Saturday I spent the day preparing to welcome our guests. I brewed up a lovely, tasty concoction. I also purchased a pretty potted bright pink geranium for them to feast their eyes on when they arrived at our front door.

They were coming back to the Midwest from the South and if the weather cooperated it wouldn’t be too long before they arrived.  Since they don’t carry cellphones with them they were unable to let me know there estimated arrival time.

So I waited… and waited… and waited.  I sat with Frankie looking out the front door early Sunday morning, gazing out into the yard hoping to see or hear some sign that they had finally made it.

I grew impatient so called my Mom to wish her a Happy Mother’s Day. As I was expressing my concern to her (still looking out the front door) that my special little visitors had not yet arrived, it was as if by magic, Jane zoomed right up and made herself right at home…. she perched her delicate  little self atop the red metal flower holding the special nectar I had made just for her and George.  Later that day George finally arrived. He wouldn’t ask for directions so had gotten lost along the way. Jane just shook her head.

Yup, George and Jane Jetson are the yearly hummingbirds who flit in and out all summer long, drinking to their hearts content (sometimes we even join them) ha!  The Jetson’s was one of my and John’s favorite cartoons when we were young so it seemed fitting to call our little feathered friends George and Jane. We love to sit in awe of them as they zoom in and out and all about. This is one of my many moments I call Joyful Paws.

For many, many years I couldn’t understand why I never had the instinct to want to have children of my own. I carried a shame in my heart around that for a very long time. It wasn’t until I was in my early 40s and Frankie became paralyzed that I realized God had other plans for me.

Frankie becoming paralyzed wasn’t my choice either. It was hard to imagine how my life would change when the prognosis came when she was six years old that she would likely never walk again. Caring for her would be somewhat like caring for an infant child. It seemed cruel and unfair to me that I was being handed this challenge.

It wasn’t my choice to be a Mom or to have a paralyzed dog, but reflecting back on that today I have absolutely no doubt this was how my life was to play out. As hard as it was to imagine how I would take care of Frankie after her paralysis, it was harder yet to imagine what blessings would come of it.

It wasn’t my choice to be a Mom or have a paralyzed dog, but it was my choice to look for the blessing in the challenge that lay ahead with Frankie in a wheelchair. It was my choice to follow my heart and write Frankie’s story and share her with young children. That choice led me to realizing God’s bigger plan for me which was being a mentor to thousands of children.  Though I’ll never remember all their names, I’ll forever carry all of them in my heart. A part of each child I have met along the way because of Frankie will always be with me.

So on this Mother’s Day I no longer carry a shame in my heart, but give thanks for the Mom’s who were meant to be, and for the unfolding of my life as it was meant to be.

I’ve had this picture for at least 20 years. It’s actually a card I got from a friend who was my “mom” away from home. I worked with her many moons ago at Kohl’s Department Store and we share the same birthday.  It brings back many fond and warm memories of my friend and I always think of her everytime I look at it.

I loved the card so much that I couldn’t part with it, so I framed it. It has been a part of my decor for as long as I can remember.  It is by Annie Benson Muller and titled, “Everyone’s Welcome.” Isn’t it just the sweetest photo?  I just had to share with you today and share that I appreciate and am grateful for those of you who follow along on my blog.  Like this photo that warms my heart, having all of you part of my community, warms my heart.

This is a heartwarming story of Peggy’s mom, Luanne who endures hardship and struggles, but it is the many animals in her life that see her through.

Read more about the book.

I hope you enjoy my video review!

We got Kylie as a pup when she was three months old. Picked her up in Tennessee from a breeder. She didn’t wag her tail for almost six months. The first day it finally did wag I said, “Hey! Your tail works!”  Kylie wagged it faster the more excited I got about it. I guess perhaps I was supposed to have maybe helped her out a bit sooner with that.

Kylie is an English Labrador. From my research I found out that Labradors were originally bred in England. The look of the English breed is short and stocky with a boxy head and short, bushy tail. They became very popular when brought to America, and unfortunately were overbred. American Labs tend to be taller and lankier, with long skinny tails and smaller heads. I love the look of the English Lab. They also tend to be more laid back and great as a family dog, hunting dog or for therapy dog work.

As the years have gone by my husband and I realized that someone forgot to tell Kylie she is a Lab. We came to discover over time that she does not like to fetch a ball, go for long walks, go for a swim, or ride in the car. Err, isn’t that what Lab’s are supposed to do?  Our Lab before Kylie did all of these things and with gusto!  Geese can also fly low over our house honking to beat the band and Kylie will continue to gaze across the street, lost in her own little world.

