Scout Meetings

Presentations to scout groups recently were on our canines' calendar. We took both to my sister's Girl Scout troop and Cub Scout pack meetings - on the same day! Afternoon with the GS, dinner with cousins and then to the cub pack. Too long a day for Amanda's energy level; she did the minimum by evening. Dogs enjoyed almost everything - except crate confinement while we ate dinner.

The girls in Amanda's troop are older so I discussed therapy dog visits as well as other dog activities - agility, rally, etc and we talked about dog training. Both Noche and River did tricks. River was in his element and Noche handled the attention quite well. I discovered that I can talk about dog activities for quite a long time LOL

Kept it a bit shorter for the younger boys - a little intro about therapy and activities and right into demos using volunteers. Finished up with a line for each dog as all the scouts and some family members got a turn to greet each dog and have them do a trick - although River was a bit sick of play dead by the end and I had to take that off his repertoire near the end. Noche only had to "boing" to be a hit there!

Used a chair as a walker to demonstrate walking with a dog. Made a tunnel with a child leaning agaisnt a physio ball so River could do under and then holding a hula hoop for jumping - using as many volunteers as we could. Had to limit jumping because of the slippery floor.

This week I visited a Brownie GS troop with River, along with 3 other KPETS teams. The previous experience gave me some confidence about this presentation. I knew River would do his part, as long as I could handle the talking. Amanda was originally planning to participate, but got a last-minute babysitting job. As this was an official KPETS visit, Noche was not eligible to go; certainly I couldn't take both dogs anyway.

They had seen the KPETS video just beforehand ( although it's been over a year for me, so I had to wing that part), so I reviewed very basic info. Then talked about other dog activities. Golden owner mentioned breed ring and demonstrated "stacking"; Rottie owner explained carting (no demo), other team has a St Bernard. She coordinated the visit as her daughter is in the troop. Other teams fairly new to KPETS, so I got the talking gig. And River is a great demo dog. Touched on rally, obedience, agility, freestyle in the demo. Mentioned other acitivities, too - used a helpful KPETS-provided outline that I expanded. Tried to use volunteers for similar demos as with the Cub Scouts. Wish I had remembered to have "posts" for a figure 8 heeling - next time?

Interesting difference between Cub Scouts and Brownies appraoch to the dogs - the boys wanted to individually give them a command to do a trick and reward with a treat - the girls mostly wanted to crowd around and pet the dogs - River enjoyed both types of attention.

Allergy notes - the peanut butter game suggested in the outline was a no-no due to peanut allergies; we also banned peanutbutter flavored dog treats. There were also 3 Brownies allergic to dogs who were not allowed to get close and pet - one was quite tearful. I did have River do a trick for her that she could tell him from a little distance using a hand signal. One girl insisted that she could pet the hypoallergenic coated one - River, so I think she pulled that off. When we took a group shot - carefully separating the dogs with Brownies in between, one girl asked me about Shih Tsus and beamed when I told her they have coats that don't shed.

This was our second presentation event with another team, since the - "maintain a distance between dogs" ruling. I do prefer that. I must admit there was some growling when certain dogs got too close. With age, River has gotten less tolerant of dogs in his face. (although, he wasn't the one growling).

It was great to have a variety of breeds represented and others to share their experiences as well.

I had also done a Daisy scout meeting at Patty's a while ago - before we even had Noche. That was an outdoor meeting, which made it even easier to do demonstrations.

Dog, treats in pouch, water for dog, his vest, leash, hula hoops, kids tunnel, exercise ball. I've also taken a step stool, toys ( although River usually will not retrieve at these - go figure?), toy piano, balloon on a string, target, extra leash. Music and a freestyle routine would be something to add. I did have River off leash for some - jumping, freestyle, tunnel - he was extremely well behaved - of course, I had food. And he always gets a laugh when he makes a mistake - should actually plan that into the presentation. And some nosework would be fun, too.
He does get a little demanding initially if he isn't getting treats fast enough! he is excited and eager, whining in the car when we arrive, but he did lay down and chill when I was talking for a while or someone else was talking, smart dog!

Gifts That Give Hope 2010

River collected comments and cuddles while the humans shared info about KPETS activities. Our KPETS table was one of many non-profits at the event, where visitors could donate to the non-profit and get a card for their giftee explaining what had been given in their name. The event included food vendors and children's activities and was a pretty lively place. Ironically, a volunteer at the raffle table next to us had her young Havanese puppy in a crate under the table; it was a bit of a challenge for River to "leave it", although he did, with a few reminders.

I've noticed that we get to hear many stories about people's dogs when we staff the KPETS tables. I think a survey would show that asking about our dogs and therapy activities tops the list, then talking about their dogs and lastly asking if their dog could become a therapy dog.

I haven't any info yet, but I believe it was a successful fundraiser for KPETS. River did his part!

KPETS Round Table

Breakfast out with new friends, all talking about their dogs, what better start to the weekend. Our first time at a Roundtable and I know I'll remember who had Goldendoodles, Boxers, a shy beagle mix, Standard Poodles, 4 ( or fewer) Goldens, much better than I can recall anyone's name.

