Friday, November 30, 2007

let it SNOW..let it SNOW...let it SNOW !!!

Jesus is the reason for the season!!

Welcome to wonderful winter...

I apologise for not posting before this. no excuses!

I know you have probably been chomping at the bit to know all Harlys latest..sooo here it all is...

I took Harly to a wonderful training seminar for dog trainers. He was used as a demonstration dog which was great fun ! He got to eat LOTS and i mean LOTS of treats over the 2 days..which he never complained once !For a 4 month old pup...he did sooo well..and was soo well behaved..and cottoned on really quickly to all the new tricks they were getting him to do...like trying out a new remote controlled treat feeder...get to do a few obedience tricks and whammo...out pops a treat ! After about 2-3 times of realising the treat popped out of the feeder...he ran clear to it and knew a treat would pop out...smart puppy !!

Harly passed with flying colours at his 8 week Obedience class.. he really did great..we are soo proud of him.

Harly has grown into a really beautifully handsome young pup..weighing in now at close to 10 pounds ! He still loves to travel to the beach ..which we have 2 more times.. :)

My son Joel has been out from Australia visiting with us these past 3 weeks.. Harly just loved him straight away...of course...that meant...3 lots of treats each day...2--3---4-- times a day?? hehehe more the merrier in Harlys books !!
We had the pleasure of traveling to the Redwoods in California for 3 days..and driving then up the coast road in Oregon..spectacular scenery! Harly just loved running wild in the woods...sniffing..and eating the pine needles hehe..He had a fantastic time....( so did us adults too..hehe)

We have had 2 more visits also to the Nursing Home...last one being just prior to Thanksgiving...BTW.. * * HAPPY THANKSGIVING * * :)
There was one lady, Helen who had been really troubled since about 2.30am the morning we arrived...not sleeping..up and down...not settled at all..and raving on about the same thing...all morning...Juanita was almost besides herself...then along came Harly for his visit...well...Helen settled right down again...quiet as a mouse...enchanted with harlys new tricks he was showing off to everyone...She was content to just watch and observe all that Harly was doing...was a wonderful time..especially for Juanita !! :)
The nursing home is really such a blessing to these patients...beautiful elderly people..we just love visiting there..:)

lately ...Harly is really trying our patience ..hehehe. It's like having a 2 year old in the house...close this door..put that up...( especially tissues and socks!!)...don't leave that there !!! etc...and the prize act happened...just yesterday ( see pics>>>>>>>> ).....I opened a new ..brand new box of tissues...yes..Im sure you can guess already what he did !!! ... I took just 1 tissue from box..and placed box on coffee table...left room for 2 minutes...and upon entering living room...you would of thought we had a major blizzard .roar thru !! The floor was completely white.of shredded tissues..with this caramel coloured fluff ball in the middle of it !! with ...yes...a totally EMPTY tissue box....it took him 2 minutes ..to anaialate the whole box...HEHEHEHEHE...
Im sure my face was white also....with shock...horror...amazement...and then i just burst into fits of laughter...it really was the most hilarious sight i ever seen !!

Anyway...never a dull moment around here with our adored..loved HARLY !! We truly enjoy every antic...and moment of entertainment he brings...he is such a joy...a delight and great comfort ..not just to us..but to the nursing home..and also everyone he comes in contact with..a true little gift from God...

He is not fully trained..we still work with him on a daily basis...and will most likely at some stage next year..enroll him in intermediate obedience class..

We all here at the Coho's House..wish u a very MERRY CHRISTMAS....full of Gods LOVE...PEACE and JOY !!

Lots of love...xoxoxo

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

More adventures .....

We have had a wonderfully exciting, fun and challenging week!!

1st, Harly is enjoying biting on everyone, everything in sight and jumping up to get attention.!! Thank goodness for "obedience training"..what a lifesaver !! We have a wonderful trainer who helps you overcome these puppy challenges! Even via email she offers assistance for us to try at home. This obedience training is all about being consistant and perservering thru the tough times, which we have had a few this past week.! But after about 5-6 days , Harly is finally learning its not ok to bite us, only his toys!

