A Little Pawsitive Puppy Motivation

I never quite know what will unfold on Friday mornings in 2nd grade. Plan A is reading together with the students, but often there are unexpected treasures and surprises.

There is a little sweetheart in my granddaughter's 2nd grade class whom Chester is especially fond of. I can't explain it. I just enjoy it. This precious little girl with Down syndrome has BIG LOVE for Chester, and no doubt he feels the same about her. When she enters the classroom, no matter what we are in the middle of, Chester looks up, thumps his tail, and heads to greet her. She delights in expressing her love for Chester with abandon. I kid you not, the door could open 4 or 5 or 6 times and Chester doesn't move, but when this little blonde cutie walks through the door, it is a whole different story. 

On most days when Chester's special friend arrives, after doggie hugs and kisses, she easily settles into the classroom routine, then takes her turn to read with Chester. However, on this day, from the moment she entered the room it was clear that she and her support teacher were frustrated. Chester's little friend did not want to do her work today. Apparently the entire morning had been a struggle for teacher and student. Sigh, I understand from experience days like this in the classroom.

Hmm.

After a bit of time, I whispered to her teacher. "Though it's clear there's not time for reading with Chester, IF she finishes her work, perhaps she'd like to walk Chester to the office with me?" The teacher smiled. Chester winked. Honest, he did. 

While pointing to the blank paper on the desk, this kind teacher gently said to her student, "If you finish your work, and do it well, would you like to walk Chester to the office?" The little girl's face softened, her blue eyes focused on Chester, then me. We smiled.

Sometimes, sometimes, the right motivation is all that's needed, especially when it comes wrapped in four fuzzy paws and a waggy tail. Chubby little fingers reached for the pencil, and with determination Chester's buddy began to write. Before you could say bibbety bobbety boo her work was done. And done well. Her teacher breathed a happy sigh of relief. And, with a giant smile, this sweet girl reached for Chester's red leash, and off we trotted to the office.  
......another great day in 2nd grade :)

School Days With My Grand-Treasure

Of all the pet therapy appointments Chester and I are blessed to do ~~ one of our favorites is school-time with our granddaughter Kaile'a ~~ Kai for short. Since she entered preschool, we have visited her classroom each year.

Children & Dogs. Well, it's a match made in heaven.

A few short years ago, Kai asked me if Gigi and Chester could please visit preschool.  Well, of course! Preschool was a one time visit, we shared a few words and mostly we shared a whole lot of tails wags and snuggles and Chester paw-shakes and tennis ball retrieval. He was a hit!

Kindergarten days became once a week visits. After the newness of "A DOG IS IN THE ROOM" wore off, we settled into a routine of reading on the rug with eager students. Reading mostly meant....belly rubs, head pats, giving treats, pointing out pictures in a favorite book.   Regardless it was fun. And important.

With first grade a new season emerged with Chester in the classroom. Chester and I visited the students during journal writing ~~ and each one read their entries to Chester while doing their seat-work.  Table-desks were perfect dog-nose-height, and perfect for reading and explaining details of dog-gone great artwork to their favorite pup.  Also a good height for dog kisses.  At the end of the year, we created a book, "Favorite Days With Chester!"  It was and is a bestseller :-) .

And now here we are in 2nd grade already ~~ where does the time go? Chester is a familiar friend on campus. Arriving at school, it is impossible to predict how long our walk to and from class will take ~~ Chester is a kid-magnet. And we always have time.  Usually with 20 minutes lead time :-) ,  we arrive to 2nd grade with a few minutes to spare.   Our 2nd grade days are still evolving into what works best for the teacher and students. So far we have snuggle on the rug and one-on-one reading,   1 student + 1 golden retriever = happiness.

There are so many reasons to treasure our school days ~~ being swamped with kids as we walk to and from classrooms.   Hearing Hi Chester! from staff and students.  Observing little and big hands reaching out to give pets and pats and hugs. There are the classroom bonkers moments when silliness erupts. There are the quiet and tender reading moments between child and dog. There are the sweet conversations between children and furry friend.... from the animated I think Chester would like my dog....to the quiet voices My dog died just died, I've had him my whole life...  Chester has a way of bringing out the story tucked inside the heart.

