A day and the life of a dog, three cats and one human...

Disnelyland

2011-12-19T20:21:00.000-08:00

Hermione & Granger

2011-10-21T23:03:00.000-07:00

Tribute to Fog

2011-10-09T19:49:00.000-07:00

Fog passed a year ago. I still miss him terribly.

I searched for symbols meaning Fog...

this is the Chinese symbol.

I love it!!!!

A new title!!!!

2011-07-14T21:39:00.000-07:00

Got this today in the mail today. In about 4 weeks, the certificate will arrive!!! WOOHOO!!!

Making a new friend!

2011-04-16T19:16:00.000-07:00

Making Gryffindor Proud!!!

2011-04-10T15:28:00.000-07:00

100 hour volunteers

Lori and Hermione

Hermione's Honor Pins -

TDI: 50 visit and 150 visits pins,

Los Robles Hospital 100 hours of service pin

and Simi Valley Hospital 100 hours of service pin.

Hermione getting ready for her BIG day with a little help from a friend!!

2011-04-10T15:14:00.000-07:00

A little squirt here.

Soaping her up.

Always thrilled at bath time.

Kisses are forever!

The final rinse and shake.

Meeting another therapy dog with a kis.

Best friends!!!

A brief interview!

A few moments at Hermione's beach

2011-03-29T14:25:00.000-07:00

Fresh Organic Fish Flavored Water!

2011-01-09T17:30:00.000-08:00

Pajama party!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-12-19T13:46:00.000-08:00

Stepping up!

2010-12-05T12:26:00.000-08:00

Since Foggy has pasted, Nik as stepped up. He has been extremely loving and spends lots of time sitting or laying on my lap. It makes feel so good.

Cookie has allowed me to pet her several times, without running in utter fear.

Donya has been coughing a bit more, but is still healthy none the less.

Hermione is still wonderful.

Thanksgiving... ok 2 days after

2010-11-27T01:22:00.000-08:00

It was an eventful holiday. Thursday, I went to Disneyland and Hermione had to stay with Theresa. Poor Mione was overwhelmed with a house full of strangers. Thankfully Theresa dropped her off the next morning. I was pass out in bed from exhaustion. It was wonderful to have her snuggle up with me. We were both happy. At one point, the 3 cats were snuggled up with me too.

Friday, we celebrated Thanksgiving with Shannon and family. Hermione got to attend with me. She was great around Piper and Sam. She got lots of love from every one especially Chris and Vic. Vic fed her scraps like the other dogs.

Hermione wasn't much help when I played poker. I only lost $5. It was fun though.

This whole week off has been WONDERFUL! Spent lots of time with my animals which is grand!

Over due beach time!

2010-11-13T19:40:00.000-08:00

Nik-Nac

2010-08-20T19:42:00.000-07:00

When I give Fog his wet food. I have to stand watch until Fog is done... then the other come in for the kill!

As the road ends...

2010-08-14T18:13:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Fog looked at me. His eyes said so much. As he looked at me, his eyes said "Mommy, I don't feel good." How could I ignore this request.

So. I took Fog to the vet today. The news was not good. He has a tumor on his right inner lip and it is aggressive. The road we are traveling together is slowly coming to an end. I am devastated. Yet, at the moment, he is comfortable and doing what he does best.

What happened????

2010-08-03T19:07:00.000-07:00

Hermione has been limping the past couple of days... The swelling got worse. Went to the vet, with Insurance papers in hand. Dunno what happened. She is under house arrest. NO fun of any kind for 2 weeks... YIKES!!!

I finally got it!!!

2010-07-28T23:48:00.000-07:00

It took what seemed like FOREVER, but I got Cookie snuggling with Stanley. Donya is pleasant addition.

Charlotte Day One

2010-07-26T19:22:00.001-07:00

I claim this for myself.

Dinner time!!!

What????!

I walked, therefore I am tired!!