The best way to overcome this, is if he goes to bite you, turn your back and ignore him for a few seconds, then turn back and praise him for not biting for those few seconds and hand him a toy. It is amazing tho for a very smart dog how quickly he learns some things and others take a lot longer. But all in all, Harly is really learning quickly as he is only 13 weeks. Sometimes we look at him and think he's much older because he is so smart and learns fast.

The fun part of this week was yesterday when again, we went to visit the wonderful dears in the Nursing Home. Harly was a charm , yet again, enjoying sitting with the 4 residents and just to see them smile when Harly sits with them is worth it all :)

Junaita and Jeff (home nurses/owners) have thier own dog, Casey; he is 15 and totally deaf but such a sweet little dog. Harly and him really get on well and enjoyed all the treats being shared out yesterday! This nursing home is really unique in that there are only 4 permanent residents and the amount of love and care in this home is just so precious. Bernice's husband came to visit yesterday..bundled with roses and a special jello dessert for her. To see him sitting next to her..holding her hand and still glancing into her eyes with so much love..not sure how long they have been married..but soo tender and loving with her..really touched me yesterday. The JOY and LOVE and PEACE in this home is very evident. Full praise to Juanita and Jeff for being very caring and so attentive to these residents nursing needs!

We went afterwards to visit some dear friends who also own 2 dogs. Harly had not met them before, so it was exciting to see how Harly interacted with them. All 3 dogs did exceptionally well enjoying each others company.

It was a very long day for Harly and we got home arround 5.30pm. He ate some dinner, romped outside for about 10 minutes and literally, came inside and took himself to his crate (bed) and never left there til 5am today!! He was one very tuckered out little boy. Being a working dog especially as young as he is, I guess would be exhausting. Usually he comes into our room to lie on our bed if we are watching TV, last night he didnt budge an inch !! hehehe

November is Thanksgiving and my son Joel, is coming out from Australia for 3 weeks and will enjoy taking him to visit our new found friends !

Another wonderful week in the world of Harly. He is such a delight and joy to raise and train as a therapy dog. He brings us so much JOY and each day so entertaining...never a dull moment in our house !!

Have a blessed week..

Tuesday, October 2, 2007

Obedience Training.....

Last night I attended with my inlaws...our 1st obedience class...to train Harly to be obedient and well behaved dog. We left him at home; this 1st lesson was to help us be aware of whats important in training our puppy..I feel we are on the right track, but have lots to learn. Harly is a very wonderful, smart and alert puppy and in one month ..has already learnt to sit..and ring bells when he wants to go outside...but now attending class..we can really concentrate on training him the right way...and after seeing how well behaved and obedient the trainers 7 month old Alaskan malamute is...its very encouraging to know its very reachable to have a well behaved and obedient dog.

I am excited to work hard over the next 7 weeks with Glenn also. He will attend classes with me too :)

Important to make aware all people living in house with puppy to say and do the same things..being consistent is the key to a quick easy and relatively painless training..hehe ...if that's possible !!

here is a list of things we will concentrate on over this next week.. yes..we get daily homework !!!

1: Make a list of all the things that makes Harly's tail wag. Also, note all the things that I think make our dog feel uncomfortable. ( dislikes, fears)

2: "YES" and "GOOD": work on associating this word with pleasant sensations...a tummy rub, eating, stroking. remember to use a happy tone of voice and SMILE!

3: PUPPYS NAME: encourage Harly to look at us when we sue his name. Begin with sating his name when he is already focused on us, then begin to use his name to get his attention in non-distracting situation. To help Harly look us in the eye when we call, use our hands to frame our eyes. once we have Harlys attention, do something interesting ( throw a toy, get his dinner, go for a walk) to reinforce the behaviour.

