RETIREMENT?----SHORTLIVED!

Right on schedule, Casey ceased working on 12/31/12 and began her retirement on 1/1/13.  However, something happened.  My computer is located in the backroom at my house.   I found, over the initial three weeks of Casey's retirement, when I was working at the computer, or when I was seated on the couch in the living room, reading or watching TV, Casey would come over, unprompted, and give me what I call "The Nudge."  Briefly, "The Nudge" is where Casey will come over, stick her muzzle under your elbow, and lift up quickly(if your trying to write or type, it's a real pain in the butt).

Basically, "The Nudge" is dogspeak for "Hey, pay attention to me."  Casey likes to be touched, petted, brushed, talked to, and generally fussed over.  Turns out, her needs are exactly the ideal charateristics of a therapy dog.  I was unable to meet her needs by myself, but her needs could be met if she worked as a therapy dog.  Casey's retirement lasted a grand total of three weeks.

A DIFFICULT DECISION

Due to Casey's advanced age(she would turn 14 on March 12), the reality of retirement for her was staring me in the face.  I had been using a ramp, for over a year, to transport her to and from jobs.  The weakened condition of her hindquarters made it difficult or even impossiblefor her to get in or out of vehicles(particularly the higher ones, ie. SUVs, pick-up trucks, and vans).  Her slip and falls at Lake Avenue and Maple Avenue, coupled with her inability to get up, confirmed that Casey would have to retire.  I announced to our various volunteer drivers and to the facilities that Casey serviced, that December 31st would be the end of Casey's working life.

DEJA VU?

After Casey's legs had gone out from under her, I assumed it was only going to be a one time experience.  Her weakened hind quarters, coupled with a highly waxed floor, are the requirements for a slip and fall, so when we were at the Lake Avenue Elementary School two weeks later, a slip and fall was unexpected.  The floors in Lake Avenue are not as highly waxed as Maple Avenue and some of thr rooms have rugs or carpeting.  Anyway, we finished work at Lake Avenue and headed to the front door to leave.  When we got about 3/4s of the way there, Casey went down.  Fortunately, one of the custodial staff, Joe, was present, and immediately got a flat-bed cart for Casey.  We put her on the cart and Joe wheeled her out of the school.  Casey was really enjoying herself, and although I think she could have gotten up anytime, she got Joe to wheel her all the way out to the street.  I accused her of really milking this opportunity

A NARROW ESCAPE

In the fall of 2012, two jobs that Casey and I had were at Maple Avenue Middle School in Saratoga Springs and Lake Avenue Elementary School in Saratoga Springs.  We usually worked at Maple Avenue from 9am.-10am. on Mondays.  The floors at Maple Avenue, both in the hallways and in the classrooms, are highly polished.  Therein lies the basis of this post. 
Casey and I always split our time at Maple Avenue between two classrooms.  On this day in mid-November, we finished work in one classroom and got up to go to the 2nd classroom.  As soon as we reached the hallway, all four of Casey's feet went out from under her and she was laying spreadeagled on the floor. 
Now comes the scary part.  Casey was unable to get up.  We honestly didn't know what to do.  Fortunately, one of the teachers got a flatbed cart.  Another teacher donated her coat.  Several people got together, put the coat under Casey, and lifted her onto the cart.  She was then wheeled into the 2nd classroom and did her work as usual.  She got the"royal treatment," as when she was done in te 2nd classroom, she was placed on the cart and wheeled out to the waiing taxi.

NEW JOBS

In my last post I had advised that the reading specialist at Lake Avenue Elementary School had contacted  me about Casey working at her school in the 2012-2013 school year.  We started working at Lake Avenue, on a weekly basis, in the fall.  Our transportation needs were supplied by generous volunteers; particularly the Malta Sunrise Rotary Club.
Also, during the fall, we started working at the Maple Avenue Middle School on a weekly basis.  In this case, our transportation needs were met by A&H Taxi and the teachers at the school.  A&H transported us for 1/2 fare and the teachers paid that fare.  Incidentally, Casey and I had previously worked with some of the students when they were in elementary school at Division Street Elementary School. 

