School

Today was a school day. Timber was read to by all her kids. Some new... 2nd graders to 7th graders. She wore her shamrock bandanna in honor of the upcoming holiday and her birthday on March 18th - she'll be 8!! One of the realizations today by the librarian and myself - one of the boys was reading a dog book and it was about a Airedale terrier. I got up to get the dog encyclopedia for him to see what kind of dog that was - said to him keep reading to Timber... while I was on the other side of the reading area - he never stuttered or stumbled his words once while reading to just the dog. The difference was that obvious we both noticed it it immediately. She will share the information with his teachers. I am taking Timber up to her first kennel home for the weekend. She is going to be a senior hunting dog demonstrator at the Sportsman Show this weekend. I work - I would love to see her do her thing BUT - gotta pay the bills!

books, books and more books...

Today I traveled to Augusta - I was asked to be on the Raising Readers book selection committee for the 2009 collection. Several educators, parents, nurses made up the group and we reviewed about 10 book selections in each age category from birth to 4 years old. We rated them and the Raising Reader team will review and make decisions on which books to try and get for the next collection. We all received a beautiful tote bag and the latest 5 year book selection - again all Maine authors. I had a nice time and enjoyed meeting new people. The frost heaves on the long drive was the only bummer to the day. I was pleased that we got out a little early - I was able to get home in time to go to a book signing in my town ( just 2 miles from the house) The children's book author happens to be the writer/illustrator for one of the most requested/read books at the library " If I built a car" by Chris Van Dusen. I got his book "Down to the Sea with Mr. Magee" autographed tonight - I had a special boy in mind to give it to as he will receive his "pawtographed" book from Timber the next library read... I called his mom when I got home - he does not have that book so... I am so excited to have the autographed copy to give him at the end of the month (with a Mr. Magee bookmark too!) Mr. Van Dusen was extremely nice and friendly (and owns a yellow lab named Pearl!) I was glad that I was able to get down town to meet him. I'll have to add more of his books to my personal library for the kids to read. I love the illustration and color - and his artistic style which makes it more interesting for me when I am read the same book over and over! SO - the day was filled with books, books, books...

Therapy dogs at Monday's in-service

Colby, Rissa, Timber and Boomer

Pet Therapy in-service

Today I presented a lunch and learn noon in-service to a group of 10-15 folks. All had packets I made with info on how to become a certified pet therapy team, book marks, what you can do as a therapy team etc... A doctor at work has a sheltie which she uses in behavioral health and another new therapy team that just started attended. SO - 4 dogs that all got along very well attended. I made cookies in dog bone shapes for a snack... I was glad some people attended and the effort was worth it as there were a few folks who attended that really wanted the info and some who just came for some "therapy" ... Both the girls were very well behaved. It is so pleasant to walk with both dogs heeling.. we brought the extra cookies to the med/surg nurses - and the girls got MORE attention and love... No school this week as the kids are having some testing of some kind...