Getting Ready for Labor Day

Shandy's in her usual spot, under my desk, getting into holiday mode by taking it easy. No doubt she's saving her energy to gear-up for back to school time.

Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday weekend. Get out, enjoy, and read something fun.

Dog Visitors

As promised, here are Shandy's visitors from yesterday.

That's Guy Franklin's adorable terrier mix, Pierre, with SSR Board Prez, MK Czerwiec (aka Comic Nurse) and Pat's Lhasa's, Rudy and Ted.

Old and New Friends

Shandy and I just got home from work so we had a long day but it was great.

We had a fun reunion of the Hendricks Academy volunteers for lunch. Pat Simpson, one of the first SSR volunteers, and her husband, Doug, became RVer's last year and were back in town for a visit. They came to the office with the boys--Lhasa's, Ted and Rudy, and we were joined by Elaine, MK, Guy, and Pierre (see Pierre & Rudy's bios on the SSR website) for pizza and lots of laughs.

Then Brian Gregory, another old friend, stopped by to see the new office and visit for a bit. Such fun to be with old friends.

Finally, this evening was the volunteer orientation and Shandy met some new friends and potential volunteers. Hillary and Coquette were scheduled to be the demo dog team but Hillary was stuck in Philly on business so Shandy filled-in for Coquette.

Hope your day was filled with friends old and new! Tomorrow--pictures of Ted, Rudy and Pierre.

Missing Sabrina

It's a sad day for Shandy and me at the office today. We just learned from Sonia Ravin, that her lovely Sabrina died yesterday. Sabrina and Shandy were the matriarchs of Sit Stay Read and seemed to acknowledge each other as such when they worked together. No rowdy puppiness for these grande dames.

Sabrina's gentle, loving presence is a loss to the kids who won't have the chance to read with her. Our hearts go out to Sonia and the many friends who mourn the loss of this wonderful dog.

Teacher Orientation

Today was Teacher Orientation at the office so Shandy was a busy girl. She got to see her old friends and meet teachers from this year's two new schools.

In addition to being the official greeter, there were the snacks to watch over. She kept hoping for a piece of cheese to fall on the floor but she had to settle for a dog treat instead.

The teachers were nice enough to pose for a photo for Shandy's blog. Many thanks. Shandy and her friends look forward to being back in your classrooms again!

New Girl Friends

Shandy met some great new friends at the art fair today.

The girls had just finished coloring the SSR fans they're holding and kindly agreed to pose with Shandy. Thanks, girls. Great smiles!

Bucktown Art Fair

It's a gorgeous day so Shandy's getting a bath and then we're going to visit the Sit Stay Read booth at the Bucktown Arts Fest. I'll plan to get a photo of her helping out and post it later today.

Shandy's Officemate, Finn

Most days Shandy shares her mornings with Finn, a beautiful Irish setter. Finn's mom, Kottie, is the Sit Stay Read program manager.

Finn likes to lay by the front door and watch the world go by. Sometimes he barks at dogs or people on the street but Kottie's teaching him it's ok for other dogs and people to walk past. He's catching on.

Shandy Bows to Elaine

Elaine, one of Shandy's favorite Sit Stay Read volunteers, came into the office today to help us get ready for the upcoming school year.

Shandy likes to greet her friends with a bow and then she moves in for a good butt scratch. Ahhh, it's a dog's life.

Introducing Shandy

Thought I'd start out by showing Shandy's artistic side. My nephew, Andy, drew this portrait of her when he was in high school. Not sure if you can tell here but he made it by writing her name over and over again (click on the photo to enlarge it).

Can you believe it? Very cool picture by a very cool kid. Not a kid anymore though, he's studying graphic design now.