Donya

2010-07-26T18:47:00.000-07:00

Try and take me out of this box! I dare you!!!!

This is my Stanley NOW.... so back off!!!

Fleas... part deux

2010-07-25T23:28:00.000-07:00

It seems those damn thing don't DIE!!!! I found one creepy crawly on Fog... I have now bathed Fog and Nik. Nik nor Fog is not thrilled with me at the moment... I still have Donya and.... Cookie... Though, I am considering taking her in to be bathed... she may just kill me... I will have to do Hermione again tomorrow.... and then bug bomb the house..... Death to that damn possum.... I hope he eats something spoiled and gets sick!!!!

TDIAOV

2010-07-24T15:34:00.000-07:00

Hermione and I received the award for TDI Active Outstanding Volunteer.. we have over 150 visits under our belt!!!

Fleas for all....

2010-07-21T23:40:00.000-07:00

That darned possum shared more then a hiss and a scare... FLEAS!!!! Hermione got a bath this afternoon. Was petting Foggy, alas saw a creepy crawly... he needed a bath since he doesnt clean himself as well these days. He isnt thrilled with me at the moment.

I am more concerned with Nik, Donya and of course, Cookie.... UGH!!

Got to deflea the house too!!! Fun!!! Double UGH!!!!

Midnight possum attack!!!

2010-07-19T23:51:00.000-07:00

OK, it isn't quite midnight... but I spent the last 20 or so (give or take) minutes chasing Hermione around the back yard with a hose and a flash light.

You see, she wanted to go out.... eagerly!!! I heard "the bark," which meant POSSUM! I headed outside. The possum was in the right corner on the ground vs. the fence, NOT GOOD! In my own personal panic, I grabbed the hose and turned it on full blast. While I was running around the yard trying to get Hermione away from the possum, I tried to squirt her away with the water. At one point, Hermione had the darn thing in her mouth (she did this a one other time). I swear it was dead. Of course, each time I thought that it wasn't. Live animals that are not domesticated scare the crap out of me, especially at midnight with poor lighting. She carried the thing 2 different time. It ran away each time after pretending. I screamed each time. It finally ran to the side walk ... again it looked dead... Now, that was when I was able to get Hermione away and in the house. Leaving our dear friend there. I hope and pray it is GONE by the AM. I am shaking, sick to my stomach, and very pissed at my dog.

Hermione is currently quite went on a huge "time-out" in the living room. She got up to move, I made her sit her ass back down. I realize that she is an animal, it is in her nature, BUT damn that was GROSS!!!!

Foggy Status

2010-07-19T17:31:00.000-07:00

Fog is still doing well... he is on penicillin. His lip is a bit swollen and stinky, but he doesn't seem to be bothered much. Wee, only when I have to force feed him his pill. With cat it is nearly impossible, yet we manage...

Sensory Park in Thousand Oaks

2010-07-14T17:17:00.000-07:00

Playspace!!!

2010-07-09T02:32:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Hermione and I ventured to the CDC's playspace. The kids that were there are the same ones that were at the park a couple weeks ago. We came in. I have to say these little ones quickly gathered around Hermione. It was so precious. There is this little girl who LOVES Hermione. She didn't want to do any therapies, she just wanted to hang out with Hermione. Her mom and I got her to interact with others. There was this little boy who came on over. He petted her. As he petted her, he said, "Ball." He was one of the young ones who was playing ball with her at the park. He wondered off to the ball pit. He got a bit upset, because it was circle time. He gave his mom a bit of trouble, but did come in and played next to Hermione. He truly enjoyed walking Hermione from task to task. Hermione has a real fan club!!!

Next week, we head to the sensory park in Thousand Oaks. YEAH!!!

Foggy is doing OK. His eye is a bit weepy, but nothing else to report. He does stay close to me when I am seated.

Donya seems to have good days and some intense coughing now and again. She loves resting in my open desk drawer. Silly kitty!

