birthday cake jail.

Naturally, for my birthday, my Mom baked up some moist fluffy cake to share with my pet therapy friends.

As you might imagine, I am not allowed to eat cake with heaps of butter cream frosting on top.

But, this year, now that I am three (in dog years that is grown up), I am allowed to lick the plates since I am the birthday girl.

As soon as the little crumb of birthday cake hits my tongue, it is a like having an explosion of a sweet tang in your mouth.

So if you didn’t get to share some of my cake, be sure to go to the nearest bakery and have a slice and as that sweet sensation hits your tongue, think of me!

One, Two, THREE

2009-01-10T18:17:00.003-05:00

Happy Birthday to me!

Today I turned three!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-06T08:12:00.003-05:00

Sorry it has been a while since my last entry. The holidays kept me very busy this year!

But I’d still like to wish you a belated Happy New Year!

After being on vacation for so long, I was eager to return to work.

The patients and residents who I regularly visit still had their holiday smiles on and we shared some of our New Year’s resolutions.

As per my mother’s suggestion, my first New Year’s resolution is to work on my manners.

My manners seemed to go awry this past Christmas.

One might say that my naughty behavior was inspired by the new movie, Marley & Me (a must see!).

When I visited my great-grandmother on Christmas morning, I had the strong urge to jump up on dining room table and run all around it like it was a racetrack full of treats.

I know, you wouldn’t expect that from me, but something just got into me this holiday.

Luckily my aunt gave me a pack of treats that were labeled “naughty” on one side and “nice” on the other.

I ate all the “naughty” treats.

Now I am left with the “nice” treats which is a good thing since I am returning to work this week.

No worries though, I am back on track brushing up on my manners and in the pet therapy saddle spreading cheer.

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-22T07:58:00.007-05:00

The spirit of Christmas.

That is what someone called me last week.

What an honor!

As Christmas is just around the corner, this week I have to make sure my spirit is in top form.

That might mean extra kisses, more vigorous tail wags and an added bounce in my step.

And of course, my wardrobe, I can’t forget to wear my Santa hat and jingle bells so people can hear me coming.

Probably the most important part of the Christmas spirit are the things you can’t actually see.

Like a warm heart or that tingly feeling you get when you see someone special.

Or a touch from a special friend that seems to put your worries to rest and makes you feel as light as snow.

Next time I see you I hope that your heart tingles with joy!

Wishing you and your family all the joy and magic of the holiday season!

Oh, Christmas Tree

2008-12-17T09:07:00.004-05:00

My family and I visited a Christmas tree farm this past Sunday.

It was one of those farms that you get to pick and cut down your own tree.

There were so many trees to choose from.

There were short little ones just my size and there were trees so tall they could fill a Christmas palace.

With so many trees to choose from, it was hard to select just the right one that would make our living room bright with Christmas cheer.

As I closely examined the trees I began to think about what qualities would characterize the perfect Christmas tree.

The list included things like bright twinkle lights, hand-made ornaments, candy canes and a beautiful star to top the tree.

I realized it didn’t really matter which tree we picked, because every Christmas tree needs love and it is what we bring to the tree that makes it festive!

Barketplace

2008-12-07T19:55:00.005-05:00

While some shop at the market for gifts and goodies, I prefer to shop at Barketplace.

Barketplace is like a big candy store for dogs and dog lovers alike.

Before I shopped, I put some time in as a volunteer to help get the festivities underway.

I volunteered for the meet and greet committee.

Since I am a bit shorter than some (well, most) of the dogs that attended, I sat up on the table to greet each shopper with a smile and encouraged them to buy, buy, buy!

Although Barketplace was full of treats, toys, doggie clothes and cool leash sets, it was hard at times to find the perfect gift.

Should I buy my friends a bone or a chew toy?

The choices and pressure to find just the right gift can make your head spin.

As I took a moment to step away from my shopping frenzy, it hit me.

It is not necessarily the gift itself that matters, but it is the process of giving a gift to let someone know you care.

The act of giving is a gift in and of itself.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-26T08:51:00.001-05:00

Thanksgiving is a time to share in turkey, pumpkin pie and thankfulness with friends and family.

It is a time to remember and appreciate all the blessings that surround us each and every day.

Sometimes it takes a holiday to make you sit back and take note of all the beauty that surrounds you.

For me, I am so thankful for my family who provide a loving and nurturing home.

I am thankful for my friends who come to play and wag their tails with me.

I am thankful for all the people I meet during my pet therapy rounds, especially the ones who give backrubs and treats.

I am thankful the sun when it shines and for the rain when it provides water for the plants to grow.

And I am thankful for you for reading my blog and being a part of my virtual pet therapy.

All the best to you and your loved ones this Thanksgiving!

Gobble! Woof! Gobble! Woof!

Obama's Dog

2008-11-17T17:49:00.004-05:00

Rumor has it the president elect is going to get a dog.

What a great first policy decision to make. Every home, especially the one that is leading the country needs a furry friend.

I think I should call over to the White House to cast my vote for my breed recommendation.

Are you wondering what breed I’ll recommend?

Havanese, of course!

The Obamas should know that the Havanese is known for being friendly, affectionate, sociable, curious and quick to learn.

Perhaps I should offer my services to tutor the new first dog to make sure it has proper social skills.

For instance, it will need to know how to give tender puppy kisses and how to merrily wag its tail.

President Obama might want to bring more dogs into the White House and maybe he’ll want to hire me as an ambassador as everyone seems to fall for my deep-set brown eyes and fluffy convivial fur.

And as you can see, I have friends that come in all different shapes, sizes and colors.

Either way, I do hope that a dog resides at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue and that our new furry friend enriches the Obamas’ lives and gives our country something to bark about!

The Giggles

2008-11-08T07:40:00.001-05:00

You’ve been told that when you are feeling stressed, to try to picture yourself somewhere peaceful and relaxing.

Some people pick the beach.

Others pick a festive place like a birthday party.

And still others pick a different kind of place, me!

When I dressed up as a witch for Halloween, patients and staff members cracked up at the site of me.

Apparently they have seen a witch before, but never a cute furry barking witch who will do anything for a treat.

The next week after Halloween when I returned to the hospital as my regular fluffy self, some of the staff members were still laughing.

One of them explained that she could not get the image of me all dressed up as a witch out of her head.

And as soon as she accessed that image in her head, just the thought of it made her giggle uncontrollably.

So if you need a giggle or if you need a place to go to relieve your stress, think of me and I will take care of you.

Wicked Good

2008-10-29T12:47:00.003-04:00

Do you prefer the good witch or the bad witch?

As you can see from my picture, I prefer the good witch!

Yesterday I attended the second annual Halloween party at a little retirement home I visit.

Last year the party hinged on my participation.

