Students Help Dog Reach a Million Acts of Kindness

It's Me!
Toby!

There's just so much to write about.

Between playing fetch.  Sleeping.  Playing with Toys.  Sleeping.  Cuddles with my humans.... I see a lot of good stuff going on in the world.

Mom, dad and I were in Lloydminster for our Paws Across Canada tour,  We presented to a group of PAWmazing students at Barr Colony School.  These students showed so much respect, kindness, and acceptance to us.  And gave me a huge "HI TOBY!" welcome.

After the presentation, we met with five students to talk about what kindness is.  Their answers were great.  The students said kindness is: helping someone if they hurt themselves, telling your mom she has a nice shirt, hugging your pet, feeding your dog, helping clean the school, saying nice things to people.

NewCap TV came and filmed us and the wisdom from these students, you can watch the episode here:




Kindness in our view is about kindness to people, pets, and the planet.

The students raised their hands to join me on our kindness mission by doing one act of kindness.

we invite you to do the same.

One (or more) act of On Purpose/Intentional Kindness in the next 24 hours.

Together we can make a difference!

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Big 4 PAWS Up thank you to our PAWS Across Canada Tour partners for helping us make a PAWsitive difference!

 

From the mouth of babes.... Kindness is the new cool!

Toby the dog here with another blog by a dog.  Www.theOriginalTeamToby.com

When you want to know what kindness really is.....

....Just go ask a few children..... the experts!

Children had great ideas about kindness that they have been sharing on our PAWS Across Canada Tour 
Kindness is (according to students):

• saying nice things to others
• helping your mom or dad
• holding a door open
• cleaning up the classroom
• taking good care of your pets
• being gentle with your baby sister
• cleaning your toys when you are done
• smiling at people
• telling people they look nice
• giving your dog water when he's thirsty
• sharing your toys
• picking up garbage

And the list went on... the get it!

We've partnered with Orange Dog Foundation for a grant through Field Law, so we can get our children's books into the schools that need them the most, continue the work we are doing around kindness, and to support a Freedom Flight, to save more dog's lives.  Your Vote Matters.  Simply visit  http://www.fieldlawcommunityfund.com/2014-ideas/team-tobys-paws-across-canada-is-two-dogs-pawsitive-mission-to-build-a-kinder-canada-one-paw-one-person-at-a-time/

and scroll down to find out project Team Toby's PAWS Across Canada and click VOTE.  Simple and your vote makes a difference!

We appreciate your support.

To hear more fun stories about our PAWS Across Canada and tips from the mouths of babes, listen to mom's radio show here:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/teamtoby/2014/05/11/team-toby-gets-kindness-tips-from-children-the-experts

Thank you to our PAWS Across Canada Partners!  We love you guys.

Pet Friendly Adventures- Toby's Tale of Kindness

 Toby the dog here...

Toby  www.TheOriginalTeamToby.com

We are one day away from PAWS Across Canada and I can hardly wait! 

I've been napping all day so I don't miss a thing tomorrow!

The Toby Mobile is packed and ready to go!

The Toby Mobile www.TheOriginalTeamToby.com

Building a Kinder Canada www.TheOriginalTeamToby.com

May 5 we leave home, get the Toby Mobile filled up compliments of the Co-Op Gas Bar, then off to Ecole Plamondon School for the official send off!  Then up highway 63 to Fort McMurray.

Mom talked about the tour plans for week one on Blog Talk Radio, you can listen here.

Find Additional Pets Podcasts with PAWsitive Radio on BlogTalkRadio

Thanks to our super PAWSsome partners!!

    

 Make sure you follow us on Facebook and Twitter for all the live footage from PAWS Across Canada Tour.

Fuel the Love!

A dog with a blog....that's me!

I think Zuke's motto Fuel the Love is pawsome!

Chris Meiering, from Zukes, is mom's guest on PAWsitive Radio on February 25.

Zuke's makes tasty and healthy treats for pets, can't wait for mom to buy some for me.

Love how Zuke's is helping dogs and cats... Chris is also the founder of The Dog and Cat Cancer Fund, a non-profit dedicated to helping families afford cancer treatment for their pets. www.dccfund.org

To order a copy of Toby’s books, or find out more about Charmaine and Team Toby, visit his website at: www.TheOriginalTeamtoby.com 

Please Follow us on social media and LIKE our page:

https://www.facebook.com/TheOriginalTeamToby


Share your favorite story about how animals taught you a life lesson.We want to hear how your pets inspired you!

And hope you will listen to the interview with Zuke's and share it around.   http://www.blogtalkradio.com/teamtoby/2014/02/26/zukes-fuel-the-love-keeping-staff-volunteers-engaged-at-work

The Daily Rounds of Molly the Hound

What does your dog get up to when you are not looking?