I treasure all these moments ~~~ but my favorite moment at school?  It is when I see my Kai. Whether on the playground, or in the classroom,  she stops whatever she is doing.......I hear her sweet voice "Gigi!" and she runs to greet me with abandon, wrapping her arms me, hugging me tight.  Pure joy for both of us.  Yes, that's my favorite.


A special thank you to Kai's teachers....who are so gracious with Kai and me.   Of course we continue to adjust those classroom moments when she can't be up, leaving her desk, and running across the classroom with abandon.  I'm thankful her teachers understand these moments ~~ I think they know they're to be treasured.  In my classroom ~~ grandparents always received VIP treatment, 'rules' faded to the background  and grace rose to the surface when it came to this precious relationship between grandparent and grandchild. Now that I'm a Gigi,  & on the receiving end, I'm especially thankful to Debbie Mesch, my mentor-teacher, for teaching me early on this important classroom etiquette.  I now understand how it feels. 

Chester Wins Their Hearts

Chester won the hearts of the judges at Calcareous Vineyards pet-costume-contest. He took home Best of Show ~~ meaning, he gets to pick out a treat from PetCo and I get to take home a delicious bottle of Chardonnay from the vineyard.  I'd say it's a win win for sure !

Prison Visit #2 - Sunshine and Blue Skies

(in the grand order of blog posts......this actually should be sandwiched between Prison 101 (our first visit when the storm hit)  & Graduation Day .....  It just took me awhile to gather my thoughts and write.....)

The day had finally arrived. And thankfully the day dawned calm and clear on California's Central Coast. ~~no storm or thunder or lightening, just bright blue sky, with a few whispy clouds of white. Chester's kind of day. It was time for our second visit to the Men's Colony, and hopefully a day we would meet the 15 men in the Paws for Life training program, the inmates who had been chosen to train & rehabilitate rescue dogs.

Before leaving home, I took some time to sit quietly, and pray....asking God to help us bring His love and kindness to the lives we would touch on this Sunday.  My Bible literally fell open to Matthew, and  these words jumped off the page... Whatever you do for the least of these, you do for Me.  I knew that I knew, I was not alone.  And so, with my pockets packed with pupperonis, Chester and I drove to the California Men's Colony ~~ and I assured my buddy that the day would unfold better than our last scary-thunder-visit.

I don't know how to describe the morning at the prison. It's like trying to capture a sunset with a black and white photo. Or measure the ocean with a thimble. Impossible to tell you. But I will try to share a glimpse.

....After being escorted through security and numerous clanging gates we arrived at our destination.  Picture 15  men in blue scrubs, sitting on folding chairs in a semi circle in an old gymnasium. Armed guards standing at every corner. A handful of people from the PAWS program and my friend Lisa,  the trusted trainer, seated alongside the men.  As the inmates settled in, Chester and I greeted each one, I with a handshake and encouraging word, Chester with warmth and wags.  He thoroughly sniffed each one ~~ obviously picking up & enjoying the scent of canine of their uniforms. Since the men did not have their pups with them,  Chester had their undivided attention, and he poured on the doggie love.

After being introduced by Lisa,  I stood in the center of the gym with Chester sitting at my side.  I talked with them  about Chester, myself, pet therapy.  We did a few demonstrations with enthusiastic audience participation ~ then I began sharing Chester 'tails' with the men.   All were attentive and engaged. Nodding. Asking appropriate questions. However, as time went on, it was clear one individual was not engaged. ....Chester. He was totally bored.  My visual aide was droopy and pathetic. Seriously?  Seriously.

As I've said so many times, I've learned to listen to my furry friend. And so, rather than stand in the middle, speaking eloquent & dazzling tails with my "visual aide" bored out of his furry mind,  I decided to stroll  around the edge of the circle while I spoke,  closer to the men.

