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PAW PRINTS

St. John Ambulance

Therapy Dogs April 2016

219 Church St. St. Catharines, Ontario L2R 3E8

Website: www.sja-niagara.org Phone #: 905-685-8964

Thought for the month

I feel sorry for people who don’t have dogs.

I hear they have to pick up their own food if

They drop it on the floor.

E.I. McCulley Family Literacy Night

Never been to one, didn’t even have any idea what to expect,

but when our SJATD Paws division was asked to take part in the

evening once again our handlers volunteered. Deanna & Jamie,

Jenny & Louie, Lori & Mecho, Mary & Magee and Sue & Finnegan

spent an evening in a very small classroom having parents and

children visit our dogs.

Some read to the dogs, some just pet the dogs, others told us

about their dogs. We were told that most of the school showed up

for this event and our “Puppy Room” had a line up waiting to get

in. We believe that at one point in time there must have been 50-

70 people in the room with our dogs. Needless to say they were a

big hit. Next time we better get a bigger room.

Upcoming Events

May 1

YMCA – Kids Day Grimsby &

Welland

Walk so Kids can Talk

May 13

YMCA – Teen Mental Illness

Event

May 16

Hike for Hospice

May 25

SJA AGM

May 28

Safety Fun Fest – Superstore

May 29

Purina Walk for Guide Dogs

May 31

Embridge Safety Committee

Fair

Important

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Paws 4 Stories St. Catharines Schools

As the school year is winding down, we can see the results of our Therapy dogs work with the

children.

At Pinegrove School the grade 2’s have gained so much confidence in their reading with the

every other week visits from our dogs. Al & Bosco and Lori & Mecho started off the year then

Carrie & Chip replaced Mecho to become a permanent member of the Pinegrove team.

On Tuesdays at Gracefield you can find 7 handler teams working with students from grade 1-3.

Students eagerly wait for their turn to come and read to our Paws Tested Dogs. Thanks to Al &

Bosco, Angela & Derby, Deanna & Jamie, Dianne & Mickey or Tequila, Lori & Mecho, Mary &

Magee, and Sue & Finnegan. We even got a school picture this year of “their dogs”.

Grapeview has shown so much improvement in their Paws Program. The special needs children

are so much calmer, happier, and some are actually sitting down to read to our 4 legged friends

on duty. The school joined in our sadness when Satin passed away. She had become an

important part of the team if only for a short time at Grapeview. It takes a certain kind of handler

to work with these children and Kudos to Al & Bosco, Dawn & Regan, Jenny & Louie, Linda & Raya,

with occasional help from Lori & Mecho.

I think the principal and the custodian at Woodland school are just as happy to see us on a weekly

basis as the kids are to read the stories to our dogs. 27 children have been handpicked by the

staff that felt they would benefit from our program. Boy were they right. At Woodland the

improvement is amazing. Students are so much more confident in reading and even though once

in a while they try and read a book a little too easy for them. They are now focusing on harder

books to read to the dogs who don’t judge them. Al & Bosco, Dianne & Mickey or Tequila, Lori &

Mecho, and Mary and Magee make up this great school team.

This year we welcomed E.I. McCully to the program. This school’s librarian thought reading to be

very important and 2 of her primary classes began the reading program with us in Oct. Since then

we have seen a steady improvement in the students. They would tell us they couldn’t read but

now with our easy reading ‘Doggie Books’ these students show pride on their face as they finish

the whole thing. This program runs on a 10 day cycle with most of our volunteers at the other

schools stepping up and helping out on yet another day. Thanks Al & Bosco, Deanna & Jamie,

Dianne & Mickey or Tequila, Jenny & Louie, Lori & Mecho, Mary & Magee, and Sue & Finnegan.

This year the Paws 4 Stories St. Catharines Schools saw a large increase of volunteers, and students.

We had to almost double our bookmarks and sticker program for the students that read to the

dogs. We were thankful to SJATD for allowing us to purchase many new stories about dogs in all

reading levels.

We are looking forward to having more volunteer teams join our groups as we expand into other

schools. Next year we are welcoming Crossroads in Virgil into the program.

Thanks to the Paws 4 Stories teams bringing your dog to school every week in addition to your own

senior’s home visitation. We know the children are coming to read to the dog, but we also know

you care enough to make it happen and have significantly helped the children as well

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Dogs at work 4 Days a week in St. Catharines Schools

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Schools Gone to the Dogs and We Love it.

Some of the Woodland students that take part in the Paw 4 Stories Program enjoying some group

time with our dogs.