4: BE A LEADER: To demonstrate our leadership, incorporate some doffie social behaviour into our routine at home. This includes not allowing our dog on chairs or beds, our dog should follow us ( e.g...through doors, on walks) and not vice versa, don't chase our dog ( if we need to catch him, run the other direction) and we should always have control of toys and food.

This is our starter list to work on this week..somethings will work great..others wont..some we might agree with ..some we might not. For instance i don't like to "control"...but i do believe its important to be the "alpha"..to teach him we are boss but always in a loving way !

Just as God disciplines us..the ones He loves..so we discipline our puppy..whom we love and adore ! :)

Will now update every Tuesday with progress from Monday nights class!

Have a great week...or til next time we post..

Blessings....

Monday, September 24, 2007

Harlys Huge Day Out....River...Beach......

Well....what a gorgeous 1st day of Fall we had...we venture down to our favourite spot on the Wilson River...to enjoy a picnic at our "private restaurant"...hehehe....Harly was just in his element...scrambling excitedly over rocks...down hills..thru water..exploring every nook and cranny of the delightful river..it really was a beautiful day...cool..yet sunny and as the afternoon progressed got even more delicious...While we munched on sandwiches...cookies and iced tea...Harly nibbled on his kibble..altho found some leaves...pebbles and bugs more delectable....LOL He really does love to sample all of Gods little critters and parts of nature..hehehe...

After his little jaunt at our 1st stop down on the river...we drove about another 1/2 hour to the coast...to cute little spot called.. oceanside...quaint beach town ..secluded...quiet and lots of room to romp up and down the beach...almost uninterrupted...altho seems more people are discovering these so called "quiet" spots..hehehe....but we were able to let Harly off the leash and let him just scamper up and down the beach. He is really remarkable for a 12 old puppy..never loses sight of his mom/dad ..always keeping an eye on where we are..and even tho he runs a millions miles an hour..stops to check and see where we are..and won't let us be more far from him at all. *smiles*.. He just was enthrawled with the beach...sunshine...sand....surf...he experienced it all ! discovered sand dollars..shells...seaweed..ewwww...lol chased pebbles as I skimmed them across the shallow waves..he was not disturbed by the rather COOL water either..hehehe..

God sure blessed us with an amazingly beautiful fall day at the river..and the beach...after all Harly is a blessing from God and we all know that GOd blesses those who belong to Him ! AMEN :)

Til Harly's next antics.....

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Gods working miracles.....!!!

What a truly blessed day we had with the Nursing Home !! Harly was a HIT !! There are ee4 very sweet dimentia patients in a private setting with a husband and wife nurse team who run the home. They both are just so delightful and take extra special care of thier 4 patients. A very warm..friendly..welcoming home...so much we just felt like we had known them a long time.

We arrived and was invited into the kitchen to meet Judy.. who just smiled soo brightly when she saw Harly . She held him and stroked him so gently, and he just lapped it all up...he is soo good..even with strangers.. just wags his tail and snuggles up. We then ventured into the living room where Andy, Bernice and Helen were sitting enjoying some relaxing TV. Harly did his rounds introducing himself to them all...and was just as delighted to meet the rest of them. Jaunita is just soo caring and loving with these dear folks. I noticed Bernices feet resting on her walker..Juanita moved the walker and placed a comfortable foot rest under both her legs to make her more comfortable..what a caring heart she has ..we were very touched the whole time were stayed. I went and sat next to Helen for a while and let Harly snuggle up to her...and he just sprawled himself out..and fell asleep...I mean ...he just made himself quite at home !!! hehehe

I noticed Andy very quiet..he is the only gentlemen at the home..apart from Juantias husband of course, Jeff...and he was sitting in a recliner chair..very quiet..but after about 1/2 hour..he started to share some very detailed story about his dad and his love for deep sea fishing...i sat and enjoyed his story and smiled..and nodded..and just let him enjoy sharing with us. He was smiling and just sooo enjoying it..like he was right there with it. ( remember..these are dimentia patients...have good long term memories...not good with the short at all..)