As soon as the men could reach out and touch my friend, or I should say, as soon as Chester could reach out and touch the men, he transformed from pathetic pup to dazzling dog, wagging and smiling. I stopped mid sentence and said to them, "Whoa, did you see what just happened with Chester? THIS is pet therapy! He doesn't want to listen to me say blah blah blah, he wants to be with you! You."  Laughter erupted.  ...."And you want to be with him, don't you?"

And so I changed my PLAN A, and shifted to something else. I don't even know what I shifted to. I just let it unfold. I walked the edge of the circle and talked story, letting Chester and the men have their time. Chester gave nuzzles, some slobbery smooches, a calming gentleness, and a swishing- waggy tail that just seemed to bring a life-giving breeze.  The men responded with gentle touches. Soft, kind whispers. Stories of their own dogs from long ago. Ear rubs and back massages. When Chester waited. I waited. When Chester moved forward, I moved with him. And so went our morning.
 
This was Chester's job. His delight.  And he knew this was why we had come. Not to be out-of-reach. But within touch. I could bring words of encouragement and hope, and tell pet therapy stories til the cows come home, but that was only a piece of the puzzle. Chester could bring physical touch. And unconditional love to the mix.  Touching Lives Warming Hearts it's what he does best.

As I drove home.  The morning replayed over and over in my mind.  These men. Many of them lifers. They would not get out of prison. But we had the privilege of going in. And what a privilege it was.

I often wonder if Chester is getting ready to retire. And then we have days like today. And I know we're not done yet.  Good job buddy.  I'm so proud of you. You walked back into thunder alley....and hit it out of the ballpark.  Ice cream for you tonight!

Prison Again....Graduation Day....Kleenex Please

Just a few thoughts on yesterday. Yesterday, behind prison walls and fences, I attended one of the most memorable and touching graduations ever: PAWS FOR LIFE, prison program, inmates rehabilitating and training rescue dogs. . Kleenex please. A few weeks back Chester and I were invited & honored to meet and speak with the men about Pet Therapy. We were invited back for graduation day. 15 men. 5 dogs. You should have seen each man, in prison uniform, proudly receiving his diploma. And the dogs ~~ calm ( well, mostly calm smile emoticon ), obedient, and well-loved. All passed with flying colors. When I arrived, I had time to speak with each of the men, shake hands, tell them how proud I was of them (and how proud they could be of themselves!), and listen to some of the 'tails' of his paws-for-life-journey. One man, moved to tears, stroking 'his dog's soft ears and head, quietly said to me, "These dogs come here afraid, battered, and abused from off the streets. If they weren't in this program, well, they'd probably be euthanized. No one has ever taken the time to love them, be patient with them, teach them, have compassion. My dog, well, he was a lot like me...." He paused and looked at me, his eyes were not only filled with tears, but with hope, and with pride. It was crystal clear, his 4-legged friend was not the only life changed. heart emoticon kleenex please.

Thank you Lisa Horowitz my friend, and superstar dog-trainer who is full of wisdom, love, PATIENCE, and compassion. PAWS FOR LIFE is blessed to have you, and you my friend are the reason 15 men and 5 pups are being given hope and a second chance.

PS Stay tuned... In the days ahead I will share the tail of our (Me & Chester) second trip to prison, the one that happened after the lightening storm lock down. Lifechanging.

Prison 101

 Yesterday, Chester and I went to Prison.  A FIRST for me and my pup.

 I didn't know what to expect... but NOTHING went as planned. NOTHING.

My friend Lisa, dog trainer extraordinaire, is piloting a program at the prison called PAWS FOR LIFE. Lisa was chosen by PAWS to be the trainer. Lisa works alongside the inmates who are accepted into the program, teaching them how to train and rehabilitate the rescue-dogs. She is doing an amazing job. And as you can imagine...the dogs are not the only ones who are rescued and rehabilitated.

Lisa and the PAWS FOR LIFE program invited me to share with the inmates about Pet Therapy.  I felt honored, And for Chester......well, it was just another opportunity to meet new friends :-).

