A day in the spa from the dog's perspective....

 

Bark Avenue Grooming & Bath is ranked as one of Toby’s top groomers in North Vancouver. Not only is the staff PAW-some, but they share the same interest and goal as Team Toby; sharing the message of kindness.They sold our cut out paper pawprints to raise funds for putting Toby's books in local schools.

Bark Avenue Grooming & Bath provides top quality grooming services by certified groomers who also hold a certificate in pet first aid. They welcome all breeds of dogs and cats are welcome too! They even have a facility where you can wash your own and leave the mess to them! Perfect for owners who don’t have the space or resources to wash their dogs, or for getting your pup primped up in a hurry.

I Love the smell of this shampoo.  And, I am focusing on the treat on the shelf.

I am SO relaxed I can hardly keep my eyes open. 

Bark Avenue takes great pride in having a hygienic, safe and fun environment to provide the best grooming experience for your pet.
 

I love squeaky toys.... did I say I love them?

Just got a puppy and not sure how to approach grooming? Bark Avenue suggests you get your puppy in for their first grooming session within the first 4 months. This will help get them used to the sounds, smells and experiences of a grooming salon. They also suggest to play with your dog’s paws to help your puppy get used to getting his nails done and to being touched.

We asked Bark Avenue how kindness has impacted their business and why they chose to support Team Toby with an act of kindness of their own.  Here's what they said:

Becoming part of the Lower Lonsdale business community was daunting at first, however upon starting here, we were welcomed and understood the importance of friendship and neighborly support because our neighbors were so welcoming. This feeling inspires us to be supportive of our fellow business community and entrepreneurs and it has driven us to supporting more local businesses and giving back to our community.

Team Toby's message of kindness is perfect for young children as it teaches them to be kind and respectful of other people and animals. At Bark Avenue, we see every single day the undying support and kindness animals show to their owners and us; dogs are so unconditional in their love and Team Toby's message conveys that perfectly.

Social Media Links

Website: http://barkavenuegroomingandbath.ca

Facebook: www.facebook.com/barkavenue

Instagram: www.instagram.com/barkavenuegroomingnv

Thank you Bark Avenue!!

I look good and smell great!!

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. 

Second Chances... not just for dogs!

A little trail of Toby Sr destruction....

the Steering Wheel redesigned by Toby Sr

Sometimes  a guy just deserves a second chance.

Yup!  That's right.. Us dogs.... and you humans.

These photos were a few of the many tails of destruction from Toby Sr. While I am not following his house wrecking habits (which mom and dad are most pleased about), I've sure done some things that were worthy of a second chance. Marked my territory on the vacuum....while mom was vacuuming. Woke mom and dad up at 4:30 am to play fetch (alot). Lost my expensive toys in the lake (how was I to know they didn't float?).

What about you?  Are you ever needing a second chance?

Mom and her guest Keith Sanderson talked about second chances on her PAWsitive Radio show. How about second chances at work? Who in your office needs a second chance?  Mom gave three tips for second chances at work:

1)  Do the Mulligan... the do over. If you messed up, apawlogize, and fix it.

2) Drop the assumptions... you know what they say about humans who assume....

3) Resolve it and let it go. That's what dogs rock at. We are in the moment. We don't carry grudges. We are good at letting things go. Follow our lead, we've got it figured out.

Toby Sr was a dog who got second chances but in doing so made mom and dad's life WAY better!
You can check out his story here:  wwwTheOriginalTeamToby.com or on Amazon:

                                

Stop Chasing Your Own Tail- our dogs, our friends, our teachers

Mom is interviewing a pawesome guest November 12 on PAWsitive Radio,  Jeanne E Sexson will be talking about her website Stop Chasing Your OwnTail- our dogs, our friends, our teachers. 

Jeanne Sexson- national motivational speaker, creator of Stop Chasing Your Own Tail website and our show guest. Photo credit: JE Sexson and www.stopchasingyourowntail.com

They are going to barking out stories about how #dogs connect people (mom is always going on about how I connect her to so many people. I can't help it! People think I'm adorable and stop to meet me!). And I can't wait for Jeanne to share stories about the Furry 5.

Did you know that dogs can be pawsome teachers?  Look at everything I have taught my pet parents....

1) That if I look adorable with my head resting on the deck and my kong sitting close by and then I turn my head between them and the Kong guess what happens?  They come throw the Kong (after talking about how adorable I am and snapping more pictures), and then I look like this. Have I got them trained on my routine or what!

Photo Credit The OriginalTeamToby.com

 2)  We also teach about the pawprints you leave in life.  I think everyone should show up as their best version of themselves and, make your moments matter.  Leave a big pawprint on life!

