Gio Delivers Santa (and more) to Luther Acres

On our most recent visit to Luther Acres Gio wanted to take Santa along to cheer the residents. So we pulled out his wagon and harness, put some Christmas lights around Santa, sat him in the wagon, and hitched it up to Gio.

Gio pulled it very proudly – you can almost see him saying “look what I have here”. Bandit got in on the Christmas excitement by dressing up in his special Christmas collar. We walked the halls to greet the residents and wish them all Merry Christmas.  We saw many smiles and laughs as we made our rounds. Later Bandit wanted to try out sitting in the wagon so out came Santa and in went Bandit. (We did not try pulling it this way yet as this was the first time Bandit had seen the wagon!) Both dogs were very entertaining!

On our  regular visits to Luther Acres there are two teams Gio with Jolene Newcomer along with Bandit with Marilyn Mackey, The big dog and the little dog teams – everyone so enjoys seeing the two together and making comparisons.  

A Visit Full of Surprises!

A Visit Full of Surprises - Patti Jo Hibshman

The day and visit turned out to be much brighter then the skies outside! Suzy Q, my black Labrador Retriever/mix and I traveled to Camp Hill Golden Living on September 28.

The plan was to have KPETS teams come and walk outside with the residents. This was my first time, so we were glad to follow Kevin and Wanda Landis and Chip, dressed in a peace scarf, inside the front door. Chip is a black Labrador Retriever and fly ball champion. He is a regular visitor to Camp Hill Golden Living Center with his owners.

Suzy Q received warm greetings and lots of attention from residents in the hall. Since it was gray, cloudy and threatening showers outside, the walk was cancelled. Inside, the group was very sunny.
Click here for more . . .

The first surprise was seven KPETS Teams came for visits. Debbie Jackson, Physical Therapist, was cheerfully welcoming residents, staff, and dogs with owners as they arrived in the room. People arrived walking, or with motorized wheelchairs, and some using walkers and canes. The room was full with dogs and happy people.

The second surprise was Nancy Campbell and Holly, a Golden Retriever were honored by the residents with a generous check for KPETS. Nancy and Holly had earned the AKC Therapy Dog Award by providing Animal Assisted Therapy in the Physical Therapy Department at Camp Hill Golden Living for over 3 years and greater than 150 visits. Nancy explained the award and badge on Holly's vest to the room of attendees.

The third surprise was residents handed out handmade organic treats in gift bags for all of the dogs. We humans were served delicious cake and punch. The entire time, there was lots of visiting and hugs, petting, and short walks indoors. Sally Henry had Tryp, her golden Retriever all dressed up with a baseball cap, scarf, and pumpkin sunglasses. Christine Renninger was mingling with her black Labrador - Sammy. Catherine Zeigfield and Josie - a Shitzu-poodle, entertained everyone with cute spins and other tricks. A black, soft curly Newfoundland - Buoy, gently navigated around the room with Janelle and daughter Cheyenne Senft.

Nancy heard from Debbie Jackson, (physical therapist)  that this was one of the best attended activities the residents have had. I know Suzy Q and I enjoyed the visit and will return.

Medical Breakthrough :-) Cooling Lab Treatments

Billy and I took my father to radiation therapy one day a few weeks ago. When we left the house it was a nice, cool day for Billy to wait in the car. (He LOVES the car). By the time we arrived, however, I was not comfortable leaving him as the temperature had risen quickly. I suited him up and he came into the waiting room with us. Everyone was crazy for him, of course.

One young man who is receiving radiation for a brain tumor was petting Billy (big black lab) and commented on his tail wagging being like a fan! This young man shared that he gets very hot and quite claustrophobic during his treatment. He said that he was going to try and remember Billy's tail fanning him when his symptoms began.

We were still in the waiting room when the man returned and he said that he had never had a better treatment because he concentrated on Billy's tail fanning him! What a blessing for both of us!

Tammy and Nikki - Rescue to to S&R AND Therapy!

KPETS Volunteer Tammy Mankey wanted to let us all know of the link to the interview she did of BCTV in Berks County on Monday, August 15, 2011 at 6:30 pm. Tammy was interviewed along with Nikki, her search and rescue dog, for winning another award for saving another life!

They discussed how Nikki came from their shelter and how she has saved many people as a search dog. They also  point out how she uses her personality as a KPETS Therapy Dog to cheer up others in the hospital. Tammy and Nikki sometimes respond to fires and use the dogs to comfort family members and their children. The firefighters often come over as well - even though they should be doing their job :) 

Nikki has won an award from when there was the Church Street fires when ten homes went up in flames. They stayed overnight at the shelter to comfort the familys and children since they lost their own pets in a fire.

