Trip to Eddie’s Wheels
Yesterday, I spent a fascinating afternoon at Eddie’s Wheels in Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts… There I met Ed and Leslie Ginnell, founders of Eddie’s Wheels and dozens of Eddie’s Wheels dogs...
View ArticleThe Makings of a Good Therapy Dog
I have been evaluated dogs to be Therapy Dogs since 1997 – first as an evaluator for the MSPCA’s Pet Visitation Program and currently for Bright Spot Therapy Dogs, Inc. At this point in time, I have...
View ArticleSay Hello Spot book pick… I Remember: Hachiko Speaks
My book recommendation for Say Hello Spot readers is a departure from my usual favorite dog training book or novel with a dog as a main character. Today’s book, I Remember: Hachiko Speaks, by Leslea...
View ArticleCrate training your dog
Crate training a dog takes effort on the part of the owner, but the benefits of having your dog crate trained are many… at left, Annie enjoys gazing out the window atop her room. This past Saturday,...
View ArticleThank you, JACQUELINE SHEEHAN
Last night, I attended the book launch for Jacqueline Sheehan’s new novel Picture This. Thank you, Jacqueline, for writing a sequel to your New York Times Bestseller Lost & Found, a book I...
View ArticleBook Review: Picture This by Jacqueline Sheehan
Finished Picture This… Loved it! I immediately reconnected with the characters I met in Lost and Found – just like catching up with old friends, as though no time had passed between us. I love Tess...
View ArticleCrate Training. A must, in my opinion.
A dog can learn to think of his/her crate as a special place. Believe me, my dogs love their crates. Truly. The secret? Simple. They think of their crates as a good place to be. Why? Because...
View ArticleBook I loved: Remembering the Music, Forgetting the Words by Kate Whouley
At the Bay Path College Writers’ Day, I attended a talk on memoir writing given by author Kate Whouley. It was an excellent talk, and very helpful to me in writing my memoir BEYOND WORDS, The Bond...
View ArticleSay Hello Spot book pick: Canine Cuisine by Carlotta Cooper
I have to admit, I am not one for cooking for people, let alone dogs. I don’t like to spend time in the kitchen, especially when the weather is nice. I want to spend as much time as I can … Continue...
View ArticleHoping for Sunflower-Sunshine this Holiday Weekend
To me, sunflowers radiate happiness and sunshine. They are my favorite flower. My daughter Jeanne always gives me a bouquet of sunflowers each Mother’s Day. This beautiful bunch has filled our...
View ArticleToday Therapy Dog Teams have many visiting choices.
You and your dog have finished your therapy dog training. You’ve passed your evaluation, and the two of you have earned the title of certified therapy dog team. Now – where will you visit? Too often...
View ArticleTherapy Dogs: the Handler at the Other End of the Lead
We read about and hear about Therapy Dogs so much these days. We watch YouTube videos of these wonderful dogs in action. I write posts every week on Say Hello Spot highlighting the meaningful work...
View ArticleOctoberfest: Annual Greyhound Options Rally
Although English Setters have been at the center of my life for the past twenty-four years, I have a strong attraction to Greyhounds. They posess such an elegant grace. So gentle, sweet, and...
View ArticleThe perfect toy for my dogs. Still searching…
Through the years I have searched for the perfect toy for my dogs. For me that means a toy they can’t destroy after the first 5 minutes it hits their mouth. My English Setters are tough on toys. If it...
View ArticleWhat Breed of Dog is Right for You?
Occasionally, I receive emails from people who are looking for the right kind of dog for them. Sometimes they are inquiring about getting a dog for the purpose of training him or her to be a therapy...
View ArticleMake someone smile. Become a Certified Therapy Dog Team
A single visit from a certified therapy dog team can have powerful results. Your visit can bring a smile to the face of a distraught patient in a psychiatric facility. It can elicit memories in a...
View ArticleTo Get A Dog or Not Get A Dog
Getting a dog is an important decision. Not one to be taken lightly. Dogs deserve a forever home. Don't act simply on emotion when deciding to bring a dog into your household.
View ArticleNew Year. New Look for Say Hello Spot
Hi Everyone! Happy New Year! To start 2017 off, I’m officially launching the New Look for Say Hello Spot. I’m very excited about this New Look… For over a year, I have wanted to upgrade the look of my...
View ArticleNew Year. Time to Become a Certified Therapy Dog Team
Many of us take the start of a new year to make changes in our lives. Maybe start something you’ve always wanted to do but kept putting off. Or, maybe you’ve resolved to do community service in 2017....
View ArticleReflections: Therapy Dog Work. What It Means To Me
I love this time of year when I look back over the previous year and reflect upon the accomplishments Bright Spot Therapy Dogs has made. I can’t help but let my mind wander way, way back to 1992 when I...
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