At Work

Stress is high on campus these days as students at the University of Massachusetts Amherst write mid-term papers and study for exams.  It’s become a tradition at UMass to have our Bright Spot Therapy Dogs come to campus during mid-term and final exams each semester to provide a much-needed break from work and time to chill out with these sweet, friendly dogs.

Today was the day for the Therapy Dog Stress-Relief Event.  Students took great delight in finding 24 therapy dogs – and many different breeds, sizes, and shapes – to hang out with.

Favorite phrases of the day:  I want to stay here all day with the dogs!  And, The thing I miss most about being away from home is my dog!  After making the rounds of all the dogs in the student union ballroom:  Wow, I feel so relaxed now!  And, always, many saying, Thank you for coming.  Having the dogs here is the best thing!

Our Bright Spot volunteer therapy dog teams enjoy being at the event as much as the students and staff love having us there.  Many of our volunteers take the day off from work to attend!  UMass does an excellent job of hosting our dogs on campus.  We look forward to being back on campus for finals on December 9, 2015.

Calling Dog Lovers of All Ages…  Come to Barnes & Noble Bookstore in Hadley, Massachusetts, on Saturday, November 14th  for a Fun Day with Dogs.  Bright Spot Therapy Dogs will be holding a variety of dog-related events at the Hadley store as part of a fundraiser for Bright Spot sponsored by Barnes & Noble Bookstore.

Our MEET THE BREEDS event will be running throughout the day, from 10-4:30 p.m. Bookstore shoppers will have the chance to learn from the owners of the dogs what it’s like to have a particular breed of dog.  Meet Max, a Greyhound, Rowan, a red Standard Poodle and Downton, a black Standard Poodle, Velvet, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Kaezli, a Bernese Mountain Dog, James, an Australian Shepherd, and more.  Two different breeds, plus All-Americans, will be showcased each hour.  All dogs in our MEET THE BREEDS event are certified Bright Spot Therapy Dogs.

Stop by the Hadley Barnes & Noble Bookstore November 14th and join in the fun!  Take a chance on our FREE RAFFLE,  And – a portion of any purchase you make at Barnes & Noble Bookstore that day will be donated to Bright Spot Therapy Dogs.  Hope to see you there!

Now that the school year is underway, the Bright Spot Reading Buddy dogs are heading back to work with the students.  We are delighted to have Reading Buddy programs running in elementary schools in Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties of Massachusetts.

The students at Westhampton Elementary School (WES) were so excited to see Lily again.  Lily was just as excited as they were.  She greeted the school librarian with a big hug!  The second graders are old friends to Lily.  She listened to all of them read to her last year.  Her first graders are new and were meeting Lily for the first time.

Everybody had a chance to pet Lily before the one-on-one Reading Buddy sessions began in the special area of the school library set up for reading-to-the dog.

A Reading Buddy dog provides a friendly, non-threatening, non-judgmental  listener.  Children feel relaxed and secure with the dog.  They know the dog doesn’t care if they make a mistake.  The children at The Kelly School, where we have five Reading Buddy teams in the school’s Tails to Read Program, have made great strides in reading, some jumping as much as four and five reading levels.

Word of such success is spreading resulting in many more requests from principals wanting to start a Reading Buddy program at their schools.  With this increased demand, we hope to have more Bright Spot certified therapy dog teams choose to become involved in this valuable – and fun – program.

The last session of our Northampton area  Bright Spot Therapy Dog training class ended last Sunday.  I always enjoy receiving a wrap-up from the trainer once the classes conclude.  Even more enjoyable is to receive feedback from participants in the class.

Late Sunday, I received a glowing report from the trainer saying that all the participants had finished up strong at the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke where the dogs and their handlers have the chance to put into practice the skills and techniques they learned in class.  Then, Monday morning, I received this comment from a class participant:

Good morning.  I just wanted to say how much Tucker and I enjoyed our visit to the Holyoke Soldiers’  Home yesterday.  I would certainly return to visit again.  Also I did not get a chance to thank Dawn Kimball and her associate for their fine job in dealing with our training.   They were very good and made us feel  very comfortable with their skills in dealing with different folks and dogs.    Please extend  my thanks.    It was an enjoyable experience for both Tucker and myself.   Looking forward to  our testing with hopes that we both pass.!

I am pleased to say that all participant feedback I receive is similar to the statement above.  People really enjoy our professionally designed Therapy Dog Training course created by people who have years of experience visiting with their own therapy dogs in a variety of health care and educational environments.  The added bonus to test-drive one’s skills in an actual setting helps to put teams at ease knowing what to expect as they head into their evaluations.

