Farewell to a Good Friend

Saying good-bye has to be the hardest thing about loving and living with our wonderful canine companions.

The beautiful Ginger, Beth Kadow's sweet, sweet Golden, passed away on Tuesday. She was diagnosed with lymphoma a week ago and had her first chemotherapy treatment on Monday but it was too much for her.

I can still remember Beth, as a teen-ager, bringing Ginger into a therapy dog class I was teaching for Rainbow Dogs. Ginger's lovely disposition, combined with Beth's natural, loving skill as a dog handler was incredibly impressive to see. There was really nothing I could teach that amazing duo, but it was a joy to see them get certified and work on so many other canine accomplishments together. I felt very lucky when Beth decided to add Sit Stay Read dog team to their credentials--and, of course, the kids loved Ginger.

Thank you, Beth, for sharing Ginger with all of us.

Puppy Lucy--a Reincarnation?

This lovely pup is one year-old Lucy, latest addition to the family of Sit Stay Read volunteer, Gail Schwab.

As soon as I saw Lucy's photo I was struck by the resemblance to my Max (bottom photo). Certainly the markings are similar but it's those soulful eyes that really got me. Unfortunately, Max is gone but you can meet Lucy at the Sit Stay Read anniversary party at Dogone Fun on Sunday, Nov 16th. Hope to see you there!

You've Got to Try This!

AARP 08 Video

Enter your name to see who can bring real change to Washington. First Name: Last Name:

Even if you think you know what's going to happen, you won't believe how cool it is.

Chicken Soup for Howl-o-ween

We want to see your dog all decked out for Halloween!

Thanks to the folks at Chicken Soup for the Soul, we have an incentive for you. Email us a photo of your dog dressed-up for Halloween, we'll post them online and draw three names to receive a free copy of their latest book, "Loving Our Dogs". As with all the "Chicken Soup" books, the stories are heartwarming and humorous.

Here's a photo of Shandy to get you in a festive mood. That's us at the first Sit Stay Read school program back in 2003 at Hendrick's Academy. All three dogs wore matching pumpkin costumes on Halloween (courtesy of volunteer, Pat Simpson). I couldn't find a photo of all the dogs together but I'll keep looking.

In the meantime, get out your camera and send us your photos!

School Programs Underway!

It was a busy time at the Sit Stay Read office as we prepared for the mid-October start of our school programs. But all the hard work was worth it when we saw the smiling faces of our students, so glad to have us back in the classroom.

We're in seven schools this year and, as of yesterday, all 15 classes have had their first visit! Yeah teams!

It was great to see old and new friends. Here's our group of volunteers getting ready for their visit to Faraday (only one dog attends the first day dog safety session). That's Allison, our fabulous intern, holding the classroom sign, Jennifer Cristina, Carley and Calvin, Guy Franklin, and Melissa Kennedy, a special visitor from Australia.

Melissa, an English teacher at Scots College, is visiting reading programs in the US to research ways to engage more boys in reading. She was blown away by our program and felt that it equally engages boys and girls.

A Hero's Welcome

May all our returning soldiers get this kind of greeting from the people and pets in their lives.

Lots to Learn at Old World Wisconsin

If you're looking for a fun, fall getaway in the midwest, consider a visit to Old World Wisconsin.

My friend, Betsy, and I made the two hour drive this weekend and it was well worth the trip.

You can stroll around and enjoy the countryside, check-out the animals (like the chickens and oxen), and learn about the history of Wisconsin from knowledgeable folks dressed in period costumes--like the school teacher pictured here. I think some dogs would definitely brighten-up that classroom.

A great time for big and little people.

Puppy Max Visits Chicago

Shandy and Bandit had a nice surprise when my niece Susan came to visit from Wisconsin last weekend. They got to meet her new puppy, Max!

Isn't he a cutie? He's sweet as can be but so quick that I couldn't get any photos of him with Shandy or Bandit--all I'd catch was a blur.