The residents said to the social worker that they would only attend if Bella comes dressed up.

So like a good witch, I put on my costume and rode my broomstick to the community room.

When I think of Halloween parties and parades, I usually think of little kids all dressed and sugared up.

Although there were no kids and no sugar, there were lots of happy faces. You could even see people smiling through their masks.

I guess I was a really good witch this year because the residents gave me a gift card to PETCO.

What a treat! I guess now they expect more tricks!

Happy Halloween and I hope you have a wicked good time!

Bronze

2008-10-19T07:54:00.004-04:00

It feels so rewarding to bring home the bronze.

Especially when it is accompanied by a bag of treats!

Saturday I took third in a Halloween pet costume contest.

It was pretty stiff competition, but I strutted my stuff in my plump little pumpkin costume.

Some of you say, how could my mom make me wear such a thing?

Treats, I tell you! Mmmm, good!

Although for the amount of funny things my mom makes me wear, somehow I think the bag of treats should be bigger!

Just kidding!

Stay tuned for my next Halloween costume – the pumpkin outfit is just a warm up!

Rainbow of Love

2008-10-13T20:48:00.003-04:00

If only each day was as beautiful as a backdrop vibrantly colored fall mums.

I wish I could have brought my friend Sally to see this rainbow of mums. I feel bad that I made Sally cry last week.

Some might assume that I neglected my pet therapy duties by making her cry.

But, I think the cry was good for Sally as she learned an important lesson that day.

When Sally saw another little boy wrap his arms around me and enjoy my puppy kisses, she ran straight home crying all the way.

Sally sobbed and sobbed and thought that I no longer loved her.

Poor little girl, I still love you silly Sally!

Sally’s grandma called to let me know about the situation and as soon as I received the news I trotted right over to Sally’s house.

As Sally stroked my back and cuddled up next to me, I explained that it is important to share our love with others, especially our family and friends.

Like the rainbow of mums, my love is an endless ray of color and cheer and there is plenty of it to go around!

A Blessing

2008-10-05T16:56:00.003-04:00

As I sat quietly outside of the church waiting for the “blessing of the animals,” I though about a dog I met at the park today.

He only had three legs.

When I first saw him, I could feel a lump begin to form in my throat.

I couldn’t help but feel sad for him and I wondered how he got around with just three legs.

And then I saw my answer.

Just fine!

In fact, I think he was one of the happiest dogs I ever met.

Watching him romp around with his friends made me feel so warm inside.

I admired his ability to make the best of his situation and continue to enjoy the simple pleasures of life like spending a sunny day outside with friends.

His joy for life was moving and the memory of him running in the park will be a reminder for me to count my blessings.

The Hot Seat

2008-09-27T20:16:00.005-04:00

So the adage tells us we have to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes to really know how they feel.

But I think that saying should be revised.

I think it should say that you have to sit on someone else’s seat.

Last week I visited the dialysis unit to see a friend who goes there on a regular basis.

The word dialysis didn’t mean much to me, as I only vaguely understood that it meant that people needed to have their blood cleaned.

As I step foot in the dialysis unit for the first time I froze.

All the people lined up with tubes and blood circulating throughout the room was overwhelming.

Each patient was set up in a big cold-looking chair and most of them would spend the day at the unit receiving treatment.

This wasn’t one of those hospital visits where a patient is admitted and receives flowers, cards and visitors.

Rather, the hospital was a regular part of these people’s lives.

As I regained my composure and walked into the unit, the patients all gasped with disbelief.

“Oh, a dog,” many of them exclaimed.

At first I wasn’t sure if this was a good or bad thing.

The arms that seemed to have been weighted down with tubes of blood began to rise and so too did the smiles on their faces.

The smiles began to flow around the room like a chain reaction and as I like to believe, the energy warmed the patients’ hearts and soon they were all sitting in the hot seat rather than the cold hospital chair.

The Little Engine

2008-09-19T13:13:00.005-04:00

Remember the story of the little engine that could?

Boy that was one tough little train!

At agility class the other night, I played out my own version of this story.

During one of the exercise sessions, we had to practice jumps in pairs with another dog.

The dog I was paired with, Rex, was a little shorter so our jump was set at 8 inches (I’ll have to jump 10 to 12 inches in competition).

While it was Rex’s turn, I watched the dogs next to us impressively jump over 20 inches.

Suddenly the big dogs left their 20 inch jump for a potty break.

I though to myself I bet I can get over that jump and certainly no one would expect it.

So I closed my eyes, mustered up all the strength I could find and flung myself over the 20 inch jump.

Just like the little train I kept thinking I think I can I think I can.

And apparently I could! To my own amazement I cleared the jump!

The instructor stopped the class next to us and shouted, “That is one awesome little dog.”

While I was flattered to be called awesome, the best feeling was accomplishing something that at first appear to be way out of my reach.

I'll just have to remember I think I can I know I can when times get rough.

A Surprise Ending

2008-09-15T11:04:00.005-04:00

On Thursday I went on one of my regular visits to a retirement community.

Predictably one of my favorite residents, Estelle, told me a story of when she lived down in Georgia.

If nothing else Estelle is consistent as she tells the story exactly the same each and every time.

Habitually, the story centers on a friend who tried to give Estelle a dog, but due to uncontrollable circumstances Estelle was not able to accept the dog.

As Estelle tells the story, you can hear the cavernous regret in her voice.

At the point in the story when Estelle acknowledges that she was not able to accept the dog, she takes a long deep sigh and strokes my back.

For whatever reason this time, however, the story took a different turn.

According to Estelle, an elderly woman who was lonely was able to take in the dog. As Estelle narrated her new tale she lit up inside.

I couldn’t help but think that Estelle was talking about herself. Maybe in her heart she has always had a place for that dog and in some way I fulfill that need for her.

I am glad that our time together has brought a happy ending to Estelle’s story. I will be sure to visit her every week to make sure that ending stays “happily ever after.”

LIVEDOG

2008-09-09T10:38:00.006-04:00

Cancer.

You see the word or hear the word cancer and suddenly it feels as if the world around you comes to a screeching halt.

But not for a group of people I came across the other weekend.

My family and I participated in the Lance Armstrong Livestrong Challenge bike ride to benefit cancer research and support programs, but most of all to provide hope to all those battling cancer.

The turnout for the day was amazing! Over 5,000 people came together as if they were an army to stand up and fight first-hand against cancer.

There was a lot of hugging, smiling and crying going on throughout the day.

Although you couldn’t see it, there was a remarkable connection or spirit floating in the air that brought us all together.

By the end of the day I had made many new friends, some who affectionately named me the “LIVEDOG.”

If nothing else, I promise to hold onto the hope and inspiration from the day and share it with my patients whom I visit during my pet therapy rounds.

