Hermione in Santa Barbara

Kitties galore!

Pigeon showing off!

Happy Holidays from the Pigeon and Hermione!!!!

YUMMY!!!!

I just finished making Hermione one heck of a dinner. I roasted a chicken last week. I ate what I could and boiled the rest. I took all the meat off the bones. I added FRESH veggies such as: yams, carrots, green beans and apples to the broth. I ladled a good portion into muffin tins to be froze for use later. (Hermione loves the frozen snacks.) I mixed half of what was left in some of her dry food. She gobbled down the yumminess... at the moment she is passed out sleeping soundly with a belly full of goodness.

Hermione's gift surprise!

Today, being the last day of school before the winter break, was filled with excitement, fun and loads of presents!

To my surprise, Turbo included Hermione in his gift giving. Included with my gift was a card for her as well as a zip lock full of dog food. OMG!!! I nearly cried at the sight.

It amazed me that he remembered her. She has not been at school since the end of last year.

Checking out her gift.

Showing off!

Reading her card, making sure Nik doesn't bother it.

Testing the yummy food!

Thank you, Turbo!!!!
I love my gift & card!!!

Running amuk...

Playing hookie.... well sort of....

I had to take my BICM test, as a reward Hermione and I headed to our beach to relax. It was raining.... but she enjoyed herself which means I did too!

Volunteering Fun

It has been a few weeks since Hermione and I have been to the CDC. We finally made it there today. OMG!!! I missed it. Even Hermione was thrilled to be back. She snuggled with a couple of her favorite kids. She also greeted all the staff. We were both in heaven. We will have to miss next week... due to work issues... UGH!!!!

The lose of a friend...

After 13 years, Stormy, the left, has left this world. He was a trusted friend and loved by all who had met him. He will be missed.

HAPPY 6th BIRTHDAY, Hermione!!!!

Early morning scare!

I let Hermione out this morning when I got up to prep for work. She ran to the corner of the yard jumped up on the fence. She saw a bird. The next thing I heard was her cries of pain. I ran without shoes, half asleep toward her. She looked like she was stuck. All I could think of was to call Theresa to take over my class, if Hermione was hurt badly. Some how she came unhooked and started running around. She slowing came up to me. I checked her out. She looked good, no blood or swelling. Phew! I was sooo fearful!

She is fine, now sleeping near me.

Donya's cough

Donya's cough seems to be getting worse. Though she is still spry and active. I will have to wait until she tells me when she is done... I just love her!!! My little gal!

Dog training class

Tonight, Hermione, Charlotte and I headed out to support Indy in her dog training class.

The trainer and her pooch

Hermione showing the class her perfect "stay."

Charlotte chillin'!

Indy thinking "Why me?"

Exhausted after a drive around the block!

Charlotte is here for a few days! She was rather insistent on taking a ride in the car. There was NO fooling her...

A casual Sunday

Mini-Mione

Aren't they adorable!

Dog Park!

Walk & Wag 2009

Dear Friends and Family,
On September 26th, I will be participating in the Wag N' Walk charity fundraising event.Similar in nature to other charity walks (but with a fun canine twist), the Wag N' Walk invites animal lovers and their beloved canine companions on a walk to raise funds for the life-saving animal rescue programs of Animal Rescue Volunteers (ARV).This is an organization that I support, and I would like to ask you to support my efforts by making a donation to ARV. My fundraising goal is $250 - I hope you will help me reach my goal.

You can sponsor me by making a (tax deductible) secure donation via PayPal, credit card or eCheck at http://www.arvsimi.org/wnw/wnw_donate.php

You can also mail a check to ARV's address listed below.

Please be sure to indicate you are making a donation in my name.Anyone who has felt the tenderness of a gentle paw on their knee or the tickle of whiskers on their cheek knows why pets are special creatures. They are comfort, companionship, and camaraderie. Our pets live in the moment, and they put us in the moment, taking us away from our hectic lives, easing stress, and showering us with love and joy. This is why ARV works to save the lives of these wonderful creatures.

What Animal Rescue Volunteers Does and Has Accomplished

Animal Rescue Volunteers is a non-profit organization that has played a vital role in our community by assisting Animal Control Agencies to save thousands of unwanted pets before they were destroyed. They have been instrumental in the adoption and referral adoptions of over 5,000 animals from 1994 thru today. This organization helps to feed, house, provide medical attention and care for dogs, cat and horses that they have rescued from the animal shelter, a fire, earthquake or flood and then place them in forever loving homes.ARV is an all volunteer organization, relying only on foster homes and private donations to continue their work. They do not maintain a costly facility or paid staff so all monies raised from the Wag N' Walk directly benefit homeless animals in our community.

