Warming Hearts

Well, I've been sick for four weeks and have now crossed over into feeling sorry for myself.  I started new meds this week and while my sinus, lungs, cough, etc. are improving, I have some med side effects.  I am starting to go into the dumps.  I had to cancel Hospice pet therapy earlier in the week because of being ill, but wanted to try and get visits in this week, so I set them for yesterday (Friday).  I really was not in the mood to groom the dog for an hour and a half or go out in the drizzle, but I had made the commitment and I needed to get out of my funk.  So I got Joey ready (he had been a little neglected since I have been ill, so grooming took closer to two hours), packed up and off to my visits.

My first visit, made me take a good look at my current mood/state.  The spouse of the person I was visiting said that after I left last time, the patient said, "I'm glad Joey was here, he warms my heart".  Wow!  Sometimes God has to hit you with a "ton of bricks" to snap you out of it!  We continued with a great visit.  When I was preparing to leave, the patient said, "I wish Joey could stay, he makes me feel good". 

I know this little story may seem insignificant, but for me it is encouragement to go on.

Des Moines February 2010

We drove in snow much of the way with the last 45 miles being quite nasty.  There were a number of cars in the ditch, but we made it!

Dukati got 2nd in his class of 3.  Sophie got 2nd in her class of 4.  She was at the front of the line, but on the last go round, was put to 2nd....bummer.

We left early because of bad weather forecast and I've got a nasty cold and feel crappy.  Til next time.

Pet Therapy Hospice

Joey and I have started a new challenge.  We have started doing visits to hospice patients.  I was somewhat hesitant at first....not wanting to make another commitment, but it has been quite therapeutic for me.  It is hard to explain, but I think these visits benefit me as much as the patients!  Joey does great.  The Sheldon paper did an article on hospice and had a couple pictures of Joey. 

 

 

St Cloud, MN 2009

Another fun and busy weekend.  It was great to visit and catch up with friends again.  Sunday won Best of Winners on Saturday and Reserve winners on Sunday (Thanks Shannon for showing her for me).  Sophie got 2nd place both days.  Oh well, at least she had a good time!

Pet Therapy Reading To Dukati

Well, I believe the reading program started with Gretta (see my website) will live on!  Joey was not into this program, so I decided to give Dukati a go at it.  HE LOVES IT!  Now Dukati has a job to do too!  He visits one day a month and has kids read to him.  The kids get so excited about having a dog in the room.......which makes them excited to read to him. 

Council Bluffs, Iowa 2009 (Lincoln, NE)

Had a great time visiting with friends, helping show dogs, but mainly visiting with friends.  The weather was pretty nice for November!  Today Joey finished his Rally Novice with a score of 95.  I am pleased.  We will continue working, maybe going on to the next level or attempt a CD (companion dog) title.

 

 

Rapid City 2009

I love the Rapid City shows.  There are great vendors, great friends, great show site.....FUN shows!  I missed this weekend last year, but had a great time this year.  I enjoyed meeting new IG people.  They are great to get to know and are great resources!  Sunday the IG went reserve 2 days (to a very nice bitch) and she won Best Of Winners 2 days.  Sophie's second weekend (actually she did show 1 day in Topeka) she was dumped 2 days; Reserve 1 day, and Best Of Winners one day.  Some very nice things were said about Sophie.  She does need to calm down and get her head about her, BUT she is a puppy yet:)  I'm anxious for next year!

Mason City, IA October, 2009
Left home early this morning to drive to Mason City.  It has been a blustery day, but Joey got his second Rally Novice qualifying score....yeah!!!  He's not getting the high scores, but they qualify.  Our kennel club also had a fun match after the show.  Somewhat of a stressful day preparing for the match, but overall a great day!

Des Moines September 2009

Well, we attended the Midwest Regional Papillon Specialty in Des Moines.  Good thing we had a good time visiting friends, because we didn't do any winning:(  Sophie is looking good, but needs to get her head on straight......come to think of it, so does Dukati LOL!  But we had a great time anyway. The pictures below are of Dukati (left) and Sophie (right) taken by Vicki Eckstein of Willow's Pond Papillons.  Mike and Vicki are good friends and it was great to see them and visit with them in Des Moines.  Their link is:

http://www.willowspondpapillons.com/

Topeka, KS Show

Well, I had a great time in Topeka, Kansas.  It is always fun to visit with friends and talk "dogs".  While none of my dogs won points, I felt good about the weekend.  Here is a run down.

Scotch:  Gayle Essex had me show Scotch the Chihuahua on Thursday and Saturday.  No ribbon on Thursday, but 2nd in her class of 7 on Saturday.

Dukati:  Won his class all three days.  He had 4 in his class every day.

Sunday:  Won her class all 3 days and went Reserve to the major on Friday.  She is really starting to mature and look nice.

Sophie:  This was her first weekend out.  So we walked around and got used to the environment.  On Friday evening she got a group 4 in the match.  On Saturday she was 2nd in her class of 3.  I was pleased as she was the youngest in her class and she did really well.  She had fun and was not scared!

So that is the report from Topeka......next stop.....Des Moines!