Come – join the growing number of people becoming involved in this meaningful work of helping those in need with your sweet, friendly, out-going dog.  Learn how to be a Therapy Dog Team and become Bright Spot certified .

The next Therapy Dog Training course will take place at Exercise Finished in Chicopee, MA.  Taught by well-known dog trainer and AKC Obedience & Rally judge Tibby Chase, the first class starts on October 18th.  Check our website for details.

The students at Robert E. Melican Middle School in Northborough, Massachusetts, are very lucky.  They don’t have just one therapy dog at their school, they have two!  Coco’s pal Molly, also a Bright Spot Therapy Dog, started back to school last week, much to the delight of students, staff, and parents.  Coco writes to tell us all about the good things she and Molly did last week.

Here’s Coco…

Julie is one of the guidance counselors at Mom’s school. Molly is her dog, and she is also a trained and certified Bright Spot Therapy dog. She went to school on Thursday and I went on Friday.

In a phone conversation this week about her child, a parent asked Julie when the dogs would be returning to school.  Her son had regular meetings with Coco and Molly last year and, like many students, wanted to reconnect with the dogs as soon as the year started.  Julie let the parent know that the dogs had started back at school and were looking forward to getting back into their weekly routines. The parent responded by saying, “Oh good.  It is so great that you have the dogs here at school.  I talk about it with my friends, and none of their children’s schools do anything like that.  It makes such a difference for so many kids.”

Thursday was Molly’s first day back to school.  As soon as she stepped out of the car in the parking lot, she remembered where she was.  She walked right into the main office and led Julie to her office.   It was so nice to hear students and teachers call out, “Hi Molly!” as they saw her in the hallway throughout the day.

The highlight of Molly’s day was when a student came to visit her during lunch period.  The student and Molly had lunch together twice a week last year, so it was only fitting that they started the tradition back up right away.  The student walked into the office and gave Molly a big hug, and Molly sat down next to him for most of the lunch period.  There are many times that Julie reports that she feels like she’s not even in the room, because the student and Molly have such a strong connection. At one point during the lunch period the student looked right at Molly and said in a soft voice, “It’s so good to have you back.”

Molly spent some time with another student who has very high anxiety.  He has a lot of supports scheduled into his day in order for him to be successful, and during one of his break times, he came into Julie’s office to visit with Molly.  He sat down next to her and there was an immediate connection.  After his break time was over, he told Molly he loved her and that he was looking forward to his next visit with her.

Molly also spent some time in the behavior specialist’s room.  When Julie dropped her off, some students welcomed her back and one said, “Yes! Molly’s back!”  She lay on the floor in the middle of a bunch of students as they completed some classwork.  It really felt like she never left for summer vacation!

I went to school with Mom on Friday. When I first got out of the car, one of the custodians was putting up the flag for the day. He came over to me and said, “Give me some of that, “ and I kissed him repeatedly. He said, “It is great to see you – I needed that today…” I spent some time in Mom’s office as she got situated for the day, and then I went with the behavior specialist to her room.

In the behavior specialist’s room, as I always do, I snuggled with students as they completed schoolwork. One student was taking a test. I could tell he was anxious, so I got as close to him as I could. He and I are very close, and he worked intently as I snuggled with him. Many other students came to spend time with me. One little boy is extremely anxious. I had met him once before, but I was able to spend more time with him on Friday, and I can tell we are going to grow very close. He has a dog at home named Coco, which is only one of our many connections.

Later in the day, Mom, Julie, and I met with one of the students I met with last year at least twice each week. He talked with us about his summer, the start of his school year, and his plans for the weekend. For the entire conversation, he sat on the floor with me, petting me and snuggling with me, which I loved. He can be a little rough with me at times, but on Friday he was not. Mom says he has matured.

Julie and I met with several students, as well, and I enjoyed all the attention. I know I am technically “working” but I thoroughly enjoy what I am doing so it does not feel like work.

At the end of the day, I went with Julie to the cafeteria for dismissal, and then I waited outside in front of the building with Mom and a very anxious student, as we waited for his transportation to arrive. Mom says I helped him immensely. When his ride arrived, he wanted Mom and me to walk with him to the van, which we did. He introduced me to the other students in the van, and they took turns petting me.

I was tired after the day at work, but I loved knowing I had helped so many people. I will be going to school on Monday with Mom, but I am scheduled for surgery next week, so I will be on medical leave until I am able to return.  ~Coco

If you’ve been thinking of signing up for our Bright Spot Therapy Dog Training course, now is the time.  Our next class, taught by well-known dog trainer and AKC Obedience/Rally judge, Tibby Chase, is almost full.

