Norman Wins An Award ~ 2022

~ Tails Around the Ranch

Happy first day of Autumn, everyone!

For the second Thursday in a row, we’re sharing a post to welcome our favorite season as well as sharing highlights from a couple of events the Ranch in-house pet therapist participated in recently.

First, the Annual Pet Therapy Awards program was held last Friday (following a 2 year COVID hiatus) and then Norman joined a few other pet therapists at a nearby event, “Bark In The Park” in Arvada on Saturday. Participation in events like this to help showcase our program and demonstrate how volunteers and their pets make a positive impact in our community.

This year’s awards get together was a delightful surprise since I didn’t think we’d qualify for any recognition. Norman has only been a member of the hospital’s pet therapy program since last June yet our hero managed to qualify by having more than 20 visits during the year. Even though our program has diminished in size, it is still full of spirited and loving pet therapists and their owners. Here are a few pics from the event.

Norman
I’d like to thank my Mum, my agent, my Ninja sister, Lutheran, all my fur-pals in the program… [cue the “get off the stage now” exit music]
Before the presentation, the early birds were rapt with attention and enthusiasm with fellow teammate Janet’s seemingly endless supply of treats which she cheerfully doled out to the piglets good dogs. I think I need to bring a replacement bag of treats to her for all the ones the biggest piglet ate.

Here’s the majority of the dogs in attendance. There were a couple who are part of the program but who did not attend. It can be somewhat overwhelming and some excellent therapy dogs prefer quieter event rather than a conference room filled with lots of high energy, amped up pooches.

Pet Therapy

It’s always hilarious trying to get everyone to stay in place long enough to get a group photo. One notable missing pup, Norman’s Corgi pal Zoe, had her photo taken separately with her mom, Amy who was this year’s organizer for the event. Isn’t she just too adorable? Just look at that cute face!Corgi

Corgi
Zoe’s award ceremony bogarted by a certain sheepdog who was making sure the name was spelled correctly

For some reason, Norman seem to make it his mission to photobomb several of the presentations. Truthfully, there are enough outtake pics, that would merit their own separate post  {#oh that dog}.

Norman made sure the award was suitable for sweet Riley, an enthusiastic and sweet Golden Retriever. For the life of me, I could not keep this big oaf from getting his big fat head in nearly all the frames. I’ve never been so embarrassed by this ox-maybe Elsa has it right when she rants about his bigger than life presence around the Ranch.

Riley

At Saturday’s “Bark In The Park” event, our pet therapy program set up a booth to educate the public about our pet therapy program and to potentially recruit new members to join our team. It was a good event which also benefited the Arvada public dog park. Proceeds from the event will be used to spruce up the park and perform much needed maintenance work over the last two weeks of September so dogs and their suburban owners can continue to enjoy the large wide open space.

As you can see, personable Norman who doesn’t know a stranger, made friends with the folks in the booth next to Lutheran’s. PetWell Clinic is opening a new location for affordable and convenient walk-in vet care in the Sloan’s Lake area in November. Vet tech, Christina graciously appeared with Norman and we chatted about their expansion. We are excited about visiting them once the space opens.

Bark in the Park

All in all it was a super filled weekend but one that was super fulfilling for me and Norman. This boy is such a sport when it comes to events like these. He definitely deserved a few rejuvenating naps following both events.

Norman

Have a great autumn!

Live, love, bark! 🐾

81 thoughts on “Norman Wins An Award ~ 2022”

  2. Congrats to Norman for following in Sam’s footsteps so well! Now I wonder where all these wonderful pooches were when I was in the hospital last year. Not even a therapy squirrel to cheer me up…

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    1. That’s probably because they were too busy vandalizing the doctor’s parking lot. Norman would have loved to visit with you-he continues to take notes on squirrel behavior for sister, Elsa. 😉

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  4. Lulu: “Congratulations on your award, Norman! You do such good work!”
    Java Bean: “Look at all those cute dogs! I bet it would be fun to meet them all and play in that big room!”
    Lulu: “I don’t think that’s what everyone was there for, but, sure, I’m in!”

