Therapy Dog Now Certified by TDI

Yesterday, Libby the Maltipoo gained her evaluation requirements for registration with the international organization of TherapyDogs. In 2007, over 15,000 handlers and approximately 18,000 dogs were registered with TDI.

Libby passed the qualifying steps of sitting and staying on command, being out of the owners' sight for three minutes without stressing, being able to accept strangers and their attentions, and being nonchalant around wheelchairs, crutches, walkers and crowds (among other tasks).

She will receive her "dog tag" with her picture on it, a laminated card similar to a driver's license, which she must wear at all times while on duty.

Libby also gained her American Kennel Club Good Citizen Award yesterday. Boy, does she look proud!

This is a picture of a 3 pound, 5 oz. Chihuahua who also was tested yesterday at the Mesa County Fairgrounds by certified TDI evaluator Cathy Clark.










And here is another photo from the TDI site of a therapy dog at play with a kiddo who seems to be enjoying the session.

Blog Search

Yesterday, I went on a Blog Search and found a blog relating to one of my leisure interests. Lo and behold! I found that NeverADullMoment is having a contest. I responded to her request and sent her my calendar picture for June (a picture of a Tuscan Courtyard that is printed on my daily planner: see below).
Her blog is: "A place for knitting, stitching, quilting, rugrats and insane husbands". I came across it in a blog search using the word "knitting."

Reading the musings of others is fun, and I always pick up new ideas from crawling over different blogs.

It is interesting to observe others' calendars and see what they enjoy glancing at for a whole month...sort of a mini-intrusion into their thoughts. Voyeurism? Probably.

We'll see who wins the contest in a few days.

Making Paints for Kids: Scratch 'n Sniff Watercolors

According to Watercolors Using Kool Aide:

Art activities will stimulate your child's imaginations and enhance their creativity. Scratch 'n Sniff Watercolor paint is an entertaining activity that will leave them with a unique keepsake.

Things You’ll Need:
A Variety of Unsweetened Kool Aid mixes, the more the better!
Tablespoon, Warm water, Empty baby food jars, small cups, or a muffin tin, Paper, Paintbrush, Table, Newspaper or Plastic Tablecloth to cover the table, Smock or old clothing

Step1: Cover the table with newspaper or plastic tablecloth.
Step2: And 1 tablespoon of kool aid mix and 1 tablespoon of warm tap water into a baby food jar, small cup, or muffin tins. Repeat until you have enough of the desired colors that you would like.
Step3: Stir the paint.
Step4: Cover the child(ren) in a smock or old clothing.
Step5: Set the paint, paintbrush and paper out for the children to paint with. Enjoy!
Step6: Let painting dry overnight before scratching and sniffing. These paintings make a great gift for grandparents, baby-sitters and more!

This really works!