SPIN for the PAWS!

Hi there!

The dog here.

And this is my human... Charmaine

I am a dog with a blog on a mission to change the world through kindness!

Check out the pawsome event mom is helping organize in St Catherine's' Ontario on May 30.  SPIN for the PAWS.

This FUNdraising event supports the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program Niagara Region.
Here is a video to share this pawsome organization with you.   You can see why we are so excited to support this group!



To learn more about the event, participate or become a sponsor, please visit:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1555962708010541/

Here's how the event works.....

You register with one of the event partners, Liva Health.   Your registration includes a BBQ lunch, some awesome books by Marybeth Haines and my mom, Charmaine Hammond, and a Tshirt.

 You can spin for 30 minutes up to an hour.  Your registration supports the St John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program Niagara region. 

 

Therapy dogs are such an important part of society... they accept unconditionally, provide support and love, and give so much.

It takes a community... and a pack... to plan a 4 paws up event.   Let's give a high five to our event partners....

Join us on May 30!  SPIN for the PAWS

To learn more about the event, participate or become a sponsor, please visit:

https://www.facebook.com/events/1555962708010541/

BIG kindness during Dogtopia Grand Opening

Toby  www.TheOriginalTeamToby.com

It's me again....

Toby the dog.... and I have a blog!

 We met the most pawmazing peeps and dogs at the Dogtopia Coquitlam Grand Opening on Nov 22.

Benefits of Dog  Day Care (the Toby pawspective)

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• It's really dog PLAY care (not day care).  Benefit one is lots of play and activity.
• Treats and lots of "good boys!" 
• Other dogs teach you stuff!
• You get to be a dog!  Sometimes humans forget event tho' we're their fur babies.... we are still dogs.
• Get a break from our humans...

  

My friend Blizzard and his mom Laurie at the Dogtopia Coquitlam Grand Opening

Benefits of Dog Day Care (my mum's... the human.... pawspective)

• Great socialization for your dog
• Opportunities for your dog to learn new things from the staff and dogs
• Your dog can be in a safe and supervised program while you are at work
• There are lots of mental and physical activities to exercise your dog
• Opportunity for your dog to have a different routine and something different to look forward to

Dogtopia has webcams in the playroom 

Dogtopia Coquitlam has the coolest feature!  A Play Cam.... humans can log into Dogtopia when their dog is in day care and you can watch your dog playing while you are at home or work.  How fun!

Here I am all Toby cam'd up to film our time at the Dotopia Grand Opening.

Nothing like the shots from a dog's perspective... we'll be blogging those as soon as dad downloads them.


Share your fave pics of your dog in day care or your fave daycare story on our facebook page.  



Lots of people have been asking how to get my Toby series of books for their kids and schools for Christmas.  It's super easy!  You can just click here to order your copy(s). 

                                                                                                                                                                                Here is another one of the other books mum wrote.... great way to kickstart 2015!!!!



                                                            

Dogs that Inspire

It was a sad day this week to hear of the passing of Nelson Mandella, a teacher of kindness, forgiveness, unconditional love and standing up for your beliefs!   Mom's writing this blog today because he was a big inspiration for her in life, love and business.

 

There are many people who come into our life to make a moment matter, teach us a lesson or to simply be there for us. While I never met Nelson Mandella, he was always in the background of my life through his powerful quotes and stories, and the ways in which he lived his legacy.

For a long time I have believed that people (and animals) come into your life for a reason. We saw that firsthand with Toby Sr... he came into our life to shake it upside down..... literally.... and to teach me to be a better person. 

Charmaine Hammond and Toby Sr. 

And now Toby's legacy will be carried on by our furever pup Toby Jr (TJ) who is the first "Ambassadog" for Team Toby.   Toby Jr had his first presentation with me to a group of incredible youth... our local Girl Guide Club.  While the girls loved Toby, what I enjoyed most was watching Toby show up as himself, showing curiosity towards his new friends, and then deciding when his appearance was officially over so he could play.  Recently I had the opportunity to talk about Toby's story, and his new book Toby the Pet Therapy Dog Says Be a Buddy Not a Bully, which just won Mom's Choice Awards, and the Parent Tested Parent Approved Awards. You can listen to our conversation on the Inspiration Show:
http://www.mindmovies.com/inspirationshow/index.php?16934&episode=252#!

Order From www.TheOriginalTeamToby.com

It's the holiday season and we have put together some great book specials for the workplace and the family, you can order here: www.TheOriginalTeamToby.com

Order from www.TheOriginalTeamToby.com

Teaching Kindness to Animals Helps Children Develop Empathy

Teaching children about kindness to animals is one way to help children develop empathy and a respect for others.

A presentation to attentive elementary school children about kindness, as shared through Toby's story.  Toby is on the floor sound asleep beside Christopher... waiting for his cue to participate in the conversations.

Bullying is a serious issue, and one that requires attention and skill building.  After working with thousands of young offenders and troubled youths, I know one thing for sure. Children who develop empathy, learn healthy problem solving and communication skills, and have a support system are much better prepared to deal with difficult situations, and bullying behavior.  One such way to build empathy, unconditional acceptance and leadership is with the help of animals.

Our dog Toby was an animal assisted therapy dog, and was a great teacher to help children learn about leadership. We explained to the children that dogs do not understand your verbal communication when it is unclear. Children learned to speak up confidently, and clearly so that Toby the dog understood their request (e.g. "stay", "sit", "fetch the ball", "come", "good boy!") and his attentive and loving response seemed to engage the children more. They learned that when walking a dog on leash, the human guides the dog and clearly states their expectations. Reinforcing the desired behavior in Toby was expressed by the children through their focused attention, and praise/positive feedback.  Correcting his behavior (e..g. if Toby didn't sit when requested), the children learned to communicate respectfully and clearly, not our of frustration, while also teaching patience (with Toby, themselves and others).  The conversations about how to translate these learnings into our human interactions in the classroom, on the playground, at home and in the community were incredible to be a part of. 

One grade 2 child said "You have to be a buddy... just like Toby!"  That comment inspired me to write my second children's book.

The book recently received a great review in the Fort McMurray Connect News

What other lessons can dogs, or animals in general help children learn?

Freedom Dogs...dogs making a difference!

Beth Russell on PAWsitive Radio.  She is a Registered Nurse and the Founder and Training Director of an organization making a huge difference in the lives of many.... Freedom Dogs.

Photo Credit: FreedomDogs.org

Her nursing career has been spent in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit/ Trauma Unit, Home Care and Nursing Education, Development and Research Department. Beth founded Freedom Dogs in 2006 with the goal of assisting those returning warriors with mobility issues.  It quickly became apparent that there was a much greater need for assistance with the hidden disabilities of PTS and TBI and the focus of the organization then changed.  In 2008 a proposal was placed before the Commandant of the Marine Corps regarding the Freedom Dogs’ Partner Program and he requested a 6 month pilot.  At the completion of the pilot, the results were so astounding that the program continues today.

Freedom Dogs is helping Military professionals return to civilian life. These well trained service dogs help reduce anxiety, create distractions to calm the individual, provide increased mobility and independence, provide comfort to those dealing with PTSD and in some cases... they are saving lives.

You can listen to Beth Russell share some beautiful stories of the animal human bond, how the Freedom Dogs are positively impacting the lives of returning military professionals, and helping keep families together.
  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/chammond/2013/05/01/guest-beth-russell

You can also visit Freedom Dogs at www.freedomdogs.org