Mourning Glory and Tail Wags

Mourning Glory ~ A camp for kids who have experienced deep loss, due to the death of a loved one.

KPETS ~ 4 legged friends who bring tail wags, joy, and comfort.

Yesterday Chester and I, along with 6 other KPETS teams, visited Mourning Glory Camp. It was the first day of camp.  Arrival time was 9:00 a.m. Counselors and campers were all a bit anxious.   And at 9:00 a.m., three furry and smiling golden retrievers in yellow vests, were on site with their owners to help break the ice, calm the nerves, lighten the burden, and bring some joy to hurting hearts.

The arriving campers, who were immediately placed into the care of a counselor,  seemed to randomly rotate between the Goldens ~ Chester, Hunter, and Sammy ~ settling into the spot they felt most comfortable. Sammy, an oldie Goldie,  lay under the shade of a giant Elm, while children sat close, asking questions and stroking his soft fur. Hunter roamed, walked,  layed down, and performed tricks, as kiddos snuggled in close to catch a peek and a hug.  

Chester was in full retrieval mode, which was a huge surprise to me, especially in the extreme heat (100 degrees plus humidity).  On days such as these, if I throw the ball for him in the backyard, he looks at me and says "you've got to be kidding...." and heads back into the AC.  But for his kids, he will retrieve neon green tennis balls until the cows come home. Which he did.  And they gave him a kazillion pupperoni treats as reward.  He was in dog heaven. Tail waggin' and tongue draggin', he had a ball, and so did the 3 kiddos who played with him. One little girl especially stole my heart.  She was missing her two front teeth.  Every time she held the tennis ball high and said "Chester sit!"  it came out "Hector thit!"  And Hector thaat for her with pleasure. Too cute.

After retrieving more times than I could count, and taking a few walks around the Pavilion loop with each of his kids, he was an especially hot-dog. There was a hose attached to one of those pump thingy faucets.  A little boy and his counselor got it working....and they aimed it at Chester. Water sprayed everywhere while Chester chomped and romped in the cool stream, splashing everyone who was near ~~~ giggles and laughter erupted.  Of course his head was drenched, and the boys promptly gave him a classy Mohawk on top of his furry head.  More smiles.

After an hour of fun, our KPETS replacement teams arrived right on time. One hour in the extreme heat is enough for our furry friends. A Springer Spaniel, Standard Poodle, Sheep Dog, and another Golden arrived, ready to love and romp with these precious kiddos for the 2nd hour of camp.

Laughter and giggles are good for the soul ~~ Hector and I were blessed beyond words to be with these oh-so-precious-children at Mourning Glory Camp.  A Glorious Morning indeed.

Chester (also known as Hector) resting after a good day's work.

Protector & Friend

It was a snowy Tuesday afternoon.  Chester and I were visiting some of our  friends at the Presbyterian Church in downtown Lancaster ~~ this is where adult education classes are held for a group of very special adults with different forms of special needs.  Our friend Katey was taking her turn to walk with Chester, enjoying a stroll around the crowded multipurpose room,  Chester proudly keeping pace alongside her wheelchair.  As usual, I walked on one side of Chester, holding one lead, while Katey gently held and balanced her leash on the arm of her automatic chair.   With each loop around the carpeted room, Katey confidently gave Chester gentle commands.  He was more than delighted to obey her, Katey is one of his favorites!  Katey, the very first one to pat the side of her wheelchair and give the "UP!" command, instructing the furry hound to lay across her lap where she can easily reach and pet him; Katey, the one who exclaims with each visit, I love Chester! I want to take him home with me!

On one of the laps I heard a whistle.  Chester perked his ears.  The was room filled with a dozen or so students and caregivers, it was difficult to see who the noise was coming from. As we neared an outside exit door I noticed the man, dressed in winter hat and coat,  who was repeatedly whistling, trying to get Chester's attention. We paused a good distance from the door, Chester sitting quietly nestled between me and Katey. The man continued to watch us, making the Here Boy! type of whistle-tone.  Assuming he was one of the driver's for the passenger vans waiting outside, I asked Chester if he would like to greet the man.  Chester looked at me, and I gave the OK to be released from Katey's side,  asking him to heal as I took my first steps towards the door.