Nik and Cookie are just chugging along. Nik does try to sneak out now and again. Cookie will lay on the bed with me... but runs the moment I move.

Fog & Nik

2010-06-29T23:43:00.000-07:00

Look at my boys snuggling!

Update on Foggy

2010-06-26T18:06:00.000-07:00

Just a few minutes ago, his right eye was gooey and weepy. OMG! I jumped on that, cleaned it. Checked his mouth and found his right K-9 is swollen at the gum line. I administered his antibiotic and pain med. Fog is currently seated on the sofa cleaning his face and body. He must have one hell of a pain threshold.

This is a tough time for me. What to do??? I know I made a decision, but it is a simple abscess... decisions...

A day at the park with the CDC kiddos!

2010-06-24T11:24:00.000-07:00

Today, Hermione and I went to volunteer at the park with the little ones. We rarely get to play with this group, since I work during the day. I was unsure how it was going to go.

It turned out better then I thought. Several of the little ones wanted to play fetch with Hermione. Though, the kids couldn't throw far, tHermione was more then thrilled to get the ball each time. The kids were so great with Hermione. In return, Hermione was great with the kids.

I am one lucky pet owner!!!! Bravo, Hermione!!!!!!

Foggy - Update

2010-06-18T21:08:00.000-07:00

Correction - Foggy is 14.5 years old. He is acting like his normal self. Eating, loving, sleeping and every thing else. I give him his meds. I don't see any changes. But as of now it is all good.

I made a decision. He is older and how much longer does he truly have. It is a hard decision, but I am going to let Foggy tell me when he is ready to go. No man-handling of my old man. He has lived a full life and will continue until that day comes.

In the end, I will have him cremated and he will be with me forever.

Foggy

2010-06-14T05:52:00.000-07:00

I am scared... very scared. My 13 year old cat, Fog, has a huge open smelly wound in his mouth. Poor oral care, of course. It is on his left side and the back teeth are very loose. This is going to be a whopper of a visit at the vet's office. He is laying on the sofa next to me cleaning himself, after the bath I gave him. He seems to not be bothered by the issues in his mouth. He is still very spry, loving and alert. I have to do what I can to make him better... Now will 730 hurry up! (I need to call the vet!)

Chillin'

2010-05-31T23:51:00.000-07:00

Hermione seemed to love chilling at the camp ground! We had a great time!

Guilty as charged

2010-05-15T17:36:00.000-07:00

Today was my day to dog sit a friend's lovely pooch, yellow lab named Sadie. Sadie is a very mischievous sort of pooch. She has caused her owner a few sleepless nights. I eagerly awaited spending some time with Sadie and Hermione. Well, I had to get up early to welcome Sadie to our home. I left the kids out side when I went to work. I let them in and went to my room to try and nap. WELL... Sadie, with Hermione's help, finished off a 1/4 of dog food left in the container. I did put the trash can up! Lesson learned... with lots of laughter!!!!! Never a dull moment when dog sitting...

Possum Season!!

2010-05-15T08:44:00.000-07:00

Here in Who-hollow, people are complaining about barking dogs. Last night or well early this morning, Hermione needed to go out! After a few very quiet minutes, she went in to a barking fit that was out of control. After several minutes, I panicked and went outside to see what the issue was..... well.... Hermione was frantically jumping against the fence trying to "play" with a possum. OMG! I nearly panicked. After several minutes, I wrangled her back into the house.

I don't like possums!!!!!!!!!!

My dog is spoiled...

2010-05-10T17:56:00.000-07:00

Yes, Hermione is one spoiled doggie. In the last few weeks, I have made her all kinds of doggie soups. Oh yeah, did I mention I freeze them too!

I just finished another yummy pot of doggie soup with chicken, broth, fresh green beans & carrots, and broccoli salad mix.

She woofed it down this evening for supper. Lucky dog!!!

