Category: Helper Dog

Nature Friday ~ April 4, 2025

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 49 Comments

Nature FridayWelcome to the first Friday in April where as always we join the LLB Gang for their weekly Nature Friday blog hop. Click on the link to see what scenes from nature others are sharing.  Hard to believe we’ve officially entered the second quarter of 2025. Where has the time gone? Soon Passover and Easter will be front and center. The speed at which time flies by seems to speed up the older you get. Luckily there’s a certain ‘lad’ who’s happy to keep me on my toes (aka staying young by trying to keep up with him, despite the uncanny number of wrinkles staring back at me from my bathroom mirror). Well, let’s get started with today’s latest conversation.

Wilson: Hello, Mum…happy Friday. So what will we showcase this week?

The Mum: Well, young man, before we get started, how’s about we have a little ‘chat’ first before we share any photos from nature we encountered this week, shall we?

Wilson: Umm, this sounds ominous. Am I in trouble?

The Mum: Not in trouble per se but we do need to have a heart to heart about the maple flowers that are dropping on the sidewalk like flies.

Maple Flowers

Wilson: Ooooh, you mean those tasty morsels I find whenever I go outside? They are just so…

The Mum: {interrupting} STOP…you can’t eat those…

Wilson: But Mum…I can’t help but think of them as little truffles. I realize they may not be for everyone, but you do realize one of my greatest gifts to humankind is my uncanny ability to hoover up crumbs, wherever I find them. Just think of these things as crumbs that I’m cleaning up for you. I mean, you realize I’m doing you a solid by you not having to constantly have to sweep them up from the patio. When you think about it, I’m actually doing you a favor.

The Mum: Umm, well when you put it like that…wait, what am I saying? When you snarf those little flower clusters up, I have to mop up the slobbery drool marks! No, no, no…maple flowers must not to be eaten. While it should be noted that they aren’t poisonous, ingesting the flowers could cause stomach upset, including vomiting and diarrhea. You wouldn’t want to have to go to the vet now, would you?

Wilson: {gasp} Well, when you put it like that…definitely not. I’ll try not to eat them Mum, but we both know it won’t be easy. May I suggest you bring plenty of treats with you when taking me outside to deter me from eating until they’re gone?

The Mum: Boy, you’ll do just about anything for a treat, won’t you?

Wilson: I say, Mum, I’ve told you many times before, I’m no ordinary fool. You should know treats are a bravo-good way to deter unwanted behavior. All the training videos say so.

The Mum: You’ve been on Facebook again, haven’t you?

Wilson: {clearing his throat} Let’s just say I’m a quick study, Mum.

The Mum: I can see this conversation is going nowhere. Now that we’ve chewed on that topic, what slices of nature do you have to share this week?

Wilson: Well, the forsythias are blooming right now and boy are they cheerful and bright. I’ll bet they make lovely cuttings in any vase.

Forsythia

The Mum: They are definitely a sign that spring is here.

Wilson: And flowering shrubs are beginning to bloom around the neighborhood. One of the prettiest is Prunus Glandulosa, commonly known as flowering almond. This small shrub is fairly tolerant of urban conditions, and once well established, can be fairly drought-tolerant. All parts of the flowering almond shrub  including the stems, leaves, and seeds, are toxic as are many plants in the Prunus family (i.e. plums, cherries, and peaches). It contains cyanogenic glycosides, that release cyanide when metabolized. Ingestion can lead to all sorts of health problems like gastrointestinal distress, difficulty in breathing, seizures, coma and death. Yikes-I’m rather glad we don’t have any in our garden. 

The Mum: Yikes indeed. When I first moved into this house, there were a couple of them but ultimately they didn’t survive for which I’m rather grateful now. I had no idea about its toxicity.
Wilson: Why is it that so many of the prettiest blooms in spring are toxic or poisonous?
The Mum:  I have no idea but it’s quite true. Spring bulbs are poisonous for dogs and because of your propensity toward noshing on things, I worry and have to make sure you don’t get any dumb ideas.
Wilson: I appreciate your looking out for me. When I was researching for this post, I learned that the most common spring bulbs like tulips, hyacinths, irises, daffodils and crocuses are all poisonous for us canines. But boy, they sure are pretty. Guess we have to take the good with the bad, eh?
The Mum: You’re right on both counts. So what flowering bulbs have you seen this week? It’s been pretty chilly and grey, unlike last week where we enjoyed some fabulously warm days. We experienced some flurries of white stuff over the past a few days but nothing that has accumulated.
Wilson:  Quite right, Mum. As usual, winter is being difficult and it just can’t seem to stay away. It even dropped below freezing last night.
The Mum: Yesterday was even chilly enough to turn the furnace back on and more snow showers have been called for in the forecast with temps in the 20’s tonight. Brrrrr.
Wilson: These flowers don’t seem to mind the weather. Check out the unusual hue on this hyacinth. What would you call it, magenta, claret?
The Mum: Sure…that works. It’s quite a beauty but I still tend to be drawn to the purple ones. Their fragrance is just so divine.
Wilson: Oooh, that one is a real beauty, Mum. They sure do have a luscious scent to them. And aren’t you proud of me, I didn’t even water them or the daffodils that we found later on our walk nor did I try to eat them.
Tulip
Daffodil
The Mum: Very proud of you, House Pony. Well done. It’s important to look, just don’t water. And definitely don’t eat!
Wilson: See, I can be a good boy, Mum…well most of the time. So what’s your plan for the weekend? Anything interesting happening? With the weather reverting to winter again, we think we’ll just hang out and stay cozy.
The Mum:  An easy weekend sounds just paw-fect. We hope you are able to enjoy whatever spring has in store for your area. Have a great weekend!
Live, love, bark! 🐾