NEW CLIENT

Earlier this month I received an e-mail from the Reading Specialist at the Lake Avenue School in the City of Saratoga Springs School District.  She advised that she had been contacted by her principal and wanted to know of our availability for the coming school year.  My e-mail to her stated that we welcomed the opportunity to work with her.  Look forward to further posts on this "new job" in the fall.

SPREADSHEET SCHEDULING

Recently, one of my fellow Rotarians made a suggestion which I have implemented and found very helpful.  That is, on a monthly basis, I have put Casey's schedule on a speadsheet.  This spreadsheet is passed among the membership at our weekly meeting.  The advantage in drawing up and distributing the spreadsheet a month in advance, is that potential volunteer drivers can consult their schedule and volunteer without the possibility of a conflict.
Right now we are working with Casey's August schedule.  The fact that the summer is a slower period for us, coupled with the "new" spreadsheet system, has allowed us to provide services  with minimal hindrance. 

IMPACT

Tradionally, the second and third quarters are the slowest of the four quarters.  As summer nears, the school districts wind down and have many year end activities that don't include The Therapy Dog, Inc.  In the summer there is no school and our services are not used.  In order to lessen the impact of "no school" I sent letters to the superintendents of the Saratoga Springs City School District and the Ballston Spa Central School District, advising of our availability for summer school.  Unfortunately, Saratoga Springs informed me that they wouldn't be using our services this summer and Ballston Spa never extended the courtesy of a response to my inquiry(even though I followed up with an e-mail to the superintendent).

In my last Post I stated that several volunteers had come forward to transport Casey and I to and from jobs.  This has been immensely helpful.  I have extended an invitation to the volunteer drivers to work with Casey and I.  Several have accepted this invitation.

NEW BEGINNING

Today, 6/8/12, was my initial experience using a volunteer driver to transport Casey and I to and from work.  In my previous post I had mentioned Kim(a friend and neighbor) and stated that she had offered to drive us some of the time.  Despite short notice, she was able to take Casey and I to and from our Friday afternoon job at Maplewood Manor.  At this point, Don(his daughter, Tiffany, attends Saratoga Bridges day program in Clifton Park) has volunteered to transport Casey and I to and from the Clifton Park day ptogram on Monday.  We akready have a volunteer to transport us to and from Maplewood Manor on Friday, 6/15.    God has placed it on the hearts of others to come forward and volunteer.  Look forward to future updates.

VOLUNTEERISM-A NARROW ESCAPE

Recently(5/18/12), I took my car off the road and ceased driving.  My feeling was that I posed a hazard to myself and other drivers.  Initially, it appeared that this decision would have a significant impact on The Therapy Dog, Inc.  Presently, I have Medicaid and Medicare.   However, neither Medicaid nor the county(Saratoga)  will pay to transport Casey.  They will pay to transport a service dog(ie. a dog that aids a visually impaired person).  Casey however, is a therapy dog.  Also, the taxicab company will not transport a non-service dog.
Needless to say , this was a depressing and desperate situation.  I, and several others prayed for a solution and thanks be to God, one has presented itself.  When we were at Saratoga Bridges in Clifton Park two weeks ago, I let it be known that I had a problem .  I was approached by Don, who is the parent of a daughter who attends the Saratoga Bridges day program.  Don offered to take Casey and I to and from the day program.  Last week, Kim, a neighbor down the street, was at my house to cut Chester's(my other dog) nails, and I told her of my dilemma.  She generously offered to help out with transportation.  At last week's Rotary Club meeting I described the situation to my fellow Rotarians and sent them a detailed e-mail that evening.  I've already received two offers of assistance.
It appears that what appeared to be a massive problem, is well on the way to evaporating.

500!

Today Casey received Therapy Dogs International's highest certificate, as well as a pin and blue ribbon emblematic of her documented 500 therapy dog visits.

GOLD and CHUCK COLSON

Any day now we'll be receiving notification from TDI advising that Casey has achieved their highest award, the Therapy Dogs International Gold achievement award, recognizing her having made 500 documented therapy dog visits.

Special thanks to the Scotia Rotary Club.  Their generous donation was received this week!