Tammy promoted KPETS and talked about Nikki's success as a working dog.  Now as Nikki moves into her later years in life, this is her way of still bringing people cheer and that she does!  Tammy states: "She does not give them a choice when she sits on their feet and holds them hostage".She also told us: "KPETS is such a vital part of the community and we are so proud to be part of a wonderful organization. Hope you all get a chance to view it clip" 

We hope you do too! Great job, Tammy. We're do proud of you and Nikki! 

Here is the clip http://www.bctv.org/bctv/watch_live/wl_bctv/#vmix_media_id=106793691

Good-bye sweet Maggie

It is sad news to inform you that another first original KPETS therapy dog has completed her journey her with us. Carol and Bill Hopwood asked that we set up a memorial page with a place where Maggie's friends can donate in her memory to KPETS. www.kpets.org/maggie.html.

Here is Maggie's story - in her 'own' words :) So many of us miss you, dear Maggie!

WORK AND THE BALL


Would you believe I was the 3rd choice? Mom (human) and Dad (human) selected one of my sisters but Marlene (breeder) said no due to an eye problem. Then they picked out another pup and took it home, thinking it was a girl. Later that night Marlene, very chagrined, called and said that she was a he. Marlene got in her car in Maryland and an hour later, I replaced #2- the "he" pup. Mom and Dad almost didn't want to part with #2 but Marlene insisted that she was sure that I was a girl. So that's how I began my life on Woodshead on February 24, 2001. I was one of 8 pups born to Sari and Jake on January 4, 2001.

I was 9lbs. when I got there but by November, I weighed 64lbs.. So this is my story. Those early months were filled with a lot of playtime and love from Mom and Dad and their friends. Somewhere in that time, I played with a lot of toys--bones and other things-- but the first time I saw a "tennis ball" roll my way, I was hooked. It was so much fun to chase it and bring it back, but I wouldn't release it without a tussle. So my obsession with the ball began and remained until the end.Early on, Mom recognized that I was smart and that I liked all kinds of humans (dogs were okay) so she began to take me to training classes. Then I advanced to therapy training and was approved by the Delta Society. It was a "piece of cake"(or biscuit). Mom said I was WORKING whenever I visited humans but it wasn't hard at all. Then Mom met Karen (who runs KPETS) and Mom thought I could be approved by them. I did and was then able to proudly wear a KPETS vest for visits to humans. I first visited Brethren Village residents--they loved me. Then Mom and I started to visit the clients at Acadia Rehab Center. We were the first team to start dog therapy there and did it weekly for four years. The clients would brush my fur and hide the ball but I always found it. They learned my name-Maggie; but couldn't remember the therapist's name. Guess what- it was Maggie too!

Since the time when I was a pup, Mom and Dad took me to the Senior Center to greet the seniors before we delivered the Meals on Wheels. The Center also had a ball! I even donated blood when I was young at the clinic at University of PA - it didn't hurt. We visited Oak Leaf Manor residents and even attended church services there. We visited Miss Dolly at Woodcrest Villa, then at Oak Leaf and then at St. Anne's. Miss Dolly said I was "pathetic", but she sure liked to pet me. After all, she is 103 years young.


I also worked at reading classes for kids at the Mountville Library. That was easy. Mom also took me to the Knit-Wit meetings. The ladies talked and knitted and talked and talked and I usually slept. Father Stephen usually said hello and he blessed me many times at church services. I also visited Dad's brother in New York; he loved dogs, so of course, I was welcome. I attended the United Day of Caring with Mom for many years usually at Conestoga View. I visited Moravian Manor and the Mennonite Home to see humans. Only Miss Dolly said I was "pathetic" but I knew it was a compliment.

My Mom sometimes dressed me in a costume especially at Halloween. I was a Dallas cowgirl but Dad and human brother Doug didn't like it so they insisted I dress as a Steelers. That KPETS human Karen even made me a "poster child" with other dogs on a brochure.
So my working life was not that hard. Mom called it work but I certainly liked it when the humans would pet me, especially when they scratched my nose or ears. And if they had a ball, that was the best.
Now I'd like to talk about my non-working life at Woodshead and the things and times I liked the best. I liked to sleep late in the morning on the rug at the foot of their bed. Dad would try to rouse me but I would "play tired" and make him stretch my legs before I would arise. Sometimes Mom would cover me with the edge of the bedspread but I wouldn't move until they told me that I had to pee and poop (outside). Then I insisted on a handful of cereal before I ate my kibble.

After breakfast, I was interested in the ball, always and forever. Dad seemed to have an endless supply of tennis balls. It's good that he did because they got a little slimy and dirty when I would retrieve them from the woods. I loved it when Dad or Doug would throw it far when I wasn't looking. Then I would do circles until I sniffed it and brought it back. Doug could throw it much further than Dad. Then I learned how to catch it off the garage roof. When I caught it (7 out of 10 times on a good day), I'd chew it for awhile before releasing it. They couldn't pull it from my mouth unless I let them. I could even bark with the ball in my mouth but it wasn't very impressive. I also liked to roll on my back and try to roll on the ball.