We just thoroughly enjoyed our stay...which lasted about 1 1/2 hours...and Harly was soooo good...and sooo well behaved...showing his new found friends how sweet....gentle..and loving he is...a true gift from the Lord...and we know he has many wonderful times ahead to share :)

Juanita shared with us as we were leaving...that 2 of the 4 patients had talked more today than she had seen in a long time..they were bubbly and enjoying chatting with us..and i could see that even in 1 visit what a miracle little Harly has been.

We were originally going to wait to bring Harly back after he had some obedience class...but after our visit Juanita was excited to see him again much sooner than that...so we decided to bring him ever 2nd week...after lunch around 2pm..for about a 1 hour visit.

The other neat thing is this home is alittle different to other run homes..where they have strict regulations..I offered to bring some home baked goodies and thier eyes lit up..!!! So another sweet blessings....cookies...muffins...cakes....bread....the list is endless...LOL

I will ask permission next visit if I may take pics of Harly with his new found friends...to share on his blog :)

What an awesome God we serve...miracles happening before our very eyes.!!!

Blessings dear friends....

Monday, September 10, 2007

Gods true blessing......

What an eventful, fun and challenging week we have had with Harly.. anyone spare us about a whole weeks worth of extra sleep please???? hehehe

He truly is a sweet, adorabale blessing; so much fun and entertaining til about 9pm..then the "real" fun started...we were teaching him who is the "alpha" in our house..and unfortunately he is ranked 4th...hehee..He did try altho for the 1st 3 nights to be the "alpha" and after reading thru our Training manual was adviced to nip this dominance in the bud..so we bought a crate..large enough that he will grow into it and be useful as an adult dog..so from Tuesday he cryed..and cryed...but we did not give into him..and hence wound up with loss of sleep..but Today is monday..and he absolutely loves his crate now..and even goes in on his own accord..during day for naps.. he now also follows our directions and knows who are the bosses in our house.. :)...and LOVES his treats. He is so easy to train and is truly a very good ..well behaved puppy..a delight to have around !

The major part of training a puppy for therapy is lots of socialising from very young..and coming from a fantastic breeder who worked so wonderfully with him from beginning..has made it so easy now for us . I have had lots of enjoyment introducing Harly to a few friends of mine..one who has a 14 month old Yorkie, Bo..Harly now gets soo excited to go visit him and when he visits here.. which has been a few times already in his 1st week home :) We have ventured out shopping ..and of course he is a heart stopper...everyone just wants to know what he is..how old..etc...and Harly is just wagging that tail excited to meet them all... so he is really on the right road to becoming a wonderful therapy dog.

I plan this week to introduce him to his new backpack, seeing he is adjusted to his crate . I think I will visit the local library. the farmers market...and the pet store.

These 1st stages of training are crucial..the socialising is the most important aspect . Once that is established we can go to 2nd stage..and that is obedience training...which starts October `1st for 8 weeks.

Tune in next week for more of Harlys adventures.....

Sunday, September 2, 2007

HARLYS HOME !!

WOW !..what an awesome week we had away in Alaska..God blessed us with so many wonderful "kisses"...rainbows so vibrant.. a perfect scene of 2 bears catching salmon and feeding on them.... beautiful weather to catch salmon.. and last day..an early flight which brought us home 2 hours early. Was a very relaxing and enjoyably time away.

I was not able to sleep too well. I wonder why?? mmmm....maybe because we were going to pick up one little boy named HARLY?? ;)

We arrived at the Breeders ( Bryan and Kirsten) house to find little HARLY darting around living room and then hiding under the sofa. I guess he was showing us just how to play hide and seek?? hehehe...we encouraged him out and then we were able to snuggle him into us and say HI our new fur-ever friend ! He was a little nervous to start with..who are these strange people???? .. but once he settled into my chest he became more settled.