Charles Colson died last week.  What a truly great man!!
"I'll tell you one of the most wonderful things about being a Christian is that I don't ever get up in the morning and wonder if I'm doing anything today or if what I do matters.  I live everyday to the fullest because I can live it through Christ and I know no matter what I do today, and it may just be in my prayer time, I'm going to do something to advance the Kingdom of God.  Now does that make you fulfilled?  You bet it does!  And it gives you joy about living."
                                                           -Chuck Colson

RESTORED(PARTIALLY)

On Friday, 4/20/12, Casey and I made our usual visit to Maplewood Manor.  A couple of weeks ago, Laura, the Activities Director, composed a photo release form and gave me several copies.  Yesterday, I had residents and employees that I had photograped sign the release, which consents to my publishing their photo in this blog.  The process of inserting the photos in "old" posts and new posts will begin immediately

YAHOO!

Today, 4/7/12, I received notification from the Department of the Treasury, that The Therapy Dog, Inc. had been granted 501c3 status effective 11/9/11!  Donations made from that date forward are tax deductible!

RESTORATION

Today(4/1) was a beginning of sorts.  After my recent conversation with Rebecca(Children's librarian at Burnt Hills-Balston Lake Community Library), I began reinstalling some of my photographs to the blog.  You may be familiar with the 4 photographs(that were previously on the blog).  The photos are in the "2010 Going Full Bore" posting.

RESURRECTION

Things are looking up.  You will note Rebecca's(she's the chidren's libraian at the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Community Library) 3/22 comment.  I have also obtained releases that can be used at two of the facilities we service.  Unfortunately, there ts a "no photos" policy at some of the other locations.

A big thank you to the Saratoga Springs Rotary Club for the generous donation they made earlier this month.

Casey recently(3/12) celebrated her13th birthday with a steak.  She'll be retiring, either later this year or some time next year.

Limited photo restoration begins this weekend.

REBOUND

Today, 2/16/02, I began the process of assembling waivers or releases that will allow photographs to be publised on the blog.  Tomorrow, I anticipate distributing some of these documents and discussing with the directors at each facility, whether or not modifications will be needed for that particular facility.  Of course, if any changes are necessary they will be made.  Hopefully, I will be able to re-post most or all of the photos

DONE

As of 8:38 am. today, the only photographs of people remaining on this blog are of me, employees at Maplewood Manor, and deceased former residents of Maplewood Manor.

A GRINDING HALT

At 2:30 today(2/14/12) I received a phonecall from the assistant director at the Saratoga Bridges day treatment facility in Clifton Park.  He advised that he had recently viewed this blog and that it was illegal of me to post photographs of consumers on the blog without their guardian's consent.  I advised him that I was unaware of this and he stated that it was part of the public health law.  At his request I advised that I would take down the photos either later today or tomorrow.
I immediately called Fred Ratto,the Regional Resource Development Specialist at  Southern Adirondack Independent Living.  Unfortunately, Fred could not give me a definitive opinion and didn't have an attorney there that could speak to me.  Fred suggested contacting my service coordinator,  I called him at 3:50, but could only leave a recorded message.
More as this situation developes.
I just had a call(4:20) from my service coordinator and he confirmed what the assistant director had told me.  However, he was going to see if anything could be done in this case.  I will wait until tomorrow morning, hoping the service coordinator comes up with good news(but I really don't think so).

FINALLY!

In November of 2011 I had stated that once the IRS approved my application  for The Therapy Dog,Inc to have 501c3 status, donations would be tax deductible.  The good news is that although it's now 3 months later, on Monday morning, 1/30/12, I submitted the application for 501c3 status.    My attorney advises that unfortunately, the IRS is woefully slow processing these applications and it may be three months before I receive approval.

3/27/12 letter from the IRS granting 501c3 status to The Therapy Dog, Inc. retroactive to 11/09/11

2012-THE NONJUDGMENTAL ONE

2012 Maplewood Manor.  Ellie, Lauren, Zoe, and Dominick with Casey

By now, you've probably figured out that "TheNonjudgmental One" referred to in the title of this post is  none other than Casey.  You may wonder about the origin of that evaluation.  All I can do is assure you of the accuracy of my appraisal.  About the only requirement that Casey has is that the person be alive.  I can tell you what I think and I realize that you may be sceptical.  That was the motivation for providing such a variety of photographs.  I encourage you look at these photographs and make your own determination.