Boy, did I like it when it snowed! Chasing the ball in the snow was great fun. I sometimes needed directional signals to find it because it didn't make a big hole in the snow. When we got a big snow, I had a little trouble doing #1 or #2 because I wasn't that tall. After fun in the snow I loved to dry out in front of their woodstove.


Then there were the daily "Happy Hour" sessions at 5PM which Mom and Dad called "attitude adjustment". Mom and Dad got their scotch and SC and I got my Maggie-sized (small) ice cubes. After the cubes, I was treated to some cut-up vegetables. In good weather we had "Happy Hour" on the deck. If I was good (95% of the time), I got an extra treat- a scotch-flavored cube. One time they gave me a Hammond's pretzel and I was hooked. When Doug came over, he would tease me by placing a Hammond's just out of my reach; but he would eventually give in when I gave him my "pathetic" look. When on the deck, once in a while, I would lift my nose and smell the scent of a deer or turkey. Mom and Dad eventually caught on when my tail was straight up.
I loved that house and the woods-- I never once ran away. There was no need to do so- everything I wanted was there except the squirrels. I never caught one though I tried-didn't even come close. I was not a "happy camper" when the wind picked up before a storm. I could always tell when they were coming-something like a sixth dog sense. Thunder and lightning was the worst-- I couldn't stop shaking. That's when I received extra attention from Mom and Dad. They even bought me a "thunder shirt" to wear but it was no use. We "gutted it out" together in a corner. I also did not like to go to Terri, the groomer. I resisted but they insisted. I have to admit that I looked prettier after the four-hour ordeal.

As I got older, my joints started to hurt and I limped sometimes. Sometimes Mom would give me some medication to help. I also developed some lumps on my body and the fur on my nose turned almost all gray, just like Dad's hair. But my intelligence never faded and I learned to tolerate pain.
I really never wanted to be away from humans especially Mom, Dad, and Doug. I even liked to visit the neighbor lady and neighbor man when Mom and Dad were away for short periods of time. Mom and Dad even took me on their last vacation.


To please my parents, I walked their treadmill whenever they insisted. One time, I did it for 26 minutes non-stop. They had a big issue over my "bathroom" habits. They expected me to do #2 at least 3-4 times a day so sometimes I just faked it. I know Dad was jealous of my abilities in this area. I always knew my commands-sit, down, stay, come, etc. but sometimes I would make them repeat it two or three times before I obeyed. Mom even thought I could shake my right or left paw on command, but I would keep doing either one until she smiled. I would even let Mom brush my teeth once a week. I could even run through Mom's flower beds with minimum damage. I did have trouble sliding down the driveway when it was icy. I used to sit under the counter next to their stools when they ate for two reasons: sometimes a crumb would fall, and to reassure them I was close. I could produce a low growl when something was amiss and I barked at all cars coming up the drive way.


My second favorite toy after the ball was the "sock" which was really a rubber pull. Dad and I played with it until he got tired. Dad always said I had a soft bite-- I really didn't want to hurt him.


So that pretty much covers my personal life. Nighttime was good because I got five Milk bones before retiring. Then I would settle down and give them a big sigh and they knew I was ready to sleep. Once in a while, my dreams became active and noisy - I was just hunting for my ball.
I lived a good life and enjoyed myself. I think I helped a lot of those humans I met along the way. I know that I helped my Mom, Dad and brother Doug. They sometimes got mad at me but when I blinked my long eye lashes and raised my paw to them, they forgave me.


My last day, I played with my ball a lot. I even carried it into the room at the Vet's and I didn't release it until the end.
Love, Maggie August 8, 2011

Cruise for a Cause / Hanover, PA

Fun, food and cool cars were packing the parking lot at Brother's Pizza in Hanover, PA on June 25 to generate interest and raise funds for KPETS.

View this slide show to see the fun. Looking forward to another event like this next year!
_______________________________________

Thank you to everyone who generously donated their time to support the first ever Cruise for a Cause Event on June 25th.

It was with your help that we were able to raise over $400 for KPETS! That is equal to $100 per hour!! I appreciate all your help and talents given to support this wonderful cause. Everyone had a great time!

We had 15 cars register. This was fantastic considering we were working against many other happenings in the area. We had great music to dance to provided by Larry Appel from Burning Spear Entertainment, good food and snowballs! Not to mention the cars were pretty awesome too!  

Again, many thanks to all of you for helping make this first ever event for KPETS a success! I couldn't have done it without the efforts of such wonderful volunteers.

With Heartfelt Thanks!
Wendi Mitzel

KPETS Stroll 'n Roll and Pet Expo

Click here for pics provided by We Heart Dogs.

The weather sure was better than last year's and the timing could not have been better by waiting till after we were all packed up to issue a tornado warning for our area. So Sunday, June 12 was a great day for

Keystone Pet Enhanced Therapy Services (KPETS) to declare a day for barking in the park - Ephrata's Grater Memorial Park!