Monday Musings ~ September 11, 2023

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 50 Comments

9/11 Monday

Twenty-two years ago we watched in horror and disbelief as life as we knew it changed our world. Today is Patriot Day where we salute, honor and remember all the heroes from that fateful day. We will never forget.

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Norman Wins An Award ~ 2022

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 81 Comments

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! 🐾

Wordy Wednesday ~ June 8, 2022

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 56 Comments

We’re departing from our usual wordless format in favour of a pictorial recollection from the weekend fundraiser held at the Park Meadows location of Orvis who offered gift wrapping to their customers for a donation to the OES Rescue. We are always grateful for their support but to visit directly with customers at an event is extra special. Because of Norman’s pet therapy experience, he was the weekend’s ambassador showing the general public how great rescued dogs can be, given a chance.

Welcoming us to the store was a sandwich board showing current conditions at favorite regional fishing spots, and sporting an adorable OES face. After a quick set up of the wrapping table and after meeting the staff who showered Norman with affection. Customers began arriving shortly thereafter and we enjoyed chatting with them. My good friend and fellow volunteer, Anastacia (who arranged for this event), and I wrapped gifts while chatting with folks while Norman did his thing.

Norman

For those unfamiliar with Orvis, it’s an American family-owned retail and mail-order business specializing in fly fishing, hunting and sporting goods. Founded in Manchester, Vermont, back in 1856 by Charles F. Orvis to sell fishing tackle, it is the nation’s oldest mail-order retailer and this location is a dog friendly retailer at a large mall.

One of the first visitors was a woman who instantly fell in love with Norman and said she would return with her daughter and granddaughter. Shortly thereafter, this little cutie marched in and strolled up to meet Norman.

Her mom and grandmother chatted with us for several minutes and all enjoyed their time with Norman. His soft fur and patient disposition never disappoint.

Norman is nothing if not an equal-opportunity therapist…he enjoys youngsters as well as older folks alike.

Norman

Norman easily size people up and seems to know who will offer an ear rub and those who will offer a nice belly rub as well.

NormanNorman

Norman spent the entire day meeting and greeting customers. Most didn’t want gift wrapping but still left a donation nonetheless for which we were most thankful. To reward Norman for all his hard work, he got to pick out a toy from  numerous offerings. You may recall the customer who liked Norman so much at Orvis’ Christmas event, she purchased one that he still adores to this day.

Norman
Oh…the choices

The elephant had been intriguing to Norman back in December, but he barely acknowledged it this time.

Norman
Hmm…this one has possibilities

He thoroughly checked all the offerings.

Norman

In the end, Norman put his paw of approval on the sloth, a choice that was most unexpected.

Norman

This was THE one.

Norman
My favorite!

It was a long day yet Norman performed like the consummate professional he is. He was one happy but tuckered out boy.

Norman

Next week Orvis will host another event where a different pup and volunteer will help out Anastacia. It should be a good one for the rescue too since Orvis is running a big promotion to coincide with Father’s Day weekend. While Norman and I won’t be there, we are excited at the potential for another very successful day.

Hope you’ve enjoyed seeing a few pics from our day at Orvis. We want to thank Orvis and their gracious staff for their ongoing support of our rescue.

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Monday Musings ~ May 23, 2022

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 52 Comments

Happy Monday morning. As we prepare to make our  scheduled hospital visits today and tomorrow, Norman says “Never underestimate the therapeutic value of a wet nose.”

Norman
The Dogtor is In

We hope your encounters this week are therapeutic and allow you to feel better.

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Monday Musings ~ January 3, 2022

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 67 Comments

Welcome to 2022 where we’re starting with a fresh new and hopeful slate. We hope you had a safe and happy New Year. Now comes that time of year when people often make resolutions to address any bad habits we may have slipped into or seek to enhance what we’ve been doing, especially some of those slip ups which often occur during the holiday season. If anyone needs some help, Elsa has offered to step in and do what she can with your list.

Smiles

Do you make New Year’s resolutions? Or do you just take note of areas where you want/need to improve such as with eating habits/diets, getting more exercise, go ‘dry-January,’ and stuff like that?