 During the 2011-12 school year, Casey and I were "reunited" with the Division Street Elementary School.  We had a very good relationship with the school librarian and we had worked at the school for several years.  Unfortunately, when the librarian went on maternity leave during the summer of 2011, Casey and I got "lost in the shuffle." Although I contacted the substitute librarian and she promised to get back to me,  when she did I got an unexpected surprise, she advised by e-mail, that they weren't doing the program this year.  I didn't like that decision, but I could do nothing about it, so I accepted it.

 Several months went by during the fall of 2011.  We were available and I heard that the Geyser Road Elementary School would be interested in the therapy dog program.  I called the principal at Division Street to get the name of the principal at Geyser Road and got a very pleasant surprise.  She asked where I had been and when I told her there was no program this year, she said "That's news to me."  Long story short- I received a call within a couple of days and Casey and I are now back at Division Street(2days a week!).  We are working with students in the special education classes and with students in the general curriculum.











 


"Casey's Wall" in the office of The Therapy Dog, Inc,

 




Maplewood Manor 2012. Pat(the receptionist) and Greer(a main office worker) with Casey

Bob, Ricky, Wayne, and Melanie with Casey(Next Step 2012)



 







  

















2011 WRONG FLOOR?

In early 2011 Casey and I were at Wesley Nursing Home.  Our usual assignment there is the 3rd and 4th floors.  We had just finished making our rounds on the 3rd floor and stepped into the elevator.  I pressed the "Up" button for the 4th floor and after the elevator went one floor we got out.  I never looked and assumed that we were on the 4th floor.  Lo and behold!  We were on the 2nd floor!
At the first room we went to, I met a woman patient and asked her if I could pray for her.  She consented and shortly after I started to pray for her she began to weep.  When I finished praying for her, I asked her why she was crying, she told me that no one had ever prayed for her before.


 





THE PRESENT, THE FUTURE, and REALITY

Presently, Casey,(the therapy dog) is doing nine jobs on a weekly basis.  She does one job on a monthly basis and one job on a "will call" basis.  Realistically, she'll be working 1-2 more years.  The good news is that I already have "a line" on two dogs that could work as therapy dogs after Casey retires.  One of the dogs, although he has never done therapy dog work, is already a licensed therapy dog.  We also know each other as I took care of him when he was a puppy and a young dog.  The other dog is still a puppy and will need training, but his owners and I know each other and they are enthusiastic about his being a therapy dog.

PHOTOGRAPHS

Today, 12/11/11, I started inserting photos into the blog.  These photos, in addition to my writing, and the documentation that will be inserted in the future, provide an insight into the services provided by The Therapy Dog, Inc.

CORPORATE STATUS and FUNDING

The Therapy Dog is now The Therapy Dog, Inc.  The State of New York  Department of State has issued a Certificate of  Incorporation of The Therapy Dog,Inc.
YAHOO!-In an earlier post, I had stated that this blog would include a DONATE button.  Thanks to the tireless efforts of my brother-in-law, Kris, that's now a reality.  Kris literally spent hours with me in long distance phone contact, trying to lead yours truly through this process.  Finally, when I still couldn't get it and we were both in danger of dying of old age, Kris, without my valuable "assistance," created the DONATE button.  Thanks Kris!

FUNDING

During the almost 5 years that I have done "therapy dog work," I've found that  over 90% of the time no reimbursement is paid for mileage.  In fact, there has been only one instance of mileage reimbursement.  The Town of Ballston provides a mileage reinbursement for our work at the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Community Library.

The spiraling cost of gasoline has had a negative impact on our provision of services.  The creation of a blog and the formation of a corporation has been my response.

The blog will include a DONATE button.  Through Paypal, individuals will be able to make a contribution to The Therapy Dog, Inc.  Once the IRS processes my application for 501c3 status, contributions will be tax deductible.

