Greetings and happy Monday. Norman and some of his fellow pet therapy friends participated at this year’s Halloween Fall Festival over the weekend. This hunk continues to impress me with his calm nature, especially at an event with loads of sugared-up kiddos, absent minded adults not watching where they’re stepping and a loud entertainment system blasting hip-hop music. Still, a good time was had by one and all. Here are some photos from the event.
Norman continues to impress me around little kids. Many of them are understandably wary of this ‘Joker’ because of his size. But he was patient and calm, especially around the smallest ones and managed to drew crowds of both big and little peeps. Norman was only too happy to serve up kisses.
This smiling Princess was initially hesitant to pet Norman but then she realized he was soft and sweet. Soon she was very happy meeting Norman and he loved the attention he received.
There were a number of non pet therapy pups in attendance and this miniature Dachshund named Amelia was in dog heaven greeting them all with one of the fastest tail wags I’ve ever seen. She was very smitten with Norman despite the size differential. Norman and I tried to recruit her for the program because she was such a sweetie and just loved everyone.
Norman was thrilled to see his little pal, Bindee, who charmed the pants off young and old alike in her pumpkin costume. She didn’t seem to mind posing with this ‘Joker.’
There were loads of games and activities for kids to enjoy and a variety of good hearted hospital staff to greet them as well, along with a nice photo booth for family photos.
“Little Bo Peep” (and fellow pet therapist) Dawn was voted best huMom by all the pet therapy dogs for sharing bites of hot dog with the gang. Pictured with Norman are Logan, an agility champion (dressed as “Mardi Growls”) and her Dolly posing as a lost lamb, as Dawn shared bites for the gang. As a dog trainer she knew just how to enlist their attention and even though they are all professionals, events like this can be somewhat overwhelming.
Norman will be back at hospital today for visits with nurses and patients. He will post more photos from the weekend event tomorrow. We hope these costumed therapy dogs brought you a smile to start out your week.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Mardi Growls….mol.
Heh, heh. Logan’s mum is pretty clever isn’t she?
I know you have to be SUPER proud of Norman! I would be!!! the kids petting him were darling!
He’s such a trooper. And far more patient than I am. LOL
Mee-yow Sweet Norman you are THE cutest an most hansum Poochie Joker efurr!!! You were so payshunt an calm an it lookss like you had lotss of fun an made mew frendss two!!
Ameilia an Bindee are so cute!! You have poochie groupiess now!!
Miss Monika you must bee so purroud of Sweet Norman1 Mee sure iss!
***paw kissess*** an **purrss** BellaDhrma an {{huggiess}} an <3 BellaSita
Thanks, and yes, so very proud of this amazing boy who has so much to give. 💙
Sweet Norman is simple amazin <3 <3
Lulu: “Our Mama and Dada went to Dia de los Muertos downtown over the weekend, but I stayed home. Something about ‘too many people’ and ‘no dogs on the pier’, so I didn’t get to steal any bread and cookies from the ofrendas or such. Very sad day.”
Charlee: “See, talking about stealing bread and cookies from the ofrendas is a good reason for you not to be there.”
Oh Lulu…we’d happily let you steal any cookies. 💖
Why is Snoopy all alone?
He’s always out front of the crowd.
I see so much Sam in him; enough to believe there’s some force beyond our knowledge at work. I see so much of Bear in Latte – sometimes it takes my breath away. I don’t like to compare … but sometimes it’s just so obvious!
He definitely has Sam’s sweet nature for sure. Latte is the love gift Bear sent you just like Norman is for me. Funny how that happens.
What terrific photos – Norman in his element – being adorable! Looks like it all was a whole lot of fun!
Hugs, Pam
That little Princess is too sweet! And love the little dogs next to Norm. He has the perfect costume. Looks like you guys had a great time bringing smiles! What you all do best! <3
Thank you. Norman is such a good sport about these things. I’m very lucky to have rescued him.
Norman looks GREAT in that costume!
Thanks. He never flinched when I put it on him. That dog is amazing! Elsa would have no part of costuming.
He’s probably the most adorable joker around. LOL
You have to admit, Norman is really something else. Everything I read makes me admire him more and more. I understand the “Swelling with Price” completely. As for my favourite Ninja, don’t fret, I luvs you too…
Thanks, John. I love her too despite her being such a little toad. Norman is a model dog. I couldn’t be more pleased with how he handles himself, be it at hospital or with the stinker Ninja. 😇
Norman is so handsome. I’d sure love to give his some loves and smooches. He’s such a good boy.