I have so much to praise the breeders for.. Bryan and Kirsten are such caring, thoughtful and very gentle people who love their puppies and dogs so much. The way they always answered our emails..sent pictures..let us go visit Harly when he was 5 weeks old.. and the impeccable care they took of Harly and his brothers as they developed. Harly was a little shy to start with and Bryan spent extra time playing and encouraging him to socialize more with their 3 beautiful children and friends and family. We are so delighted with the expert care they took of Harly till yesterday when we were able to bring him home. Here is their blog link if your interested in checking it out, or maybe interested in purchasing a puppy !

Well....Harly was perfect when we got him home..settled right in...except not sure if it was nerves..or car sickness..he was great all the way home..til we drove into drive way...and he started heaving...and threw up a little as I put him out of the truck..but was fine after that..was just the once.... and .slightly hesitant for about 1/2 hour..but once he sniffed all over the house and found his play house and teddy..he was right..and very playful...he is great at going outside and down stairs and only 1 accident in house..as soon as we got home.like saying " Momma and Poppa..I'm home now..I just had to give you a homecoming present" ...hehehe..

Had a little trouble with him at night...did not like the crate at all...so put stinky toy ( smells of his 2 brothers..which is supposed to help transition him) in his bed...he didn’t want that either..he wanted to whimper at glenns side of the bed..for about 1 hour...on and off..we put him on our bed..for a little play time..but he ended up sleeping all night under our bed...it took me about 10 minutes this morning to find him..hehe...but he has a bed in our office...in the living room..and in our room..soo he has something nice to sleep on wherever we are :)

He loves my g/f's Yorkie, Bo..she came over and her Bo was sooo sweet and gentle with him...just sniffing him ..and laying beside him...letting Harly be the one to make first moves..was soo cute and sweet to watch :).. . Bo is 13 months..and just a gorgeous sweet ..well behaved dog.. one I’m happy to let Harly play with 1st off..dont want him learning bad habits...hehehe

He was eating great..once we gave him the eukaneuba...he wasn’t fussed on the innova..but we mixed the 2..so see how he goes..might if he doesn’t like the innova at all to buy more eukaneuba..

But all in all...was sooo pleased he settled in soo easy on his 1st day...he is sooo sweet and gentle..:)

WELCOME HOME HARLY!

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

GOOD NEWS!

I am sooo excited !!

I was offered yesterday to bring Harly to a Nursing home for 5 Dimentia patients to socialise him. The owners replyed to an advertisment I posted and spoke for quite some time with them. They had been only talking very recently about getting another little puppy..but wasnt really keen on going thru all that "puppy" stuff...hehehe then I came along with my invite and when we return from our Alaska Trip we will go and visit with them . She also offered to give me other contacts. Her and her husband have been nurses for almost 20 years . God is sooo GOOD ! His timing is always perfect !!!

ALso..... starting from today we are going to use a new email address. please add this one :

harly7@gmail.com

Pray your week is a blessed one...will post again once we get home 31st August..and the BIG day is September 1st...we go get HARLY !! YAYY !!

Blessings friends !

Sunday, August 19, 2007

HAVANESE ABC !!

This ABC is really cute....and thought I would share it with you all...ENJOY !!

Remembering your ABC's,
Is easy if you're Havanese;
Forget the Apple, Boat and Car
Just tell the whole world who you are.
When "What's a Havanese?" they quiz;
A to Z, The answer is.....


Amusing, Bouncy, Cuddly, Devoted, Endearing, Fun, Gentle, Happy,
Intelligent, Joyful, Kind, Loving, Mischievous, Nimble,
Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Rare, Sweet, Tiny, Unique,
Vibrant, Winsome, Xtraordinary, Young-at-heart, Zesty.!!

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Dogster..A Forum for Therapy Dogs

Good morning friends !

I discovered this wonderful site...a forum to discuss issues referring to Therapy Dogs...found some great sites...read some good advice from others who already are using thier dogs as Therapy Dogs. This is a great way to learn from others...and also from authors of training books..anything at this stage is very helpful. I will weed thru and take what I think is useful for now and save these sites on my computer..for future reference ! :)

here is the link to Harlys profile :)



And this one is a link to a really neat article, titled "Healing,Recovery and Love" ... all things that make Therapy Dogs soo special :)


Feel free to leave comments..I really enjoy your feedback.

Have a great day...

Blessings!

Friday, August 10, 2007

Training a Therapy Dog....

I was reading some really interesting information online today...about a few things to do before registering a dog as a Therapy Dog...here is a few good pointers...

Help Your Dog Get Ready for Therapy Work

How Can I Help My Dog Become A Good Visitor?

A good basic obedience class is a good start but it is not enough. Your dog needs to feel comfortable amidst unfamiliar sights and sounds. A dropping bed pan or the slam of a door should elicit no more than casual curiosity from your dog. If your dog has good potential as a therapy dog it is possible to help your dog get ready by building your dog's confidence and trust in you.

Take Your Dog Into a Variety of Situations

Before you commit your time and ego to a formal evaluation you can enhance your dog's natural skills. Essentially this means building your dog's trust and confidence. You can commit yourself to taking your dog to a wide variety of environments and situations. I ask my dog to walk on a wobbly board, to sit on a grate, to climb bleachers or stadium stairs (because they are so open). The important thing is that the dog learns to trust my judgment. Go to a shopping area and walk around pushing a noisy shopping cart. Stand where people pushing carts will pass you. Your dog's trust in you is, perhaps, the most important factor for a safe enjoyable experience.

One of my favorite places to train is at the farmer's market. It is outdoors and very very busy. Unlike the local park, the dogs we come across are always on leash so it makes for good practice. Also people tend not to ask before petting the dog, and it is often so crowded that passing people brush up against the dog. If your dog would have any problems in this situation, then your dog is not ready for visiting
There are classes designed to help introduce your dog to the unusual sights, sounds and smells encountered during therapy dog visits. Some books and other publications provide training guidelines. One popular book is Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog To Reach Others
by: Kathy Diamond Davis, another is Pets In Therapy edited by Margaret N. Abdill and Denise Juppe. If you are a professional counselor or therapist planning on including pets are part of your theraputic program a more appropriate book is Handbook On Animal-Assisted Therapy
by Aubrey H. Fine (Editor). Joining a group helps provide impartial and personal guidance and evaluation.

I have already purchased and read most of Kathy Diamond Davis's book, "Therapy Dogs: Training your dog to reach others" ..a really wonderful informative book...one i will definitely be putting into practise, and an added bonus...she is a Christian.. God is awesome how He directs to you the right people for the right information .. *GRINS*

Have a blessed day...

Tuesday, August 7, 2007

...countdown to Sept 1st !

WOW! What an awesome last week I have had....was away at a special camp for Foster Kids ..working to ensure they had a very JOYOUS and FUN time ! GOd was sooo awesome there...lots of JOY and UNITY all thru out the whole camp..24/7. !!

I arrived home on Friday...and Saturday we went to visit our little Harly. We are both so smitten and in love with this little guy. He is soo sweet..cuddly..and fur like soft silk. He cuddled right into my chest and there he stayed for next 45 minutes. We had a really neat chat with the Breeder ( Bryan) . He is very nice and always full of wonderful advice..sharing all his expertise in raising and breeding Havanese Dogs.

We then went shopping on Monday to get our home puppy ready *wink*. that was great FUN !

