Best Friends and More | ||||||||||||||||||||
Mountain Views News, Sierra Madre Edition [Pasadena] Saturday, June 3, 2017 | ||||||||||||||||||||
JUST FOR BEST FRIENDS Mountain Views-News Saturday, June 3, 2017 8 JUST FOR BEST FRIENDS Mountain Views-News Saturday, June 3, 2017 8 Happy Tails by Chris Leclerc therapy dogs in person and I have to say it wasthe highlight of my day. Marianne was delightfuland kind enough to share the details about howtheir program works. I write this in honor ofMarianne’s memory, as she and her belovedtherapy dog, Maggie have both since passed awaydue to cancer. The objective of New Leash on Life’s Lend A Paw Therapy Dogs program is to form a network of caring individuals who are willing to share their animals to help others in need. Owners are responsible for training and certifying the dogs that make their mission possible. Therapy dogs must be at least 1 year old, they must meet the criteria of the required obedience training and be capable of consistent harmonious interaction with humans and other dogs. Lend a Paw Therapy Dogs’ volunteer animal assistance activities include visits to hospitals, special needs centers for seniors and children, nursing homes and schools. Requests for dog therapy services can come from patients, family members or facility staff members. Often times, a dog therapy team will simply go from room to room to see who is up for a visit. Interestingly, there are times when the therapy dog will let the handler know who needs their brand of therapy by pulling toward the door of their room! Group sessions are the typical scenario at retirement homes, where patients or residents gather together in one room to enjoy the presence of the dogs. Whatever the circumstances, therapy dogsalways bring smiles and renewed hope to thefolks they visit. One stroke victim namedDorothy had not spoken for over a year, butafter a visit from Marianne and Maggie, shesomehow found the energy and desire to speak. When she did finally speak, it was to say thename “Maggie”! That is what a caring canine cando for a stroke patient who may have otherwisenever spoken again. In addition to visiting special needs homes, hospitals and schools, Lend a Paw Therapy Dogs also participates in community activities with the local fire departments and libraries. For more information about Lend a Paw Therapy Dogs, visit the New Leash on Life website at nlol.org. THE JOY OF YOGA HEALTHY LIFESTYLES THE HEART LENDING A PAW FOR A NEW LEASH ON LIFE “Dogs are the most amazing creatures…They are the role model for being alive.” ~ Gilda Radner“There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face.” ~ Ben Williams Numerous accounts of physical and mental health benefits resulting from interaction with dogs have been documented throughout history. It pleases me to know that I am not alone in my recognition and appreciation of the physical, psychological and even spiritual benefits of spending time with a cuddly canine. Loving and being loved by a dog is not only a heart-warming experience, the fact is that canines can also play a part in prolonging and enhancing the quality of life for human beings. I would be hard-pressed to understand or try to explain just exactly how it works, but I believe that dogs are God’s gift to mankind, and I take it for face value based on my own experience. One example of how the canine can positively impact the health and well-being of the human is clearly shown by the work of a certified healthcare therapy dog. The first documented therapy dog was a Yorkshire Terrier named Smoky. Smoky had been abandoned on the battlefield in New Guinea during WWII, when Corporal William Wynne took him in, cared for him and gave him his name. Smoky proved to be a major asset to Wynne’s military outfit, lending comfort to the troops and playing a part in saving their lives by running a telegraph cable through an underground pipe, completing in minutes what would have been a 3-day, very dangerous operation for the soldiers responsible for the project. Dr. Charles Mayo (of the famed Mayo Clinic) was Corporal Wynne’s commanding officer who allowed Smoky to join him on hospital rounds to visit injured troops. The pup’s popularity grew so strong that he became the troop’s mascot and continued his work for 12 years after WWII had ended. Who knew a would-be abandoned ‘mutt’ would become a famous forerunner for a prolific program that makes a major positive impact on the lives of so many people today? A few years ago I had the privilege of participating in an American Cancer Society Bark for Life of Arcadia event where I met Marianne Cortland, who greeted me with a warm smile at the New Leash on Life ‘Lend a Paw Therapy Dogs’ information booth. Marianne and several other volunteers, along with a team of therapy dogs accompanied by their handlers, were there to help support the event. The fact that dogs are oftenused as health-care therapistshas been common knowledge tome for years, but this was the firsttime I had the chance to meet DOGWOOD TREES!! We have a beautiful selection of both pink and whites, dogwood trees in #5, containers. Price $38.50, but with this ad $22.50 each. Take advantage of this special before we move them up into larger containers and (raise the price). At Nuccio's Nurseries along with hundreds of varieties of Camellias and Azaleas. Please bring this ad in and ask about the special on the other plants as well. Offer expires June 30, 2017 Nuccio's Nurseries 626-794-3383 3555 Chaney Trail Open 8am to 4:30pm Altadena CA 91001 Closed Wed / Thur Closed Sunday June-Dec LOOKING FOR A BEST FRIEND approached calmly, she welcomes having her velvetycoat stroked. Her play style is bat and pat. Featherytoys get her attention more than noisy balls. When she feels the need for a little aerobics, she will chase the laser dot. Nicoleleo lives in Meow Manor and gets along with her roommates, so she will do well ina multi-family home, and will also thrive as an onlycat. Her adoption fee is $99 which includes spaysurgery, a microchip, first vaccinations and a freewellness check-up at a participating veterinarian. Feel free to call us at (626) 286-1159 for moreinformation on Nicoleleo. ID#13265. She currentlyresides at the San Gabriel Valley Humane Societylocated at 851 E. Grand Avenue in San Gabriel which is located off San Gabriel Blvd, north of Mission and south of Las Tunas Drive. To arrange a ‘Meetand Greet’ with Nicoleleo, please stop by any timefrom 10:30am to 4:30pm Tuesday through Sunday. Website:www.sgvhumane.org. Act FAST if you want ZEPHYR & ZINNIA!Theywere born approx. 