I linked Norman to Awww Mondays.
Have a fabulous day and week. Scritches to the pups and a smooch to Norman. ♥
Thank you, Sandee. He is such a big hunk of love and makes friends so easily. Puppy kisses from the ‘Big Guy.’
Go Norman! Doing his thing as only he can.
He’s such a good boy.
He is.
A terrific event. Thanks for sharing it with us, Monika.
Thanks, John. Happy Monday!
One of my fave things is to watch calm sweet doggos interact with tiny kids especially that instant where fear is overcome and they realize they can actually. touch. that. dog!
It is one of the best things I get to experience. That little girl was adorable. I ran into her mom today at the hospital-she gushed over Norman and kept saying how glad she was her little one got to meet him.
Benji as that sort of love everyone personality too, and if I wasn’t working when we got him he might have made a good therapy pup. The timing wasn’t right…and of course he has had no training for the CGC certification, etc…
You all had a great time, that’s for sure!!
Norman hasn’t been CGC certified either but our program doesn’t require it. The evaluating vet said he’s just a big ole sweetheart made to bring smiles to people’s faces. 💙
Norman is an all-around great dog. I so enjoyed the pictures and almost felt like I was right there amongst everyone. Of course, with 4 dogs in the house, I always feel like I’m amongst a lot of dogs, LOL!! So glad it went well and you and Norman and everyone else had a great time.
I can’t imagine how you’d NOT feel like you’re in the middle of a bunch of dogs! Events of those kind really show how well adjusted these dogs are but we’re trying to get the organizers to be a bit more cognizant of their needs for next year’s event. 🤞🏼
Good idea.
Norman is such a good pup. Wonderful pictures!
It looks like you both had a great time! Norman is a rock star therapy dog.
He continues to make me proud, every single time we go out.
So much fun! Good boy, N. You brought many smiles for sure – human and furry. Love that costume!
Love and licks,
Cupcake
Thanks, Cupcake. Norman is such a good sport for those kinds of events…and far more patient than his mum. 🤣
Norman really has a superb temperament….and he looks as if he was really enjoying himself!
His temperament really is sweet and he really enjoys seeing little kids. And all those ear rubs was a nice bonus to go with the hot dog bites. 😉
I love all the photos and the costumes are great. Norman – you are so cute – sending you a big hug!! Can’t wait to see more pictures.
Thanks, Susan! I saved a few for the next post. It was a nice event.
norman is such a good boy
He really is a sweetheart being around so many people of all sizes.
My goodness, could Bindee look any cuter?! No surprise that Norman is a hit at events like these, OESs are so sweet and affectionate.
She is soooo beloved around the hospital. She’s one cutie pie for sure. Like all OES’s Norman and the proverbial puppy look. They’re so hard to resist, especially when there’s grey on the ears/face. And yes, he works that advantage! LOL
Yes, their faces are just so sweet and when you look into those eyes (sometimes you have to move the fur out of the way)… <3
Almost every one thinks Norman is a puppy still. Sheepdogs never seem to lose that puppy look.
So true!
Great outfit, Norman. A duke or court jester? 😉 … Cheers to your demeanor. Happy Monday Monika. Hey … and a Monday when the Broncos didn’t lose on Sunday. A reason for some Stella.
Norman is such a joker. Which makes him even more lovable. Funny you mentioned that…I said Sunday was going to be great because the Donkeys weren’t playing. Gosh could they be any worse?? 🍻
Cheers to Norman’s character. Regarding the Broncos … well … the Jets and Texans are worse …. much worse!!!
That looks like it was loads of fun! Gracie had a visiting buddy last year who was a Leonberger, who weighed about 160 lbs to her 14. It was so much fun taking them around together. We got lots of double-takes!
Those are always some of the best double takes, aren’t they? It was a fun event and good to see people enjoying themselves outside in a controlled Halloween event.
The photos are adorable!
Why thank you! It was a fun day spreading joy with all who attended.
oh that was such a fabulos event and you are da best joker ever!!!! and we love da lost lamb costume and your friends!!!
Thanks, boys. Dolly and Dawn always do the most amazing costumes!
What a wonderful Monday Musings, Monika! That big sweetie of yours keeps showing his good nature. Love it!
Thank you. He’s such a good natured fella, can’t help but swell with pride at events like this with him. 💙
You really lucked out with him! And how could you not? 🧡
It was like winning the lottery!
No kidding! The big lot!
As in PowerBall!!! 😊
Woot!!