For those of you who continue to battle cancer, keep up the good work and know if you need a furry friend to stand by you, I am here to walk by your side.

The Real Stars

2008-09-02T17:59:00.004-04:00

If your television was on this past Saturday and you like animal shows, you would have seen me on the series Wild About Animals with Mariette Hartley!

Don’t worry if you missed the show, you still have time to tune in.

This episode of Wild About Animals will air again on Fox on Saturday, November 22nd in the morning.

In the meantime, I am practicing my paw-ographs at home for my fan club.

Although I have to admit I am enjoying my new-found stardom, I believe the real stars of the show are the patients who so bravely battle cancer each day.

Friends

2008-08-28T22:05:00.016-04:00

There is nothing like sharing a good tail wag with a friend.

Whether it be chatting at the picnic table, playing ball at the beach, or howling together in the park, it always feels good to be surrounded by friends.

Friends have a way of making the world feel like it is full of eternal rainbows and gumdrops.

Even when that occasional cloud appears, it is good to know that you have friends to be with you until it passes and another sunny day appears.

So until I see you again dear friend, hold me tight in your heart.

The Lifeguard

2008-08-17T13:24:00.005-04:00

While I was sunning myself on the beach, I deftly watched the lifeguard on duty.

What an important job, I thought. As the title suggests, lifeguards literally guard our lives while we swim and frolic on the beach.

I decided to study the lifeguard and see how I could apply some of his skills to my pet therapy work.

Just the presence of the lifeguard seemed to make people feel safe and at ease.

Since I am a small dog, maybe I’ll have to make sure to bounce around a bit more (if that is even possible – many of you know I am a bouncy dog to begin with) at my pet therapy visits to make sure all the patients know I am there if they need me to help with their healing.

And fashion is crucial too. All the guards wore red with a safety symbol on their shirts.

I have to remember to proudly wear my pet therapy ID badge and uniform so that patients know I am official and have taken the proper courses to prepare myself for the job.

Most of all. I took notice of the lifeguard’s smile.

People were walking up to him asking questions and just saying hello.

Like the lifeguard, being approachable is a central part of my job too.

I have to remember that even when I am tired, other people are relying on my bark and grin to make them feel better.

Dirt Bed

2008-08-12T19:32:00.001-04:00

When you are out in the middle of nature you have to roll with the punches.

Literally!

Check out this video of me making my own ad hoc dirt bed.

If nothing else, I am one resourceful puppy!

Nature's Agility Course

2008-08-10T20:44:00.004-04:00

As some of you know, I am taking agility classes.

Every week I dutifully practice and do my homework like a good little doggie.

In addition to my usual studying routine, this weekend I took part in some experiential learning outside of the classroom as they say.

To celebrate my parent’s anniversary, we went on an adventure trip to the Adirondacks.

We packed up our hiking bags and spent most of our time exploring different trails and soaking in all that nature has to offer.

Every turn there was a branch to jump over, stream to cross, or a rock wall to scale.

The fun was endless!

On the trails we encountered some other dogs, but most of them were of the stocky, large breeds.

When we passed some of our fellow hikers, they all seemed so worried about me because I was a “little” dog.

As you can see from the pictures, I can jump and climb with the best of ‘em!

Don’t let my pretty little pink bow fool you! I am an agility fanatic!

Duck Patrol

2008-08-05T16:25:00.005-04:00

Quack! Quack!

That sound always gets me going!

For some reason the ducks always swim away when I jump in the bay to say hello.

What could they be afraid of?

They probably weight more than I do, even when I am soaking wet!

Nonetheless, I keep trying to make new friends and I’ve noticed that each time I jump in the water, the ducks let me get a little closer.

Maybe they want to build a bond of trust before they make the plunge to friendship.

It might take a while to meet one of the ducks face to face (or should I say beak to dog nose), but I am willing to wait and put in the time.

Until that day arrives, I remain faithfully on duck patrol.

Hope

2008-08-01T07:08:00.003-04:00

I wish I could record people’s reactions when I enter a room.

My mom tells me that oftentimes patients and staff members will stop what they are doing and smile in my direction.

Usually the smile leads to a pet or a belly rub which leads to a conversation. It is like a chain reaction of fun!

Sometimes, however, patients cry.

At first that made me nervous as I thought I was doing a bad job by making patients cry. Maybe I needed to brush up on some of my pet therapy skills!

But as I helped to wipe away the tears I learned that the tears were a good sign as they were a release of pain and suffering.

As one patient told me while she was sobbing, I was a sign of “hope for a better day.”

Just Clammin' Around

2008-07-25T11:52:00.005-04:00

When it comes to taking pictures, some might say I am a ham, but as you can see from the picture I look more like a clam!

Joking aside, you can check out this web site:

reclamthebay.org

to learn more about how our ecosystem functions and how we can help keep it happy, healthy and clean!

Even the clams need a helping hand!

My Dad Is A Hero

2008-07-16T11:33:00.007-04:00

On Saturday my family and I attended a pet rescue fair.

If you could have seen those wagging tails and heard their jovial barks, your heart would have melted.

I am proud to say, one of my family members is a pet rescuer. Just last week my dad courageously saved a dog’s life.

Driving home from work, my dad spotted a dog in the middle of a very busy road. As my dad explains, the dog was so big it appeared that it was trying to play with the cars like toys as they sped by.

But my dad knew if the dog played long enough the game would not end well.

So my dad jumped out of his car and tried to call the dog to him.

The dog was a friendly guy and merrily trotted (yes trotted – this dog looked like a horse) over to my dad.

To contextualize the size of the dog, my dad is used to dealing with small dogs as I weigh 12 pounds, and this dog weighed in near 160! When the dog stood on his hind legs he was taller that my 6’3” dad!

With enthusiasm, the dog jumped into my dad’s car. The dog was so carefree and you could tell by his happy disposition that he really didn’t understand that he was in grave danger.

In the end, my dad brought the dog to safety and by doing so saved his life.

To put yourself on the line and rescue someone is one of the most selfless acts. Sometimes it only takes a few minutes to offer assistance to someone in need. What feels like a few minutes to you can make all the difference in the world for someone else.

Thanks dad for making the world a better place, I love you, my hero.

Lights, Camera, Action!

2008-07-10T18:03:00.007-04:00

From the hospital floor to the big screen!

Get your DVDs and DVRs ready to record this fall 2008 as I am going to be on television!

Yes, you heard me correctly – television!

Yesterday I spent the day with the film crew and producer from the show “Wild About Animals.”

I was honored to be selected along with two other dogs, Margaret Mary and Beau, to be filmed in action doing pet therapy.

Prior to the filming I waited like most other stars in the green room (well actually it was the blue volunteer office), primping my fur and making sure my yellow bow was in tact.