Now we could get all caught up in comparing and being upset that she does not like to do all those “Lab” things, which I’ll admit bothered us at first. But I came to realize that this sweet girl is my calm on hectic days. She is the one who I just sit with and “just be” when the world is out of control. She is the one I love to wrap my arms around and hug really tight. Her perfect day is coffee with my husband on the sofa in the wee hours of the morning.  Once I am up, it’s time to eat and then the rest of the day you’ll find her sitting at the open front door, gazing out into the world.

She’s our anchor of solitude. The one who makes us stop and enjoy small moments of joy throughout the day when we stop and pet her as we pass through the kitchen. We also call her our couch potatoe.  After all, she is yellow, and she does rather like to just hang out.

So maybe she is the Labrador that isn’t, but she is the dog who fills my heart up every time I look into her soft brown eyes. And I’m so thankful she is mine and grateful for her lesson of learning to accept her for who she is.

Photo reprinted from American Humane Association newsletter.

American Humane Association just sent out their newsletter. It announces that they are giving Animals and the Kids Who Love Them by Linda and Allen Anderson to people who become members of their “Compassion Club.” My inspiring story about Frankie and her special bond with a special needs little boy named Jackson is featured in the book. This book will support the wonderful work American Humane Association does nationally to help animals and children.

UPDATE:  Sully has found his new forever home!!!!  Thank you to everyone who helped!!!

Home for Life Animal Sanctuary in MN contacted me for help in seeing if I can help place another little dachshund that is disabled. They are full and can’t take him.

Jonn is the owner of Scully and due to financial reasons can’t keep Scully. Scully is currently staying at the vet, but can’t stay there much longer as Jonn is running out of money to do that.  The vet wrote a letter with information about Scully which I’ve included below. Jonn and Scully are located in Prior Lake, MN. His phone # is 612-760-5900. His email is jonn (dot) schumacher (at) gmail (dot) com. PLEASE CONTACT JONN DIRECTLY. As much as I’d like to be the go between, it is not feasible for me, but this is my way of helping try and place this disabled dachshund, so please direct all your questions and inquiries to Jonn.

May 3, 2012

RE:      “Sully” – Canine   , Dachshund

DOB: 04/28/2006

To Whom It May Concern:

Sully is a 6 year old Dachshund that was treated for intervertebral disc disease.  He had compression of his spinal cord at T11-T12 and T12-T13 due to a ruptured or herniated intervertebral disc.  He underwent a hemilaminectomy on January 30, 2012.  Since that time he has been treated with physical rehabilitation but has not yet regained any deep pain or motor function.  Unfortunately, Sully has also lost control of urine and bowel control.  He does very well in his cart and he is still a very happy and energetic patient.

Please call if you have any questions

Sincerely,

PriorLakePetHospital

By:   Josh Albright DVM

166800 Franklin SE, Prior Lake, MN

952-447-2855

Sophie brought so much love to her community. She was a local celebrity dog who did many fashion shows which were all done on a volunteer basis. LuAnn, Sophie’s Mom,  called me early this morning to let me know Sophie was put to sleep late Saturday afternoon from congestive heart failure. She was nine years old.

In her short time here on earth Sophie brought many smiles and much joy to so many.  She was also a therapy dog and visited Sharon S. Richardson Hospice twice a week for quite a few years. She had just retired from hospice work about a year ago and concentrated on her fashion shows which were always a huge hit.

As you can see by the photo above, Sophie also helped to raise money for a local cancer fund with a beautiful 2012 calendar of her in many of her stunning outfits, many of which were handmade by a friend of LuAnn’s.  She raised over $3,000 for the cancer fund.  The calendar will go on in memory of Sophie for 2013 and there will be local therapy dogs featured in the calendar next year. I’m honored and touched that Frankie will be one of the featured therapy dogs.

I recently wrote about the passing of Izzy, author Jon Katz’s dog who also did hospice therapy dog work. Jon’s book about their work together inspired me to start giving thought to doing hospice work also.  And it was LuAnn and Sophie who encouraged me to visit Sharon S. Richardson Hospice one day and visit with a woman whose husband had just passed away. Though I was initially nervous and scared to be around people who were dying, it was LuAnne and Sophie that guided me and Frankie on our first visit to hospice. It was a day I’ll never forget and it certainly was not our last– thanks to Sophie and LuAnn.

Dear little Sophie, so pretty always and oh so sweet, Frankie and I, as well as many others will miss you dearly. I can’t help but smile though, thinking of you doing fashion shows in heaven now. You’ll always be a star in our hearts.

