Thursday, May 29th

Today was Timber's last 1:1 reading session at school. 2 children received their books and we saved Colby's book for next week when the TV station is to come to do a news piece on us reading in school all year. After school we took at trip up to Bradford, Maine, to visit Rissa and Timber's grand pups... 6 chocolate and black, 4 week old pups - toooooo cute. There were also other litters of yellow and black pups... We took "family" photos... between and black flies and trying to get all 4 dogs not moving.... this was the best shot I got. Rissa, Casey(mom), 2 of the pups, Timber and her son, Ivan (Dad, 2 years old).

Wednesday, May 28th

Our dog scout troop was invited to Sumner high school by the special ed class. 5 dogs/owners attended and played with the kids. Breed education, mini rally, retrieving and lots of hugs and kisses.... Timber then went to the Somesville library for READer dog.... we had a group reading session as 6 children showed up for the first time slot.... the 3 older children read to the 3 younger ones (and Timber) Delany received her book from Timber too! Timber gets snuggles during the group reading!

Tuesday, May 27th

We (dogs and moi) attended the hospital volunteer luncheon at the Bar Harbor Club. I was treated to a delicious lunch and we all received certificates. We then went to the retirement village to make some visits. Both girls visited each floor with me. They do love seeing the folks there.

May 22

Counting down the school days. Jordan received his book today from Timber (My side of the mountain - one Ruth just donated was perfect for him) We had Cirra in training again today. She did well. All the regular kids were in school today. I prepared them that next time would be out last day as 1:1 reading for the year. The word is channel 5 news will be in school next week to do a story on us in school... what to wear?

May 17th

We had an unexpected visit to the hospital today. Both girls saw 2 patients each and many staff. I also received a wonderful gift. One of the women I work with donated/gave me new 6 books to give to children. They are for older kids, higher reading level. I had very few books to give away for a 10 year old and now I have some nice books! Thanks Ruth!!

School on May 15th

Timber did her school gig today. One of the children would have gotten his book for reading to Timber today - but - he was out of school... 2 of my regular readers were on a field trip... SO - it was a perfect opportunity to have 3 of my former kids (read last fall) to help break in a READer dog in training! The 3 boys were excited to help out ( and to see Timber) !!!!!!! "Cirra" is a white Great Pyrenees, 3 years old. Her owner, Robyn, had observed the school READ program a few weeks ago and today she was observing again... I thought it was a good day to start Cirra! Cirra attracts a lot of attention wherever she goes.... She is BIG and WHITE!! It was quite a site to see - big, white, long haired Cirra and black, short haired and seemed very small, Timber - on each side of a kid. Cirra did fabulous for her first time. She stayed for all 3 boys and I think got the hang of it. The librarian took many pictures of Cirra's first day for Robyn and the boys. We made plans for the final days of school. We will "graduate" the remaining children with their new books in the next 2 weeks and have a Rissa group read the first Thursday in June.

May 14th

Rissa visited SEVERAL patients (and staff ) at the hospital - and we then went to the retirement community and she visited all the residents and visited those in an exercise class too! Since it was 70 degrees - I left Timber at home as I couldn't leave her in the car for long periods of time. Rissa handled all the attention - got many belly rubs - she never seems to tire on our visits.

School on May 8th

Another successful school day with Timber and her kids. Justin got his "pawtographed" book - Lost on a mountain in Maine.

May 2nd

Timber resumed her school duties yesterday. "Colby" got his second "pawtographed" book from Timber. Comment from his reading teacher "I wish the dog was here everyday. Colby does not read as well or as much on regular days as he does on Timber days!" Rissa went to the hospital visiting today (only 2 patients that could and wanted to see her... mega staff got love though) and then both to the senior home (split floors)...

April 18th

Both dogs went to the hospital and to the senior home. Lots of patients at the hospital and I split the time between the 2.. also split the floors at the senior home. Timber feels much more comfortable visiting now. She needed to know her surroundings and what she was to do... now that she "gets it" - she loves it as much as Rissa...

April 17th

Rissa got to go to school again this week... group reading by the K - 4th grades. She loved every minute of the kids loving and hugging her.

April 12th

Tails a wagging and life is good again for the girlz!!

April 10th - "Cold tail"

Timber did not go to school today and Rissa substituted.... Seems Timber got "cold tail" or a sprained tail from swimming so much yesterday in the cold water.... so, Rissa went to school and by the end - she had cold tail too! One of the saddest sights... normally 2 happy labs - but tonight.... sad faces with their tails tucked and they are quite uncomfortable.... they have had an aspirin...

April 9th

The dogs got their first swim in of 2008! We met some folks and the girls played and swam for 1 hour at Little Long Pond..... to be continued...

March 27th

Timber was in school this morning and then we/she passed her CGC test! Canine Good Citizen test by the American Kennel Club...

Busy Day March 26th

Both dogs visited at MDIH and the senior home.... then Timber was read to by a full schedule of kids at the little village library. 2 children got their books. Photo is Jack getting his autographed by the author and "pawtographed" by Timber book.... Down to the sea with Mr. Magee!!