It was such an exciting day and hopefully you’ll tune in to see me prancing around the hospital strutting my stuff.

You’ll probably see my jolly face as I receive lots of treats and belly rubs – I just love my job!

But I also hope you’ll see the smiles and grins from the patients as we spent time with them.

As you’ve heard me say, I am a very lucky dog to have the opportunity to meet all of these amazing people.

Their courage, determination and fortitude are inspiring.

Happy 4th of July!

2008-07-04T17:45:00.003-04:00

Happy 4th of July !

I hope everyone has a barkin' good holiday!

Woof ! Woof !

The Leash Craze

2008-06-30T08:50:00.004-04:00

Whenever I leave one of my pet therapy sites, I always have a few residents who ask if they can hold my leash and walk me to my car.

Whoever thought a leash could be so popular.

But, my mom tells me they are not really interested in the leash itself, but rather what is on the end of the leash (me!).

It is so interesting how a little piece of rope can bring about such a connection.

As soon as someone grabs onto my leash I can see a change in the way they hold their head and heart. Something seems to open up inside and a calming energy flows back and forth from the person to me.

My leash has become so popular that I am making all sorts of friends. Even statues of tigers!

Hopefully someday we’ll get to meet and you can have a turn too at holding my leash!

In My Dreams

2008-06-22T19:18:00.010-04:00

When I went to visit Sister Edith Alice on one of my regular pet therapy visits, she wasn’t there.

I was confused and began to sniff around hurriedly searching for her scent.

Where could she be?

One of the staff members came over and told me that Sister Edith Alice had passed last week.

My heart sunk to the floor and tears uncontrollably burst from my eyes. The kind of tears that leave little burn tracks around your eyes because the pain hurts so much.

I wanted to stop crying but my heart just wouldn’t agree.

One of the residents came over to console me. After some hugs and rubs on my back, we started to share our favorite memories of Sister Edith Alice.

The spirit of Sister Edith Alice will forever live in my heart and although I won’t see her on my routine pet therapy rounds, I promise to continue to visit her in my dreams.

Keep on Paddling

2008-06-17T17:17:00.005-04:00

Some might say life is a journey.

This weekend my journey began in a kayak.

As I prepared for my trip I tried to think of all the things I might need: an energy drink, a life preserver, a paddle, sunscreen and my GPS watch.

That morning the sea appeared so peaceful and tranquil.

About half way into my journey, out of nowhere, the water started to get rough and my kayak was spinning out of control.

Waves crashed all around me without warning.

As I gripped my paddle with my paws and calculated the quickest route home with my GPS watch, I closed my eyes and hoped someone would save me.

Although I was vigorously paddling, the current kept pulling me farther and farther from my destination.

I was ready to give up, but I realized that if I stopped and didn’t fight back I’d never return home.

I took a swig of my energy drink and determinedly fixed my eyes in the direction of home.

Even though I couldn’t see anything in the thick fog, I had faith that if I kept paddling eventually I would get there.

Little by little my home came into focus.

As I approached the inlet in front of my house, the storm seemed to subside and a beautiful rainbow appeared.

Again, the sea was tranquil and I was thankful to be home.

A Salute

2008-06-08T21:11:00.007-04:00

My family and I recently took a short vacation to Gettysburg.

One can’t help but learn a little history along the way.

As many of you know the main attraction in Gettysburg is the battlefields.

The vast grassy green fields extend for miles and are covered with monuments and tributes to all who valiantly lost their lives in battle.

On one of the battlefield tours our guide asked us to imagine what it would have been like to be a soldier at that time.

First thing that came to my mind was, scary!

Thinking about it further, it made me more deeply appreciate the selflessness that those soldiers exhibited.

To sacrifice their lives for the sake of our country is something we will never be able to repay them.

The closest we can come to a form of repayment is by being thankful and respectful of each other and honoring the spirit of our country.

So here is a salute from me to all of our troops both near and far. Thank you for making us proud!

The Puzzle

2008-06-01T17:43:00.001-04:00

Many of you know my heart was broken a few days ago.

Not to fret though, my heart is on the mend.

A broken heart is sort of like a jigsaw puzzle. Some puzzles only have a few pieces while others have many.

I have a feeling this is one of the puzzles with a lot of pieces. Little by little, though, the pieces are coming together and a beautiful picture is surfacing.

The picture is full of the love from my family and friends – how lucky I am to have you all.

The Agile Picnic Participant

2008-05-17T16:11:00.016-04:00

And who said the playground is just for kids!

Today I attended a picnic party with a bunch of my pet therapy buddies.

It was a blast to get together to share stories and sample some traditional picnic cuisine (aka the scraps that fell off the picnic tables).

After barking with a few dogs, I learned that a few of my furry friends are accomplished agility competitors.

So I decided to take a crack at some of the agility course obstacles.

It took a lot of coaxing and treats, but as you can see by the end of the day I made it through the circular jump.

At first some things in life may appear too difficult or scary to approach.

But with a little help from friends and a sweet treat waiting on the other side of the jump, I believe anything is possible.

A Good Hand

2008-05-10T20:35:00.003-04:00

They tell me you have to play the hand you are dealt.

Well, someone dealt me five aces. I keep checking to see if I am seeing things but, go ahead and count ‘em – there are five!

What luck!

Some might say my life started out unlucky as I almost died as a puppy and had to be hospitalized for a week to recover.

It was very traumatic, but somehow with a little oxygen, medication and love I pulled through.

As you see, I kept on playing my cards and here I am today – licking my chops, spreading cheer and always having faith that tomorrow will be an even better day!

The Throne of Kisses

2008-05-02T08:06:00.003-04:00

The other week I was giving out my usual puppy kisses and for some reason it caused quite the stir.

One of the senior residents, Bertha, was hanging onto my coattails following me around the center.

Each time I visited someone, Bertha would run up to them and asked if they got a puppy kiss. And each time she became more enthusiastic with her questions.

I think Bertha’s zeal made the other residents think that something super special was being given out. And who would argue – my kisses are special!

So many residents were eager to get their kiss that they lined up at my feet. Since I am so short, I jumped up on a wheel chair – sort of used it for my throne.

It cracked me up especially since the residents would hurry to line up for a kiss and then wipe off the puppy goo with laughter.

Kisses, puppy goo and laughter- the perfect recipe for fun!

Iced Tail

2008-04-27T21:06:00.003-04:00

Some people have to ice their knees or shoulders from overuse.

For me it is the tail. I have to ice it on a regular basis as I wag it so much!

Friday I attended a health and wellness fair for senior citizens. Part of my job was to make sure that everyone was smiling and having fun.

I roamed all around the room (off leash I might add!) and even helped to announce the raffle winners by barking the numbers into the microphone.