I will remember the stories about hospice training, thunderstorm fears, info about training classes, READ program, and that we signed up for a stint at the alternative gift fair/Gifts That Give Hope next Saturday.

Linked here in case you want to join us virtually and support KPETS. Thanks!
http://www.giftsthatgivehope.org/lancaster/

Selling Burgers & Dogs

KPETS volunteers - without their dogs, did the cooking and food serving, and teams with dogs did the traffic stopping. Shoppers at Oregon Dairy Grocery Store enjoyed petting the dogs, chatting and hearing about KPETS. I think the fundraiser part was successful and we also spread the word about our services.

It was great to socialize and meet other teams and hear about their activities. A wide range of breeds were represented during our time - Beagle mix, a pair of sister Great Danes, English Springer Spaniel, and, of course the ubiquitous Golden Retriever. I had River sit up for someone who wanted to photograph him and next thing I knew, he was demonstrating his tricks. He even rolled over on the paved road ( which he sometimes refuses, preferring softer surfaces), along with the rest of his usual repertoire. There was a 12 year old girl using a walker who works with a KPETS dog at Schreiber. She and her family were there to support KPETS. She enjoyed River's tricks - even the "speak" that made her startle. I think he enjoyed himself as well. What's not to like about attention and petting and a few treats for tricks! He was as excited when we arrived there as when we do regular visits - lots of impatient whining in the car as I organized myself.

Going To the Dogs Weekend

OK, I had to use that as a title sometime and this seemed the best occasion. Saturday we set up the KPETS table and our canopy at Mutt Mixer ( Stumpf Field fundraiser for Furry Friends Network) and staffed it for the first shift. Then I took River through Mutt Mania ( obstacle course) and Back To Basics ( basic obedience), while Amanda had Noche run the Doggie Dash - although River inadvertantly joined in there, too. We purchased a handmade sweater for Noche and treated them to a half price hot dog, too. Costume contest was next where River "floated" as a butterfly and Noche showed his true colors as a "Little Monster". We did take home a 3rd place medal for Mutt Mania ( although Amanda pointed out that she and River had the first place trophy last year). I said it's because I don't run as fast!

After that exhausting day, we headed out Sunday to Tailwagger's Trot, the Humane League fundraiser. It was a fun mile and half walk from Clipper Stadium to Buchanan Park in beautiful weather with a team of new KPETS friends. Noche walked sometimes, although it was tough for him to keep up when it got crowded and we had to scoop him up as there was a relentlessness to the pace of the group. We checked out the doggie vendors, River snacked on lots of treats - Noche not so much and both got cute new bandanas for their wardrobe. We also talked again with Wendy Jordan and Amanda and River will be starting a Rally course with her on Mondays at 4 PM. Another fun, productive and exhasuting day. Doggies and I enjoyed a lengthy nap when we got home. Amanda,with the stamina of youth opted out.

We haven't purchased a KPETS vest or bandana for River. I had read that the vest can get in the way of petting, although I have also heard it can be useful in some AAT situations. I would like to have it for KPETS events like these - to clearly identify him and as a conversation starter. Another item on the to-do list.

Day of Caring

Splashed with ketchup so it looked like blood on his white hair, yet not even his dignity was injured. River just wanted to get at the French fries that had hit the ground. Huddling in my arms, Noche was oblivious to the potential culinary treats and the tired puppy was not enjoying the auctioneer's patter blaring from the loud speakers above our heads.

We were at Clipper Stadium, our second activity of the day, helping to staff the KPETS booth at the Breast Cancer Awareness event. We had started at Conestoga View nursing home, along with other KPETS teams and Kisses From Kaden volunteers. Amanda, River and I visited with a few residents of the 3rd floor in their sitting area and eventually were joined by another KPETS dog,Bailey, a Cavalier, and his handler and some Kisses/Kaden kids and adults and 2 tiny dogs that they had brought - a Chihuahua and a Yorkie. The residents seeemed excited to see still more dogs and we took a group photo, too.

Then we dashed home to grab a quick bite of lunch - I am trying to stay on track with my food choices this last week of the Take It Off program. Picked up Noche and drove to the stadium for the last hour of that event. Of course, both dogs got quite a bit of attention - all puppies are cute, and tiny ones have an extra "awww" factor - and River is such a unique breed. "What kind of dog is that?" is easily the most asked question, besides "can I pet your dog?" Other dogs there included River's buddy Bailey and a sweet 8 year old collie, Jazz, and a husky mix, Diego - and of course, the costumed mascot Kip - well acted by a 17 year old volunteer.

Our job that morning was to visit with the nursing home residents. It always surprises me that even those who are initially negative about petting the dog, often change their minds after observing him and ask to see him closer and visit and they share stories about the dogs in their lives.

Our job in the afternoon was to let the public know about KPETS and the dogs are such effective ambassadors. Our personal agenda was also giving Noche some socializing experience. Not eligible to be registered as a therapy dog and certainly not ready yet, he can't go on visits, but he still benefits from the attention while hanging out at the KPETS booth - and puppies also attract attention, so win/win for everyone.