3/2017, and will come spayed/ neutered, current on kitten vaccines, and microchipped. Total cuddly cutie pies. We encourageadopting 2 kittens together for optimal socialization, which also qualifies for our Twofer Discount, a greatsavings! Adoption fee is $100 for one or two. Our cats are negativeFELV/FIVunless otherwise indicated. Please remember that even thoughkittens are totallyadorable, theydo grow up. Pets, like children, develop a strong bond with their humans, andexperience grief and stress if their home is uprootedor unstable. We strive to make sure that potentialadopters are able to provide kittens a LIFELONGhome, and not just a home until the “cuteness” wears off. Think carefully before adopting, andthank you for understanding.Call 626-676-9505 orvisit www.lifelineforpets.org for adoption info andapplication. See more pictures, adoption info & application on our website, www.lifelineforpets.org. Can’t adopt? Visit our website for our easy SponsorA Kitty campaign. In yoga, there are two essential areas in which to bring awareness and energy. First is the navel center which is responsible for digestion, assimilationand transformation. It’s basically an energy hub, a power center. The second essential area is the heart which is the very center of our being in many ways. Both areas are well worth developing awareness but the heart can provide solace in times of sorrow, answers when there is uncertainty, and healingwhen all other resources have been exhausted. Yes, we are speaking of the actual heart, but alsothe entire region below the throat and down tothe solar plexus. The heart works as a distributor. Physically, it is essential for sustaining life as itdistributes vital nutrients and blood throughoutthe body. Energetically, the heart also distributesthoughts, feelings, love, compassion, and acceptance. When we speak of love at the heart, it isunconditional love free of attachment. As you mayhave felt, there are a multitude of emotions and mental experiences at the heart center. It holds theability to create a feeling of acceptance of the worldaround us and see ourselves and others through compassionate eyes. A sense of open-mindednesscomes from the heart. The energy center at the heart is called Anahata. It is the fourth chakra in the subtle body. It issimply an intersection of channels carrying prana(vital life force energy). The meaning of Anahatais “unstruck sound.” This is referring to the soundof the heart that can be heard if you listen closely. This unique sound is protected and untouched andunaffected. It is right in the center of the chest in itsown abode. This is where we can seek healing andsolace. There are many meditations that focus onhealing the heart and going to the heart to heal. Tobegin in a simple way, consider bringing awarenessby envisioning green healing light coming from theheart center then spreading throughout the bodyas you breathe steadily. Ask questions internallyand discover what comfort and solutions come into consciousness. Come explore these concepts, practices andmeditations with us at Yoga Madre. Please contactme at Yoga Madre or email keelytotten@icloud. com with questions and discussions. Namaste and Love, Keely Totten, E-RYT 500, Teacher at Yoga Madre HEY, LOVE HEY! What would you do if you knew you wouldn’t fail? This question is a favorite. We see it everywhere from Pinterest to coffee mugs andmagnets. It is a provocative query. It compels one to ponder if there is some aspectof life not yet fully lived or is there some part of lifenot adequately explored? Today, I woke from my bed with this question, “What would you do if you remembered you area masterpiece and Divinely connected to InfiniteIntelligence?” That question made me pop out ofbed in delight. It reminds me of who and to whom we belong. That question is a motivator for us. With thatinquiry, we are prompted to share our gifts and tostay in service. Being at one with the Creator means that thereare no mistakes, but instead necessary steps alongthe path. Instead of asking, “what if you failed?” Howabout, “What can you do to help and to serve?” Who do you need to be to bring this idea to life? What will become of your idea if you don’t bring THE MISSING PAGE Real Life Tips from LIfe's Instruction Manual it forth? If you don’t do it will you ever fully know yourself? What if it was fun? Wanna know the best part? When we endeavor to live the life of our dreams, it’s fun. The fun is in the taking the steps and beingin action because we begin to like the personthat we are becoming. We start to love life daily, not because of achieving goals or acquiring newpossessions. We will enjoy life more when we areauthentically living. So is there love that you need to share? Is theresome adventure that you need to have? Is theresomething within you longing to be brought forthand into reality? When will the real you show up? When will you release your gift and let your lightshine? You are a masterpiece. The world is waiting forthe real you. Don’t know where to begin? Sign up for a mini-session, and I will show youhow to get started. http://loriaharrisenterprises.acemlnd.com/lt.php? s=73c7b5728a975abc60788c1b4ae0f0cb&i=35A69 A7A300 Nicoleleo is a gorgeous 4 year old brown tickedtabby who loves to lie in beds that surround her likea fur collar. She’s a gentle and calm girl and when Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com | ||||||||||||||||||||