Of all things, ........., the night before our visit, and during our visit, there was this STORM that landed on the Central Coast of California. Seriously, a STORM?  We have not had rain, let alone a real STORM for y.e.a.r.s. ~~  I mean YEARS.  All night long, Thunder. Lightening. LOUD BOOMS. Lots of rain.  Though I was woo-hooo-for-the-rain, I was not so woo-hoo about the thunder booms for my buddy.

Chester doesn't do so well with fireworks or cracks of lightening or booming thunder. Let's just say he gets rather stressed.  And needless to say when Sunday morning arrived, my buddy was not in his best form for a therapy visit to prison.   Had it been any other situation I would have cancelled, but because of security issues and scheduling, we needed to move forward with Plan A. I promised him TREATS big time.

Our team met together in front of the prison, and after passing through the security process,  the  5 of us + Chester were driven to a point of entry where the men and dogs were located.

We entered through 3 tall fenced clanging gates with the barbed wire loops on top.  We all signed in again and waited in an outdoor courtyard area .... in the rain ...with the booming thunder noise loud and close.

And then...while standing in this courtyard, a guard informed us we could not meet with the inmates......the prison had gone into lock down.

Really?

Apparently, a lightening bolt struck very close to a guard tower. Too close. And rather than risk the possibility of a power outage due to lightening strike...well, the prison just shut-er-down and went on generator mode.  And lock down.

I think that meant we were sort of on lock down as well.  The 5 of us + Chester stood and waited.

And then .... this series of events occurred.   For privacy reasons, I cannot tell you what happened.   But I will say, as this crisis unfolded, all 5 of us +Chester, were exactly where we needed to be in exactly the right moment in time  

NOTHING went as planned. But His timing was perfect.

                                                ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chester and I hope to return to prison soon (on a bright SUNNY day), so we can meet the inmates who are doing this good work with the pups.   When we do ...  I will bring rib eye steak treats for Chester.   He totally deserves it.

When Caregivers Need the Love-n'

I was told that Mr. P might like a visit from Chester. In the past, Mr. P totally enjoyed large dogs. All were in agreement, Chester just might be a good fit for
 Mr. P during his Hospice Care.

And so, Chester and I went.

 My GPS lead me to a residential home. The home, converted into a care-home was lovely.  Mrs. P greeted me with a tender and appreciative hug.  She introduced me to the staff, then  lead me down the hallway to  Mr. P's room.  It was bright, full of light ~ with one hospital bed positioned close to the large window, 2 wing back chairs, and  a small dresser and a nightstand. The walls were simply decorated with  one of Mrs. P's beautiful handmade quilts and family pictures.

Chester and I attempted to meet and greet Mr. P with all the doggy charisma he could muster. However, as it turned out, Mr. P was not so interested in the big dog. In fact, maybe even a bit annoyed.  We tried paws up at the end of the bed. Chester smiled, "Cheese!".  Not connecting. We tried edging close to Mr. P's hand, so he could pet Chester's soft furry head. Nope- not interested.  I used treats to lure Chester's fuzzy head through the side railings, nudging Mr. P with a wet nose and a tender muzzle-nuzzle. But Mr. P was not interested at all. In fact, Mr P, who talked very little, mustered up the strength to say to Chester and me and Mrs. P with conviction... "Too Precarious!" To that we laughed -- knowing that Mr. P's strength and humor were still tucked inside his failing body.

It was clear....Mr P and Chester were not a fit.

However....the unexpected,  unfolded.   After each attempt to connect with The Mr., Chester would settle down next to The Mrs., snuggling by her chair, at her feet, or leaning into her side for a scratch behind the ears.  Chester and Mr. P may not have connected, but Chester and Mrs. P clearly did.

The road of a loved-one and caregiver on the Hospice Journey,  can become long.

Enter Chester and his 'mom'.

Our once a week visits became a bright spot in Mrs P's week. And ours.  When Chester pranced in, Mr. P's room became homey...and Mrs.P's load became a bit lighter.  And while Mr P rested in bed, Mrs P and I visited about teaching and travels and dance and pilates and concerns about Mr. P and sewing and art and family.  During our conversations, Chester would nestle at her feet, or lean into her legs.