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    1. You’ve be in good company, Bean. Riley, the Golden was VERY exuberant at seeing her fur-pals and could barely contain her excitement. Norman uncharacteristically, barked for her to calm down. 😇

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    1. Many thanks, dear kitty and mum. It was a nice surprise that he qualified and I couldn’t be prouder of his therapy work.

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    1. She’s such the perfect ambassador for therapy dogs. Everyone loves her, whether they have two or four paws. 😉 Have a great weekend.

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    1. Color us happy about not having to calculate the number of days left for Autumn’s arrival. Now I’m just counting down the days until hockey begins. LOL

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    1. Thank you. He just can’t help himself inspecting all the trophies. The fact that he absolutely adores Lyn, our master of ceremonies probably factors heavily in it too. Even though she has a cute Corgi at home, she always says she’d love to dognap the big guy. And he probably wouldn’t object.

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    1. Aren’t they just the cutest? And, they are great agility competitors in addition to providing smiles to patients and staff.

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  15. Norman is such a star……..so are all the dogs who received recognition for the work they do to keep smiles on faces but Norman – well – he’s got that look in his eye that says it all – “Hey – I’m Norman, and I’m here to make you happy”………….Congrats Norm and everyone else…….Happy Fall!

    Hugs, Pam and Teddy too

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        1. His eyes do it for everyone, even those folks who are afraid of big dogs. They just become putty in his paws. Wish I could rely on my good looks like he does! 😊

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  16. What a wonderful event. The photos all brought a smile to my face; especially the one of Norman approaching that beautiful Golden Retriever. I always knew Norm had good taste. Congrats to all and especially to Norman for Stormin’ up 20 visits filled with love!

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    1. Thanks, Mike. Little Riley is a sweetheart and was bouncing all over the place. She was quite exuberant!

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  18. Congratulations to you and your mom. You’re in this together. I’m so proud of you.

    Have a fabulous day. Scritches to the pups, a smooch to Norman and a big hug to mom. ♥

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    1. You’re too kind, Sandee. Norman does all the work, I just drive. 😉 Hugs and tail wags from both of us.

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    1. He effectively knows how to use his size to get into every frame. Always cracks me up how he just pushes his way into just about any place he thinks he should go. He’s a big hoot, literally and figuratively. 🤣

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  22. Norman is a real socialite, like Lucy but without her fears. I wish I could take her to be a therapy dog, but the first wheelchair would have her cowering. Our hats off to you, Stormin’ Norman!

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    1. Thanks for the kind words, Amy. Norman continues to impress me with his laid back demeanor. Not much flummoxes this boy for which I’m so grateful. 💙

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  23. Congratulations Norman!!!! You handsome fellow! I’m dying over those Shelties! They are some of the SMALLEST Shelties I have ever seen! Levi is giant-sized, Dakota was normal-sized but those are teeny tiny Shelties!!!! They are darling!!

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    1. Thank you and happy autumn! We’re super keen for more sweater weather though know next week will be warmer than the past couple of days.

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    1. He’s a sweet boy. After losing Sam, my long time therapy dog, I thought a sheepdog could be a nice addition and Norman has filled the bill well. Hugs and tail wags.

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    1. It was a glorious 48F this morning for our walk and while crisp, very welcome. Yeah, 30 might be a bit soon just now. 😆

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  28. Many many congratulations for all your amazing work sweet Norman, so well deserved! 💕🐕 So lovely to see your generous spirit celebrating your fellow pooches’ awards too 🎉 xxx

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    1. Thank you. He’s a sweet boy that no one seems to mind likes being in the middle of everything. LOL

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    1. It’s definitely sweater weather in the 303. This morning’s walk clocked in at a crisp 48ºF – paradise!

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    1. You know, that’s what he said! LOL Yes, it is a diverse and super group of dogs. Someone for everyone.

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    1. It feels good being associated with such great dogs. We have a great group who make a positive difference in the lives of patients and staff.

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