That was the site of the KPETS Pet Expo and Stroll N' Walk. Scores of dogs and their humans stopped by the mid-day event to visit with vendors, munch on burgers and fries (and puppy treats) and enjoy pet-themed demos and presentations. A highlight of the day was a demonstration by Flyball Dogs Anonymus. Visitors could attend sessions to receive expert advice from Dr Leslie Osborne, local veterinarian; Sheree Dietz, pet groomer and Bonnie Hess, trainer during their "Ask the Vet, Groomer, and Trainer " sessions. There were over 30 vendors participating with goods ranging from doggie snacks to vacuums. Other non-profits attending and promoting their causes and looking for volunteers were several doggie rescues organizations (Brookline Lab and SAY - Save a Yorkie), CART (County Animal Rescue Team), two Search and Rescue groups (Middle Creek SAR and Cumberland County SAR). Some of the other features were presenations by United Disablity Services Service Dogs, Guaridan Angels for Soldiers Pets.

There was also a blessing of the animals by Pastor Deborah Miley to send the pups and people off on the Stroll 'n Roll Walk. Many attendees participated in the walk through the park to raise much-needed funds for KPETS

The Expo and Stroll N' Walk raised more than $2,000 for KPETS, and raised awareness of the good work KPETS does throughout 10+ counties in Pennsylvania, Maryland and beyond. 

Thanks to all who attended, volunteered and walked. We hope to do it bigger and even better next year! 

Max helps a new buddy

Visit with Jeffery (name changed)  at Schreiber Pediatric Rehab Center: 8/4/10

Max came to do a speech therapy session with Jeffrey who is 5 years old and has Autism.  We stayed in the Activities of Daily Living room since it was so hot outside for man and dog that day! Jeffrey has been a child who has an extremely difficult time attending to anything for more than a minute, especially if it is not something on his agenda.  

As a speech therapist, I have been working on just getting him to have joint attention with me on an activity.  I was hoping the dog might help with this! Also, Jeffery has words, but he uses them mostly by imitating what others tell him to say, and even then, sometime he does not like to do so. I had some pictures made up of things Jeffrey could choose to do with Max.  I presented choices a couple of different times, and Jeffrey did an excellent job of looking at each picture and pointing to a choice.  He chose to “throw ball” for Max over “shake hands.”  We worked on turn-taking with throwing the ball. 

At first, Jeffrey needed just a little help to throw the ball (he liked to just give the ball to Max and Max happily took it out of his hand J), but eventually, he threw the ball for Max! Another awesome thing he did after a few turns, was when it was my turn, he ended up with the ball in his hands. And before I could say that it was my turn, he handed it over to me!! 

He loved it when Max would go after the ball.  Then, I prompted him to say, “Come” to Max to get him to come back to us. Jeffrey sat with his TSS (behavior aide) most of the time, but his attention to the dog and to me was really good! Once, spontaneously, he said, “My turn to go” real quick.  Then, we would take a break and either brush Max or pet him, or he could “border” the room (walk around the perimeter of the room looking at the angles of things) once and return to Max and us.  

Then, I gave him another choice, “shake hands” or “take walk”;  he chose to take a walk with Max.  We did a couple of loops around the building (inside) with Max, and Jeffrey did such a nice job holding onto Max’s leash (typically, he needs his hand held tightly or he bolts away from whomever is walking with him). He held my hand, too, at times, but I tried to let go to see if he would stay with our group just by holding onto Max. We had one little “detour” from Jeffrey when we got near the playground door the second time.  But, I was able to run after him, and redirect him by saying “Where is Max? We have to get Max.” 

We also stopped once or twice and told Max to “Sit,”. It was so funny, because Max wouldn’t sit the one time and Jeffrey gently pushed down on him to make him sit J 

I found it interesting that as we said “Bye” to Max, we all shook Max’s “hand,” but Jeffrey didn’t want to, and he pet Max on the back instead, which remained consistent with his earlier choices when he chose the other activities with Max over “shake hands” each time. 

Overall, I was very pleased with the session and hope to have Max again during a speech session. I saw more joint attention, turn-taking, and heard more words from jeffrey than I have in most of my sessions the past 2-3 months!

Karen Thomsen

Speech Language Pathologist

Schreiber Pediatric Rehab Center

KPETS Volunteer Receives Special Recognition

Jolene Newcomer pairs off with Gio to 'lift the human spirit"

was the title in the Lancaster Sunday News "In the Spotlight" feature on May 22, 2011. Click here to read the article recognizing Jolene and Gio for their pet therapy volunteer ventures.

ASU Loves KPETS Teams

The AZ connection just hit again!  The event was a Wellness Breakfast  from 9:00 to 11:00 PM for ASU Students preparing for "Finals".  The two Teams that participated were Tina and "Norman" and Yvonne and "Zee", the two teams that live the farthest away!   