Photo Credit-TheOriginalTeamToby.com

And on November 12, Jeanne will share some other great stories and lessons from dogs.  Just so you know, here's a bit about Jeanne:  Jeanne is a  national motivational speaker and author who combines her love and respect for animals and a fascination with how they respond to their experiences. She has found this gratifying to note how the quality of her life has been enhanced by the lessons they have taught, and continue to teach, her.  As a sculptor, she created the Best Friends Collection – small sculptures capturing those irresistible moments of joy when we allow ourselves to simply live in the moment and feel the unconditional love of our furry buddies.

Here's the link to join our PAWSome conversation.... http://www.blogtalkradio.com/teamtoby/2013/11/13/stop-chasing-your-own-tail-our-dogs-our-friends-our-teacher

Until next week, let's be kind to one another.

Team Toby- improving lives by teaching kindness, acceptance and respect. www.TheOriginalTeamToby.com

     

Thankful Paws! Celebrating 2 years and 30 Tons of Pet Food!

 Toby the dog here... barking out some news about Thankful Paws!

 

Photo Credit-ThankfulPaws

 Can you imagine 30 pounds of pet food?  That is 30  ten foot box trucks filled to the roof. I’m drooling! 

My mom interviewed Lynn about a year ago and brought her back on her PAWsitive radio show.  Here’s what I learned when I was listening in on their interview. 

 Lynn Molnar started Thankful Paws two years ago with a vision to make a difference in the lives of people and their pets by providing the first ever Mobile Food Bank for Pets in Maryland. Their priorities are seniors, veterans and individuals who are homeless.  In addition to providing pet food, supplies (like toys, leashes, food and water bowls, blankets), Lynn is also helping change the societal perceptions about homelessness.  Lynn told mom that many people are just one paycheck away from being homeless, and it devastates pet parents to be in a position where you can’t feed your pet.

Lynn Molnar and Hero- Photo Credit Thankful Paws

Lynn’s dog Hero (paws up for the pups) is almost six and he went with Lynn to file their incorporation papers 2 years ago, now look at them! She said Hero, who’s a therapy dog, is a walking model of societal acceptance and unconditional love. I think Hero should be on our Team Tobyteam!  

You’re probably wondering how can you help?

Dog food. Cat food. Money. Blankets. Leashes. Money. Water dishes. Food dishes. Good networking to help spread the word.

www.Thankfulpaws.org

You can listen to mom and Lynn talking on PAWsitive Radio here:

 http://www.blogtalkradio.com/teamtoby/2013/10/30/thankful-paws-mobile-food-bank-for-pets

 Come visit us at Team Toby....www.TheOriginalTeamToby.com

Lynn Molnar is originally from Belmar, New Jersey, and has lived in Europe for several years. She holds a Bachelors degree from Johns Hopkins University as well as Maryland Bible College, both located in Baltimore, Maryland. She has served the community of Maryland for over twenty years through various volunteer capacities. Her professional experience includes being a paralegal at the Attorney General’s Office of Maryland, and a medical researcher at Johns Hopkins University. Currently, Lynn is the president of Thankful Paws. It was her compassion for pets and people that led her to establish the first ever mobile food bank for pets in Maryland. Under her leadership, Thankful Paws has expanded its services to include the first ever hotline for homeless people with pets. In less than two years, Lynn has helped distribute nearly 30 tons of pet food.   www.thankfulpaws.org

ONE PUPPY CHANGING THE WORLD FOR ONE HUMAN BEING

Check out what my trainer, Gila from Dog is Good is up to:

So here's what's going on....The BOLO project is a way to raise awareness of the remarkable work dogs do for people every day. Under the auspices of Leader Dogs for the Blind, Dog is Good will raise a future leader dog for its first year. 

Meet Bolo! How PAWsome is she!

Thank you Gila and Dog is Good for sharing this PAWsome photo (photo credits: Dog Is Good)

Dog is Good website says:  "Leveraging social media and high profile sponsorships, the project will publicly inform and showcase what is perhaps the ultimate connection between dogs and humans – providing “sight.” The BOLO Project will last approximately one year – the time from when the puppy (BOLO) is about 8 weeks old until it is ready to begin the actual guide dog training."

So my friends, the Bolo Project is going to be a for a year (let's see how much money we can help raise in this year for my new friend Bolo and all the other dogs becasue..... it will also benefit Leader Dogs for the Blind..  

Please check out Bolo's story, find out how to contribute and support the project here:  http://www.dogisgood.com/TheBoloProject/AboutBolo/

Four PAWS up for Bolo and the Bolo Project!!  Thank you for making a difference!

Come follow me on Facebook and I'll keep you posted on Bolo too! 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheOriginalTeamToby