At Work

It was a gloomy day on the campus of UMass Amherst yesterday. The rain was coming down in torrents. The clouds were thick and low. And the mood of the students matched the unsettled weather outside. They had much on their minds as they filed through the open doors of the Student Union Ballroom. Mid-terms. School adjustment problems, a lock-down on campus, the political scene – all seemed a heavy weight in meet of relief.

The answer to their problems came in the form of twenty, friendly, non-judgmental Bright Spot therapy dogs gathered in the Student Union Ballroom, there to offer the unconditional love that only a dog can provide. More than any other time I have been at our Therapy Dog Stress-Relief Events on campus, have I found the students feeling so down. One young woman told me that she was having such a bad day that she had come to hang out with the dogs the entire time we were there.

As students gathered around my therapy dog King, they talked about the pressures building around their upcoming exams. Some talked about last week’s lock-down and the unsettled feeling such an event imposed. Bernie Sanders had spoken on campus the other night which sparked a discussion about politics and the upcoming Tuesday primary. Then, there were the students who missed their own dogs so much… they just wanted to cuddle with a surrogate dog for awhile.

Smiles and laughter replaced stress and unhappiness, as students sat talking, petting and hugging the dogs. Most students circulated the room, spending time with each therapy dog. One young man kept repeating Thank You, Thank You for bringing the dogs. They help so much.

Our college Therapy Dog Stress-Relief Events are always heartwarming, uplifting affairs, but I must say that my step was particularly lighter, my smile much broader as King and I headed back out in the torrential rain to drive back home yesterday. The wonderful feeling I get when watching one of my dogs brighten the day for someone in need never gets stale. King did his job as a therapy dog beautifully. He knew he had done well… as he happily plodded through the puddles and mud, head held high and a smile on his face.

Coco inspired young children and their parents as her mom, Michelle Karb, gave a talk on therapy dogs, read from Coco’s latest books, and more. Read all about this special program for youngsters in East Haven, Vermont.

Here’s Coco…

Mom and I worked Saturday morning at my grandmother’s library in East Haven, Vermont. We were presenters two years ago, as well, and Gram asked if we would come back. I was excited that my father, grandmother, and grandfather were in attendance, along with my uncle, two aunts, and three cousins.

Mom planned a craft for children and prepared a presentation about therapy dogs. We also shared the books she and I wrote, and offered wagon rides to children. Since I ride in a wagon when I engage in therapy work because of my forelimb amputation, we decided to offer opportunities for children to ride in my wagon with me.

I had a wonderful time! Before the actual program began, several adults came to the front to talk with Mom about therapy dog work and about me. The people were so great – they obviously LOVE dogs. I got lots of attention from them as they talked with Mom. One gentleman had tears in his eyes when he and Mom talked about my battle with cancer, as he shared the loss of his dog to the dreaded disease. He petted me and kept telling me what a good girl I am.

Mom started the program by explaining therapy dog work, talking about why she and I got involved, and sharing my life story. She went on to talk about Bright Spot Reading Buddies and the books that she and I have written. As she talked and responded to questions, I lay in my wagon next to her with my tail wagging.

Next, she used the computer and projector to project two different Reading Buddy books of mine, Coco’s New Life and Coco’s Red Wagon. She read them as they were projected on a large screen so everyone could see them. Adults and children really enjoyed the presentation and the books.

We also had a raffle, where people won stuffed Labrador Retrievers and three of my books. The children and the adults appreciated the raffle. Next, children took turns riding in my wagon with me. They all enjoyed their two-on-one time with Mom and me.

After children took their wagon rides, some of them engaged in the dog-themed craft Mom designed, creating dogs from hearts. These dogs were interesting…some of them did not even look like dogs! Gram had prepared snacks and goodie bags for people to take, and Mom had prepared doggie bags (with lots of dog treats) for people to take home to their dogs.

As Mom and I finished the wagon rides, many adults talked with Mom about our books, explaining how much they enjoyed them. One couple was VERY excited about the prospect of therapy dog work. Both the husband and the wife were very enamored with me, and I enjoyed all the attention they gave me. They have lost several dogs over the years and they want to get a puppy soon to train for therapy dog work. They were inspired by Mom’s presentation and by me. They hope to travel to Northampton, Massachusetts for Bright Spot Therapy Dog Training Classes when they are ready.

I cannot think of a better way to spend a Saturday morning than listening to Mom talk about therapy dog work, hearing two of my books read aloud, listening to discussions about me, riding in my wagon with children, raffling off some cool prizes, and getting lots of attention. I thoroughly enjoyed myself.  ~Coco

Come join in the fun of reading your favorite storybook to a dog! Each day at The Eric Carle Museum in South Amherst, Massachusetts, Monday through Friday from 2:30-3:30, children can read a story to one of our sweet, friendly Bright Spot Reading Buddy dogs.