When these grade 1 & 2 students were interviewed by Dianne they all said the same thing. Shayla

likes reading to the dogs because they listen they make me feel happy. Andrew loves the dogs

and the excitement they bring. It makes me feel happy and helps me to read better. Thomas

finds the dogs easy to read to and is happy when he is rewarded with their kisses.

These students are just some of the participants in the Reading program at their school. Since

September they and many of their friends come to read to the dogs weekly.

Teacher:

We are very fortunate to have many community volunteers that come in to read with us through

the week. The students look forward to Thursdays because they know “the dogs” will be at the

school! The students enjoy the chance to practice their reading one more time with their special

“furry, four legged” reading buddy. Anytime a student has a chance to practice their reading is a

bonus!

DSBN elementary teacher

Principal:

It has been a pleasure having the Paws 4 Stories program at Woodland Public School for the 2015-

2016 school year. Mecho, Magee, Bosco, Mickey and Tequila have been excellent listeners while

Our students have read to them. The visits by our four legged friends to the office for treats are

also a highlight. The interactions between dogs, handlers and students are wonderful. Thank you

to Lori for being our school coordinator. Thank you also to all our volunteers for engaging our

students in reading in a relaxed and fun manner with the dogs. You are greatly appreciated!

Sam Shad (Principal, Woodland Public School)

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Kudo’s To….

Suzi for her entry of our Niagara Branch Santa Claus Parade group. Her picture made the front

page of the Wagz Newspaper.

Denis for his 1st Place Winning Photo of Flag Raising in St. Catharines

Honorable Mention to Deanna and Mel’s Dog Jamie, and Lori’s Dog Mecho in the Photo Contest.

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Calling all future Doctors and Nurses

On March 22, 6 of our handler teams, Al & Bosco, Deanna, Mel & Jamie, Denis & Bridgette, Dianne

& Mickey, Mary & Magee, Lori & Mecho were on duty at McMaster Universities Carines Building at

Brock. The Medical Faculty had request our dogs for a visit prior to their exams. As usual our

teams showed up early and the students were already gathered in their dining hall to greet us.

Over the 2 hours we saw both staff and students. Some dogs even went right into the

administration office to great the workers and brighten their day.

It was a wonderful experience of dogs and people milling around together. The students received

suckers with stickers of our wonderful dogs before they left the room. The facility was so happy

that we came that each handler received a small gift bag and each dog a lot of treats. Another

job well done.

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St. John Conference Award

Suzi and Denis, along with Marcia and Sandi from the office, and several members from the MFR’s

and car seat safety, attended the annual St. John Ambulance Conference on April 8-9 in

Mississauga.

Besides learning lot about St. John Ambulance in general, and networking with other therapy dog

branches, we were proud that Niagara Region Branch won an award!

The Frederick N. Lewis Memorial Award is given to the branch and affiliated Community Service

Units that best demonstrated cooperation for the betterment of St. John Ambulance in the

community.

It’s wonderful to be recognized for how nicely all of the service units work together in our branch!

This is portrayed throughout the year at events like giant tiger BBQ’s, food drives, parades, Niagara

dog fest, ect. What a fantastic recognition! We are very proud!

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Girl Guide Spark Unit Expresses their Thanks.

Women can do anything is the idea behind Girl Guides. So when SJATD were asked to come to a

meeting with 17, 5 & 6 years old girls; 6 ladies and their dogs stepped up and took on the

challenge.

First each handler wrote a short story about their dog which was compiled into a large flip story

book and read it to the girls. Then the team demonstrated how to properly meet any dog

followed by the girls taking turns meeting our special dogs. We distributed a “Bite Me Not” booklet

featuring all 6 of our dogs.

A big part of Sparks is to share and be a friend. We had a craft, snack and 2 games for the girls to

play. They were divided up into teams and the dogs were the captains although I must admit that

some handlers took it way more seriously than the dogs did. We have some really competitors in

our group Linda, Deanna and Dianne.

Finnegan with the help of Sue had decided to hide letters of the alphabet around the room which

were clues to a puzzle that Linda & Raya, Sue & Finnegan, and Deanna & Jamie had to find to

solve the puzzle.

The girls listening skills were challenged when they had to remember from the story the names of

the handlers that went with each dog but matching the “dog bones” with the handlers “head

shots”. There might have been a little cheating happening there.

The teams all shared with the girls some tricks their dogs do. Mickey was a speedy puppy on his

agility course of jumps and a tunnel. Finnegan did a jig for his treat. Raya showed us her

coordination of catching a treat. Jamie demonstrated his back up technique. Mecho showed

restraint while waiting to get released to eat her treats of her paws – but Magee beat her to it.

