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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Have a great autumn!
Live, love, bark! 🐾
awww awesome program 😍
he is such a good boy 🐶💕
Aww, thank you. We love bringing smiles to folks throughout the hospital.
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…
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. 😉
WAHOO! Go Norman, Congrats on a job well done!!
xoxo,
Rosy
PeeEss…Happy Autumn!!
Thanks, Rosy! Happy autumn to you and the whole gang! We hope Sunny is feeling better.
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!”
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. 😇
PAWSUM PAWSUM PAWSUM Norman!!!!
Concatulations of yore Therapy Award. Yore most deeservin mee Sweet Norman.
Wee ADOOR you!
***paw kissess*** an ~~head rubss~~BellaDharma~~ an ((huggiess)) BellaSita Mum
Many thanks, dear kitty and mum. It was a nice surprise that he qualified and I couldn’t be prouder of his therapy work.
No dog there deserved their award more than Norman. And thanks for the shoutout for Zoe — she really enjoyed her moment in the spotlight.
She’s such the perfect ambassador for therapy dogs. Everyone loves her, whether they have two or four paws. 😉 Have a great weekend.
Congrats!! Well done!
Thank you very much!
Way to go Norman!
You da man!!!!
Thanks! It was a most pleasant surprise.
Couldn’t happen to a more deserving pooch. Way to go, Norman.
And yo Monika! No more counting down the days. Autumn is HERE!
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
I don’t doubt that for a second! LOL!!
Hockey will be here in no time!
Couple of games in Prague on October 7 & 8; our season begins on the 12th. Woot!
Woot! Something else to count down 😉
I got an award also and they tell me that it is named after a bird. It is the coveted “boobie prize”. I’ll take my bow now.
A bow or a flight? 😁
Congratulations! I hope you saw me listed with the past reigning queens…
Hilarious photos of noisy Norman, hehe! Congrats on the well-deserved award, nice job!
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.
Congrats, Norman! Look at that trio of Shelties, so cute <3
Aren’t they just the cutest? And, they are great agility competitors in addition to providing smiles to patients and staff.
Yes, just adorable, all lined up in a row! I can imagine them being good at agility, given their herding ancestry.
Congratulations, Norman! Way to go, boy! 👍👍👍
Thank you very much! It was a nice surprise.
Thanks for sharing Norman’s award time. He looks so happy
He’s one of the happiest dogs around. And so easy going.
Looks like it.
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
Thank you. If nothing else, his size says it all. LOL
It’s that look in his eyes that gets me….!!!!
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! 😊
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!
Thanks, Mike. Little Riley is a sweetheart and was bouncing all over the place. She was quite exuberant!
Yay Norman!!! I had to laugh, what a ham!! He would be great therapy for anyone, he’s such a character! Congratulations and good for Norman!
Thank you. He makes friends wherever he goes, even if he bulldozes his way there. LOL
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. ♥
You’re too kind, Sandee. Norman does all the work, I just drive. 😉 Hugs and tail wags from both of us.
Great photos all! Norman is a hero among heroes and if he happens to photobomb a couple of…ok most of the presentations…so be it. He definitely earned those naps. Wonderful cause…and celebration of it!
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. 🤣
congrats!
Thanks! Happy first day of autumn.
Congratulations, Norman! What a great bunch of dogs. Loved the photos. ❤️🐾
Many thanks, Paulette. Yes, it’s a really terrific bunch of pooches. Happy autumn.
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!
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. 💙
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!!
Aren’t they just the cutest trio?! They are small but all 3 are big time agility champions.
Oh, yay! Congratulations, N. You are doing the important work. And photobombing other pups important work, too! Good job!
Love and licks,
Cupcake
Good thing he seems adept at both. 😉
Good work, Norman, and enjoy those well-deserved naps. And happy Autumn to all of us!
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.
We are actually a bit chilly this morning…feels so good!!
Isn’t it fantastic? We’re all loving the cool mornings! Enjoy your weekend.
You too. I love sweater weather!
How wonderful and so deserving! Major congrats to Norman!!! What a lovely award, too! So proud of him! Sharing this over on my FiveSibes. Kisses to Norman!
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.
Wow, Norman was trying to steal the show, BOL!
Congrats anyways, sweetie!
I was about 50F here, early this morning, and there is talk of temps overnight in the 30’s…sheesh, maybe a bit too soon for *that*!
It was a glorious 48F this morning for our walk and while crisp, very welcome. Yeah, 30 might be a bit soon just now. 😆
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
Thank you. He’s a sweet boy that no one seems to mind likes being in the middle of everything. LOL
Norman is a star! Bring out the fleecy clothes! We are in the low 60s today. That’s as unseasonable as the high temps we had this summer!
It’s definitely sweater weather in the 303. This morning’s walk clocked in at a crisp 48ºF – paradise!
Wow!
We’ll be wearing gloves on the early morning walks soon. 😉
Photobombing? No….supervising! What a super group of dogs.
You know, that’s what he said! LOL Yes, it is a diverse and super group of dogs. Someone for everyone.
Way to go Norman!! 🎉 doesn’t mom know you were just trying to be extra helpful?! 😂❤️
Who knew he was just checking that all the names were spelled correctly. 😆
Well someone has to double check these things!! 😂❤️
Hahaha. That must have been exactly what he thought! 😆
oh congrats dear norman!!! well deserved… and we love your workmates… they are amazing what a fabulous team
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.
Happy Autumn 🍂
Happy sweater weather to you. We totally love this time of year.