Participation is by sign-up for a 15-minute one-on-one reading session with the Ready Buddy. This is our second year running our popular school vacation program at The Eric Carle Museum with some of the same children signing up each time. The program runs during April school vacation, as well.

There may still be a few open slots left. If interested, call the Museum at (413) 658-1100 to sign-up. Parents love the program telling us that it has prompted their children to start reading at home. Some children end up reading at home to their own dog, or to a stuffed animal, we’re told.

With tight school budgets allowing only bare-bones necessities, the Kelly School in Holyoke, Massachusetts has embraced a special, highly effective reading intervention program that doesn’t cost them a dime. The Tails to Read Program, started in the 2014-2015 academic year, utilizes certified Bright Spot Reading Buddy dogs to motive struggling readers. And, test data proves – the dogs really work!

Seven Bright Spot Reading Buddy teams meet weekly with their assigned students throughout the school year. Each Reading Buddy Team comes on a particular day, at a set time, and meets with one child at a time. During this time, the child reads aloud  to his non-threatening, gentle Reading Buddy. All students participating in the program are tested at the beginning of the school year, and again at the end. The 2014-2015 test data showed the average jump in reading level was 4.4, with some children jumping 9 levels.

Last Thursday, I had the pleasure of observing Wayne Desroches and his Reading Buddy dog Max has they conducted three individual one-on-one sessions. Each student greeted Max with a hug, and pet him often as they read aloud to him. At the end of the session, there’s a reward for both student and Max: Wayne produces a plastic fork from his treat pouch with one of Max’s favorite treats. Gleefully, the child holds the fork and feeds the treat to Max! With the 20-minute session over, Max gets a hug good-bye from his pal!

Our first Therapy Dog Training Class for 2016 finished up on Sunday at Animal Alliances on Damon Road in Northampton, Massachusetts. Our classes are designed to train handlers and their dogs in the skills and techniques needed to make meaningful therapy dog visits in both healthcare and educational environments.

The Bright Spot Therapy Dog Training Classes are required as part of the certification process. A team must complete and pass the course to be eligible for an evaluation.  The evaluation takes place in a nursing home where both the handler and the evaluator can observe the dog’s reaction to the environment and to real residents and patients. The evaluator will be looking to see the team utilize the skills and techniques taught in class. He will be looking to see if the dog – and the handler – engage with the residents. Most of all, he will be looking to see if the dog is enjoying this type of work. To become a certified Therapy Dog Team, both the handler and the dog must pass the evaluation.

Our next Therapy Dog Training Class will be held at Exercise Finished in Chicopee, Massachusetts, starting on February 28th. Our classes are interactive and kept small to allow ample time for practice and questions. If you have been thinking about doing Therapy Dog work with your dog, check out our website for details and sign up today.

Coco has some wise advice for all of us as she continues to enjoy each day doing what she loves best – making people happy.

Here’s Coco…

I went to work with Mom on Friday. Although I cannot work at Mom’s school as much as I used to, I still enjoy my time there. It makes me feel like I have a purpose. And it makes me happy.

When I first got to school, one of the teachers came down to the office to talk with Mom. He has not seen me in quite some time and he was so glad to see me. He talked to Mom about how well I was getting around on three legs, and he said I looked really good. He thanked me for being there and for running over to greet him.

As usual, the custodians came to the office early to see me. One of them always says, Give me some of that, until I kiss his face. He says he is better able to go on with his day after that.

I lay at Mom’s feet while she read the morning announcements over the PA, and then I snuggled with the student who read the Pledge of Allegiance. Next, I lay on the floor in the hallway while Mom collected attendance forms from students. Many of them stopped to pet me and talk with me. I could tell they were as happy to see me as I was to see them.

Later, I went to Mom’s office with her, where we visited with a few students one-on-one. Although my time at school is shorter than it used to be, Mom always makes sure I see certain students – she says my visits are extremely important to them. I think I understand what she means because the visits mean the world to me, also.

Mom had to leave the building for a few hours to attend an important meeting. While she was gone, I spent an hour in the behavior specialist’s room. I lay at the feet of a girl who took a test, and I snuggled with students who struggle with anxiety and/or depression. After my time there, the behavior specialist put me in Mom’s car to rest (Mom had ridden with a colleague to her meeting) because I began to bark. I have mentioned this in prior posts, but I often bark at school when I am not with Mom. I am losing my hearing, I do not see as well as I once did, and I am missing a leg – I like having Mom around. Because of my barking, if I cannot work directly with Mom at school, I usually rest in the car. I actually like my time in the car to regroup and catch up on sleep.

