What’s at the end of your rainbow?

After a storm, a rainbow often follows--- what rainbows have you had after a stormy time? Even in my almost ten years of life, I have had some PAWtastic rainbows at the end of storms.
Who knew that my toilet lid breaking episodes, furniture rearranging and thunder storm inspired house damage would result in me being a volunteer, a Pet Therapy Dog? This is definitely one of the rainbows for me, volunteering at the hospital. I meet a lot of people and I’d say many folks focus on the storms and not the rainbows.

This week I challenge you to look for the rainbows that follow the stormy times, and if you didn’t have a stormy time this week, perhaps share that perspective with someone who is dealing with their own storms.

Unit next week, have a PAWsitive Week!

PS Did I mention my new children’s book Toby The Pet Therapy Dog and His Hospital Friends is hot off the press? You can grab your copy by ordering from chris.alcock@hammondgroup.biz if you want a signed copy, or from Amazon or Barnes & Noble websites!

What brings you comfort?

Charmaine is always talking about bouncing forward and being resilient. In one of her presentations, she asked the audience this question: “What brings you comfort?”
My mind was racing--- playing fetch, making people smile, treats, and cuddling up to a friend or stuffed animal.

I am terrified of loud noises- trains, sirens, saws, garbage trucks, firecrackers, and thunder (to name a few). We all have things that we fear, or stretch us out of our comfort zone. When you know what brings you healthy comfort you can reach for it in times that cause fear and discomfort.

One day I hope to have stuffed Toby’s so that I can deliver them to children in hospitals and group homes everywhere.

Reach for the Stars!

When we were in California in April for our book tour, Christopher researched where Lassie’s star is located on Hollywood Blvd. It was PAWsome, I got my photo taken with Lassie’s star!

Out of the corner of my eye, something caught my attention---- a star without a name--- yet!

There I was on HollyWOOF Blvd and I claimed my star. One day it will say “TOBY”

Charmaine always talks about having a vision, being able to see your dreams in your mind before they even come true. So I took her advice. Christopher took my photo with my star on HollyWOOF Blvd. Now I am one step closer to my dream coming true.

Sometimes our dreams are not far out of reach, this star was right beside Lassie’s, within close reach. What are you doing today to reach for your star--- for your dreams?

PAWsome News!

My new book for children, Toby The Pet Therapy Dog- and his hospital friends is here! Woof! Woof! The beautiful illustrations are done by Charmaine’s best friend, Rose Anne Prevec! They have been friends since they were in grade one. This is the first book in a series for children.

Here’s what the book is about:
“Toby is a big, brown, happy dog. Every week, his owner, Miss Charmaine takes him to visit and comfort children who are in the hospital. Follow Toby the therapy dog for a day, and see how he makes friends with the children, helps make them happy and forget that they are sick and away from home. Based on the true story and movie On Toby’s Terms.”

You can find out more on Amazon: http://www.amazon.ca/Toby-Pet-Therapy-Hospital-Friends/dp/0983604509/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1311718221&sr=8-1

It is our mission to get these books into children’s hospitals around the world to spread some joy and smiles. In our upcoming blog we’ll tell you how you can get involved in my mission! We hope you will join us.

Many Ways to Say You are PAWsome!

In the February 2009 Edmonton Woman Magazine, there was an article showing the many ways to say “I Love You”. Here are a few:

Chinese (Mandarin) Wo ai ni
Cree Kisakihitin
French- Je t’aime and Je t’adore
Hawaiian- Aloha Au la oe

And to add my own, Toby: You are PAWsome!

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?

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