One of our Dogs Showcased at Westminster dog show

Kentucky teens take center stage at Westminster dog show

"Sarah Congleton, 18, is competing for the fifth time. She's showing two English springer spaniels: Deuce, in the junior showmanship competition, and Sedona, in the breed competition. "

Deuce is one of our club's certified therapy dogs. It is great to see our dogs serve so many people.

Read the full article here here: http://www.kentucky.com/2012/02/12/2066396/kentucky-teens-take-center-stage.html#storylink=cpy

A Kind Word in the Halls

Barbara wanted to share a kind word she received while visiting Central Baptist Hospital the other day:

When we were at CBH this morning we were stopped in the hall by a gentleman who is part of Environmental Services.  We had quite a nice conversation with him and he told us of being a patient not too long ago.  He said he had been very discouraged and depressed when he was visited by a big, white, beautiful dog that changed his attitude and really began his healing process.  He gave so much credit to that brief encounter.  I thought you should know what an impact you and Mister had made.  Thank you for all you do.

Pat’s Experience at Saint Joseph

I almost thought it was "Dog Day Afternoon" today at St. Joseph on Harrodsburg Road.  I showed up with Freya and there was Pete (of course...driving Ms. Buttercup to St. Joe for their first visit there).  Buttercup was a great hit with everyone.  I think it took us about 30 minutes to get out of the lobby to go to the floors.

 

Freya enjoyed her visit also, she was feeling pretty good so she thought she would step in for Monk since he still has a little cold.

 

It was great seeing Liz...but I almost didn't recognize her without Mister....just kidding!

 

If you ever want to participate in either Saint Joseph or Central Baptist, the click the links to learn more.

 

Take care and watch out for the goblins and ghosts tonight!!!

 

Pat

Saint Joseph Hospital's Newest Volunteer, Teddy

The following article was published in Saint Joseph Hospital’s Volunteer Newsletter for October/November.

Teddy started volunteering at St. Joseph's on June 29, 2011.  He is a six year old rescued cocker spaniel (rescued form an Ohio Cocker Rescue Group when we has two).  Teddy has been a therapy dog and a member of Love on a Leash (LOAL), a national therapy pet organization, for three years.  Because of his therapy work required photo IDs, he has two picture ID badges: one as a member of LOAL, and one as a Saint Joseph volunteer.  He proudly wears his ID badge while working at Saint Joseph and gets lots of smiles because of it.

To ensure there are no Teddy impostors, Teddy signs in 24 hours in advance to advertise when he will be coming to the hospital.  This also provides security with notification as to when he will be visiting.  Walking around the hospital, Teddy is often recognized and greeted with a happy "Teddy!" greeting.  Although Teddy's mom, Becky, brings Teddy to the hospital weekly, she is unknown without Teddy.  Teddy is the "real volunteer."

Teddy volunteers duties include waiting room visits, patient room visits (when invited), walking through the hallways of 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 6th floors, and even meeting people in elevators.  He has lots of opportunities to hear stories of family pets who are at home and usually gets photographed daily via cell phones so his picture can be sent to someone "who just HAS to see him."  Teddy has even received text messages requesting special visits on specific floors.  Teddy is at Saint Joseph's to be petted, hugged, kissed and admired.  His forever wagging tail and happy smiling face brings big smiles on patients, visitors and staff.  Teddy makes sure he stops by the information desk on his way home to see some of his favorite volunteers.  He is always ready for a hug and a kiss.  He doesn't even mind an occasional pull of his tail from little ones or lipstick left behind from admirers.

Teddy lives with his two brother, Trooper (age 7) and Pokey (age 4).  They are also rescue dogs but are not therapy dogs.  The three of them have ben spotted walking in Veteran and Christmas parades.  Topper and Pokey wear signs which ready "MY BROTHER IS A THERAPY DOG."  Teddy and his brothers have also been pictures in the Lexington "TOPS" magazine.

Teddy has his own personal e-mail address: theTdog@yahoo.com and Teddy is also on facebook: Teddy Stapleton.  Feel free to reach him at either of these mentioned resources.

Teddy plans to continue volunteering at Saint Joseph for many years to come.

VA on Cooper Loves LOAL

Pat,

 

We enjoyed your recent visit to the VA. As a Recreation Therapist I spend a lot of time with the patients so I can quickly see the impact of your visits. The hospitalized patients are focused on health issues, some in crisis, and then in walks Monk and the focus completely changes. Often, a smile replaces worry lines, a silent person suddenly speaks up, patients sharing a room start to talk with each other comparing pets and exchanging funny stories with staff. This mood lasts long after the visit. Hours later I overhear patients telling stories of the visit to loved ones on the phone, staff sharing dog stories with patients, lot’s of stories of love. The love of a pet should never be underestimated and neither should  your visits! 

Pat, thank you for your time, and thank you for sharing Monk with our Veteran’s.

Thanks

Mary Pippen

Congratulations Liz & Cindy - THD Title

We would like to congratulate two of our teams who have gone the extra mile to earn there American Kennel Club Therapy Certification.

1. Liz & Mister 
2. Cindy & Emma

This is not any easy certification to gain and requires that each teams logs 50 hours of therapy visits.  To learn more about the American Kennel Club Therapy Dog Certification, visit their website: http://www.akc.org/akctherapydog/ 

Congrats to both! 

Deb, Lorayne, Kristen and Lee

Thomson-Hood Thank You

Thomson-Hood Veterans Picnic

Thanks to everyone who braved the very cool morning, and afternoon at the Thomson-Hood Veterans Picnic.  The Veterans, and their families, and visitors seemed to enjoy and appreciate our K9 stars.

Thanks,

“Jack” & Billy

5 Teams Join LOAL

We would like to welcome our 5 newest LOAL members and their dogs!

Shirlene Miller and her cavachon Oliver

Gin Preston and her corgi Reno

Jennifer Cotton and her chihuahua Mojo

Rebecca Rossi and her old english sheepdog Dexter

Susan and her Bernese mountain dog Secret (Not Pictured)

Shooting in the Urban Jungle

Check out the ‘Capture the Light’ Photo Blog.  Love on a Leash was spotlighted after the Workshop Photo Shoot! http://www.capturethelightphoto.net/2011/09/shooting-in-urban-jungle.html?spref=fb

Picnic with the Pups

We had a wonderful turnout for Picnic with the Pups.  We would like to thank all of the teams that came out.

1. ✦Kristin & Wrigley
2. ✦Deb & Dollar
3. ✦Sarah & Dexter
4. ✦Becky & Red
5. ✦Liz & Theo
6. ✦Faith & Dolly
7. ✦Elizabeth and Barbara with Dugan & Moffet
8. ✦Gloria & Argus
9. ✦Megan & Josie
10. ✦Bonnie & Buca

In addition Pete & Buttercup and Elizabeth & Willow were present with other organizations that they work with.

Bonnie & Buca won 1st place prize for best trick!  Liz & Theo won 2nd place for largest dog!

Thomson-Hood 2nd Annual Dog Show

The 2nd Annual Thomson-Hood Veterans Center Dog Show was a success.  The judges of the show were 3 residences at Thompson-Hood.  We had a great audience and the dogs loved all of the attention.

The dogs competed in the following categories:

A Big Thanks to all of the teams who came out:

1. Billy & Jack the German Shepherd Mix
2. Bonnie & Buca the Sheltie 
3. Caie & Tucker the Cocker Spaniel 
4. Faith & Dixie the Australian Cattle Dog 
5. Judy & Lucy the Golden Border Collie Mix 
6. Lisa & Princess the Golden Retriever 
7. Liz & Theo the Rottweiler 
8. Marti & Seth the Golden Retriever 
9. Pat & Monk the Schauzer Poodle Mix 
10. Pete & Buttercup the Golden Retriever
11. Sandy & Laddie the Yorkie Mix

We would like to thank Wendy and Matt for taking our wonderful pictures and Michelle and Becky who are staff at Thompson-Hood.  We could have not pulled off the event without everyone’s help.

7 Teams Join LOAL

We would like to welcome our 7 newest LOAL members and their dogs!

Dave and Rebecca Krall and their Boxer Baxter

Shelly Shrout and her Sheltie Abby

Eddie Ainsworth and his Rottweiler Lab Mix Hershey

Rebecca Stinsky and her German Shepherd Red 

Faith Parry's 2nd LOAL Dog: her Newfoundland Mix Dolly

Lisa Freedman's 3rd LOAL Dog: her Golden Retriever Lexi

Amanda Verrette and her Golden Doodle Beau 

Tractor Supply Pet Event 2011

Tractor Supply’s first annual Pet Event was a lot of fun.  For the most part, it was a constance stream of people coming and going.  The dogs got to do tricks, and their favorite thing, get loved on.  We’ve already had at least 1 person from the event register for the evaluation class.

Again, a big thanks to the teams who gave up time on their Saturday to come out:

Bonnie & Buca

Deb & Dollar

Tammy & Duke

Caie & Tucker

Jean & Arthur

Shriner's Hospital for Children

Today the first three teams to sign up for the pilot project and the recreation/occupation therapy department there as well as their volunteer coordinator met.  I was there to support them and find out more about what they might need there . Here is what will happen next . The pilot starts next week . Shriners will monitor the process and will be in touch when they are ready for more teams.  Bonnie & Buca, Marti & Seth and Faith & Dixie were all well received today . LOAL has our PAWS in the door and the three teams for pilot will do great.  This will grow!  Any questions please let me know.  Thank you Deb.

Good Bye Pat, Monk, and Freya

Pat, Monk, & Freya are moving to Main after Pat’s retirement next month.  Pat has served our club well over that past years and Monk is a known face, especially at Thompson-Hood Veteran’s Center in Wilmore, Kentucky.

I know everyone is going to miss Pat, Monk, & Freya, but we are all excited for Pat’s new adventures!

We will miss you Pat!