After school, Mom and I went to my oncologist. I have been receiving chemotherapy treatments for approximately three months. Six weeks ago, when I went for a chest x-ray, the doctor discovered a tumor in my lung. We tried another chemotherapy for six weeks, but when he checked my lungs again on Friday, he discovered that the tumor had grown. Mom was prepared to say, “That is enough…we will let the disease do what it is going to,” but then the doctor suggested we try some oral medication that Mom can give me in my food three times each week. At this point, Mom must have figured, “Why not? After all, we have been through a lot already. What is another month?” So that is the plan – we try the medication for four weeks. If the tumor continues to grow, and/or if more tumors appear, we will discontinue all treatment.

Mom is amazed at how much joy and comfort I still bring to people, at how much I enjoy being with them, given that I am struggling with cancer. I try to show Mom that I feel fine. I enjoy my life. I am happy.

If only humans could do what we dogs do – live in the moment. ~Coco

King knows when it’s Tuesday. He sees the cues. Brushed early. Blue Bright Spot therapy dog vest placed by the door. His Reading Buddy book bag placed next to the vest. Then, it’s his leash and collar. He knows, it’s his day to go to Hilltown Charter School where he will listen to some of his friends read interesting stories and chapter books to him.

King and I need to get off to an early start on Tuesday mornings. He sits close to my side at the kitchen table watching me eat a quick breakfast and gulp down a cup of coffee. If he feels I’m not moving fast enough, he moves in closer to my side. His signal to me to pick-it-up. He’s due at his office in time to settle in ready for his first reader at 9:00 a.m. sharp.

He watches… On with my coat. King prances around the room in excitement. Now, finally! I pick up his blue vest. I hold it in my hands in such a way that he runs into it, thrusting his head through the front loop. Collar on, and, off we go. King runs to the door and jumps in the car, sitting upright in the backseat gazing out the window throughout our 20-minute ride to the school. When I turn into the school parking lot, he starts to whimper excitedly, like a little kid arriving at the playground.

King is the perfect Reading Buddy. As soon as he enters the school, he’s on-the-job. It’s a tough job: getting hugged and petted by each of the 14 children who read to him in his special office. Today, he listened intently to a mystery, several books about animals, and three books from the Fly Guy series.

The ride home is very different. King is content with his morning’s work. He stretches out over the entire backseat and sleeps all the way home. Kids love him and he loves helping them learn to read.

Our first Bright Spot Therapy Dog Training Class of 2016 was FULL until today. One spot opened up at the last minute. If you’ve been wanting to get your dog trained and certified as a therapy dog, why not grab this spot and start the new year off by volunteering to make people happy. Class starts this Sunday, January 24.

This class is being held at Animal Alliances, our convenient Northampton, Massachusetts training location right off I-91 on Damon Road. Our new instructor Michelle Karb is excited to share her wealth of experience as a dog trainer and Bright Spot therapy dog volunteer with you. She’ll teach you the skills and techniques you and your dog need to make sucessful therapy dog visits in healthcare and educational settings and prepare you for your evaluation.

For more information about our training courses and registration instructions, visit our website. Soon you and your dog can be enjoying the amazing reward of making people in need feel happy and less lonely.

Helping students and staff at the Melican Middle School where her mom is the principal and visiting veterans at the Soldiers Home made for a busy week for Coco. She exemplifies the importance of working as we age and deal with physical challenges of our own. Good stuff.

Here’s Coco…

I went to work with Mom at her school on Friday. I spent three hours working with Mom, and then I rested in the car for a couple of hours. She came out to get me later in the day, and I worked for two more hours.

I started the day visiting with two of the custodians. Uncle Tom and Uncle Dave, as Mom calls them because they are so fond of me, spent time talking with Mom and me. They were so happy to see me. I was happy to see them, too. Uncle Dave always says, Give me some of that,  as he leans down next to me – he wants a kiss from me before he can start his day. I, of course, am happy to oblige. Next, I lay in the hallway while Mom collected attendance sheets. Many students petted me and talked with me as they delivered the morning attendance to Mom. Later, a teacher came to talk with Mom about her father-in-law passing away. She loves dogs, and Mom said I made her feel better. Another teacher was talking with Mom about her yellow lab’s recent diagnosis of lymphoma. Again, Mom said I made her feel better. This is a new diagnosis with lots of unknowns ahead for the family.
Mom and I met with some students in her office. One student, who used to meet with me two or three times a week last year, was so happy to see me. He snuggled with me and talked with Mom. He came down again during his lunchtime to sit with Mom and me, and to show Mom pictures of his dogs. I have missed him and I could tell he has missed me. He suffers from many medical conditions and he and I have a strong bond.
I also spent time in the guidance area snuggling with students who were taking breaks from the stresses of their school day. I know one of the students very well, but the others were new to me. They seemed to enjoy spending time with me – I definitely enjoyed all the attention I received. Mom explained to me that one of them is going through a really difficult time in her life so it was nice to see her smiling and happy. I liked picking up crumbs from the floor, too – some students eat their lunch in that area.

