Resume visits

Wednesday - Timber went to the Somesville village library. She did great with the kids. The librarian feels the program is a nice addition to the library programs and a huge success with the kids and parents. 2 children will have read enough books next time and will receive their free books to take home!

Thursday - Timber returned to school. 1 child got his book pawtographed today. New children have been added to the roster - some were sick. I received some wonderful photos from the school librarian of the group read with Rissa at the beginning of the month and Timber with her student today getting his book. The children did nominate Timber in the photo contest - which will be announced in March sometime. Local children pick the winners.

Today - 11 AM - Rissa and I went to the hospital for visits - we saw 4 patients. At 1 PM we went to the senior home... Timber went to the assisted living floor and Rissa to the Alzheimer's unit. They both are so gentle and calm and loving with all the folks. Never ceases to amaze me...

vacation

Back from vacation. We resume our visits and school this week. More later.

Visits

Today was pet therapy day. At 11AM we went to the hospital - Rissa saw 5 patients and staff to numerous to count. At 1PM we went to the living center. Timber saw several folks on the assisted living floor and then I took Rissa to the Alzheimer's unit. Good day... Many smiles...

Rissa has fun at school

Today was group reading day with Rissa at school. What fun EVERYONE had. Grades K-4 came to the library to see Rissa. Each class read their journal on the adventures of "Baby Rissa" ( a stuffed little chocolate lab that goes home with children in a tote with a journal and books to read at their level. Each class has one and they take turns taking the bag/stuffed animal home) The K class had their journal completely filled with wonderful pictures and stories. There are even photos of "Baby Rissa" going on a sledding adventure. Rissa was in heaven - totally surrounded all morning by kids loving and hugging her. The stories were priceless of the adventures the kids took the stuffed animal on and what they read to her. "Baby Rissa" has been to Frenchboro, skating, sledding, made pancakes and has watched a number of Christmas holiday classic programs on TV! A second grade mother even made that class's "Baby Rissa" a fleece jacket in Rissa's color green! There is absolutely no way I could ever put in words the excitement, joy and enthusiasm the children had. The 2 wonderful librarians made Timber and Rissa dog tags on a yarn necklaces and all the children in the school got them. Mrs. Dow, Rissa and I went and visited the 5-8 classes.... we didn't know if they would want their dog tags BUT - all took them to wear! The photo shows the little tags on Rissa's collar. Even though I have observed Rissa's interactions with children many times - I am still totally amazed at her temperment. She enjoyed every second of our time at school and obliged any and all that wanted them - with her kisses... I will not be at school next week ( taking a little vacation) - BUT Mrs. Dow will gather the 7 children that read with Timber... they are going to work together and come up with a 25 word essay to nominate their READ dog Timber in a pet photo contest. A good activity for them! I have sent Mrs. Dow a photo of Timber in her READ vest to enter with the essay.

Read on

Wednesday both girls were read to at the little village library, where we go once a month. 6 children participated, 2 new ones.... Only 2 of the 6 could read, 4 of them were 3-4 years old and wanted to be read to.... so, we read and they participated... Thursday was school - 3 children got their "pawtographed" books... HUGE smiles on their faces! 1 did not finish his book - so he will get his next time... I got a wonderful e mail - and will receive some new books to give the kids from a local newspaper! WOW! What a treat!! I am running low on new books for the kids! This will help out tremendously - and, I will share them with another READ team!