Here is an email from Marybeth - Doctoral Candidate, Counseling Psychology

CED250 Course Coordinator

University College Instructor

Arizona State University

Hello Bill,

Thanks for the e-mail and passing along the newspaper article! Kpets does such amazing work and I can speak for the wellness psychology team at ASU's Counseling & Consultation by saying we were honored to have Kpets at our wellness event! 

The event was great! Students saw the dogs and were immediately drawn to them. The dogs just loved it too! Some of my colleagues noted afterwards that all students - no matter what was going on for them - came over to see the pooches. It was estimated that a few hundred students were able to interact with the pooches - bringing them joy and relaxation just when the students needed it the most. Two pictures were taken before my camera battery died, but they don't do the dogs justice. 

Thank you again for all of your support. I am passing your information along to my colleagues who will be organizing the event in December. 

Best Regards,

Marybeth 

The Two Wheeler Story

 Today Chester visited his buddy Andy (name change) for their half hour of occupational therapy.    

Chester and buddy ready to go:)

One of the things Andy had on his chart was to ride the two-wheeler around the indoor hallway loop. 

Andy is learning to ride a bicycle, it's a slow, challenging process, figuring out how to balance on two skinny tires when balancing is already difficult. So far Andy's been able to sit on the seat, putting one foot on a pedal, one foot on the floor. Push, glide, push, glide. Balance.

Today, Rebecca, his therapist chose the blue two-wheeler.  Andy wanted the red tricycle, it was easier, safer.  He got angry, "NO! NO!" He stomped away, turning in circles.

I draped Chester's red leash over the silver handlebar. Chester sat and waited. 

"Look, Chester's waiting for you." Rebecca said, pointing to the patient pup.

Andy continued to look away, shaking his head, "NO, NO!"

As Andy walked further, Rebecca calmly asked, "Would you like me to tell Chester to go home today since you don't want to ride the bike with him?"



"NO." Andy ran back from across the room, climbed up on the bike, resting his hand atop Chester's red leash.  Andy balanced, he pushed and glided, pushed and glided, while Chester trotted and smiles, close by his side.

It was a good day – on a bicycle built for two J

Take Your Kids To Work Day



Sammy, Jacob and Gilly



 Returning for maybe the fourth year in a row, Nancy Houston/Gilly and Karen Gerth/Sammy presented at informational and fun presentation to the kids who went to Lancaster General's Take Your Kids To Work Day.

After discussing the responsibilities of owning a pet, the fun things we can do with our pets and jobs that specially trained dogs may have, Sammy and Gilly demonstrated what KPETS Therapy Dogs can do to help physical therapy patients at the Lancaster Rehab Hospital.



Gillly demontrates walking with PT 'patient'



To demonstrate how patients work on their balance after surgeries, etc., the kids had to stand on one foot and toss the ball for an eager Sammy to retrieve.

Gilly demonstrated for the kids how much fun it is to walk a dog while struggling to guide a walker, simulating what patients may have to do during their physical therapy sessions after a injury.



Looks like the boys, Sammy and Gilly, have a new fan club, especially Jacob Rissmiller, Dawn Rissmiller's son!







KPETS Very First KPETS Dog journeys to Rainbow Bridge

Cinda (Cinderella Lou Gerth) journeyed peacefully to Rainbow Bridge on Saturday, April 23, the day before Easter in her home with the help of Dr Sloyer as she rested peacefully on Karen's lap, head resting in her arm!

Cinda in her full armor of God

KPETS very first registered therapy dog was owned and loved dearly by Founder, Karen Gerth's and her husband Bill.

Way back in 1999, Cinda was in the New Life Assistance Dog program, training to be an assistance dog. When Cinda was eight months old, the puppy home she was living with needed a 'sitter' while they went on a mission's trip for two weeks. Karen and Bill agreed to 'puppy sit' her for that period of time. Losing their German Shepherd, Micky a few months prior and leaving them only with Miniature Schnauzer, Schatzie, it seemed doable. Little did they know, their lives would be changed forever!

Cinda went with Karen to work, church, shopping - just about everywhere - as is required for assistance dogs in training. But when the family returned from their trip two weeks later, they had decided that it was too much of a commitment for them and would no longer be able to train Cinda. Ummm, guess what? The director approached Bill and Karen and asked if they'd be interested in continuing her training. With two weeks experience with the 'wild woman', they were already in love. It was in God's plan!

Since Cinda was already eight months old, they had till she was 1.5 years old - when New Life would decide if she would 1-go on into secondary training, 2-become a breeding dog, or 3-be released from the program. Karen made some progress with Cinda and things were going better, but this female had a 'tude'! She knew commands but would absolutely refuse to do them unless you 'showed her the money' ( I mean treat)! This was a long time ago and we've all learned a lot about motiving dogs. Sadly some of the lessons learned afterwards may have made a difference with Cinda and things may have turned outt differently.