Live, love, bark!  🐾

Monday Musings ~ July 12, 2021

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 57 Comments

The Ranch’s ‘great invention’ is headed off to hospital for the next couple of days so we’ll no doubt be late reading your posts. We hope you smile as much as the nurses and patients will that we’re going to visit this week. Happy Monday, peeps!

Smiles
Image by Lynn Johnston via Pinterest

Live, love, bark! 🐾

 

Wordy Wednesday ~ November 11, 2020

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 42 Comments

November 11th is the official day when the US observes Veterans Day annually. It honors military veterans who have served in the US Armed Forces. It coincides with other celebrations, including Armistice Day and Remembrance Day in other countries marking the anniversary of the end of World War I when major hostilities formally ceased at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, when the Armistice with Germany went into effect. Prior to 1954, the US holiday was known as Armistice Day and still is known by that moniker elsewhere.

This commemoration should not be confused with Memorial Day. Veterans Day celebrates all U.S. military veterans’ service, whereas Memorial Day honors those who died in military service of their country.

To all who have answered the call, whether they have two or four legs, and who served in the US and around the world as well their families who likewise sacrifice, we salute and honor you. Happy Veteran’s Day.

Today the Ranch hands and I honor all veterans, whether they have two or four legs.

Veterans Day
FORT CARSON, Colo.–Staff Sgt. John Mariana, a military working dog handler with his K-9 partner, Bronco, both assigned to the 148th Military Police Detachment, 759th Military Police Battalion, from Fort Carson, Colo., taking` a break from conducting security patrols during a deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (Photo courtesy of Staff Sgt. John Mariana, 148th MP Det., 759th MP Bn.)

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Monday Musings ~ October 19, 2020

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 70 Comments

Before we get to Monday, I wanted to express my heartfelt thanks to all who were so kind with their welcome back comments on our last post and extra thanks to those of you who reached out privately over the past six weeks. It has been so incredibly touching and most appreciated. The pet blogging community is quite special and I will always be grateful to each and everyone of you for your kindness and caring. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Now, let’s get to Monday.  For those of you living in the US who are not quite ready to welcome another week of the campaign, I hope you find comfort in the thought there are only two more weeks until the election. Thank heavens for small miracles. I’m sure everyone will be grateful for the end of the weirdest election ever. But if that doesn’t make you smile, how about seeing therapy dogs in action from Norman’s recent inaugural visit to Lutheran. The panDAMNic has taken a real toll on healthcare workers everywhere and it certainly  disseminated our therapy ranks, but ten dogs were scheduled for this event, five for each shift, which was a nice way to start up again.

Even with reduced numbers, there was still a good variety of participating pups from tiny Bindee to buffalo-sized Norman. Whatever your jam, the Lutheran pet therapy dogs have you well covered.

Therapy Dogs
Photo courtesy of Sue Sprinkle ~ Bindee and Norman

Norman was especially taken with little Bindee, wiggling his butt non-stop whenever he was around her but always remaining a well behaved, gentle giant. I wasn’t 100% completely sure how’d this mass get-together would fly  but Norman showed why he should do quite well when it comes to pet therapy work. There were loads of “hi there, how you doing, nice to meet you” kind of sniffs with tails wags and wiggles by all the dogs. It was particularly nice to also see the handlers after many months being away.

While I personally wish there had been more doctors and nurses from the Emergency Department (they had been lobbying for dog visits for some time and could definitely use the pet therapy visits as the hospital is once again full with patients as the city’s COVID numbers have spiked lately), we did get a few drop in’s from folks I’d previously seen around the hospital with probably half a dozen EMTS and police officers.

Police
Photo courtesy of  Janet Gradwell Lewis  ~ Bismark and Logan
Pet Therapy
Photo courtesy of Jaycee Chinn ~ Rylie
Pet Therapy
Photo courtesy of Janet Gradwell Lewis ~ L to R: Bindee, Kai, Bismark, Logan, & Rylie
Pet therapy
Photo courtesy of Jaycee Chinn ~ Rylie

Everyone seemed very pleased to visit with all the dogs on a perfect autumn day with mild temps and the dogs were glad to be back to work. We’re all hopeful that we can do this again soon.

Pet Therapy
Photo courtesy of Sue Sprenkle  ~ our most experienced pet therapists, Beau & Roxie
Pet Therapy
Photo courtesy of Sue Sprenkle ~ Zoe and Rylie
Pet Therapy
Photo courtesy of Jaycee Chinn ~ Rylie (Kai and Bindee in background)
Pet Therapy
Photo courtesy of Sue Sprenkle ~ Axel

Rylie also made her maiden voyage with Norman. She’s going to be a great addition of the group. At the end of the day, the Good Dogs of Lutheran’s pet therapy program made the event a resounding success and everyone is already jonesing for the next time when these special dogs are able to make people smile and breath just a bit easier in these weird times.

Live, love, bark! 🐾