The reason for my company is.....

  In 2005 my family went through a tragedy,our home and our lives as we knew it were destroyed. Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans and the surrounding parishes hard and life was devastating for many families. According to Wikipedia over 1,800 people lost their lives but many more were lost, the total is unknown. My family lived on the North shore of Lake Pontchartrain in the town of Slidell. We had lived there since 2000 and absolutely loved it. No one can truly prepare your family for a hurricane. Sure,you can buy supplies,prepare a tote for all your belongings and money, but no one can truly tell you that you will have feelings of despair or hopelessness afterwards. My family left the day of Katrina because we had a compact car,no savings and a new baby. We hadn't worked out how all six of us were going to get out of the storms way or how we were once again going to evacuate after several near misses earlier that year. We ended up in Florida at a hotel and stayed there for a week,unsure of how and what we were going to do. After much discussion we decided to go to Atlanta to my brother-in-laws. With our daughter only six months old we needed to go somewhere safe and plan our next move. 
 Many things came into play, my husband lost his job of twenty years due to the building being blown down and flooded and our home had massive tornado damage. We decided after much discussion and heartache to stay in Atlanta in Lawrenceville to create a new life especially for our children. It took my husband three months to find a job and life was in an uproar until then. I decided I needed to help my husband make some money for our new life, after much research I decided to start my own company and become a professional pet care provider. I needed a job where I could take my young daughter if necessary and work on my own time.
 My company at first was a necessity and very demanding but now I have learned how to manage work  and family life. I love animals and people so helping them brings me much joy. There are not many companies  now a days who put people first, but I hope to change that concept. I thank God for my clients everyday for without them I would still be struggling and feeling helpless. They have made me strong and given my family a true gift. I am now in the stages of starting a new venture to help end childhood bullying,I will be writing and publishing a book about a dog and it's owner who brings an anti bullying campaign to the classroom. Look for it in the fall 2017.

To buy or not to buy poinsettias

   I recently read an article about the beautiful and colorful poinsettia. In the past they were thought to be very toxic for four legged companions,but now it is known they are mildly toxic. The sap found in the plant contains (diterpenoid euphorbol esters) and  may cause diarrhea, drooling, lip licking and vomiting so while uncomfortable it does not mean death for your pets.  If kept out of reach they can be a beautiful addition to your holiday festivity,our family loves them but we have a very curious young kitten and we know he would have a taste. Next time you visit family or shop don't avoid the Christmas plants relax and know that if carefully placed they can add joy and delight to the festivities.

Assistance dogs vs. therapy dogs

  

      The thought of using a dog for therapy became extremely popular  in 1976 when Elaine Smith who worked as a registered nurse noticed 

how patients reacted to the chaplain and his friendly golden retriever. 

The patient's whole demeanor became relaxed and in some cases sped the rate of recovery. Elaine decided to start a small therapy dog institution and it blossomed into popularity. In recent years therapy dogs have begun helping children overcome emotional and speech issues.

 Although an excellent idea, therapy dogs are not classified as service animals and are not afforded the same privileges.

 They may not go into restaurants or hotels, there is much controversy about this issue.

  

   An assistant or service dog may go anywhere because they assist and do things for their disabled companion. They are essential to the well-being of their owner.

 In the U.S. the service dog is protected at the federal level under the Americans with Disabilities Act 1990. They undergo rigorous training and evaluation.

 Therapy Dogs International does not accept service dogs for this reason. Unlike assistance dogs,therapy dogs do not actually do things for their person, They are there to provide an atmosphere of calmness and a sense of security.

  

The therapy dogs are asked to pass a test called the "Good Citizen test" provided by the American Kennel club.  It is a ten step gold standard behavioral test. 

After completing the classes and tests dog owners may put GCG in the suffix of their dog's name.

 In many situations such as the fear of reading aloud,anxiety or shyness therapy dogs can be a comfort. Their presence can mean the difference between fear and self-confidence.

 They can be utilized in many ways and I believe a way to communicate to others about compassion and kindness.

 Last year therapy dogs provided relief to school children after they witnessed violence in their schools. It can be a means to ending bullying and self-hatred.