Chester, halted, not following my direction, but positioning himself in front of Katey's chair. My canine buddy stood firm and still, eyes fixed on the stranger. I sensed Chester's tension, and I followed his lead.  We stayed put.

The man turned, leaving the building.
  

As soon as we heard the click of the closed door,  Chester repositioned next to Katey,  ready to travel once again, relaxed and tail wagging.

My eyes met Katey's. 

"I think he was protecting me," Katey said. 
     

"I think you are right."

"May I give him a treat?" She asked.                

"I think you may give him a kazillion treats!"     

I handed Katey a few Pup-Peronies from my pouch. Chester, protector and friend, gently rose to Katey's hand and GLADLY received his reward.

Chris and Victoria, continued.....

On this particular Monday evening, Chester and I were cruising down the highway headed to training.Unexpectedly somone unzipped heaven and it began POURING. Even with the "wippers" on high, it was hard to see.  Our kids always called them wippers, not wipers. Thus to me, they are wippers.  I almost turned around, but chose to forge ahead. I'm glad I did.

Chester and I, soggy and soaked, stood in the training room waiting for class to begin.  All I could smell was wet dog(s).  I was thinking, this is not fun.  Then I felt thump thump thump,  and the splattering of a soggy tail against my legs ~~ Looking where Chester was looking, I saw the reason, Victoria, Chester's friend was heading towards us.

Victoria, the petite redhead with the sparkly eyes.  Victoria, of Chris and Victoria. Remember Chris who needed a bit of a God and Dog Miracle Moment to pursue getting an assistance dog?  (read Chris and Victoria)   My jaw was like dropped open in disbelief...and my arms opened wide to greet her.  Chester went from sit/stay to wiggly-bouncy-bonkers. After wet hugs all around, ( and Victoria explaining that Chris could not be here, but she decided to come alone just to watch) well, she went on to explain that shortly after our God-appointed meeting months ago, Chris filled out the application  for an Assistance Dog, interviewed, and long story short ~~ Chris is on the waiting list for a canine companion of his very own. HOW COOL IS THAT?  Victoria, EXCITEDLY relayed the whole story... while Chester  listened and smiled (yes smiled), obviously understanding every word.   My jaw was still dropped open....lovely.

Fast forward 3 weeks. Chester and I joined Chris and Victoria for a wheel chair training day for doggies and handlers. I can't even begin to tell you the joy I felt watching Chris with an assistance dog -- even though this handsome black Labrador wasn't  his dog, even though it was just a practice training time, it was this glorious picture of  what was to come. I deeeelighted in watching these 3 work together, the trainer constantly encouraging and instructing both Chris and the Black Lab how to move and work as a team.

There is this scene that is freeze-framed in my mind and heart.  Chris and his 4 legged black buddy stood waiting at the door to go outside.  This look came over Chris's face that said, How do I do this, get me and the dog out the door?

 "Chris, tell him to open the door." the trainer gently instructed.

Are you kidding?

Chris gave the command.  The lab, gently rose-up to the door handle, and with his mouth, opened the door for Chris.  And out they ventured...into a whole new world.

My jaw is still dropped open... 

Stay tuned........ more God and Dog stories to come.  I know it!

Parking Lot Conversations

After an hour of visiting and playing with a few little boys at the Domestic Violence Shelter, Chester and I were escorted out the heavily secured doors and into the parking lot.  A group of moms stood visiting, pausing on their way to go inside and pick up their children.  As Chester and I passed them, one mom stopped us.


"May I pet your dog?"


"Yes, of course."


"Will he bite?"


"No, Chester won't bite."


"Never met a dog that didn't bite."


"He might lick you, but he won't bite."  I smiled


She relaxed slightly, and reached toward Chester.
"He's a nice dog."   
Hesitantly, she patted him on top of his head. 
" Do you ever hit him?"