One visitor chuckled and asked my mom if my tails was going to fall off as I appeared so happy.

Well, my tail is still attached and I better go to bed and ice it so I can use it again tomorrow!

One

2008-04-22T11:32:00.004-04:00

Happy birthday to my cousin who just turned one!

My cousin used to be the runt of my family’s litter, but he grew up so fast and he now weighs more than I do. For a while he was the runt, but I now reassume that position as I only weight 12 pounds. Maybe our family will be blessed with another baby so I can enjoy not being the runt again!

A first birthday is truly a celebration of life and growth. So many milestones just in the first year: smiling, eating, laughing, playing, crawling, walking and soon talking.

Although my cousin probably won’t remember his first birthday – I certainly will.

Everyone was so excited to celebrate the newest addition to our family. There were lots of yummy treats and kids to play with. I even had a taste of a homemade meatball.

On to preparing for the next birthday party and making more memories to last a lifetime.

The College Dog

2008-04-15T20:43:00.003-04:00

From puppy school straight to college - what an academic career!

Tonight I was a guest lecturer for a course “Animals in Society” at a local college. What fun it is to be a professor!

Before my presentation, I closely reviewed my notes to make sure I covered all the important topics. The students were so eager to learn and I very much enjoyed sharing my story with them.

I think the class was so impressed that I might be a candidate for an honorary degree at this year’s graduation – then I’ll be an official doggie college graduate.

Even if they don’t award me a diploma, learning for learning’s sake is the most rewarding prize of all.

Fan Mail

2008-04-11T08:15:00.003-04:00

I’ve got mail! And the best kind of mail – a package with treats. Yum yum!

Luckily I hired a personal assistant (just like President Roosevelt’s dog, Fala) to answer my fan mail. I’ll just chomp on these biscuits while my assistant works on my correspondence.

It is such a treat (literally!) to receive a present in the mail - so unexpected but yet so much appreciated.

Random acts of kindness are what make the world go round!

Honorable Mention

2008-04-06T16:01:00.005-04:00

And honorable mention goes to … ME !

Today I won an award for the sit/stay contest at the annual Fala Doggie Day in the Park fair. It was an honor – I am going to wear my ribbon all week! Maybe we should have a celebration party too!

You are probably wondering who is Fala?

Fala was President Roosevelt’s dog and apparently Fala even had his own staff in the White House! Maybe I’ll place an ad in the paper and start colleting resumes for an “assistant to Bella” position.

In addition to the fun and games at Fala Day, I worked at the Comfort Caring Canines Therapy Dogs Inc. information table.

I very much enjoyed meeting all different types of dogs from the small ones to the big ones, from the old ones to the young ones.

On our recruitment sign it explains that pet therapy dogs come in all shape and sizes. I believe that our differences are what make the world a fascinating place – we should be sure to celebrate and embrace each other’s unique traits.

Life Lession 101

2008-04-02T06:18:00.006-04:00

On Monday, my friend turned 101. Yes, you read that correctly one hundred and one years old! To catch up with her I only have 99 years to go!

For Harriett’s birthday I gave her a picture of the two of us on one of my visits. No matter how old, receiving a birthday present makes everyone smile ear to ear.

Last year there was a huge party to celebrate Harriett’s 100th birthday. Harriett eagerly showed me her photo album of the event and each picture came with a splendid story. It was inspiring to watch her look back over her life with zeal and satisfaction.

At the party, one of Harriett’s friends gave her flowers. After the flowers bloomed, the grounds crew planted them outside Harriett’s window.

Often I will catch Harriett gazing outside her window at that plant. It is as if the plant is somehow an extension of her honest and devoted nature.

Even at 101 years old, Harriett is quick as a whip and I am looking forward to celebrating her 102nd birthday and seeing how much her plant has grown by then.

The Hunt Continues

2008-03-26T16:28:00.006-04:00

Although Easter is over, the hunt is still on. If you look closely, I am certain you will find some treats.

Sometimes it is in the unexpected places that the sweetest treats can be found. You might find one in the smile from a familiar face or a friend's hug.

And don’t forget, you can be a source of happiness for someone else. The world is only as bright as we help it to be.

Be sure to continue your Easter egg hunt all year long – you never know what treasures you might find.

Our Easter Anniversary

2008-03-25T08:53:00.004-04:00

If you asked my Mom, she would say she picked me out of the litter.

I, however, have to disagree.

For those of you who know my parents, you would not be surprised to learn that they had read several articles on how to pick a happy, playful puppy. While they were busily studying, I was dreaming of a place to call home.

As soon as I laid eyes on my parents, I knew they were family I was waiting for - I pulled out all my best tricks from the incessant puppy kisses to the soft nuzzles to convey my love.

My family picked me up on Easter two years ago, and for me it was fitting Easter as is associated with rebirth and new beginnings. Some might say that Easter is our family’s anniversary.

Family comes in all different shapes, sizes and forms. In my short little life, I have come to appreciate that family is more than the people and puppies you live with; it is the feeling of warmth, love, promise and hope.

While we could argue who loved who first, either way the end result is unconditional.

The Bunny Hop

2008-03-20T19:23:00.004-04:00

Today, with my floppy pink bunny ears, I helped a few little girls find their bunny legs.

Actually, the title of this entry should read the doggie trot down the children’s wing. Nonetheless, I made some friends today.

Luckily for me I started to attend dog school last week to work on some of my skills. My impeccable heeling came in handy this afternoon!

Two little girls, Nina and Isabella, were all curled up in their hospital beds and their nurse came to tell them that it was time to get some exercise and walk down the hallway. Nina and Isabella frowned and did not look the least bit interested.

After visiting a little while, I told Nina and Isabella I had to go and visit other patients. As I was leaving Nina asked if they could come with me. My Mom said, “sure the more the merrier!”

Both Nina and Isabella smiled and crawled out of bed ready to walk around with me. Call it a miracle, or call it the love of a dog, but these little girls seemed to hop right into the spirit of Easter.

Get Your Green On

2008-03-14T08:27:00.002-04:00

Monday is St. Patrick’s Day so go find your green pants, shirts and party hats! Remember everybody and every dog is Irish on St. Pat’s Day!

And as you can see I am already licking my chops in anticipation of the big St. Patrick’s Day party of potatoes, corned beef and cabbage. Yum! Yum!

Have a great weekend and as the old Irish blessing goes, “May the road rise to meet you and may the wind always be at your back.”

Let Love Bloom

2008-03-12T21:05:00.004-04:00

Every other week for a year I visited Rose. Never once did she speak or show interest in my visits.

I was told to keep trying. Rose’s caretakers felt it was important for Rose to continue to interact with dogs. When Rose was younger, she always had her loving companion, Sophie, a little black poodle, at her side.

