Children

TRIBUTE TO BLUE

December 3, 2014 | 18 Comments

I always feel especially bad for families who experience a loss during the holiday season. And December seems to be non-stop Christmas parties, luncheons and get-togethers. As others celebrate, these heartbroken people grieve. The Occassion becomes a painful reminder; perhaps for many years to follow. Until the grief becomes less painful, and they can celebrate the memories along with the holiday.

The loss of our animal companions is no less significant. They are members of our family, and we mourn their passing.

My brother works away from home for periods of two to three weeks. Leaving his older dog became more difficult with each trip as he could not be sure Blue would be waiting for him upon his return.

Unfortunately, that was the case this trip.

For the longest time, my parents have provided a second home for Blue while my brother is away. They loved Blue as their own. He was in the best place and could not have been provided better care during his final moments.

The following is a tribute to Blue – a tribute to Senior Dogs

Blue & Penelope

Welcome to your new home

Welcome to your new home little one, we’re excited to have you finally with us. Our parents have spent much time researching how best to care for you. They’ve picked the coziest bed, the cuddliest toys and are equipped with everything necessary to give you the best start in life.

You are loved -you will be happy

And when you grow, big enough to get into mischief, you will undoubtedly do things our parents disapprove of. They will make it clear that what you did was wrong. They will, with patience, encourage you to do it differently – for as many ‘tries’ as it takes.

And when you succeed, they will shower you with praise and nurture your confidence.

You are loved -you will be happy

Our parents will set rules and boundaries, and you will learn manners. They will teach you to be respectful, and how they expect you to behave around others. These acts of love take time, effort, and tolerance.

When others notice and complement our parents on a job well done, they will look at you with such pride. There is no greater reward than knowing your parents are well-pleased.

You are loved – you will be happy

Accidents happen, and we become ill – it’s a part of life. Our parents will be by your side, make trips with you to the doctor, clean up accidents without frustration, and stroke your hair as you recover. Love is the best medicine.

You are loved -you will be happy

New members may join your pack – a brother or sister. You will both remain very special to our parents. You will each have your unique ways of creating happiness and laughter in your home. No one can be replaced. No one will feel left out. You are a family.

We have the best parents little one; you will see.

They are here for us when we need them and for however long we need them – unconditionally.

You are loved -you will be happy

It’s time now for me to say goodbye. Please look after them little one; they will be sad. The man you love, I too call ‘dad’.

I have been happy and treated very well. Every day a new adventure but alas I am tired; too weak to explore.

I have been blessed with a wonderful family. This dog could not have asked for more.

I have been loved – I have been happy

Photo of Blue & Penelope taken by Sarah Graham Photography

http://www.sarahgrahamphotography.com/

YOU’RE MY BEST FRIEND

November 30, 2014 | Leave a Comment

You’re my best friend

I can relate to the children who struggle with school. I loved art, english, writing, and music, but math was a challenge for me. I clearly remember an altercation that occurred one day in school; all the other children were sent out to play after lunch. I was asked to stay behind by the teacher – Mrs. B. To make matters worse, the teacher’s pet Tracy was also asked to remain in the room. Mrs. B. then proceeded to point out errors I had made on a recent math test.

Instead of seeing this as an opportunity to correct my mistakes, I felt as if I was under attack, and the two of them were ganging up on me. I tried to stand up for myself in one instance where my continental ‘7′ was mistaken for a ‘9.’ The answer was correct, but it did not matter. I can still see the sneer on Mrs. B’s face as she turned and asked Tracy’s opinion; did Tracy believe the number was, in fact, a seven? Of course not – teacher’s pet!

I felt humiliated and incredibly angry. There were other 7’s on the page to refer to. It was obvious to me that the number was, in fact, a ‘7.’

My parents hired a tutor to help me learn my numbers and would give me math books as birthday and Christmas presents. These were not appreciated and remained unread. I wonder where those books ended up.

Library Dogs are near and dear to my heart. Tails are Wagging would like to become involved with and support such programs. I have Mentioned Therapy Dog Training with Henry’s trainer and hope to get him into the program. I also look forward to meeting with the Ontario Provincial Therapy Dog Coordinator, with St. John Ambulance to discuss the ‘Paws 4 Stories’ component of their program. I hope our book ‘Henry says, “Hello” can help raise funds for this program.

It’s too bad there aren’t therapy dogs for math. I would have loved a little ‘Einstein’ buddy. As someone who struggled as a child, and understands the frustration and emotional turmoil of such struggles, I was thrilled to learn about Paws 4 Stories. This program provides children with a non-hostile learning environment and non-judgmental, patient reading companions. Therapy Dogs will sit and listen to a child as they read the same sentence over, and over until they get it right. Instead of feeling stupid, ashamed and discouraged, children receive the support they need to become confident readers.

Check back later for more information about this program.

You’re my Best Friend – illustration

I adore chubby cheeks on children and could not resist exaggerating them in this illustration.