What are the habits and routines your dog follows?

Toby has some interesting ones.  Before he lies down on his mat he circles five or six times to ensure he lands exactly in the right place.  And, when he catches his kong...he runs back to the place the kong first landed (almost as if he is checking to make sure he got it all).

www.TheOriginalTeamToby.com       Photo Credit: Team Toby

Ed Payne shared a wonderful story about his dog Molly who is the star of his book,The Daily Rounds of a Hound.

www.dailyroundsofahound.com  

Ed said the inspiration to write the book came from Molly, their adopted dog who shortly after bringing her home from the shelter, gave birth to nine pups.  He and his wife went from one dog to ten dogs in a few short weeks.  A loving FURever home was found for each pup, and Molly became the heartbeat at Ed's feet, giving him much to wonder about as she would sneak off on a secret mission. 

www.roundsofahound.com

 

 

 

You can listen to the story of Molly and her special missions here on PAWsitive Radio:  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/teamtoby/2014/01/29/daily-rounds-of-a-hound-and-building-corporate-partners

Please share this blog and the radio show link with those you know will enjoy it!

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Pet Insurance- solutions for your pet's wellness

PAWsitive Radio is hosted by Team Toby. Join Host Charmaine Hammond, professional speaker, best selling author and president of Team Toby.  You can listen to great guests every week, like Laura Bennett who talked about pet insurance:



Laura Bennett is the CEO and Co-Founder of Embrace Pet Insurance

Laura Bennett- Embrace Pet Insurance (photo credit)

Laura developed the actuarial models behind the leading edge customizable pet insurance product, allowing the pet parent to choose her own product features to suit her own budget.

Pet insurance can help cover the cost of vet bills and vet visits. Laura explained that it is important that pet families research different plans and find the plan best suited to their situation and the pet. Laura cautioned that  many plans do not cover hereditary or breed specific health issues, however, Embrace's plans are different, they cover this. As well, Embrace pet insurance has placed high priority on the overall wellness of their clients pet family members and provide a wellness benefit to cover some of the routine health and wellness costs, and, they give clients a reduction  in the deductible if the insurance hasn't been used. The www.petinsurancereview.com website features many reviews of happy clients who have accessed this plan.

Laura provided some great tips for families researching pet insurance:
- explore if the policy covers chronic conditions
- check if the plan and policy covers breed specific health issues
- ask how the benefit is paid (the benefit schedule)

To hear more from Laura and her helpful tips for pet families,  you can listen to the podcast at:

 http://www.blogtalkradio.com/teamtoby/2014/01/22/embrace-pet-insurance-and-new-year-success-principles

To order a copy of Toby’s books, or find out more about Charmaine and Team Toby, visit his website at: www.TheOriginalTeamtoby.com 

Come and find us on social media:
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Share your favorite story about how an animal taught you a life lesson...We want to hear how your pets have inspired you.

Animals can prevent stress

Woof!  Toby the dog here!

Sometimes you just need to take a break... we all need breaks... pets and humans!

 Mom interviewed her friend and stress expert Dr. Ganz Ferrance, check it out here:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/charmainehammond/2013/04/24/guests-cheri-ruskus-and-dr-ganz-ferrance

Here's what I say about how animals reduce stress:

1. We have no hangups about taking a nap. We take guilt free naps (but often sleep with one ear open so we don't miss anything)
2. We play...physical exercise reduces stress.  When you play with your pet it is stress reduction x2!
3. We know what you humans need....a good laugh (so we entertain you), a cuddle or simply sleeping at your feet while you watch TV or work on the computer.

 I was listening in to mom and Dr Ganz talk about stress, he said:

• get enough sleep
• eat healthy
• change your mindset
• communicate clearly and resolve conflict
• feed the other aspects of your life (family, relationships, hobbies) etc.

You can list to Dr Ganz's tips here!   http://www.blogtalkradio.com/charmainehammond/2013/04/24/guests-cheri-ruskus-and-dr-ganz-ferrance

Check out my books at www.TheOriginalTeamToby.com   Mom wrote a great book Bounce Forward and co-authored GPS Your Best Life... both books full of four paws up tips!

Support the Underdog! That's what Project Blue Collar does!

Carole Feeny and Kristin Waters from Project Blue Collar were guests on PAWsitive Radio show, hosted by Team Toby!.

 This is our Toby sporting one of the Project Blue Collars and showing how much we love how Project Blue Collar is doing to save lives.

Www.TheOriginalTeamToby.com  Photo Credit

Project Blue Collar – Support the Underdog™ is a movement to publicly identify and celebrate the rescue dog. Changing the perception of shelter dogs from being damaged to being priceless. It’s a way to share stories and educate and inspire others to give shelter dogs a chance.
 