One of Hermione's BIGGEST fans!!!!

2010-04-21T21:07:00.000-07:00

We love ya, Jessica!!!!

Those darn cats...

2010-03-28T22:11:00.000-07:00

This week has been a fearful one... OK, more of the escape kind, OK, BOTH!!!!... A few nights ago, Nik and Fog got out. Nik returned, but I didn't know Fog got out. I searched the house high and low, no luck. I was frantic. Low and behold, he saunters up to the front door unaware I was at wits end in fear. I grabbed him and bawled so hard... He didn't wiggle much with the death grip I had on him.

Tonight, again, Nik got out. I looked and looked. I called and called... only after I shook the food storage bin did he come in.... Damn cats!!!!!

After Nac, I do not let the kids run out. I don't ever want that to happen again!!!

Yearly tests!!!

2010-03-16T20:59:00.000-07:00

Hermione went in for her yearly check up. She got her blood work done. Everything is within normal limits! That is good. Phew!!!

Random...

2010-01-31T16:59:00.000-08:00

Rainy day....

2010-01-18T13:05:00.000-08:00

Happy 14th, Foggy Dog!!!!!

2010-01-03T18:33:00.000-08:00

xoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Hermione in Santa Barbara

2009-12-31T00:31:00.000-08:00

Kitties galore!

2009-12-24T13:31:00.000-08:00

Pigeon showing off!

2009-12-23T16:15:00.001-08:00

Happy Holidays from the Pigeon and Hermione!!!!

YUMMY!!!!

2009-12-21T16:35:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-12-18T19:02:00.000-08:00

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...

2009-12-07T15:47:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-07T15:17:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-03T18:27:00.000-08:00

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...

2009-10-18T11:41:00.000-07:00

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!!!!

2009-10-04T00:18:00.000-07:00

Early morning scare!

2009-09-04T16:16:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-24T21:52:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-06T20:40:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-08-04T22:24:00.001-07:00

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

2009-08-02T15:30:00.000-07:00

Mini-Mione

2009-07-24T21:23:00.001-07:00

Aren't they adorable!

Dog Park!

2009-07-19T20:21:00.000-07:00

Walk & Wag 2009

2009-07-17T18:05:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-11T16:42:00.000-07:00

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...

2009-07-09T18:38:00.001-07:00

Hermione first day at the CDC.

Lauri and Hermione

Hermione and Becky

Sorting hat!!!

2009-07-09T00:14:00.000-07:00

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

CDC sign

2009-07-08T20:09:00.000-07:00

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

Odds & Ends!

2009-06-28T16:04:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-23T19:55:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-19T20:50:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-15T20:49:00.001-07:00

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!!!!

2009-06-09T19:09:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-19T20:31:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-18T18:36:00.000-07:00

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????

2009-05-17T20:44:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-11T18:58:00.001-07:00

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!!!

2009-04-18T20:37:00.000-07:00

TORTURE!!!!

2009-04-10T10:03:00.000-07:00

A surprise in the mail box...

2009-04-08T00:02:00.000-07:00

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!!!

2009-04-07T07:30:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday DONYA!!!!

She is now 12!!!

My lovely old lady!

Love you!!!!

Happy Belated Birthdays....

2009-04-06T07:00:00.000-07:00

..to Cookie and Nik-Nak!!!!!!!!!!

Cookie is 7!!!!

She loves her brothers.

Nik is 10!!!!
Great bros!!!

I love you, Nik and Cookie!!!!!!

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Helping with the gardening....

2009-04-05T15:42:00.000-07:00

She wasnt much help at all... but she is cute!

Treats for Hermione

2009-03-22T13:47:00.000-07:00

Last week, I roasted a chicken. I managed to eat pretty much all of the meat. I remember seeing a blog from a former student's mother using the boiled down turkey parts to make treats for her pooches.

