Meet Thumper, the little office lamb
By Danielle Fink, WKYC News
CHARDON — Many people in Geauga County are part-time farmers. They have day jobs, but raise livestock in their spare time. But what do they do when a newborn animal needs round-the-clock care?
Click “Play Video“ for Thumper’s story. I found the link plays well in Internet Explorer.
I love receiving tales of Gold from my Land of PureGold supporters. Meet Oakley. She is love of Janie Snell’s life. I will let you tell her new gardening story from this past summer.
My 8-year-old Golden, “Oakley” has found a new love this summer. She has found out that she loves to “garden”. Ha ha ha I planted a huge garden this year and it is her “duty” to patrol it. All I have to do is say “Do you want to go to the garden?” and she is on her toes and as happy as she can be. She has learned to “harvest” her own peppers, tomatoes, and most recently—sweet corn.
We have had heavy rain recently and last evening we went to the garden and she “plowed” it up for me. Needless to say, after we were done-we had to head to the garden hose. She brings so much joy to my life and has such a personality. She is missing our son who is a senior in college and the slightest mention of “her buddy” immediately has her looking at the backdoor.
St. John Ambulance recruits therapy dogs
By ALAN LICZYK, Caledon Citizen Staff Reporter
Debbie Corbett of Caledon, takes her one year old golden retriever Charlie through the evaluation exercise during the recruitment for St. John Ambulance therapy dogs held at Caledon Hills Pet Spa in Bolton.
Currently, the St. John Ambulance Brampton Branch is running 40 dogs in its program, but it continually looks for new recruits, explained Charlene Bartlett, therapy dog coordinator with St. John Ambulance.
Bartlett is also the owner of Caledon Hills Pet Spa in Bolton which hosted the latest recruitment for St. John Ambulance therapy dogs.
She said she usually runs about four to six evaluations a year. At her most recent recruitment she had 14 dogs come in. They don’t take aggressive dogs or any banned dogs like pit bulls. Submissive dogs will be asked to come back for a re-evaluation. Dogs must be at least one year of age. Flat leashes and flat collars are also a must. “The biggest thing is to have fun with your dog,” Bartlett said.
Pets’ monthly visits bring out kids’ best
5-year-old Bailey a big hit at Hannah More
By JULIA WILSON, Owings Mills Times
She was hairy and drooling, and she had big sharp teeth, but the students at Hannah More School didn’t care. They loved her anyway.
Nine children gathered around Bailey like she was their special gift on Christmas morning. It was their favorite day of the month: pet therapy day. “What’s her name?” “Do you brush her teeth?” “Where does she sleep?” “Does she bark?”
The questions came fast and furious as Bailey, a 5-year-old golden retriever, wagged her tail and enjoyed the attention. Claire Hoffman, Bailey’s owner, sat smiling as her furry pet basked in the attention, fielding questions as they flew her way. The students, most with some level of autism, were free with their admiration of Bailey.
Puppies give aid to autistic children
By Nate Hansen, Larson Newspapers
The gate to Fran Elliott’s Sedona acreage opens and an incoming vehicle is greeted by a half-dozen blurs of yellow incited by wagging tails and shaking hindquarters — excited and panting golden retrievers approach the car from all sides.
Elliott, a 20-year resident of Sedona, is the director of the Hairy Angel Foundation. The purpose for her organization is to provide service dogs for autistic children.
Elliott appears on the circular driveway. With a kind command followed by praise, she calls the dogs to return and heel. “Welcome,” Elliott says, smiling.
Peabody, a female puppy, leans into a stranger’s leg, yearning for attention. Pet her, Elliott encourages. These service dogs thrive on love, she says.
Elliott’s foundation incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Sedona 12 years ago. It began after she discovered the comforting benefits an autistic child received from one of her furry friends.
She says she can’t explain the connection, but for some reason the golden retrievers and children find a common bond. “They provide unconditional love, exercise, a sense of responsibility, protection and are used by the children’s therapists in animal assistive therapy,” Elliott adds.
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