It was evident that Rose cared deeply for Sophie as there were pictures of them together all over Rose’s room.

So today I tried again.

As usual, I sat on Rose’s lap and was prepared to just hang out for a few minutes and dream about dog treats.

Then something happened.

Rose mumbled, “I love you.”

All this time I thought I was invisible to Rose. I am not sure if it was the feeling of spring in the air or the distant memory of Sophie, but today Rose spoke the most lovely words.

If nothing else, I have learned to be patient and let love bloom on its own time.

The Lollipop

2008-03-07T10:31:00.007-05:00

Is there anything sweeter than licking a lollipop?

There sure is!

Apparently one of my distinct attributes is my enthusiasm to greet people. When I say “hello!” I love to bounce around and lick them all over.

I have come to recognize certain people at the sites I visit regularly. There is one resident, Gertrude, who always waits at the door for my arrival.

As such, I see it fitting to give her particularly special kisses as I greet her.

The last time I saw Gertrude I wouldn’t stop licking her face. My kiss could have been in the “World’s Record Book” for the longest puppy kiss!

Gertrude giggled, “You must think I am a lollipop.”

For me, Gertrude was sweeter than a lollipop. Her kind smile drew me in and made me feel like a little treasure. The least I could do was reciprocate the feeling.

Home is Where the Dog is

2008-03-05T07:40:00.008-05:00

I never met anyone like Harry.

As soon as I entered Harry’s room he was so excited that he started to flop around in his bed like a fish out of water.

Without delay, I jumped on Harry’s bed and crawled up his chest and stopped when I came to this blue tube protruding out of his throat. Harry had tubes coming out of every part of his body. Nonetheless, Harry was smiling and elated to see a dog.

I kept staring at the blue tube in Harry’s throat and tilting my head in wonderment. That seemed to make Harry laugh.

When Harry spoke, his voice sounded like a muffled machine box and a twangy sound came from the tube as he said, “Hey dog, I bet you never saw anything like this before.”

Harry was right, this was a first for me.

“Please take my picture with the dog,” Harry begged my Mom. Harry explained that while he was in the intensive care unit (ICU) he was taking medications that made him hallucinate. Apparently Harry kept hallucinating that the ICU was run by dogs. Harry is my kind of guy!

My Mom found an old poloroid camera in the Volunteer Office and I proudly posed with Harry for a photo. After the picture developed, Harry held it in one hand and I curled up next to him so he could pet me with the other hand. As Harry was stroking my back and admiring the picture he said, “Ah, now this feels like home.”

For some people home is a place, but for Harry it was the feeling of a warm dog curling up next to him in his hospital bed. I guess the adage should be "Home is where the dog is."

Happily Ever After

2008-02-29T21:45:00.009-05:00

Once upon a time there was a little therapy dog who visited a school. And the only rule was that the students couldn’t say the three-letter word … cat!

Tonight I went to an elementary school as part of a “Read-In” program. The students flocked to the library to read their favorite stories to my fellow therapy dogs and me.

What a bunch of talented readers!

So as the story goes, nobody said the word cat (oops, I mean - - -). As per my request, they replaced the word with dog - now that is more like it!

I heard stories like “The Dog in the Hat” and “Meow the Dog.” As you can imagine this generated some giggles.

It was fun to watch their little eyes dart across the pages and eagerly spill out the words with fervor.

What a picture - kids, dogs, books and laughter. Mix it together and the future looks pretty bright!

Hopefully the story will continue and reading will become part of our happily ever after!

Read Across America

2008-02-27T16:52:00.007-05:00

Friday is “Read to a Therapy Dog – Read Across America” at a local elementary school.

Last year I participated in this program and it was so much fun! All the kids brought in their favorite books and read to me. It was so relaxing snuggling up and listening to a good story.

One little girl was such a talented reader last year that I licked her book! I hope she comes to read to me again this year.

To prepare for Friday I think I am going to practice and see if I can read back to the kids. So far all I can say is “woof!” but I am working on it. There are so many great books from which to choose.

I am looking forward to hearing lots of stories on Friday! It should be a page-turner!

Good Dog Gala

2008-02-25T16:41:00.011-05:00

On Saturday night I attended my first gala! The Pennsylvania SPCA hosted its second annual Good Dog Gala. It was all about the dog! I was one pampered pooch!

Luckily I was dressed for the occasion and decked out in my pink flower leash set and matching pink bow. It was fun to meet so many new people and dog friends too!

The energy of the event was invigorating. The placed was jam packed with people who were dedicated to enriching the lives of animals.

During the evening we had a chance to watch some videos of animals that had been rescued. It was devastating to see the conditions that some of my fellow dogs had to endure.

The most heartwarming part of the night came when we had a chance to meet the dogs that were featured in the video. Prior to being rescued their situation seemed hopeless, and now at the gala they were happily barking and wagging their tails. It is amazing what a little love can do.

It was humbling to be surrounded by so many people who were dedicated to rescuing and providing for an animal in need. Without their devotion and compassion, some of my furry friends would not be with us today.

Thank you to all who volunteer and donate their time to help make the world a kinder and gentler place.

On the Radio

2008-02-21T07:14:00.007-05:00

Yesterday, while I was driving in the car, I heard a song on the radio that made me recall the first time I met Alice.

It was a cool, crisp spring afternoon and I was visiting this particular senior center for the first time. As soon as I entered and as soon as Alice laid eyes on me she cried, “the dog is here, the dog is here.”

Alice clapped her hands, waved her arms and cheered like I just finished first in a marathon. It was evident that she had very much been looking forward to my visit.

Although I was unfamiliar with the site, Alice’s warm energy made me feel so welcome that I was immediately drawn to her. Before I could get out a kiss or a bark, Alice scooped me up with both her hands and squeezed me so tightly that I could feel her heart racing against mine.

At times I am sure it was difficult to distinguish our heartbeats as Alice’s hold was steadfast.

Subsequently, Alice took a deep breath and buried her nose in my fur. Her breath was so passionate that my fur went right up her nose like a feather caught in a wind tunnel. Over and over Alice mumbled, “thank you, thank you, thank you.”

It wasn’t until I heard the song on the radio by Rod Stewart, “Lost in You,” that I understood what Alice was doing.

Although some might say that during our visits Alice becomes lost in our embrace, I think that is the time when she feels found.

Board Member

2008-02-19T11:45:00.009-05:00

I’ve been elected as a Board Member of Comfort Caring Canines Therapy Dogs, Inc.!

Yay for me!

Well technically my Mom is the Board Member, but I more or less consider her my proxy. I need to brush up on my doggie knowledge and study the training manual to make sure I am in top form.

One of my goals is to think “outside of the box.” My task this week is to get out of this box before the next board meeting. If I smell some peanut butter or see some treats I am likely to hop right out!

Be sure to check out the Comfort Caring Canines web site (link at the bottom of this page).

If you need a little cheer, you can always request a visit!

The Valentine Fairy

2008-02-13T07:42:00.007-05:00

Greetings from your Valentine Fairy! My job is to spread the love! Did you feel that? I just gave you a virtual hug!

At the hospital I pranced around this week and handed out Valentine’s Day cards. Of course they had pictures of dogs on them and a little lollipop to boot. One of the boys took two cards. That was a good idea, I thought. Now he has love in both of his pockets so he will be sure not to run out for Valentine’s Day!

I don’t usually visit the emergency room, but a nurse asked me to stop in as there were some little kids who needed a special visitor. No problem, I barked - I am always ready to help!

When I stopped in to visit a little girl, Lisa, another nurse came to the room to take her blood. As you can imagine Lisa was not happy with this.

As the nurse started to prepare the needles I said good-bye to Lisa and wished her well. Both Lisa and her father asked me not to go and the nurse nodded in agreement.

Lisa whispered to me, “stay with me.”

Lisa began to cry when she saw the needle and as soon as I saw the tears I tried to lick them away. This helped a little bit, but I could tell I would have to bring out my best tricks to make the pain and fear disappear.

So I sat on Lisa’s bed and gave her a “high five!” She giggled. I also showed her the shave marks on my front legs from when I had an IV in the emergency room back in December. Lisa was doing ok until she looked back at the needle again.

Treats I though! My Mom read my mind and put dog treats in Lisa’s hand. I think she forgot she was in the hospital and started to have me do tricks for the treats. We both were having such a good time!

People often ask, “what is pet therapy?” I am not exactly sure, but there is something about my soft fur and warm belly that is perfect for cuddling in a hospital bed or maybe it is the motion of my wagging tail that is soothing.

I probably will never see Lisa again, but I know that we will remember each other. She was a brave little girl and I am glad I was there to help her find her courage.

And the Winner Is ...

2008-02-11T11:06:00.000-05:00

The winner of the favorite blog entry so far is ... "Birthday Workout! " Thank you all for your votes. I hope you continue to enjoy my blog. There will be more polls and voting to come so we can practice for the election!

Reunited

2008-02-10T19:35:00.000-05:00

Did you ever get the feeling that your heart is beating so fast that you think it might jump out of your skin?

Well I did today. My parents returned from vacation and the moment I saw them I began to leap and howl with excitement.

Immediately I showered them with lots of puppy kisses (which my parents reciprocated) and ran circles around them. As my Mom picked me up for an embrace, I remembered something a friend said to us when I was just 14 weeks old.

Back as a puppy, when I was learning to walk on the leash (still practicing today!), we stopped in front of a neighbor’s house. I remember rubbing noses with my Mom and nuzzling with her in the middle of the street.

My neighbor came out of her house and said “ah, new love, how beautiful.”

Though not new today, our love has grown and is still that kind of love that warms the heart and soul.

Love comes in all forms. Sometimes we need to stop, look around and let our hearts be filled with those tender bits of affection from our family and friends (and remember your furry friends too!).

Please Vote!

2008-02-01T10:58:00.001-05:00

Hi Friends! I need your help! Please go to the left side of this page and let me know which is your favorite blog entry so far. This will help me know how I am doing. Thanks!

Career Day

2008-01-31T07:36:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I was honored to speak at a school Career Day! The students and staff were so friendly and I had the chance to I meet over 500 people.

If I estimate that every person pet me once or two twice, that means I got over 1,000 back and tummy rubs. Good day for me!

In between my presentations I explored other parts of the school. The science lab was fascinating.
I put one of my treats under the microscope to see if I could run a quick experiment and figure out what is really in one of those goodies. No luck, it just looked like a blob of stuff to me. But, fortunately the treat still looked yummy when it was magnified so I ate it.

School is so much fun! Next I visited the fish that were busy swimming around. I think they were jealous they were not invited to speak at Career Day. Maybe next year I told them.

All in all I had a super fun day – I didn’t want to leave. Thank you to the students and especially the staff for their kindness and making me feel so welcome. Your school rocks! Not only are the students bright, but they are learning how to become good people – the most important lesson in life.

Protector of the Heart

2008-01-29T10:10:00.001-05:00

This weekend my family and I went on a ski vacation to Vermont. Never having skied before I gave it a whirl. Quickly I found out that I am neither a ski bunny nor a ski dog. Oh well!

I wound up spending my time at doggie day camp and romping around the snow banks instead of the ski slopes.

The experience made me think about dogs and their jobs. Clearly I’ll never be a ski instructor or one of those cool avalanche dogs.

Last week I was watching a special on the television regarding the evolution of dogs. The show started out discussing the role of the dog as “protector of the herd.”

As I was watching, I was thinking of my job as a pet therapy dog. A lot of what I do deals with comforting people and providing an outlet to share in some friendship. Some might say my role is that of “protector of the heart.” It is the love and compassion in our hearts that keeps us going and I am privileged to hold the post as its guardian.

Working Overtime

2008-01-25T07:54:00.001-05:00

This week I was called in for a special case, or should I say a special friend. Usually I work two days a week, but there was a situation that required my attention and this week I put in three days!

For this visit, my Dad came too. On the ride to the hospital, my Dad asked my Mom “How do you know Bella likes doing the pet therapy?” My Mom answered, “You’ll see.” When we arrived at the hospital, I bounced out of the car and stood at attention facing the entrance door. As we started walking I began to trot like a horse - I was at work now and I meant business.

It took longer than expected to make it to our friend’s room because so many people, both friends and strangers, wanted me to stop for a hug and a hello. As my Dad watched, he could see the faces of the people I was interacting with soften and the worries of their day melt away. My work includes patients, staff and visitors. I am not sure which is harder sometimes, being the sick person or being the one who has to watch your loved one suffer. That is why I am glad to help people escape the pain or troubles that hold them down. Even if the escape is just for a moment, I am proud to be a part of it.

On the way home, my Dad turned to my Mom and said, “I see why Bella loves her job.” Now off to bed - I have had a very busy work week and I need my beauty sleep!

My Wish For You

2008-01-23T09:20:00.001-05:00

So many festive things take place at a birthday party from eating mounds of sweet frosted fluffy birthday cake (or in my case cheddar flavored birthday biscuits) to opening the tenderly gift wrapped presents. But the part that really makes a birthday special is the people you share it with. It’s the simple pleasures of laughter and smiles that make a party fulfilling – those are the most precious gifts. When the cake is gone and the party is over, the memories of those you shared your day with will remain in your heart.

Since I have had so many birthday parties this month I was able to make lots of wishes when I blew out the candles. I must say I have been a very lucky dog – so far all my wishes came true! So I’ll give my last birthday wish to you – may you too have many family and friends to share it with!