Every time you see a Support the Underdog™Blue Collar, you’ll know that another underdog became a hero. A moment of recognition is created, common ground is discovered, and a conversation is started. That’s how movements are born – one conversation at a time – and change begins to happen. They are committed to donating a portion of our profits to animal shelters and rescue groups. Every purchase from Project Blue Collar - Support the Underdog™ matters. It’s that simple.  Website:  www.projectbluecollar.com

Toby with his serious face... and his blue collar  www.Theoriginalteamtoby.com

 We all know that animals connect people and Kristin and Carole stated that the blue collars are a real conversation starter!  It provides a launch pad for pet families to share stories, how their dog came to be a family member, and funny stories about their pets. 


 You can listen to more tips from Project Blue Collar at:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/teamtoby/2013/04/24/project-blue-collar


 Please feel free to share this blog and radio link with others...together we CAN make a difference!

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The Fascinating Science of Animal Intelligence, emotions and Friendship

Animals are great teachers of kindness, acceptance and respect. 

Guest, Dr. Marc Bekoff is renowned for making the rapidly changing science and policy around animal intelligence and emotions accessible for a mass audience.
 

He is professor emeritus of ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of Colorado, Boulder. He has worked alongside leading writers and activists including Jane Goodall, Peter Singer, and PETA cofounder Ingrid Newkirk.

His new book Why Dogs Hump and Bees Get Depressed is filled with amazing stories about the empathy, grief, and love we can observe in both wild and domestic animals.

Marc talked about animals impact humans through their ability to be non judgmental,  which he describes as being different from unconditional. Marc explained that dogs can be a great judge of character, when they show hesitance, Marc pays attention.  Marc has studied animals around the world, including their rituals and habits, and how they communicate with each other and with humans. His work has helped people understand how to co-exist peacefully based on what animals teach us about this. If people were to apply the 3 P's: positive, passion, and polite, the impact globally would be quite impressive.

What lessons have animals taught you?

You can listen to the interview with Marc Bekoff at:

 http://www.blogtalkradio.com/teamtoby/2014/01/08/the-fascinating-science-of-animal-intelligence-emotions-friendship

How have animals taught you about kindness? There is much to learn from our animal friends.

To order a copy of Toby’s books, or find out more about Charmaine and Team Toby, visit his website at: www.TheOriginalTeamtoby.com 

Come and find us on social media:

https://www.facebook.com/TheOriginalTeamToby
Pinterest:  http://www.pinterest.com/teamtoby1
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TeamToby2

Share your favorite story about how an animal taught you a life lesson...We want to hear how your pets have inspired you!

Winter activities for you and your dog

Winter's Here. 

What are some of your favorite activities to do with your dog during the long winter months?

How about the fun photos with Santa Paws?

Toby with Santa PAWS at Stella Dog Animal Academy

How about creating fun videos on Jib Jab?

http://www.jibjab.com/view/QHRa8gBcRpSivbBPCRXR4A

 

 and how about this one?

http://www.jibjab.com/view/VYXJvujNRKON0BPAcBT_aA

 

 

 Or maybe... Skijoring...

 Toby's other favorite game is to hide his KONG in the snow then go dig it out.

What's you pet's most favorite snow and winter activity?

 

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

Women in the Pet Industry

A Blog from a dog... Life through Toby's eyes

Us dogs make great connectors for you humans... You are always talkin' about us and swapping pet stories. I figure there should be a place where you all can hang out, we have the dog park and offleash parks. Mom joined a group called Women in the Pet Industry Network. I'm going out to find my kong, she'll fill you in.

..............

Charmaine here... Always nice when our dog passes the blog to me so I can have a turn writing... Shawna Schuh is a CSP professional speaker and leads the Women in the Pet Industry Network, which is the only cross category network serving all levels and types of pet professionals in the world. 

Their members are everyone from pet product manufacturers to pet sitters, groomers, authors and pet loss experts and retailers.  They represent all kinds of animals and all types of people so the network realty is a diverse, interesting, supportive and fun network.  WIPIN’s philosophies are to grow (ourselves and each other and the network), to give to each other, which is the focus our pets teach us, and to connect in various ways for mutual benefit.  www.Womeninthepetindustry.com

Building a strong business is one of the themes Shawna sees in members, as well as the desire to be connected to others in the same industry but in different niches.  The network has annual events, learning opportunities for members, and an extremely active group on facebook. Members also receive a member profile page, here is an example..               http://womeninthepetindustry.com/directory/authors-writers-publishers/charmainehammond/

I have found that there is an incredible amount of information shared about events that are taking place around the world such as pet expos, blogger conferences,  and offers connections to other associations in the animal world.

I'm back, no one to play fetch with, so I come inside to get mom.   You can listen to mom's conversation with Shawna on November 26 on PAWsitive Radio.