I looked up that blog. Then, I boiled down the chicken bones. I am not much of a soup eater. So, what now... I took all the meat off the bones placing it in the broth, then added mashed pumpkin, cubed apples and grated carrots. I gave Hermione a sample. OH MY GOODNESS!!!!! She wolfed it down in no time flat. After seeing that, I pulled out my muffin tins filled them and placed them in the freezer.

Now Hermione will have some serious healthy treats!!!

Can Hermione come out to play???

2009-03-08T15:53:00.000-07:00

Just your ordinary weekend at my house...

Making a difference

2009-03-03T20:36:00.000-08:00

Hermione has continued to do the reading program at school. I love when she is there. The kids greet her and call out to her. It is special. I love it, so does Hermione.

My principal told me this story today - This morning a young lady introduced her small puppy to our principal. She was excited and told her, she wanted her dog to be a helper dog like Hermione. I was so touched.

See, we can make a difference no matter how small.

Valentine's Day at the Beach

2009-02-14T20:28:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

Takin' a break...

2009-02-08T19:30:00.000-08:00

For the month of February, Hermione and I are taking a break from the hospital. I just need time to deal with all the crap. Hermione doesn't seem to mind. She still comes to school 2 days a week. I believe she really prefers the school to the hospital. She is more active with the kids.

At our staff meeting, I thanked my colleagues for participating in the Paws to Read program. I informed the staff, that the kids greet Hermione when she is on campus.

The PTA is asking for nominations for Volunteer of the year. Of course, I nominated Hermione. Honestly, I don't want the credit. Prefer that Hermione gets it all. I will keep ya'll posted.

Pet Therapy is a TEAM effort!

2009-01-25T19:52:00.000-08:00

There has been some issues at the hospital regarding acknowledging a recently retired dog. Here is my response to our "chairperson."

I am saddened regarding the decision of not acknowledging Stormy at the upcoming Volunteer dinner.

As a pet therapy volunteer, I would be greatly disappointed if my dog, Hermione, was not honored in grand form among her volunteer peers for all her hard work done for the hospital. Hermione and I are a team, this is true, but without her I would not be here. It is Hermione who does the true work. I do not want the spot light upon myself; I feel the others would agree. The spotlight belongs to the dogs.

When we receive our pins, at the dinner, there is no differentiation between the pet therapy teams and the other volunteers. I feel that we (the handlers) are unfairly representing one half of a team. It is a team effort, thus the dogs need to be acknowledged along with their handlers.

I did some research looking at various pet therapy programs at other local hospitals. I found more often not they acknowledge the pet therapy team, both the dog and the handler.

The handlers and the dogs deserve to be acknowledged together at one time, only recognizing the handlers at a volunteer dinner and a certificate in a hidden ceremony in a conference room for the dog. Please consider a change in the way the pet therapy program is represented. It is a team effort. You can not have one without the other.

Breathing treatments

2009-01-11T14:41:00.000-08:00

Donya's cough has been getting worse. If you recall she has feline asthma. During the holidays, I was talking about Donya and wishing I had a nebulizer. Low and behold, she had one she had not used. So, now I have a nebulizer with meds. Donya has received her first breathing treatment. I put her in a cat carrier, lock her in, put the nebulizer in there and cover her up. It seemed to help. Her coughs aren't so bad and not as often. This may work for us for a while.

They are getting old

2009-01-10T19:35:00.000-08:00

Lately, I have been allowing the cats to stretch their legs outside. I have to say, Fog and Donya last about 5 minutes then want to come back in. Nik well he wonders and then comes to the front door and whines. Age as caught up to them. Fog can not jump over the fence. Donya and Nik are still able. Cookie wants no part of the out doors. She just whines at the screen door.