2011-REFINEMENTS, A NEW EXPERIENCE, BITING OFF MORE THAN I COULD CHEW

You will note in the title of this posting that it states "Biting off more than I could chew."  You'll recall that in a previous posting I had stated that Casey and I had become so busy at Maplewood Manor that it was necessary to start going there 2 days per week.  Unfortunately, whereas Casey did not appear to be negatively impacted by this addional work, I was not able to hold up my end.  We were already working at Wesley Nursing Home and The Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Community Library on Wednesday afternoons and it turned out that a third job was beyond me.  In January, after speaking with the Activities Director, we went back to our weekly Friday visit.
                                                           
In the spring of 2011, I started attending NEXT STEP in Ballston Spa on Thursdays.  NEXT STEP is a day program that provides services to people with traumatic brain injuries.  While there, I noticed that several of the clients were severely cognitively impaired and wondered if they would benefit from contact with a therapy dog.  I introduced Casey to the execitive director and she was very receptive to the idea of bringing Casey in.  Casey and I started going to NEXT STEP the very next week, and Tuesday visits(12pm-1pm) are now part of our regular agenda.  At this point I can't comment on our success; suffice it to say that Casey has finally "broken through" to a woman who was terrified of dogs.

2010-GOING FULL-BORE

You may wonder about the title of this posting.  Although this posting primarily deals with 2010, I'm attaching a copy of Casey's schedule from December 2009.  As you can see, she was doing 11jobs per 5 day week.  Hence the title,"Going Full-Bore."





Casey and some children at the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Community Library. July, 2010

In 2010 Casey(and me, too) had her initial experience working at a public library.  Children would either bring a book from home or get one from the library.  At the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Community Library, the librarian and I often took turns reading with the children.  The active involvement of the librarian and I, coupled with Casey's(non-judgmental) talents, not only made a healthy and receptive reading environment for the child, but also had a positive effect on the child's self-esteem and self-confidence.

During this period we also were working at the Malta branch of the Round Lake Library.  The vast majority of the children were"pre-schoolers."  Although not yet of reading age, being able to touch and pet a "big" dog, with mom or dad present, has a positive influence.



In March we started working at Saratoga Bridges.  Formerly, Saratoga Bridges was known as Saratoga ARC.  They have several facilities in Saratoga County.  Casey and I worked at the day programs in Malta and Clifton Park.  The residents always looked forward to Casey's weekly visits and she developed favorites at both locations.  In fact, at the Clifton Park location, a gentleman would come to visit his daughter and Casey developed an immediate bond with him.  I jokingly had to tell him to be sure that he came after Casey met with the residents. 

                                                                      


 

                                                                      













 







Unfortunately, shortly after we began working at Wesley Nursing Home, a quarantine was instituted.  Our assignment had been the 3rd and 4th floors.  During the quarantine we were not able to visit the residents.  Finally, in March, 2010, the quaratine was lifted and Casey and I were able to resume our Wednesday afternoon visits.

In July of 2010, the Saratoga Springs City School District had their summer school at the Dorothy Nolan Elementary School.  The school had a unique feature that was much appreciated by Casey and I.  Our class always met in the music room and the room was AIR CONDITIONED.  I've included some photos that were taken by the teachers at the school.  Casey and I were seeing groups of 10 or 12 students now!

  

 

 





Theresa(Maplewood Manor office worker) and Casey 2010

















 







 









 



 



 





























 















 



















 





 











2009-EXPANSION




 



 The summer of 2008 ended, our work continued at Maplewood Manor and Loudonville Christian School, but we could do more.  We had the time and the desire.  I contacted the former superintendent of the Saratoga Springs school district(in the late 90's I had taken care of his pets on several occasions) and he was of great assistance.

In January of 2009 we started work in the school library at Division Street Elementary School in the Saratoga Springs City School District.  Three or four groups of children would come to the library and take turns reading to Casey.  In a short time(in fact, the very next month), Casey started working in the special education class at Division Street.  The children either brushed her or read to her.

In the early spring of 2009 Casey began "doing her thing" in the special education class at the Milton Terrace Elementary School in Ballston Spa.  This was one of our favorite jobs and whether we were entering or leaving the school building, children always petted or hugged Casey.

The school year was over in June, but Casey was again at the summer school in Ballston Spa.  We were now providing a variety of services at several locations.  Word was getting around.  I was contacted by the teacher that taught the special education class at the Ballston Spa Middle School.  Casey's work at the Milton Terrace Elementary School had come to her attention and she wanted to be sure that Casey would be available for her class in the fall.