Several teachers stopped by to see me on Friday. It seems like some of them feel sorry for me because of my missing leg, but Mom assures them that I am happy and doing what I love.

On Saturday, Mom and I visited the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke. I visited with many residents, staff members, and family members. Often people do not notice that I am missing a leg – they only notice that I am riding in a wagon. When I am in my wagon, I am actually the perfect height for people in wheel chairs – they can wheel right up next to me to pet me. Mom and I visited with a woman that we used to see every time we went there. We had not seen her in several months so we were glad to see that she was in her room this time. She and Mom were talking about me losing my leg. She assumed it was for bone cancer, which of course, it was. Mom explained that I am also losing my hearing and I do not see as well as I used to, either. The woman responded, “Sounds a lot like me…” She and Mom got a good chuckle out of that.

Another woman was celebrating her 92nd birthday with her family. The entire party came out of the room where the celebration was into the hallway to see me! Many young children and adults came out – there must have been fifteen or more people. One woman was talking about her aging lab. She got a tear in her eye when she looked into my eyes, explaining to Mom that her dog, Jake, looks a lot like me and she knows he is slowing down. The “birthday girl” seemed to enjoy her time with me, but not as much as the young children who were eager to pet me and tell Mom about their dogs.

My wagon has made me much more mobile – it is wonderful to be able to visit so many people again! I feel very fortunate that Mom is keeping me working even as I am aging. I know it is important for Mom, too. Mom says that I can keep working as long as I still enjoy the work. At this point, I definitely do! ~Coco

I was delighted to find Coco’s post in my mailbox this morning. I’m sure you’ll enjoy reading about our special friend, too. 

Here’s Coco…

I went to school on Friday with Mom. Mom was considering having Friday be my last day at school, but she has since reconsidered. When I work at school now, I bark quite a bit when Mom is not near me. Obviously, this can be disruptive to the learning environment. I still love being at school, getting attention from everyone, and providing comfort to those who need it most.

I was so happy to work on Friday. Students were happy to see me. The custodians and teachers were happy to see me. Mom decided that I will continue working weekly, but my time at school each day I am there needs to be shorter and must be working directly with her as she supports students.

Before anyone else came to school in the morning, two of the custodians came to see me. They are both animal lovers and have grown attached to me over the past two years. One of them was teary-eyed as he left me. Mom says that he has loved and lost many dogs in his lifetime, and he is sad that I will be retiring from school soon. A few students also visited Mom’s office to spend some time with me. As homeroom ended, and first period was beginning, Mom had me lie in the hallway outside the office while she stood to collect attendance sheets from students. Many students stopped to pet me and talk to me. It felt like “old times” when I was a mainstay at Mom’s school. My tail was going the entire time, and the change in students’ and adults’ demeanor was palatable, as they talked with me and petted me.

Mom had to leave her office for a presentation so I spent an hour with the guidance counselor and students, helping a student who struggles with anxiety and was having difficulty attending her classes. She and I have been connected since I started my work at Mom’s school. Because of me, she was able to move on with her day and get into her routine. I later learned that she made it through the entire day and attended all of her classes! After doing some nice work, I started barking. As I am getting older, I bark at times when I want my mother. I am losing my hearing and vision, and I have only three legs. Sometimes I feel confused. So I bark because I want to be near my mother. Mom has tried to work with me on this, but I do it at home sometimes, too. Mom understands that my needs are changing as I age, and she accepts that this is part of who I am now.

When Mom returned to the office and learned of my continuous barking, she brought me to the car to wait. Although I would have rather spent the rest of the day with Mom I understand that my barking disrupts the learning environment. Four hours of solid work, though, is still pretty good.

After school, Mom and I went for chemo at NEVOG (New England Veterinary Oncology Group). I enjoy my time at NEVOG – the people and dogs are so great there. Everyone is experiencing the same thing, and there is comfort in knowing that.

I will be retiring from Mom’s school soon. But for now, I will continue to work 3-4 hours a week there. Mom and I are also going to start visiting our local nursing home weekly, which is something I have not done in over a year, and we will continue our monthly visits to Soldiers’ Home. Because that work involves Mom pulling me in a wagon and working directly with me, I am more suited to that at this stage in my life. Although I cannot work at Mom’s school as much as I would like, I am happy to be able to continue my work on an altered schedule. And I feel good knowing I helped students and staff at Mom’s school on Friday.  ~Coco