But, when the time came, Cinda was released with the option for Karen and Bill to adopt her. And if you ask, Karen will admit she was happy about the decision! Cinda would now be their forever dog! A well socialized trained beautiful Golden. Hence Karen's addiction to Goldens ever since!

Now life was really good! Cinda even got to spend weekends on the boat out on the Chesapeake.

But after failing as a Big Sister, and now failing in raising an assistance dog, Karen was beginning to wonder where she fit, how she could give back to the community for being so blessed with a truly wonderful life! Since Karen had been doing some pet therapy with Schatzie through TDInc., she decided to start doing it with Cinda too.

Long story short, Cinda was registered with TDInc and then Delta too. But as Karen soon found out there were so many people enjoying their visits and so many people wanting to do visits. She also saw that TDInc and Delta could not keep up with the demand! And so the birth of KPETS.

And Dog Number One was Cinda (Cinderella Lou Gerth)! Many lessons have been learned through Cinda. And the biggest one is DO NOT BURN OUT YOUR DOG! Which is what Karen did with Cinda. Too much of a good thing is not always good! It came to the point when Cinda did not want to get into the car to go away anymore. Pet therapy is work for the dogs. We need to watch that they are enjoying too.

Cinda and Belle birthday party at Brethen Village YEARS ago

Dear sweet Cinda. She stayed registered as a KPETS dog until the end. But in recent years,  Karen only used her for FUN things. Like playing with the kids at Abraxas, Morgantown, where she could run with the boys in the giant fenced in area. Or to go to the Mennonite Home Pool Party for KPETES therapy dogs only this past year with her sister Belle and other friends.

Sweet memories of Cinda will live on in our hearts. Lessons learned from her will be acknowledged and passed on to others.

Sweet little golden girl - You are sorely missed!


For more about Cinda and her family, visit Karen's blog at http://karenandthek9kids.blogspot.com/

Paws That Count at ASU (Arizona State University

On April 6th, from 10:00 am until 1:30 PM, on the Arizona State University West Campus, under a beautiful sunny sky, Chelsea Fowler, the student President of "Paws That Count" hosted an event to "raise awareness about the availability of service and therapy dogs for disabled children." 


KPETS was represented by Patti Rulli and her dog, Luke. a beautiful Collie and Bill Townsend and his boxer, Zoey. Also there was a team from Therapy Dogs, Inc.


Most of the time was spent talking with students and faculty about how we use our therapy dogs. However, some students needed a "DOG FIX", since their pooches are at home. About five students expressed interest in becoming qualified for therapy work. Chelsea, and her golden Emily, will be first on the list when I return in November! 

The faculty was interested in how KPETS uses the dogs in school settings and for young children and the requirements for the dogs. Both Patti and I related our experiences in the Maricopa Elementry Schools - especially with the Special Needs classrooms and the Autism rooms. Recently, we were invited to work with a few hearing impaired students, doing a R.E.A.D. program. Both Patti and Bill are R.E.A.D. qualified which is a requirement of the School District for its reading program.


Thanks to "Paws That Count", donations amounted to $31 for KPETS.! Remember when you were a poor college student!

Meeko Helps a New Friend

Today Meeko and I were doing our regular visit with a small class at a school.  Our visit went really well and the students had a great time working and visiting with Meeko.  That was awesome enough.  Meeko is truly turning into a fantastic little therapy dog.  He may only weigh 6lbs, but he really has a big heart for kids and just seems to know who needs a little extra therapy at times.

We had finished our classroom visit, exited the room and were making our way down the hall to leave when we came upon a student and a staff member sitting in the hall.  Meeko immediately went to this student, I asked the staff member if it was okay, noting that it appeared the student had been crying.  He nodded and the student asked if he could hold Meeko.  I said certainly, and placed Meeko in his lap.  Meeko looked up and began licking this child’s tears.  The child began smiling and talking to Meeko.  He had Meeko do a few a tricks, sat on the floor and played with him for a couple of minutes, got up turned to me, smiled and ran off into the classroom.

I looked at the staff member sitting on the chair who had been with this student, obviously consoling this child.  He looked at me in wonder and said, “That was the most amazing thing I ever saw.”  He proceeded to tell me that there was speaker in the class talking about smoking and the effects of it.  This student’s mother had just been diagnosed with lung cancer from smoking.  He had become upset when they began talking about it in class.  The staff member said he had been trying to console him for about 20 minutes but was unable to.  He said he had never seen anything like that happen before.  I smiled and said that is the magic of pet therapy.  We peeked in on the child in the classroom before we left, he looked back with the biggest smile ever, gave us two thumbs up.  I returned the thumbs up, smiled and winked, then as we turned and made our way down the hall, I thought, “Isn’t it amazing how our dog’s just know what to do?”  I am so proud of Meeko.  He will forever be the Chihuahua that touched the lives of so many children.  The little dog with a big heart!