I took my manual on raising/training a Havanese with me on camp and read thru it all.. I learnt many wonderful things...like what to feed him..and not...how to potty train with little/no accidents...(I will add a few posts in next few days on what I have been reading ..soo keep your eyes peeled ! :)

We are just soo excited to see God opening new doors for this ministry..and the peopel He is placing in our lives....lady who we just ordered his " Therapy Dog in Training " vest...she is local to Portland..and was so sweet in sharing her experiences with Training Therapy Dogs..and confirmed the lady we have chosen is the best around for obedience classes :)

I posted on Craigslist about searching for a good reputable Vet..when this lovely young lady emailed me and responded she has a great one...for her Havanese...even tho she lives about 1 hour from us...we have now been emailing each other for about a week now..her little "Bandit" is only 14 weeks old..we are going to stay in touch ..and hopefully meet up and let our little boys to have play time together.... maybe even start a little "havanese club"..all in Gods hands...in His timing :)

So many wonderful things happening and everything all coming together so nicely.
Gods so FAITHFUL !

September 1st is our pick up date of HARLY !! YAY!!
Have a great blessed week ...

Sunday, July 29, 2007

Hip..Hip..Hooray for Harly!

Hooray...Harly's eyes are open now..he is 4 weeks old today and is growing soo beautifully. I can't wait to go visit him again and cuddle..and play with him..

I ( Corinna ) went to a wonderful Dog Show yesterday...and got to talk with a couple of Therapy Dog workers.very interesting to find out 1st hand what they do..and a few things to look out for..Most important is to socialiaze Harly with children...older folk...take him to as many different places as he is allowed..The 2 ladies I spoke with both do Reading Programmes with children..and thier dogs..were sooo sweet, gentle and so attentive.

I met also with the lady, Kirsten who will be training Harly for the 1st 8 weeks afer we bring him home... Puppy obedience class is also a very important part of the beginning stages of therapy dogs.. She is soo delightful and fun and I know Harly will just be such an obedient dog !!!!

Time is flying by..4 weeks on...5 more to go.. yahoo!!

Monday, July 16, 2007

Welcome to ......

YAY!

We finally have decided on a name for our " Happy Havanese" .......

* * *drum roll* * *

........1st...there is something important to share...

My dad is a very wonderful, sweet, loving, caring, giving man. He has devoted his whole life to medicine and helping to save peoples lives in a specialised filed.. "Heart Medicine". My dad has just celebrated his 97th Birthday and even tho he is now retired from medicine, his heart is still beating and reaching out full of love to people all around him!

We have decided to honour my dad and use his middle name, "HARLAND"....

This little guy is going to be able to give lots of love to people like my dad who are in nursing homes and bring that bit of JOY to thier lives while in thier last remaining years.

so a big welcome to " HARLY, the HAPPY HAVANESE" !!

Sunday, July 15, 2007

2 weeks on....

Here is a sweet updated picture of our "honey" of a puppy..he is showing such a gorgeous glow to his coat and I just know he is going to be a sweet and very gorgeous boy ! He is now 2 weeks old and the waiting time is I think God's way of teaching us patience !! I am soo looking forward to going to visit him in a couple of weeks and getting more acquainted with him. That is the beauty of having a breeder so local and handy .Feel free to share anything you might have information on and we are still looking for a name..but "Honey" seems to be sticking...( no pun intended.hahaha ) !!!!

have a blessed weekend everyone..til next time....
Gods JOY..PEACE and LOVE

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

God Knows!

Gods mercies are new everyday!

It's soo fun exploring new avenues and today I had the opportunity to email the author of the book I ordered yesterday......"Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Help Others" by kathy Diamond Davis. I so pray and hope she responds and stays in touch. After reading her blog and a couple of articles of hers, I found she is also a Christian; just another confirmation Gods hand is upon us and this ministry .

I came across this sweet poem...please enjoy..be blessed and encouraged!