 The hub of Elkhart Lake and Off the Rail Cafe

I love living in a small town. Our population is 1,100. We are actually considered a village, not a town.  As I sat outside at the our little bustling cafe, Off the Rail, waiting for my lunch to go today, I found myself smiling.

The cafe is right in the hub of all the activity in the downtown area.  The second hub is only three blocks away. That happens to be the only 4-way stop in town.  Yup, you read it right- the ONLY 4-way stop.  You should see that 4-way stop on one of the race weekends here in the summer. It is super busy and sometimes we even need a cop to direct the traffic!  Elkhart Lake is known for Road America race track so we can attract over 100,000 visitors during some of the major races. I swear if I were flying overhead during one of those weekends, I’d see the little village bulging at the sides!

During warmer weather and when I have time, you will find Frankie and I at the cafe about once a week, dining outside, with my bike parked close by.  Sitting outside I can see the park and library to the left, Lake Street Cafe (fun dining experience!) to the right, and the train depot museum in front of me (where the Farmer’s Market is held each Saturday in summer).

As I waited for my lunch I was thankful for my small town. It feels like a cozy warm hug each time I venture out.  I’ve lived here for about 23 years now and within the past five years I’ve gotten to know so many more people because of Frankie. They have truly embraced her and her story. Someone is always asking me how she is doing if I don’t have her with me.

When I was young I thought I wanted to be a big city girl until I traveled to New York City for a college trip. I was terribly homesick. I’ve come to realize I love small town life and am somewhat of a homebody. I used to be embarrassed to admit that- silly, huh?  But now I embrace it and love it- it’s who I am.

So do you like small town life or are you a big city person?  And why?  I would love to hear your thoughts!

Erica Manning Photography 

My sister in law, Shelly sent me the above photo yesterday. I found it so touching. Hard for it not to touch the depths of your heart, right?  She told me her friend, Erica took the photo and it is of her dog Jack (Jackson) and his work as a therapy dog.  With the wonders of Facebook I was able to connect with Erica and ask permission to share her photo, as well as have her agree to share Jack’s story.  I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did.  T hank you, Erica!

Jack’s story as told by Erica: 

My youngest daughter Sophie and I volunteer together at a local no-kill pet shelter.  She shares my love for both animals and giving back.  About a year and a half ago we were at this shelter cleaning puppy cages and re-stocking food bowls (with no intentions of finding a new puppy,mind you), and after keeping busy for over an hour we looked into a quiet cage that I previously thought was empty.  There I found a sweet black puppy – about 12 weeks old.  He didn’t make a sound, waited patiently for me to open the door and gave me a “hug” when I did.  I knew he was special.  We immediately started the adoption process.  Jackson was officially ours on President’s Day 2011.

We assume he is a Black Lab because he looks exactly like one, but he’s pretty small so he might be a mixed breed.  Either way we love him to pieces.

From day one Jack was VERY CALM for a Lab pup.  He had his crazy moments, but for the most part he was gentle and sweet.  I wanted to share that with others. When he was only about 6 months old I started the process of getting Jack certified as a “Canine Good Citizen.”  As expected he passed with flying colors.   About the same time a friend of mine, who works for a home health company, told me her company had been searching for a therapy dog to visit the assisted living facilities that they serviced.    It was meant to be!  Jack now visits three different assisted living facilities two times per month.  And he loves it.

At some of the facilities a group of residents gather in a common area and Jack goes from person to person, nudging their hand – encouraging them to rub on him.  If they have an empty chair next to them he has been known to climb up in it to be at eye level.  I know I don’t have to tell you how fulfilling it is to see how the simple act of petting a dog can bring joy to these residents’ lives.

Some of the residents have a hard time making it to the common area.  They either are not as mobile or too weak to spend much time out of their rooms.  Jack and I make “house calls” to these residents.  Jim is one of them.  Jim seems to be a cantankerous man when you first meet him.  But after a while both Jack and I realized that he has a keen, dry sense of humor and a warm heart.  This is most evident when he talks about his son, and his late wife.  He tears up every time.  He also loves Jack, and the feeling is mutual for sure.  Jack climbs into bed with Jim when he’s unable to get up, and would stay there for hours if permitted.  He also likes to “hold hands” with Jim – as seen in the photo.  He does that instead of “shake” – I think it soothes him to have his paw in someone’s hand.  I think it soothes Jim as well.  It’s awesome to watch the mutually beneficial relationship unfold.

I gave Jim a copy of the photo and to be perfectly honest – he didn’t like it.  He said his hand looked old!  The man is in his late 90s.  He has the mind of a wise 65 year old.  The heart of a child.

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