We purposely limit the number of participants in our classes to offer plenty of personal instruction as you learn the skills and techniques necessary to make meaningful therapy dog visits as a certified Bright Spot Therapy Dog Team.

Our Therapy Dog Training classes receive high praise and attract handlers and dogs from all over New England.  For dates, locations, and further details, go to our website and click on Therapy Dog Training.  Can’t make it for Tibby’s class?  Our final class of 2015 will be held at Animal Alliances in Northampton, Massachusetts, starting on November 22nd.  Don’t miss out, sign up today!

We are delighted that the Barnes & Noble Bookstore in Hadley, Massachusetts, has offered to host a fundraiser for Bright Spot Therapy Dogs!  This is a great opportunity to buy those books you’ve had on your reading list or shop early for holiday gift-giving and help Bright Spot receive a donation from Barnes & Noble.

PLEASE – SAVE THE DATE: NOVEMBER 14^TH – AND SPREAD THE WORD

Here’s how it works: On November 14, 2015, any purchase made at the Barnes & Noble Bookstore in Hadley, Massachusetts – if accompanied by our Book Fair ID 11678117 – will count toward the donation Barnes & Noble will make to Bright Spot Therapy Dogs, Inc. Vouchers with the BSTD ID number will be available at our in-store Bright Spot information booth and cashiers will help, too, by asking all purchasers if they support the BSTD book fair. A simple “yes” from the purchaser does the trick. Not able to be in the store that day? No problem. Online purchases count, too. In fact, any purchases made online (must put in the Book Fair ID 11678117 at checkout) from November 14-18 will count!  You can live anywhere and help the fundraising effort for Bright Spot by making your purchases online during this time period.

While in-store purchasers peruse the bookshelves, magazine racks, stationery section, and sip coffee from the café, they can also enjoy a series of dog activities sponsored by Bright Spot that will be on-going throughout the day.  The following is a list of the events happening from 10:00-4:30 at the Barnes & Noble in Hadley, Massachusetts:

Agility Demo:  Tibby Chase, well known AKC Obedience/Rally Judge and dog trainer, will be running an Agility Demo with her dog Arlo.  Agility is a fun activity to do with your dog.  It helps with overall training and builds a close bond between you and your dog.  Come watch!

Meet the Breeds:  Thinking of getting a dog, but not sure what to get?  Come Meet the Breeds!  A variety of breeds & all-Americans will be scheduled throughout the day. Event attendees will have the chance to meet the breeds in person and talk to the dogs’ owners.

How to Prevent Dog Bites: Not all dogs are friendly! Tibby Chase will give a talk on this important subject.

Bright Spot Reading Buddies:  Young children will have the opportunity to read to one of the Reading Buddy dogs for a 15-minute time slot.  Different Reading Buddy dogs will be scheduled throughout the day.  Bring a favorite book or choose one from the store to read.  Dogs are wonderful listeners and enjoy all kinds of books!

Learn about Therapy Dogs:  Have you been thinking of getting your dog certified as a therapy dog?  Our Bright Spot information booth will be set up with photos of our therapy dog teams visiting in healthcare and educational settings.  Copies of our print publications will be available as handouts, and our knowledgeable volunteers will be on hand to describe the meaningful work our therapy dogs do and explain how dogs get trained and certified as therapy dogs through Bright Spot.

Free Raffle:  Everyone loves a FREE raffle!  Shoppers can take a chance on winning a yummy and exciting gift basket donated by The Outlook Farm in Westhampton, MA.  Stop by our Bright Spot booth to view the gift basket and fill out a ticket to take a chance on winning.  Winner need not be present at the time of the drawing.

We will be publicizing the Barnes & Noble Book Fair on our Bright Spot website and on social media (our Bright Spot Facebook page and Twitter). With your help, social media and word-of-mouth advertising are our best avenues to success. SHARE the Facebook info about the Barnes & Noble event and Tweet about it.

We will be posting more information in the upcoming weeks, but it’s important to get the ball rolling now – and calendars marked!  Questions? Please feel free to contact executive director, Cynthia Hinckley, at cynthia@bright-spot.org

Our wonderful weekly guest blogger Coco is back to school and sharing her meaningful work with us in hopes of inspiring other dog owners to share their sweet, gentle, well-behaved dogs with those in need by becoming a certified Bright Spot Therapy Dog.  For readers new to Say Hello Spot, Coco goes to work with her mom, Michelle, who is the principal at theRobert E. Melican Middle School in Northborough, Massachusetts.  Last year, Coco accompanied her mom to school two to three days per week for the entire school year and wrote a post about her work each week to share with us.  Coco did many amazing things last year to help both students and staff at this 630-student middle school. I’m thrilled that she is continuing to share her work with us this year.