When you are tired and discouraged from fruitless
efforts.....God knows how hard you have tried.
When you've cried so long and your heart is in anguish.....
God has Counted your tears.
If you feel that your life is on hold and time has passed
you by....God is waiting with you. When you're lonely and your friends are too busy even for a
phone call.....God is by your side.
When you think you've tried everything and don't know where
to turn.....God has a solution.
When nothing makes sense and you are confused or
frustrated.....God has the answer.

If suddenly your outlook is brighter and you find traces of
hope.....God has whispered to you.
When things are going well and you have much to be
thankful for.....God has blessed you.
When something joyful happens and you are filled
with awe.....God has smiled upon you.

When you have a purpose to fulfill and a dream to
follow.....God has opened your eyes and called you by name.
Remember that wherever you are or whatever you are
facing.....GOD KNOWS!!

Sunday, July 8, 2007

Gathering Information

Today was rather quiet, but it's fun learning how to set up our new blog. We discovered today about being able to meld other blog sites to ours and was searching for other bloggers who are training Therapy Dogs also.

I (Corinna) have been reading thru some websites about training our TD and came across a book that was highly recommended by many people who already have trained a dog. The name of the book is "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others" by Kathy Diamond Davis. If you know of any other books/DVDs that would be worth looking at, please leave a comment here and I will check into them.

Each day God is bringing everything into clearer perspective and we are both excited at how His hand is unfolding this new ministry.

We added 2 new websites today for a fantastic church we attend , pastored by Greg Johnson in Salem, OR. Take the time to enjoy some of his teachings and what wonderful things Gods doing in the most unchurched state in this nation.

Friday, July 6, 2007

From the Mrs...

Greetings,

I have had a passion in my heart for about 6 months now to start a new ministry. God's timing is always perfect and now is the right time to begin. The vision I have been given is to purchase a puppy (Havanese) and take him into nursing homes, childrens wards in hospitals, and even school libraries to aid children in their Reading Programs.

I have researched and been reading all about training a Therapy Dog and I know Gods called me to do this as my heart is to serve others and reach out and love those who need a special touch .I have attached a picture of the puppy I would like to purchase. He is a real cutie and the breeder is local, so there are no shipping costs involved.

I have talked already a couple of times with the breeder and he ( Bryan) has been so helpful and given me very informative information and says the Havanese breed is perfect for using as a Therapy Dog as thier personalities and temperaments are so friendly and gentle and lap up all the loving they can.

You can check out at these web sites what I will be involved in. First, I will get involved in a group therapy and then branch out on my own. I will spend 1st 12 months socialising and training my puppy and get him prepared for therapy and register him with the "Therapy Dog Inc" when he is 12 months old. Within the 1st 12 months I will approach a few nursing homes and childrens schools/libraries and ask them may I bring him into help socialise him and familiarise himself with these kind of environments.

I am excited at what God is doing in my life and I ask you please to pray and seek if this is something you can help me with and maybe contribute towards this new ministry whether in prayer, helpful advice or maybe a financial offering ( I am currently saving towards purchasing my new puppy) and be apart of it. Would you care to join me and share in this vision?

This is truly going to be a blessed ministry. I will continue to keep you updated as things progress.

Thank you for being a wonderful friend and a blessing in my life.

You can contact me at... God's furry little helper,

God bless you.

A New Ministry

God has placed a desire on my wifes heart to start a ministry of visiting the elderly and children in hospitals and homes, with a therapy dog.

This is my first attempt with a blog, I pray that I can make it enjoyable to those that visit and care to follow along. I wanted others to be able to enjoy the journey with us as we take a dog from a puppy to an adult and into the world of therapy for those nearing the end of life here on Earth and those with illness.

This is new to us and exciting at the same time. We will be learning as we go along.

Today is the day Corinna (that's my wife) went to visit our soon to be puppy. She did lot's of research and has contacted several people and breeders about what type of dog seems best fitted for therapy work. We found that there are many types of dogs used for therapy, but the one particular dog she found was a "Havanese". I will post a picture and more information on these types of dogs as we move closer to the adpotion date, which will be about mid September.