Saturday, July 30, 2011

Leaving Your Mark On The World



During my book tours, public appearances and events, I have met the most PAWsome people. I have enjoyed listening to Charmaine and Christopher talk to folks about their pets, life changing moments and PAWsitive things people are doing to create their legacy and make a difference in the world.

When we present to schools (and we have presented to more than 6,700 students this year), which I LOVE, we always invite the students to join me on the Toby Mission- to make our world a kinder, happier place. We have had more than 5,000 students supPAWt me on this mission and many students have later told us how they PAWed Kindness Forward to others. These students are leaving their mark on the world.

I also met a group of elementary school aged students at the school Charmaine’s mom works at, who had written some beautiful stories, and the school published the book. It was an honour to present to this talented group of students.

Another favorite is Tommy, a grade two student in Oceanside who inspired Charmaine to write another book. Get this, he is in grade two, and he has written a book (and illustrated it), and has a dream to make his book a movie. I can’t wait till I get to read Tommy’s book, and watch his movie. This youngster will make it happen, I know it!

Check out my video leaving my mark on the world…. A PAWdograph in my books.
http://www.youtube.com/user/Ontobysterms?blend=4&ob=5#p/a/f/1/mpdUEF_sNPU

So today, I challenge you to think about how you can leave your mark on the world?

Friday, July 29, 2011

Toby’s Bounce Forward Contest



Next Furry Hollywood star teams up with international speaker and professional event planner for the Bounce Forward Contest

My Pet Parent, Charmaine Hammond, professional speaker, and bestselling author of the popular book “On Toby’s Terms”, and Shannon Berry of Capital Concierge have joined together to bring an innovative, and informative event to a local company, organization, small business, or corporate team up to 100 people.

The winner gets an amazing Bounce Forward Presentation, at no cost. How PAWsome is that?

On October 17, 2011 at 1:00 P.M.-4:00 P.M. Charmaine and Shannon will be gathering with the winners at the Westin Hotel Edmonton, in the Strathcona Room to present BOUNCE FORWARD-Building Resilience in the Workplace. Charmaine will be the keynote speaker while Capital Concierge takes care of all the event details. And me, the superstar dog, and star of On Toby’s Terms will be making a special private appearance at the event.

There will be swag bags and a PAWdographing session with the subject of Charmaine’s book and soon to be major motion picture, and me, Toby the Chesapeake Bay Retriever!

To enter the contest, “Like” Hammond International Inc, On Toby’s Terms, and Capital Concierge on Facebook.

Deadline for entries is September 19, 2011.
This event has attracted sponsors that include: The Westin Hotel Edmonton, Safety Ahead Inc., Clutter Helper, Pretty Mama Inc., and Junior Figureido Photography.


Charmaine Hammond Shannon Berry
Hammond International Inc. Capital Concierge
charmaine.hammond@hammondgroup.biz info@capconcierge.ca
www.hammondgroup.biz www.capconcierge.ca
780.464.3828 780.278.5950

You Deserve A Break Today



Being a media hound (pardon the pun), a volunteer, and the star of a book (and soon to be movie star) can get tiring, even though it is a ton of fun.

The fact that I LOVE what I do and get to meet the most PAWmazing people is a bonus, and I think keeps me young.
Here are a few tips on how I keep myself energized and PAWsitive:
• Get outside and play (everyday)

• Set realistic expectations

• Surround yourself with PAWsitive people (and furry friends)

• Be like a dog with a bone and hang on tight to what (and who) are important to you


• And, be gentle to yourself, and Take A Break Every Now and Then (just like me catching some ZZZZ’s after a book signing event)

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

You CAN Teach An Old Dog A New Trick


I bark to disagree with the old saying “You can’t teach an old dog a new trick”.

In April 2011, I had my first ever surf board lesson! It was PAWsome. While I was fairly distracted by the many toys, birds, and dogs on Dog Beach (Del Mar, California), I got focused and rode the wave.

Just goes to show you that you can teach an old dog a new trick!

Check me out in my video on You Tube during my shining moments and surf lesson.
http://www.youtube.com/user/Ontobysterms?blend=4&ob=5

Sunday, July 10, 2011

An interview with Ken from Trusted Pet Partners




It is so interesting how PAWsitive connections are formed, friendships are built and how small the world really is. Charmaine was introduced to Sharon from Trusted Pet Partners (Santa Barbara) by a colleague. When we were in California on our book tour, there was a huge Pet Expo in Orange County. Guess who Charmaine was able to meet? You got it—Sharon!

They hit it off right away and soon discovered they had much in common, especially when it came to their interest in animals and the incredible impact us furry friends have on people. She thought my story would be perfect for their radio show--- how PAWsome is that?

Recently we had the honour of being interviewed by Ken from Trusted Pet Partners. We so enjoyed the conversation, especially the thought provoking questions he asked. He really got at our story in a powerful way. It is always so interesting for me to hear what people take away from my story and my book On Toby’s Terms.

It’s my mission (yes--- I am a dog on a mission) to make the world a kinder place for animals and humans. I am seeing firsthand (or paw) how kindness can be multiplied. I also know that when people are kind to animals, they can extend that behaviour to people.

Thank you Trusted Pet Partners for helping me spread my PAWsitive message!
To learn more about Trusted Pet Partners, follow http://trustedpetpartners.com

To listen to our PAWtastic radio interview, click here http://trustedpetpartners.com/categories/35-behind-the-curtain/204-behind-the-curtain-tobys-tales-charmaine-hammond