Thank you so much for helping me make a difference in the lives of so many homeless pets in Simi Valley and the surrounding communities! I appreciate your sponsorship and also invite you to join me on September 26th to Wag N' Walk! For more information, please call me or go to http://www.arvsimi.org/

Animal Rescue Volunteers

1464 Madera Rd. #N350

Simi Valley CA 93065

Non-Profit Tax ID #95-4520550

Bath Day

Sorry folks, no photos.

Hermione was over due for a bath. So we meandered over to Indiana Bones for our $14 bathing ritual. Of course, she didn't much care for it, but dealt with it like a pro, as she always does. Upon finishing, we headed home. Today was our day to visit the T.O. Library. The kids enjoyed reading to her as she rested. Such hard work for a working dog. It sure beats chasing cattle around all day. Well, that is my opinion.

Poor Fog. He is getting old. He doesn't seem to be cleaning himself as well as he once did. He was sort of icky and greasy on his back where his tail is. Alas, it was bath time. Fog managed to not complain (unusual for him) until the VERY end. Thankfully there was no loss of limbs on either of us. He us just went but smells much better. He is now hiding in my room.

Random photos from my cell phone...

Hermione first day at the CDC.

Lauri and Hermione

Hermione and Becky

Sorting hat!!!

It is official - Hermione is in Gryffindor House. She now shows it PROUDLY on her collar!

CDC sign

Here is the sign that hangs in the CDC elevator!!!!! Love it!!!!!!!

Odds & Ends!

For a while now, we have had people staying with us. Nik had become close with Keifer. See they are chillin while watching a flick.

Here is Nik doing his impersonation of Snoopy!

For the Principal's retirement gift, Anita, the school Secretary included Hermione in the book that was made for Sherrie.

CDC

Hermione and I made our first visit to the hospitals child development center. WE HAD A BLAST!!!! In the elevator was a sign telling people to "Welcome Hermione & Cat for Pet Therapy." The kids were super, the adults were very, very wonderful to us. Hermione was in heaven! I can't wait until next Tuesday!!!!

Last Day of School

Don't they look cozy??? Hermione took it all. The boys layed on her off and on all day. After that, we headed to the CDC for our meet and greet, which went well.

Auntie Becky

This is Hermione's treat provider at school! Can you see her trying to crawl up for a treat???

Child Development Center, here we come!!!!

Hermione and I had signed up at the local hospital to volunteer. My heart was set on working at the CDC (Child Development Center), but there were issues. I was upset. I hadn't made the time to start doing visits in the rehab center.

Well......

Today, I received a call from the the CDC asking when Hermione and I could become involved with them. I was totally overjoyed, thrilled and nearly pooped my pants in excitement. I shared how Hermione stays in my classroom all day. The lady was thrilled. We head for a meeting next Wed. I cannot wait to see Hermione in this setting.

Over due for a bath

Hermione missed her monthly bath last month and was well on her way to missing this months. I quickly decided to try to bathe her out in the back yard. I apologize for no pictures, since I had the leash wrapped around my ankle, both hands busy with shampoo and conditioner while hosing her off. We had success. Though, I not sure I liked doing it there. But it does in a pinch...

the swelling is down

Today, Hermione looks normal. She was still a little puffy this morning. Right now, there is a very very small bit, but she is good!

What happened????

Hermione probably got bit by one of those bugs she snaps at. I had a Benadryl which I gave her. The swelling has gone down some. She is now napping quietly. She will be fine in the morning.

Puppy sitter

Hermione is officially puppy sitting Indy. Indy will be visiting from morning until 3 or 4 at night. Hermione gets to mentor this untrained pooch. They seem to get along. Aren't they cute????

Fire pit fun!!!

TORTURE!!!!

A surprise in the mail box...

Upon arriving home this evening, I found a large envelope from Therapy Dogs International (TDI). It acknowledged both Hermione and I for doing 50 volunteer visits. I have several more documented but I only sent in 50. I want to wait until I get the next 100 volunteer visits done. I will be framing her award to display in my home office with all her other awards.

The bigger surprise, which impressed me more, was we got a pin to show our status of "Active Member" for TDI. I am displaying it proudly on Hermione's vest with our 100 hours pin from the hospital.

(fuzzy pix, sorry!)

This on is on time!!!

Happy Birthday DONYA!!!!

She is now 12!!!

My lovely old lady!

Love you!!!!