Chester enjoyed visits with Mrs. P. The staff greeted him with warm hugs. Chester liked cruising through the kitchen on his way to Mr. P's room, nose twitching and savoring whatever was being cooked up for lunch. He delighted in annoying the two little doggies who lived upstairs, and he totally loved poking his head into Mrs J's room who had more pictures of dogs up on her walls than people.  Mrs. J would tell us each week how she didn't like those yippy dogs who lived upstairs but she LOVED BIG DOGS like Chester. She would always give the BIG DOG a hearty hug, and sometimes throw the tennis ball for him...down the slippery hallway...and he would scramble extra LOUD to retrieve it, just so the yippy dogs upstairs would know he was there, in THEIR house, having fun! :-).

After months of visits, Chester began to disconnect. I wasn't sure what was going on with my buddy, but it was clear he was not so-much interested in being in Mr P's room, or at Mrs P's feet. Minutes after arriving, he was ready to go ~~ his big brown eyes were on the doorway, he tugged at his leash to leave,  his tail drooped, and overall he was edgy, not relaxed one little bit. Did he know more than I did, that our time was done?  Mrs. P commented, "I don't think he likes being here anymore."  :-(

She was right, and this was a tough call for me. If Chester was burning out, for whatever reason, I needed to pay attention and respect what was going on with my buddy. However, I knew the visits meant so much to Mrs P and I hated to end our time together while we were still needed.  I wrestled with what to do, not knowing how much longer Mr. P would be with us.

Over the weekend I pondered and prayed, gathered advice from pet therapy friends and trainers, AND,  I took Chester for a long walk at the coast. He romped and ran off-leash for hours and just enjoyed being a d..o.g. !  The spot by the sea where I chose to 'play' just happened to be near Mr. and Mrs. P's home.  It was a last minute decision to go to this spot. I thought it was 'my' last minute decision.

Though I doubted Mrs P would be at home, (usually, 7 days a week,  at this time of day, she was by Mr P's side), I decided to drop by before making the 1/2 hour trek back to our house.

Mrs P greeted me at the door. We embraced, and then she said....."Mr P died this morning."

oh no.....

She told me she had just walked in the door, she was home alone, and was making some calls to her children. Her phone rang, and after answering, she motioned for Chester and me to come inside.

Talking to her daughter, Mrs. P smiled warmly and said, "You'll never guess who's here... Chester!"

After wrapping up her conversation, Mrs. P gave Chester a delicious bowl of cool water. 2 bowlfuls. He slobbered and drooled all over her clean shiney floor. I asked for paper towels please :-) .

We sat together in the study, overlooking the gorgeous rugged coastline. Chester leaned into Mrs. P's legs, she stroked his head and back as she told us the details of the morning and her last few days with Mr. P.  She shared her thoughts, her plans,  for today and tomorrow....and at some point she gently asked me, "How did you know to come?"

"I didn't ... we were just taking a walk nearby, and I wanted to stop in to give you a hug."

 *****~~~~~~~~~~~~~~****~~~~~~~~~~~~ *****~~~~~~~~~~*******~~~~~~~ 

A few afterthoughts..
As I think back to our time with Mr. and Mrs. P and write down the memories, things become so much clearer in hindsight.   It is easier to see God's gentle leading and prompting, like a Shepherd...

How I didn't need to stress or question when Chester knew we were not needed in Mr. P's room anymore.  He knew it was time to go.   And Mr. P's time to go.  

How on that final day when we were needed...God made sure we showed up, at the right place in the right moment. His prompting, His leading.  

I am amazed. And humbled. Again.

It reminds me of what Jesus says in Matthew.  The Message says it this way:

"Walk with Me and work with Me, watch how I do it. Learn the unforced 
rhythms of grace.

 I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.  

Keep company with Me, and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."

and from Amazing Grace...

Tis grace hath  brought me safe thus far, 

and Grace will lead me home.

A perfect day for me to write and remember.  Thank You.