That was a big hit for the girls. Magee did show us how well behaved and obedient a dog can be

when properly trained.

Thanks to Dianne who made Doggie Bisquicks (Bread dough shaped into dog heads) which the

girls really enjoyed. All the ladies pitched in to help with the Doggie Origami which came out

great.

Before the girls went home each was presented with a dog bookmark featuring all our dogs and

stickers!

The leaders of the 1st Niagara on the Lake Spark unit sent this letter of thanks to the team. Thanks is

extended to Deanna & Jamie, Dianne & Mickey, Linda & Raya, Lori & Mecho, Mary & Magee, and

Sue & Finnegan. Kudos ladies for a job well done. It was fun wasn’t it!

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Raining Cats and Dogs but our dogs press on.

Just like the postman nothing will keep our Therapy Dogs from their job. At the end of March

several of our handler teams faced the challenge this spring. Despite the fact that it was raining

Cats and Dogs our dedicated teams pressed on to attend the 3 days of Brock’s Puppy Room.

It was unfortunate that the advertising was late in arriving at Brock from their printers. It was also

unfortunate that they had the wrong day and time on the posters. So the 3rd thing that happened

was the heavy downpours made for a rather small turn out this time. Rather like a home cozy visit

you might say.

Since the event was held following the Easter Break many students did not return to the university

for the last 4 days of classes, choosing to stay at home and study. However the Wellness Week at

Brock still continued with our 46 handler teams spending quality time with the 622 staff and

students at the University. Our dogs performed their jobs with extreme competency making all

who entered the room feel comfortable and relaxed. Dogs quickly learned the words “Photo

Shoot” and “Selfie” meant lining up and posing for that perfect picture which was rewarded in the

end with a taste treat from the “Doggie Buffet”.

Some of our amazing dogs had the opportunity to have extra flashes going off in their eyes as 3

different news media’s came by to check out what all the fuss was about. How these dogs could

make such a huge impact on a university to the point that people check to see if there is a puppy

room before they even apply. It was funny to watch how the employees of newspapers ended

up sitting on the ground with our dogs destressing themselves if only for a short time.

Thanks to all the handlers who came out shared their time and dogs with the staff and students.

Special thanks to members who answers the interviews questions on behalf our dogs and our

program.

4 Paws up to our volunteer teams: Al & Bosco, Angela & Derby, Barb & Jersey, Brad & Tucker,

Dawn & Regan, Deanna, Mel & Jamie, Denis & Bridgette, Dianne & Mickey, Dianne & Tequila,

Elizabeth & Daisy May, Heather & Whiskey, James & Jasper, Jenny & Louie, Joanne & Emmie, John

& Dory, Linda & Raya, Lori, & Mecho, Mary & Magee, Pam & Ace, Sara & Reggie, Sue & Finnegan,

Tom, Jackie & Bonnie.

Watch for another session of the Brock Puppy Room in November. Volunteer Dogs are always

welcome and handlers are encourage to join in on the fun and rewarding experience. Home

baking is always available if you can get in before Al!

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Chubbs with Karen Chubbs

Sadly in January Chubbs passed away from cancer which he so bravely fought.

In Mary Beth Haines' book "The Power of Pets," Mary Beth writes that she believes there is a

reason why your pet comes into your life and why you came into theirs and that you both

found each other at exactly the right time you were meant to. I believe this is true.

From the moment Chubbs entered our lives he began his "therapy work". As a family, he

brought us closer together with his sweet personality; always comforting us when we were sad

and making us laugh with the silly things he did. I knew even then he was a natural to

eventually become a St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog.

On the first day, after training, Chubbs and I visited a nursing home. A man and his family ran

to us in the parking lot. He asked to shake my hand in gratitude for the comfort Chubbs had

brought his mother on her first day at the facility.

The week before Chubbs passed away he spent a few days in the critical care unit at the

hospital. The critical care vet said they put Chubbs on the floor to walk, with his IV in and,

despite his weakness, he went up to each of the technicians and vets, sitting and allowing

them to pet him. I told her he was a therapy dog and she said that was not surprising as he

was providing them with the therapy they needed.

The St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program is such a wonderful program. I am so proud that

Chubbs was a Therapy Dog and that we got to work with such amazing Therapy Dogs a handlers.

