A New Season ~~ School Days

A New Season ~~ School Days

Chester and I have a new assignment. As of January 2017, we are a part of the staff at Almond Acres Charter Academy.  How fun is that?!  We’ve been volunteering in Kai's (granddaughter's) class  since she was in kindergarten. Now here she is in 3^rd grade…..where oh where does the time go….and it really is amazing to think we’ve been getting to know students and staff at AACA for almost 4 school years.  Chester is definitely most popular dog on campus --- a kid magnet.

Long story short.  In the fall I met with the Principal, Mr. B.  He invited Chester and me to come on board, and pilot a new program with Chester (registered therapy dog), and me (teacher/ therapy dog handler), working in classrooms on a regular basis, and just being on campus for those unexpected moments where Chester can work his doggie love in a child’s heart.  Mr. B’s vision for his school is honoring the whole child: heart, mind, body, soul.  He thought Chester and I would fit in perfectly. What an honor and privilege for us to be given this opportunity at Almond Acres.

Of course….we felt this was rather like a dream come true. Not only do I get grandtreasure hugs 2 days a week in 3^rd grade,  we also are blessed to visit 4 different classrooms each day, from 1^st to 4^th grade.  What takes place in each classroom looks a little different, but my desire is always to come alongside & support the teacher, enhance learning for the students, and bring a whole lot of joy and tail wags.

Each week Mr. B chooses a Habit of the Week for students and staff to focus on.  Habits such as….integrity, kindness, sacrifice, patience, persistence….   One of the super-fun things Chester and I often do is to teach about these character- building-habits. I tell a Chester story relating to the habit, Chester is the best visual aide ever,  giving an unforgettable-hands-on learning experience.  Students journal about our visit, then read to their furry friend about their thoughts and ideas.  I call it a win.win.win. For Chester, for me, and for the students.

So, that’s our latest news.  Pretty exciting.  As time goes on…I’ll be writing about our school days, and the Habit of the Week as it relates to Chester Tails, I mean Tales.  As always, the teacher learns the most……..and I will be keeping up here, journaling about the nuggets I’m learning, and my days at school. Honestly, mostly, I write so I won’t forget the moments  ~~ but if you’d like to peek in from time to time and keep up with our school days, you are most welcome.

Pet Therapy Information--- I am  registered with my dog, Chester, as a pet therapy team through Alliance of Therapy Dogs,  ATD.   The purpose of ATD visits is to provide service in a volunteer capacity. While under the employment of AACA, I am not volunteering through ATD.  I continue to do volunteer visits in the community and test/observe other pet therapy teams for ATD.

DREAM JOB

This year for Halloween, Chester dressed up in his DREAM JOB Costume.

Official Taste Tester for IN-N-OUT BURGER.

You can tell by the picture, he takes his work seriously.

On Halloween, first we  visited our favorite 3rd Graders

 at Almond Acres Charter Academy. 

The students, who were in their favorite fun costumes, 

eagerly greeted Chester when he pranced through the doorway. 

They oohed and awed at  his costume.

 He wagged at theirs. 

 After giving Ms. Chase bazillions of smooches, 

and Ms Chase giving Chester bazillions of tummy rubs, 

he settled into visiting the students at their desks.

He listening intently as each one shared with him

about the latest writing project ~~ autobiographies. 

Great work 3rd grade!

After school it just seemed appropriate

 to take my buddy to IN N OUT BURGER.  

After all, besides pet therapy at Almond Acres, 

this is 

HIS DREAM JOB.

And I'm about helping dreams come true.

Maria and Ethan, superstar employees, 

 were eager to make Chester's dream come true.

In fact, they offered him a job ....

 

Ethan beamed,

"This is my best day at work ever!"

Maria agreed.

Chester too.

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.