She is as bad as "The Boys"

2009-01-09T20:52:00.000-08:00

Today was our return to Paws to Read program. Hermione was sooooooo excited to return to school. She was nuts. She and I entered the room. The Boys could not contain their happiness. It was difficult, but we managed to get thru my version of functional skills and art before Hermione demanded to play fetch. I mean demanded. She went to my desk and pawed at the drawers were the ball is hid. Damn, she is one smart pooch! The boys sat in a line, well kinda, and every one took turns. They all seemed to enjoy what they were doing. Hermione got a mini work out. We took the kids to the buses, then we headed off to do our program.

The class we were in had 2 of my previous students. One was shy, but that is OK. The other was thrilled. He met Hermione back when we first came here. When it was his turn, he sat nearly in my lap. He took my arm from behind him and placed it on his waist. He was happy. He was reading with my assistance. It was a good thing.

Of course, Hermione loved it all.

Guess who is a teenager?????

2009-01-03T05:41:00.000-08:00

Happy 13th, Foggy Dog!!!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T03:00:00.000-08:00

New Year's Eve Day

2008-12-31T17:35:00.000-08:00

Who needs a man when you have.....

2008-12-27T16:33:00.000-08:00

FOG!!!!

This is where Fog is each morning. He is snoring away. Thankfully, he is so snugly!

Her first time in the snow!

2008-12-26T21:53:00.001-08:00

A Christmas Tradition

2008-12-25T16:04:00.001-08:00

Each year since we moved here, Hermione and I have made it to the beach during winter break. The last couple of winters we even made it on Christmas day. Here are a few pictures of Hermione enjoying her Christmas gift.

As you can see she utterly enjoys the ultimate gift of running free like her ancestors of the past.

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-24T20:41:00.000-08:00

Here is our picture from the hospital. Hermione and I didn't do rounds, we dropped off gifts to our friends.

Baby, it's cold outside...

2008-12-21T18:19:00.000-08:00

Paws to Read

2008-12-13T13:04:00.001-08:00

She got her share, too.

2008-11-27T20:23:00.000-08:00

One spoiled mutt!!!!

Thanksgiving Snoopy style...

2008-11-27T09:40:00.001-08:00

Hermione's day at school!

2008-11-20T18:43:00.000-08:00

Hermione spent the entire day at school. She visited the pre-school SDC class. She was a hit. There was 5 kids. The hugged on her and enjoyed her. I even read them a story

Hermione hung out with Bird during Principal's recess. Bird claims Hermione is his best friend. I believe that is true. She got to eat 3 snack size bags of carrots for lunch. Turbo told me that morning we needed "carrots for Mighty."

Mione passed out after school. It was an exhausting day, though the staff seemed less stressed today... Wonder why???

Our mission!

2008-11-14T23:54:00.001-08:00

I have become a bit ambitious these day. Since Hermione and I have ventured into the world of volunteer, I am trying to find ways to include her in my regular school day activities. With this summer's experience of volunteering at a couple of local libraries, I asked my principal if Hermione and I could volunteer at school in a reading program. But of course, the principal was overjoyed and really helpful with the whole idea.

I was lucky enough to present my idea to the staff at school. It seemed that the teachers were more then willing to participate. The principal and I did our end of the leg work. Getting permission from the district, getting in the appropriate paper work, making permission slips, you get it.

Well, this week, we (Hermione and I) launched our mission: Paws to Read. Hermione and I go in to classroom for an hour on normally on Fridays, but we try other days too. We can do it one of 2 ways: individual readings or group reading with a story at the end from Hermione (OK, I read, but you get the point.) Both worked well.

We managed to get in 2 classes this week. Each worked out well. Hermione and I got a very BIG compliment from the teacher today. Mrs. H was thrilled and said she really enjoyed being able to work 1:1 with students and she got a bit of time to tidy up while Hermione and I read to the kids.

That made my heart happy! Hermione was in heaven. I would love to share the pictures, but again it is a school thing, alas I can not share. UGH!

Next Thursday, Hermione and I are headed to Charlotte's Mom's class. Hermione just loves her.

I am excited. I really am. I believe Hermione is also excited!