So, in her own words, here’s Coco…

I went to school with Mom on Friday today for the first time this year. I was so excited to finally be able to get back to doing what I love most – working with the students and staff at the Robert E. Melican Middle School.

Over the summer, I began limping and presenting with what appeared to be a sprain or severe arthritis. I have a lump on my front right shoulder, and the vet is trying to figure out exactly what it is. It is painful for me – far more painful than I let on to Mom or Dad – and I have been resting, and taking medications for the pain and the swelling. Students at Mom’s school have been asking for me since school began for them on September 1^st, and I have been patiently waiting for Mom to take me. Each morning when she is getting ready to leave for work, I hope to see my blue vest come off the peg where it hangs when not in use. Today, FINALLY, Mom took down my vest. Before putting it on, she put a t-shirt on me to hide the shaved portion of my shoulder (which the vet shaved to get a better look at what is going on) so students would not be alarmed by it or ask questions. Actually, the opposite happened: Students LOVED the t-shirt!

Jess, the behavior, specialist is like my “work Mom” – over the past year and-a-half that I have worked at the Robert E. Melican Middle School, I have spent so much time with her in her room with students. I trust her. I love her. Today, when she came into Mom’s office before school started, she sat on the floor with me and cried. Although I am losing my hearing, I heard her tell Mom she had picked up her black lab’s ashes from the vet the day before. As she snuggled with me, she said through her tears, “It is so good to see you, Coco. I don’t want to lose you, too.” I guess she was referring to the lump on my shoulder.

Mom seems pretty busy in her new job as building principal. I did not see her between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. I spent most of the day in the behavior specialist’s room, a place that I have grown to love. Students spend time in that room taking breaks from the stress of their day. Some students have anxiety. Others have depression. Some students need a quiet place to relax or complete work. Other students need a smaller setting to learn. I reconnected with many of my friends from last year, and I met some new students. I snuggled with students who needed comfort, and I sat next to students completing work who needed assurance and support. I also met two new instructional aides who work in the behavior specialist’s room – they are great! We hit it off immediately.

Julie, one of the guidance counselors, is my second “work mom” – I do not spend as much time with her as I do Jess, but I love her and trust her, as well. She and I met with several students that I know from last year and/or the year before who have been asking to see me.

At the end of the day, I waited out front with Mom as students exited the building to board he 17 buses. Over 100 of the 630 students students stopped to pet me, wish me a good weekend, ask if I’d be back next week, or pose for a picture with me.

I was tired from my busy day, but I felt terrific knowing that I helped so many people. Mom is hoping to take me twice next week, depending on how my shoulder is. I hope I am able to go two days so I can see even more students and staff members. I LOVE my work at Mom’s school.  ~Coco

Class graduates with instructor Tibby Chase.

Our Bright Spot Therapy Dog Training Classes start this Sunday at our Northampton location, Animal Alliances on Damon Road.  If you missed getting into this class, we have a class starting up October 18th at our Chicopee location, Exercise Finished.

Learning to work with children.

Our required Therapy Dog Training Course is taught in three 2-hour sessions by our experienced trainers who have been working with their own therapy dogs for a number of years.  In the first two classes, the handler and dog are taught the skills and techniques needed to make successful visits, including working with children.  The third class is held in an actual nursing home, enabling participants to try out what they have learned in class on real people.

If you would like your dog to become a certified Therapy Dog, the fall is a great time to begin training.  Details about the classes can be found on our website.

Our classes fill quickly.  Sign-up now for our next session and you will soon find out why so many people today are becoming involved with this meaningful work.

Our Bright Spot Therapy Dogs love visiting area colleges and universities in western Massachusetts during mid-term and final exams.  The Therapy Dogs provide a pleasant break from the stress of studying.

The YouTube video below, taken at one of our Therapy Dog Stress-Relief Events at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, is a perfect example of the impact these dogs have on the students. (Video produced by the University of Massachusetts Amherst.)  Thanks to our dedicated Bright Spot volunteers who travel, sometimes long distances, to bring their special dogs to share with the students.  These sweet, gentle Therapy Dogs make regular visits to healthcare and educational facilities throughout Massachusetts and neighboring New England states. All Bright Spot Therapy Dogs are thoroughly trained and certified through the Bright Spot program.