Karen Speechly

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Satin with Janet Satin

Satin came into my life when she was about four years old – a retired ‘momma’. From the

beginning we joked that her job was making people smile. After she saw my husband and me

through some major health issues, I decided that she and I could perhaps be useful with St. John

Ambulance Therapy Dogs. Satin took to her new ‘job’ like a champ. The patients and staff at Hotel

Dieu Shaver all seemed to enjoy her visits. Some patients even had family write down when Satin

was due to visit again. Satin also enjoyed opportunities to meet Brock students at the Puppy Room,

to help out at fund raisers and to ‘march’ in the Christmas Parade. I think her biggest joy came

when we were asked to join the PAWS 4 Stories program. Satin loved the children and enjoyed her

doggie friends like Mecho, Bosco, Louie, Regan, Tequila, Mickey and many others.

I have many wonderful memories of our fluffy five-pound ball of love, and among the best are our

times with SJATD and PAWS 4 Stories. Thank you all for such a wonderful opportunity.

Janet Glazebrook

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Rosemary with Mackenzie Mackenzie Mackenzie with Grandma

Mackenzie - June 11, 2002 - January 13, 2016

Mackenzie, a Bichon/Yorkie mix, was a St. John's Ambulance Therapy Dog for many years. As a

senior dog, she visited at the Tufford Nursing Home and later at the Shaver Hospital. She suffered

from heart disease, but passed peacefully surrounded by family who loved her very much.

She was a cherished dog, who had a remarkable life and made a lasting impression on each and

every person who was fortunate to meet her. She loved being a St. John's Ambulance Therapy

Dog!! During one visit to the Shaver, we approached a patient lying peacefully in bed. When I

asked if he would like a visit with the dog, he motioned for us to come closer. Mackenzie snuggled

in beside him and he gently stroked her tiny body. I spoke to him briefly, but did not get any

response. However, as we were walking away, the patient opened his eyes and simply said "thank

you". It's these special moments that I will treasure and know that the St. John's Ambulance

Therapy Dog Program makes a difference!

Mackenzie will always be in my heart and in the hearts of those who knew her. She will be greatly

missed.

Rosemary Harper

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Tasha with Bailey Bailey

Baily was my beautiful 14 year old beagle. She passed away surrounded by her fur –sbilings, family

and friends in August 2015 after suffering a pro-longed illness.

Bailey was a “little” chubby but that never stopped her from enjoying walks, car rides and sniffing

everything in sight! One of her favorite things was being a therapy dog with St. John’s Ambulance.

She had been doing this for close to 5 years and loved every minute of it. She knew what it meant

when I put my red shirt on – she was about to go put smiles on lots of people’s faces, (and get lot

of tummy rubs)! I actually had to get rid of all my normal red shirts because she would get excited

if I wore them and then I would have to disappoint her!

Bailey was the smartest dog I have ever met – she knew over 150 words and phrases, as well as the

most loving and gentle. She was my whole world and I miss her every day.

Tasha Shirley

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What you can do when you are on Maternity Leave?

Jenny & Louie

I have more than thoroughly enjoyed our time at the school and time with Louie. He may not be

the most well trained dog, a goofball at times, but a gentle soul with a soft heart. The Grapeview

crew of handlers can agree the kids have taken to Louie and some scared of his kisses in Sept.

now sitting on his blanket touching, kissing and petting and more than petting!!!.....signs of a great

program! Grapeview has taught me I am lucky to have a healthy baby and a loving dog!!!

Mary & Troy Volunteer of the year.

This year’s Bethesda’s Volunteer of the year is our very own Mary with her dog Troy. Their visits to

Linwell House was appreciated and recognized with this award. Mary received it at the annual

fundraising dinner and auction at Club Italia on April 15th. She took it home to share with Troy who

was not in attendance at the event.

Mary & Troy

Did you know…..

We have several dogs in the program that like humans have food allergies. Please make sure you

ask the handler before you give any type of treat to their dog. If anyone knows of a good product

for dogs with allergies or any good prices, let’s share the information and send it to the Newsletter

“Paw Prints”.

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Bass Pro Shop Dog Days Event

On Sat. April 9th 17 Handler Teams took part in a P.R. Event at Bass Pro Shop. Hundreds of dogs

and their owners came into the store for special activities and event arranged just for them.

St. John Ambulance was well represented by our members who shared their personal experiences

with customers who visited our booth. We passed out many referral cards, stickers, bookmarks and

treats for humans and dogs alike. Our Paws 4 Stories teams had a reading station set up for those

children who wanted to cuddly up with our dogs and read a “Doggie Story”.

