Now that our gorgeous Labor Day Weekend is behind us, my summer-long vacation has officially ended. Blog posts on Say Hello Spot will now be appearing on a regular basis. I’ll be writing about all the fun things I do with my own sweet, gentle, lovable English Setters, King, Lily, and Annie, and about our many Bright Spot Therapy Dog teams out doing amazing things to help people of all ages wherever therapy dogs can be of help.
It’s been a great summer. Our daughter’s wedding. The grandkids visiting. Time in Maine. Kayaking and biking with friends. Gardening. Yes – I’m finally back gardening. After contracting Lyme disease in the summer of 2013, much to my dismay, I couldn’t bring myself to head back into my beloved garden where I had so cavalierly picked off many a tick from my body once inside the house. Lyme disease was no fun, and I certainly didn’t want to get it a second time. This summer, fully clothed from head-to-toe (and dripping sweat), I’ve found great pleasure digging in the rich soil, adding new plants, moving things around, and creating a new 75′ daylily border.
All the while, King, Lily, and Annie have enjoyed being in vacation mode, as well. They’ve taken the lazy, hazy days of summer in their laid-back English Setter manner. Lily and Annie up on their hunting hill way back in the hayfield silently watching for woodland creatures; King lying down watching me garden. As long as these dogs are with me, they’re happy doing whatever…
I’ve enjoyed hearing from many of our Bright Spot volunteers over the summer. Those who visit in healthcare facilities have been busy making people happy. Many involved in our school year Reading Buddy Program helped out with our summer reading program at The Eric Carle Museum. Others wrote to me about their vacations with their dogs. It’s great to hear from them. They’re wonderful people with terrific dogs. In addition, many new people have emailed me throughout the summer inquiring about our Bright Spot Therapy Dog training courses starting up this month and next.
There is always much to write about when it comes to therapy dogs. The demand for our trained, certified Bright Spots continues to increase. I enjoy writing about this meaningful work, hoping to inspire others with gentle, friendly dogs to become involved as a visiting Bright Spot Therapy Dog team.