Reading goes to the dogs at Butterfield Elementary (AZ)

From their school newsletter and local newspaper in AZ ! !

Butterfield Elementary School played host to community readers Monday as part of the 12th Annual Read to Kids Day; but the stars were dogs, Luke and Zoey. 

Patti Rulli and her dog, Luke, were on hand to read to kindergarten students about something they could see firsthand—a collie. 

“This dog really likes books,” said one young man, who tried to get the dog to smile for the camera. 

Rulli and fellow dog handler Bill Townsend, with his dog Zoey, are regulars at Butterfield, working with special needs students there. 

Both dogs are certified in Reading Educational Assistance. They lay quietly on the floor, surrounded by kindergarteners who petted them over and over while listening to the stories. 

Volunteers like MUSD Curriculum Director Krista Roden, dressed in a pink Mother Goose costume, read to students in Butterfield’s five kindergarten classes. Participating teachers were Kayla Colling, Jacque Irwin, Amber Jensen, Benita Polidore and Jennifer Seaman. Other readers included Maricopa Mayor Anthony Smith, Maricopa Police Chief Kirk Fitch and Assistant to the City Manager Patrick Melvin. 

Melvin read “The Grouchy Ladybug,” a story about a self-important bug with no manners who was always trying to pick a fight. 

“With kids you really have to get the animation right,” said Melvin. 

The purpose of the annual Read to Kids Day is to create a love for reading while building strong vocabularies in young children through kindergarten. 

United Way, the sponsoring organization, donates a book to the child’s classroom or library for every book a volunteer reads. In addition, every child receives a book to take home.

Volunteer Award Goes to Jasmine and Moose! - by Jasmine Grimm

Moose and I were nominated for the Humane League of Lancaster County's Henry C. Brandt Volunteer of the Year Award at their annual Wags & Whiskers Gala. 

Since KPETS are the ones who certified Moose, I thought you'd want to share in the nomination. Thank you for all you've done for me, guys! The letter for the nomination is below. 

Dear Mr. Hess,

Its difficult to even write this email to you without my eyes brimming with tears.

My heart fills with pride when I think of all the time and love that Jasmine Grimm has extended to her passions - helping people and pit bulls by bridging the gap that has been created between them over the years.

Jasmine and her pit bull Moose are always on the go.  Whether it be to comfort dying patients at Hospice, let children who have no home read to Moose, or simply using her words to reclaim a breeds integrity - Jasmine is there.

She has organized and rallied her friends, business partners, family and even complete strangers to donate, volunteer or simply lend a hand to the Lancaster County Humane League.

She is writing for Stubbydog.org to help pits worldwide and, to help us all with understanding.

All this and holding down a full time job would be too much for most of us.  Not Jasmine!  Her grit and determination combined with intelligence and caring allow her to move mountains to achieve her goals.

She has taken steps to certify her pitt as a therapy dog, one of less than 40 pit bulls certified across the USA.

She shared with me one occasion at Hospice where the patient was passing. She and Moose were the only ones there with the patient.  They knew the end was near and she said the patient looked over at her, as Moose lay gently beside him.  She said his hand stroked Moose's paw and a smile came to his face.  H
How many of us could or would withstand that type of emotional drain and still keep going?

Jasmine does and continues to do it daily. I don't know if you would consider her Volunteer of the Year, by personally, I consider her Volunteer of the Century, because that is just who and what she is.

e thanked Jasmine for bringing Moose in to see him that day.  He said it was nice "not being alone".  It was his last day on this earth. 

For Me ? ! ? by Tiffany Zook

Once, when visiting Oak Leaf Manor with our Jack Russel, Kira, the residents were checking on their homemade ice cream in which they prepared a bit earlier than our arrival.  Excited to see Kira and me, one of the residents grabbed the scoop and dipped a mouth watering bowl of fresh vanilla ice cream.  I was flattered!  She walked over to me, and at the last second, placed it on the floor for the dog! Kira was in heaven....   

Take Your Meds, Please by Sherry Waple

My Aussie, Chloe, and I are new members to Kpets.  We became registered on February 28th and had our third visit at Elizabethtown Manor Care on Tuesday, March 8th.   
On this  visit, one of the nurses was having a difficult time getting one of the residents to take their medication.  The resident really likes Chloe so the nurse started to tell her that the meds were from Chloe and that Chloe wanted her to take them.  The resident still wouldn't take them.  So I asked the resident if she wanted to shake Chloe's paw.  She said she did.  I told her that if she took her medicine then Chloe would shake her hand.  She took her meds right down!  Of course, Chloe shook her hand and the resident was very happy:)  I was sooooo proud of Chloe and the nurse thanked me for helping.  I told the nurse that is what we are there for.  Not just to  visit, but to help in anyway we can.  