The hardest part of the day was when we tried to get one of the 3 shifts dogs all posed for the

camera. We did but it unfortunately the camera stopped working and we only got shots on cell

phones. Thanks everyone. We sure looked great compared to other companies on display at the

event.

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Car Magnets Large Size 11.48” x 17.58” Car Magnets Small Size 8.73” x 11.48”

Cost for 2 of the same magnets $30.00 Cost for 2 of the same magnets $20

If you are interested in getting a set of these magnets for your car, you must be active in the

program and current on all documentation in order to place an order. Requests must be sent to

Lori with a picture of your dog and the correct spelling of his/her name. All money will be due to

the office by August 8th. Orders will be placed shortly after that and will arrive at the end of the

summer or the first part of Sept.

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This service is free of charge for you to bath your own Therapy Dog. You will need to show that

you are part of the program so you won’t be charge. A bandana your dog or your badge works

great. It is best to go in off peak times so that the store does not loose paying Customers business.

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Volunteering can be tiring but so rewarding

As so many of us know when we decide to volunteer it can be very time consuming, but have you

ever thought about what your furry friend thinks?

As a therapy dog you have to get up early in the morning to get fed, exercised, and groomed for

your volunteering day.

When all is said and done, you know you have made a difference in someone’s day. You have

brought a smile to a senior, you listened to a child read or made a worker forget even briefly

about deadlines and budgets.

You have done your job now….it’s time to take a rest.

Mickey bathed Regan with Giant Tiger Cat Finnegan visits with girl

Finnegan cuddles Knox brings a smile Finnegan goes for a ride

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Walking along the pier Girl reads to Jamie Mecho listens to the story

Jamie visits on the road Bosco listens Mickey brings smile

Maggie goes for a spin Bridgette gives eye contact Bosco and Magee working

Ace, Tucker, Bridgette Queen Magee Waiting in the hall for walkers

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Mickey under cover Magee next for facepainting Mecho, Bridgette & Magee

Ace relaxes with mom Student sleeps with Magee Tequila spreads holiday joy

Regan gives hugs Chip with friend Derby’s story

Bosco cools off and relaxes Regan lounges Bosco enjoys icecream

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Finnegan crashes on the sofa Magee can’t wait and crashes on Mecho

OH FORGOT THE TREATS!

Put your Stress in our Paws – Mecho, Magee, Louie, Bosco, and Regan

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Leadership Team – Do you know who is who and what they do?

Name Position Email

Suzi Peters Coordinator Therapy Dogs drsuzi@sympatico.ca

Stephanine Dyck Coordinator/Administration/Evaluator steph5415@gmail.com

Denis Dallaire Events Coordinator soccersons@hotmail.com

Mary Powell Evaluator/Niagara Area Team

Leader

SJATdogsmaryandmagee@bell.net

Lori Thwaites Paws 4 Stories St. Catharines

Schools/Puppy Room Coordinator

sjatdloriwithmecho@gmail.com

Dianne Howie Mentoring dianne.howie@sympatico.ca

Amy Haner Facilites Coordinator/ West Lincoln

Team Leader

SJATD.AHaner@gmail.com

Angela Verde Paws Program Coordinator/

Canine Comfort Unit

amverde7@hotmail.com

James Clark South Niagara Team Leader jclarkphotog@gmail.com

Suzzanne Peters New Members/Secretary suzzannesmaggie@gmail.com

Suzi and Denis with Bridgette Stephaine with Dalas & Knox

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Mary with Magee Lori with Mecho Dianne with Mickey & Tequila

Amy Angela with Kasey James with Jasper

Suzzane with Maggie

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Mary-lee is resigning from SJATD.

Mary-lee has been a huge assest in getting our Therapy Dogs out

in the public eye with her amazing photos. We will miss her and

her unique way of capturing that perfect shot of our dogs in

action. We all wish her the very best and will always cherish the

time she spent with us.

It takes a lot of “Paws” to put a story together. Here is a brain test.

How many times do you see your name, your picture, or your dogs

in this edition? The challenge is next time to have more. Are you

up for the challenge?

If you would like to share your story with our Areas’s Newsletter

“Paw Prints” please send information to Lori

sjatdloriwithmecho@gmail.com Put Newsletter in the subject line.

Watch for us In the

Community

June 4

Gillian’s Place – Walk to Stop

violence against women

June 4

Walk for Autism

Week of June 20

Flag raisings in the Niagara

Region

July 23

Niagara Dog Fest

Aug. 13

Dog Days of Summer

Aug. 14

Peach Festival