March -Rally Novice title earned in a 3 day show cluster in York!!!! Rah!!! for River and Amanda. Scores of 87,9?, 97 Placements of second, 1 point out of ribbons and first to finish. Now if I could just figure out how to add photos.
April - I started this a while ago - they now have 2 legs towards Advanced, earned with scores of 94 - a first and second place in Harrisburg. Headed to Lancaster KC show in Lebanon May 15 - maybe to finish Advanced.
"Even there, River got to be a therapy dog." wrote this part earlier, Hmm, wish I remember where I was going with this.... maybe that people petted him as opposed to ring- prepped dogs who couldn't be touched. We took him with us when we shopped the vendors so he got lots of attention which he enjoyed.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Photos for Ump
I didn't follow through on the lotto game idea, but his therapist Terri brought a camera to a session and took photos of Ump and River doing tricks. She made a great photo album, labeling thesem, with the goal of reinforcing the trick signals, as well as just having the photo "brag" book.
Ump seemed to love it and showed it to me proudly. Next time we saw him we learned that he took it along on his holiday visit to his relatives and gave it to one of them ( mom or sister?). Very generous of him; sadly, it still has not been replaced yet ( in April). We now see him with the original therapist Sheree ( she took maternity leave about 6 months after we started visiting). Seems complicated to get photos printed there. I really should bring a camera sometime and make something. Somehow, most weeks, it seems all I can do to get River and myself to the visit. Maybe I need to learn to be patient with myself - Ump enjoys what we are able to offer by visiting - I'm the one who sets the higher standards for myself. As Amanda pointed out - River could do the same tricks and we could have essentially the same conversations and Ump would enjoy his visits. He is so proud to give River the treats he made. He like to walk us to the door and if anyone asks, he insists that they get to have River do a trick for a treat from them as well. No wonder River is well-padded these days!
Ump seemed to love it and showed it to me proudly. Next time we saw him we learned that he took it along on his holiday visit to his relatives and gave it to one of them ( mom or sister?). Very generous of him; sadly, it still has not been replaced yet ( in April). We now see him with the original therapist Sheree ( she took maternity leave about 6 months after we started visiting). Seems complicated to get photos printed there. I really should bring a camera sometime and make something. Somehow, most weeks, it seems all I can do to get River and myself to the visit. Maybe I need to learn to be patient with myself - Ump enjoys what we are able to offer by visiting - I'm the one who sets the higher standards for myself. As Amanda pointed out - River could do the same tricks and we could have essentially the same conversations and Ump would enjoy his visits. He is so proud to give River the treats he made. He like to walk us to the door and if anyone asks, he insists that they get to have River do a trick for a treat from them as well. No wonder River is well-padded these days!
Reading Program Summary
River and I completed our stint at the Wickersham Elem reading program. It was to go through May, but I begged off at the end of April. Our end of year schedule is pretty busy and I needed to cut back. It was a learning experience for me and I think it was enjoyable to the children involved. I am not convinced that is was the most effective use of our time and River's particular skills. It was not set up along the lines of what has been shown to be effective at helping with improving reading. Specific goals and developing a relationship by working with the same children seem to be hallmarks of those programs.
I enjoyed the children and encouraging their reading, but preferred discussing their pets and demonstrating River's tricks and, if there was interest, telling them about training. River was agreeable to any activity and excited to be there for visits. His young mistress did not find it interesting and declined to participate. She likes working with children but much prefers the visits at Schreiber where we do AAT in PT area and work with one child over a period of time.
I enjoyed the children and encouraging their reading, but preferred discussing their pets and demonstrating River's tricks and, if there was interest, telling them about training. River was agreeable to any activity and excited to be there for visits. His young mistress did not find it interesting and declined to participate. She likes working with children but much prefers the visits at Schreiber where we do AAT in PT area and work with one child over a period of time.
April Schreiber Trial Visit
We did a one time visit with a child described as "very involved" as in no speech, little independent movement. He was,according to his mother,having a bad day, but overall he had more interest in River's ballon than the dog. So we gifted him the balloon and visited with another child who very much enjoyed River's company during his therapy. His mother took a KPETS card and I think would have requested us. In reality, her son was fairly well motivated to cooperate and not in big need of River - my assessment, but we haven't heard anything. And maybe I'm wrong and AAT could be used for other than motivation to participate,maybe would have an effect on rate of progress or attempting new things. My limited experience can't evaluate that.
I'm not sure what kind of a system would work - to inform therapists about AAT and using KPETS teams - to let them know specifics of how and when AAT can be helpful. What criteria determines if AAT would be useful and then, should there be specifics to match a team to the situation? It's an nteresting area that deserves more study.
I wonder if having teams available on a regular basis at Schreiber would provide a chance to demonstrate that - or is that too random and maybe an in-service type program would be more effective?
I'm not sure what kind of a system would work - to inform therapists about AAT and using KPETS teams - to let them know specifics of how and when AAT can be helpful. What criteria determines if AAT would be useful and then, should there be specifics to match a team to the situation? It's an nteresting area that deserves more study.
I wonder if having teams available on a regular basis at Schreiber would provide a chance to demonstrate that - or is that too random and maybe an in-service type program would be more effective?
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