"No, I've never hit him.  All he's known is love."  I rubbed his ears.


"Never met a dog that hasn't been beat."
Chester stood still and quiet, a cautious, gentle hand resting atop his head.
 "He's a good dog. Don't you ever hit him."


"I won't. ....I promise"


She turned to walk toward the door, looked back once and said, "Thanks."


"You are very welcome."


One brief conversation, in one tiny parking lot.  My eyes were opened wider.  I am thankful she is here, a place where the hurting and battered and broken can find a voice and a pathway to healing.

 

 Papa, please, will you bless and protect
this courageous woman and her children.
Amen.

Just a thought about Squirrel Chasing

Speaking of Chester and Squirrels...
I was having a ruff few days. Kinda felt like I slammed into the side of a car, an unexpected wham on an ordinary day.   So where do I run when I hit the wall? Back towards the squirrel, or to my Master?

Squirrel Chaser

Today was almost a disaster with a capital D.  And though all is well, my heart still has that sick feeling inside, that feeling that comes when you know what could have been. 

Chester and I had just returned from a romp in the woods -- a mini romp due to rain & mud.  I parked the car in our driveway, scanned the horizon for squirrels, dogs, and walkers ~~ doggie temptations. All clear I thought.  I opened the car door, gave him the OK.  To me, OK meant trot into the house.  To Chester, OK meant chase the squirrel that was in Greg's yard across the street.  In a nano-second, he sprang out the door, bolting toward the squirrel I had not seen.  At the same moment a maroon mini van rounded the corner,  on a direct collision course with Chester. 



I saw, I yelled his name just as I heard the thud ~~ feeling helpless & horrified,  and so stupid & responsible for giving the OK to go when it was unsafe for him.   Fortunately, the mini van was traveling slowly, and thankfully Chester did not go under, and thankfully what ever part of him thudded against the car was somehow protected from injury. After THUD, he bolted back to me as quickly as he ran for that squirrel.  (Scared the crap out of him, and me too.)  



After countless hugs, a call and visit to our amazing vet,  & a chiropractic adjustment (yes, you read that correctly!) from our friend and chiropractor, I am very relieved to write that Chester is doing well and napping by my side, occasionally rising up to nudge my wrist for some attention and a scratch behind the ears, as I type ~ being his good old Chester self.

I am hoping that somehow he thinks the minivan was a  Humongous T-Rex Evil Squirrel ---- and he will never chase again.  However, the leash law is now in effect from car to house.  

A huge teachable moment for me....and I am way-glad I can tell you about this squirrel chasing teachable moment, while my faithful 4 legged buddy is resting with his head on my foot....looking up at me with big brown eyes, safe 'n sound.



Thank you for angels watching over us today Dear Lord.  Amen.





Chillen' with Dad, who seems to be snoozing through the Phillies Game

 

The Two Wheeler Story

Today Chester visited his buddy Andy (name change) for their half hour of occupational therapy.   One of the things Andy had on his chart was to ride the two-wheeler around the indoor hallway loop. 

Andy is learning to ride a bicycle, it's a slow, challenging process, figuring out how to balance on two skinny tires when balancing is already difficult. So far Andy's been able to sit on the seat, putting one foot on a pedal, one foot on the floor. Push, glide, push, glide. Balance.

Today, Rebecca, his therapist chose the blue two-wheeler.  Andy wanted the red tricycle, it was easier, safer.  He got angry, "NO! NO!" He stomped away, turning in circles.

I draped Chester's red leash over the silver handlebar. Chester sat and waited. 

"Look, Chester's waiting for you." Rebecca said, pointing to the patient pup.

Andy continued to look away, shaking his head, "NO, NO!"

As Andy walked further, Rebecca calmly asked, "Would you like me to tell Chester to go home today since you don't want to ride the bike with him?"

"NO." Andy ran back from across the room, climbed up on the bike, resting his hand atop Chester's red leash.  Andy balanced, he pushed and glided, pushed and glided, while Chester trotted and smiled, trotted and smiled, close by his side.

It was a good day ~ on a bicycle built for two :-).