Casey did start working in the special education class at the Ballston Spa Middle School when the school year began in September.  In addition to being read to, petted and brushed, Casey displayed another talent.  We had been going to the special education class for about 2 months on a weekly basis.  Casey and I showed up for our weekly visit and after a few minutes the teacher in charge asked if I could bring Casey to the "recreation" room(that's what I call it.  It's a room that contains apparatus that the students can play on).  I quizzically asked the teacher why she wanted me to bring Casey to the rec room.  She related that one of her students, who was largely non-verbal, refused to get off the apparatus and return to the classroom.  Maybe Casey could get a response where people could not.  You know the rest of the story.  As soon as Casey walked in the room, the child got off the apparatus and went back to his room.  I remember saying to the teacher "But she didn't even do anything!"

Tom and Helene with Casey at Maplewood Manor 2009





  

Gordon and Casey, Maplewood Manor 2009






 




 



 



  




     

LINKS

http://www.localpetsitters.com/

http://www.maltavet.com/

www.facebook.com/MaltaSunriseRotaryClub

http://www.rotary.org/

http://www.albanyepiscopaldiocese.org/

http://www.krisdenton.com/

2008- PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE

During 2008 Casey and I contined to visit Loudonville Christian School and Maplewood Manor Nursing Home.  In fact, it became so busy at the nursing home that we had to start going there 2 days a week.  When we were going 1 day a week, I found that I didn't have the time or the energy to see all the residents.  Maplewood Manor is a 3 story facility and although Casey was unaffected, I was spent after the first floor.  Expansion to 2 days per week allowed  us to visit the residents on the 2nd and 3rd floors.

In the late fall of 2007 I met with the superintendent of schools for the Ballston Spa Central Schools.  I had an "in" with a fellow rotarian who happened to be a member of the school board with many years tenure.  The superintendent was very enthusiastic, but my "in" told me to be patient.  A couple of months went by(we were now into 2008) and I had heard nothing.  I thought I was being patient, but again, my fellow rotarian, when queried, told me to be patient.  Finally, in April, we started work at the Malta Avenue Intermediate School.

In May we had our initial experience working with special education students.  We worked at the Chango Elementary School in the Shenendehowa School District.  Again, we were able to make use of an "in."  A former rotarian and retired principal at Chango, paved the way for us.  Work with special education classes has become a major part of our services.

Unfortunately, the school year was coming to a close.  However, the Ballston Spa School District ran a summer school program during the month of July called "SummerStars."  I guess that pet therapy, especially chidren reading to dogs, was a concept that was unfamiliar to many.  I say this based on our first visit to "Summer Stars."  Casey and I went to the gymnasium where we were supposed to meet a group of children who would read to Casey.  I can still recall the teacher inquiring as to whether I would lecture to the children and tell them all about Casey and therapy dogs?  I explained that actually I would do very little and the chidren would do most of the "work."  That is, they would read to Casey, brush her(I always bring 3 brushes with me), and pet her.











    




  

Casey at Maplewood Manor 2008 



                                                             

2007-WE GET OUR FEET WET

The rookies(Casey and I) took on their first jobs.  We started work at the Loudonville Christian School, on a weekly basis.  The work we were doing there was fairly new at that time.  Basically, the children, mostly K-3, read to Casey.  It is verifiable that a child will "open up" and feel more relaxed reading to a dog; whereas, the child may feel somewhat intimidated reading to an adult.  The reading teacher incorporated us into her teaching plan and allowed us to participate in the teaching process.  We are still working there and it has become my favorite job.

The other job that Casey and I had was more"traditional."  That is, we visited patients at the Maplewood Manor Nursing Home.  Maplewood Manor is a Saratoga County facility.  In addition to visiting patients in their rooms, Casey developed a group of "regulars" that we spent extra time with on our weekly visits.  A benefit for me here, and I'm sure this was part of God's plan, was that Casey allowed me to relax.  I was no longer hesitant or intimidated in praying for people.  If a resident responded affirmatively to my asking if they would like me to pray for them, I would do so.  Only very rarely would I receive a "no" response when I asked if I could pray for someone.  In fact, rather than a simple "yes," the response was sometimes "definitely," "certainly," or "Of course!"