Henry meditates: he cuddles with his stuffed toy and exudes complete calm. Sometimes I will sit with him and before long, I too feel completely at peace. This illustration is particularly special to me: I look at this illustration and recognize the feeling of peace that Henry shares with others and the importance of encouraging children to read.

The tales on the bookshelf also have special meaning (more about these later)…

http://www.sja.ca/English/Community-Services/Pages/Therapy%20Dog%20Services/Paws-4-Stories.aspx

it takes a village

October 8, 2014 | 4 Comments

The African proverb “It takes a village to raise a child” means the work of raising (and educating) a child cannot be done alone. Rather, the entire community must participate to some extent in the task.

In this case, a group of people (some, complete strangers) came together to work on a project; a children’s book with a very important lesson to teach children – be respectful around dogs. By working together, this group is also helping to make a wish come true. Henry’s wish to teach children how to interact safely with dogs.

I invited two volunteer friends to listen to the story and provide feedback. Graciously, they did so, and their contributions were incorporated, to strengthen the lesson for children, and additional programs suggested which might benefit from book sale profits.

Upon hearing the story, one of the volunteers asked if the characters (dogs) were based on real life examples, and did I have a ‘Merlin?’ I did not. Turns out, there was a dog at the shelter I volunteer at, that had been adopted and renamed……MERLIN! My volunteer friend put me in touch with Merlin’s mom, a Marketing Executive and Graphic Designer. Sarah Kirk-Douglas permitted me to feature her dog as one of the characters in my book, and has also been incredibly generous with other aspects of this process. I could not have done it without her. Sarah has kept me on track, provided invaluable strategies for marketing and promoting the project and kept me focused and positive, during what has been a very emotional and stressful roller-coaster ride.

http://www.eventsbysarah.ca

Sarah’s mom Nadine – an editor was also quick to volunteer her assistance. I have read the words over so many times, having a fresh pair of eyes, and feedback from someone reading the story for the first time was extremely helpful.

The stunning campaign photos were taken by Sarah’s Father in law Garrie, of Nexus Photography. The day of the photoshoot started off cloudy, thankfully the rain held off. Our models (four, and two-legged) connected beautifully (as children and dogs should), and everyone had fun playing, more than ‘posing.’ That feeling translated through the images.

www.igg.me/at/henrysayshello

www.nexus-photo.com

Children and Dogs – Naturally

I would drop samples of paperwork off to Sarah’s husband Craig at his place of work (close to my house), and he would graciously transport the samples back home to Sarah.

Craig’s Grandmother even joined the affair by leading contributions towards the project!

Paul – a member of Sarah’s design team has volunteered his time and suggestions, to bring my vision of a classic, traditional-looking storybook come into being.

www.designanddevelop.com

Ryan at Rayment Collins has spoken with me many times about the project, spending time to research and find the best option to create my classic children’s book. The objective; keeping print costs down so the book is affordable and generate a margin of profit that will be contributed to so many worthwhile causes.

www.raymentcollins.com

Mike at The Drafting Clinic scanned my illustrations ensuring the highest quality image was available for the design team. Mike is taking the best care of my artwork until such time as I am able to make the trip to collect them.

http://www.dccltd.ca/

The incredibly beautiful song used as an accompaniment to the slideshow was written and performed by Curt Carter & Tom Connelley. I had the pleasure of communicating with both gentlemen and granted permission to use the song in collaboration with our project. It was the first song I listened to, and I could not bring myself to choose a back-up song. I would consider that ONLY if they denied my request. Thankfully, they did not. In fact, it seemed as if everything was falling into place – as if it was meant to be. Carter & Connelley are kindred spirits.

These are truly songs from the heart. Without preaching, Carter and Connelley weaves a musical landscape allowing one to feel the beauty and harmony of nature within one’s self. We like to call it “environmental music with a message”.

Curt Carter’s dogs – referred to by his wife as an ‘Australian Cuddle Dog’ and ‘Lazy Boy Retriever.’

http://carterandconnelley.com/

To celebrate the book (prematurely), and as a thank you to (local) friends and supporters, a ‘Launch Party’ has been organized. Again, Sarah Kirk Douglas has lead the way, organizing production of tickets and raffle prizes! There has been no shortage of prize donations and a wonderful group of people purchasing tickets to attend the party.

The Event will be held at Boston Pizza (Keswick, ON) and our MC/DJ for the evening is Manager, Shawn Parkinson. Shawn has a way of getting everyone involved; entertainment and audience participaction. Shawn came up with a number of ideas for the evenings festivities including a buffet meal of pizza, pasta, salads and other menu items – a selection to suit all!

Thank you for the prize donations (at time of post);

HENRY PET PRODUCTS

henrypets.com

FETCHING APPAREL

fetching-apparel.com

STELLA & DOT (independent stylist Amy Lazar Kleiman)

www.stelladot.com/amylazarkleiman

THE HAIR COMPANY SALON

http://thehaircompany.ca

BROOKS FARMS

www.brooksfarms.com

BRENDA’S GIFT BASKETS