It really made me feel good that we were able to help with the meds and I can see how much of a difference Chloe makes emotionally with the people that request to see her each week when we visit.  It also makes you feel good after being there a few times that some of the residents know Chloe by name and she's really getting to know them pretty well too. 


I am really glad we became a part of Kpets and are making a difference in their lives.  

Therapy Dog Gets Human Therapy! by Nan Hanshaw

In January, Smidgen, my boxer had major surgery to repair one of her knees.  She had an immune reaction to the metal plates which were placed in her leg, and recovery has been difficult.  She is probably facing yet another surgery on this knee, and the other knee will also need repair if this one heals.  She has been without a walk or other activity for nine weeks, and is likely looking at several more months at the very least.  She is not allowed to play tug with the other dogs and can’t go for car rides.  She is depressed because she is not visiting and doesn’t get enough mental stimulation or exercise, and she has pain in her leg.  

Several  weeks ago Jeanne Beckley from MICU at the Hershey Med Center did a “human therapy visit”.  She came to our house and brought a gift bag full of toys and treats and a get well card signed by all the staff and a few of Smidgen’s favorite physicians from MICU.  This cheered Smidgen and her mom up quite a bit.  As you can see by the photo, she is very attached to one of her new squeaky toys.  We hope to get Smidgen back in shape to be able to visit her friends in MICU again soon.

Puppy Pool Party at Mennonite Home

KPETS was invited to a puppy pool party at Mennonite Home on Friday, January 28, 2011. The pool was being closed so Sue, our contact person for pet visits there, thought it would be a great time to let the dogs swim and have the residents come out and enjoy the entertainment. And they sure did!

Sharing the raft !

KPETS volunteers and their soggy four-legged friends had a blast swimming and splashing in the pool. There we eight dogs in attendance. There were six goldens, one yellow lab, and one Shih Tzu! Katie Daubert/Toby, Nancy Houston/Gilly, Nancy Thomas/Belle, Barbara Noll/Hunter, Diane Rima/Chester, Jim Kraus/Scout, Martha Gomez/Micah, and Karen Gerth/Cinda.

Prior to the big splash, several of the early arriving teams went around and visited the residents before their pooch became a 'wet dog'. As we mingled, we met so many nice folks who loved visiting with our pets. One woman in particular was visited, as Sue and the woman's daughter looked on. There was not much verbal communication between handler and this woman, but she definitely enjoyed touching and 'talking' to the dogs. After the event, Sue came out and made us  aware that both she and the woman's daughter had not seen this resident respond that much to anything in months! ! ! Even at an event like this, our pets are making a difference!

Most dogs were excited to get in the pool. But this was Scout's first time, so he wasn't quite sure if this was for him.

All dogs had to enter and exit the pool via the gradual steps. These steps needed to be guarded by the handlers to keep the dogs from running around the pool area and getting everyone else wet. The dogs swam and swam and came back to the steps to rest.

We cautiously let a few of the dogs come out of the pool and  jump back in to retrieve their toys as the residents cheered them on. Micah, the Shih Tzu and and Scout, the lab, shared a raft and floated around as Martha and Jim assisted and kept the other 'bullies'  from dumping them : ) What a blast!

Sue also announced that this was a birthday celebration for two of the 'pups'! Nancy Houston's, Belle and Karen Gerth's, Cinda (who are litter mates) turned twelve years old the day before! The residents and volunteers broke out in song to sing "Happy Birthday" to the 'kids'!

I don't know about you, but when I swim for any length of time, I usually need to, well let's just say, 'go'. It was not any different for a few of the canines. God love Jim as he took a couple of them out in the snowy court yard to relieve themselves. As the wet dogs rolled around in the snow in utter joy, Jim froze as he patiently watched. A true saint of a man!

When the party came to a close, residents started leaving and volunteers slipped into the changing rooms to dry off and change clothes to get ready to face the cold outdoors, But before we ducked out for the day, Nancy Thomas pulled out her lunch bag with Frosty Treats for all the pups who were still there. (Sorry for folks who left early) in honor of the the birthday girls, Belle and Cinda.

Fun was had by all and Sue said we'll have to do this again for the residents in Wood Crest, the independent living area of Mennonite Home. I know I'm in : )

Dog Run Run / Walk

Over 20 people and their dogs made their way to Wildwood Park in Harrisburg for the first annual KPETS Dog Fun Run/Walk.

The three-kilometer run and walk on Saturday, October 24th started at 1pm and all participants enjoyed a nice fall day, exercise and beautiful wildlife at the park.  Small gifts and water were given to all teams.  Several families participated and dogs in KPETS gear answered questions during the event, spreading awareness of KPETS.

Close to $300 was raised for KPETS.  The second annual event will be scheduled early in 2011 and plans are to at least double the participants.

KPETS volunteers who are interested in helping to organize or advertise the 2011 KPETS Dog Fun Run/Walk can contact dogfunrun@kpets.org.  We are looking forward to another fun event!