Birthday Workout

2008-01-17T21:53:00.001-05:00

While I was in the physical therapy room yesterday I thought I’d check out the exercise equipment. As you know January is my birthday month and there has been a party practically every day (thanks to everyone for making me feel so special!).

My tummy is getting a bit plump so I’ve got to start working off some of these birthday biscuits. But as you can see, I am having trouble figuring out how this treadmill thing works. Oh well, until I do there will be just a little more of me to love!

An International Friend

2008-01-13T20:21:00.000-05:00

This time my leash traveled all the way to Italy! As you can see from the picture, I am brushing up on my Italian so I can converse more with my new friend, Lina. In the meantime, I might have to rely on the translator button recently added to the left side of this page.

Lina wrote “Buona domenica un saulto dall Italia” which according to my translation means “Good Sunday a salute from Italy.” I always appreciate when someone takes the time to say hello or wish me well, but this is especially exciting when it comes from across the globe. Sometimes it’s the simplest word or smallest gesture that goes the longest way.

It's My Birthday!

2008-01-10T09:21:00.000-05:00

Today I turn two! I think that means that I am no longer officially a “puppy.” But as the adage goes, you are only as old as you feel and I still behave like a feisty, fun-loving puppy (if we ever have the chance to meet, I am sure you’ll agree!).

This month I am celebrating my birthday at all my pet therapy sites so as long as it is January it is still party time! Mom is bringing cupcakes and birthday hats so the staff and patients can celebrate with me (and don’t worry, she packs special dog birthday treats for me!).

I feel a little bit like a Hollywood star in this birthday diva outfit. Lots of people are smiling and taking my picture with their cell phones – the puppy paparazzi can’t seem to get enough! Happy birthday to me and happy birthday to you – whenever your special day may be!

I'm Contagious

2008-01-07T09:49:00.000-05:00

The verdict is in – I’ve got it and I’m contagious! Yes, I’ve got the happy bug and last week it spread like wildfire. When I checked-in at the hospital Volunteer Office, there was a special request that I visit a patient, Jean, on the 6th floor. When I arrived at Jean’s room, I hopped up on her bed, offered my belly for a rub and rolled around. She started laughing and I answered her laugh with a bark. I guess we were making such a hullabaloo that the nurses came to the room. I thought I was in trouble, but it was just the contrary. The nurses came with messages that other patients heard the dog and wanted a visit too. Some of the patients couldn’t wait any longer so they started to form a line in the hallway. Jean invited my admirers in her room and soon there was a little party on the 6th floor. Who knew that the hospital could be so much fun! And don’t worry, the party will continue at least for the week because Thursday is my birthday – I’ll be 2 !

Back to Work

2008-01-02T20:53:00.000-05:00

Today is January 2nd which means vacation is over and it is time to get back to work! They say you are lucky if you find a job in life that you love – well then I am one lucky dog (literally)! Every once in a while something happens that reminds me why it is so important to share myself with others.

When I entered the job site today (a retirement community home), I had some of my fan club devotees waiting for my visit. Of course I was thrilled to see them too, so I barked with delight. Around the corner, some residents and staff members recognized my bark and exclaimed with eagerness, “Bella is here!” One of the residents, Anna, had trouble moving and it took a while for her hand to reach my fluffy fur (Mom always brushes me out before work so I am extra soft). When Anna finally made contact with my back, I didn’t move so that it would be easier for her to pet me. After embracing me, she sat up to smile and took a long deep peaceful breath. Anna closed her eyes and spoke warmly about a dog from her past. Then, she bent over, pet me a second time, sat back up, smiled and told me the same story. This scenario repeated several times. I was like a little button that activated a fond memory inside of her. It was rewarding to watch her contentment as she spoke of the love of a dog. Some might grow tired of hearing the same story over and over, but for me it was affirmation that I was doing my job – helping someone to access those special memories that we bury deep within our hearts. Love is always in our hearts – sometimes we just need a little assistance finding it.

Please Vote for Me !

2008-01-01T10:06:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year! Another year, another pet contest …

Please vote for me - I am pet # 27
http://www.phillystylemag.com/dogvoting3.cfm

Thanks! I’ll let you know if I win! Woof ! Woof !

The Patient

2007-12-30T19:51:00.001-05:00

Well the tables have turned. This time I was the patient. It all started as a harmless, friendly encounter. The little boy across the street thought it would be nice to share his granola bar with me. His parents would be so proud of his sharing skills. I thought to myself yum, yum a “free lunch.” But, as they say, there is no such thing as a free lunch and I was about to learn my lesson. Apparently the granola bar had something in it that made my mother panic – raisins. After my mom called poison control, they told her to make me vomit immediately. My mom gave me some milk to drink (little did I know it was mixed with hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting) and I thought how nice, a tasty drink to wash down my granola bar. Soon my free lunch turned into a lost lunch. Yuck!

Apparently raisins are very toxic to dogs so I was rushed to the animal emergency room. It can be frightening to the patient, but I was lucky to have such compassionate doctors and nurses taking care of me. My course of treatment was IV fluids for 24 hours and boy did I miss being home. Too bad they don’t have pet therapy dogs working at the animal ER as I could have used a little sunshine. When my family came to pick me up I was so excited to see them that I wagged my tail so hard it almost fell off. While I hope I never see this place again, I gave all the staff members at the hospital a kiss good-bye (even the lady who pricked me with that IV needle). You’ll see in the picture the band-aid where the IV was placed. They had to shave my legs which now just looks like a poodle hair cut gone bad. Oh well – I’ll choose health over beauty any day!

Happy Holidays !

2007-12-26T19:48:00.000-05:00

Happy holidays! I hope that everyone had a barkin’ good time with their families and friends! My Dad put together this blog for me and my Mom has agreed to be my personal transcriber. This is going to be a howl! I am a little tired from the holidays – you’ll see from the picture that I filled in for Rudolph this year and pulled Santa’s sleigh! This week I am on vacation and my pet therapy work resumes on January 2nd so stay tuned! I am looking forward to telling you about all the fascinating people I encounter. So, enjoy the rest of 2007 and be ready to sit, stay and read my blog in 2008! Woof ! Woof!

A Warm Welcome from Bella!

2007-12-02T10:47:00.000-05:00

Bella is very excited to start telling you all her stories as a therapy dog. This blog was created for Bella and her owner as a Christmas gift. Bella makes visits to various hospitals, nursing homes, retirement communities, and schools twice a week. After a whole year Bella has lots of adventures to tell and pictures to share. But, she needs help because her paws are not good for typing. So, place a bookmark and visit again after the Holiday Season. And please place your vote for how often you would like to hear from her.