Newsletter December 2014 Issue – 91

CHRISTMAS GIVING

What a wonderful way to bring the year to an end sharing the festive season with our dear friends at the facilities we visit throughout the year , our gift giving is always special as each gift is lovingly put together along with a PFT bookmark of the doggie poem and the Christmas story shared as we remember Christmas in the days when we found a coin in our Christmas pudding and the pleasure to see the Myer windows Christmas display brings an odd tear here and there , such fond memories as Santa’s little helpers entertained the audience dressed for the occasion and we all joined in to sing Christmas carols as the special bond between companion animals and humans is so evident , each week throughout the year our calm friendly dogs give people both young and old the chance to stroke and talk to them , this interaction is invaluable and never forgotten.

Christmas Greetings!!

CHRISTMAS MONSTER RAFFLE

Once again Earle Haven Retirement Village Management kindly invited us to use their lovely foyer for the day to hold our Christmas Raffle, the wonderful prizes all donated to PFT by volunteers, sponsors and supporters of which we are so grateful, help raise much needed funds to help continue our wonderful service to the local community, now 25 years of service.

The residents and staff all join in the Christmas spirit on the day having photos taken with our dogs and team members enjoying lots of cuddles and pats.

Congratulations to the lucky winners!!

PETS FOR THERAPY “CHRISTMAS PARTY “

What a delightful setting on the Broadwater at James Overell Park Southport to thank our dedicated volunteers both 2 X 4 legged for their wonderful contribution throughout the year bringing Joy , Laughter and Love into the lives of the folk we visit.

Santa was greeted with delight as gifts were delivered bringing Christmas Cheer. Many thanks to Pet Stock for their doggie bags and support over many years, also to Uncle Tom’s Pet supplies Nerang and Kerri’s Grooming at Ashmore for doggie baskets and goodies.

Congratulations to Marilyn and Sarah the lucky winners!!

CONGRATULATIONS

To Jeanette , Jim and Pappy ( Pappilon) they took a year off to travel extensively as nomads through Australia and Tasmania , Jim an amputee enjoyed his 80^th birthday while on tour , well done Jim and many thanks must go to that wonderful woman at his side through thick and thin , Jeanette you are to be applauded and of course their dear little companion Pappy had her own seat up front in the mobile home , she is sure a country bumkin now and we are looking forward to their return in the New Year as I know many residents and staff have missed them dearly , WELL DONE !!

I would like to thank our Sponsors and welcome new Sponsors, the names of which are on the Pets for Therapy website: www.gallerygiselle.com/pettherapy.htm

Cheers from Yvonne (Coordinator) and Misty (the wonder dog)

Newsletter November 2014 Issue – 90

MELBOURNE CUP THEME

We ran our own Pets For Therapy Cup race with the dogs dressed in silks and toting little jockeys to the delight of the audience (racegoers) showing off their smart hats. This year a new entrant Jackaroo (Labradoodle) stole the show looking very dapper. Bruce (9 year old Shih Tzu) was a little slow out of the barrier cheered on by Tony destined to lose his wager on Bruce, Kobi and Misty did well over the hurdles leaving Lucy at the barrier while Tigger finished well and Cooper was distracted by lunch smells …. There was much fun, laughter and cheers for the favourites.

MEET AND GREET

At Tri-Care Labrador the residents welcome us with open arms as they get a chance for a one on one visit chatting to our friendly volunteers and getting to pat and cuddle the dogs going from room to room enables all to enjoy our visit. Jennie was thrilled to see Jackaroo ( all the way from the United States , he has spent some time in quarantine ) enjoying his very first visit with the PFT team , the staff seem as excited to see us as the residents and join along when they can and a fun morning was had by all who attended.

GOLD COAST COMMUNITY EXPO & FORUM 2014

The Hon Steven Ciobo MP a long-time supporter of Pets For Therapy invited us along to Jupiters Hotel & Casino to host a community table at the event and bring along our Pets. Steven once again hosted the annual event as he believes seniors make a tremendous contribution to the community and our city and this event keeps them informed about matters and issues available to them especially the local services to the community. The Speaker of the House, the Hon Bronwyn Bishop MP was a special guest speaker and officially opened the Expo & Forum. Steven remarked that he appreciated the outstanding work we do and have done for 25 years as a voluntary service. Baron (Swiss Shepherd) Caesar (Standard Poodle) and Misty (Miniature Poodle) spent a very busy day meeting and greeting and having photos taken. Many thanks to Paula, Marguerite, Ruth, Joanne, Yvonne for setting up the stand it looked great. Representatives from Centrelink and the Department of Health & Aging were on hand to answer questions.

THIS MONTH”S VISITS

Tri-Care Labrador

Jupiters Hotel & Casino

Sandbrook Aged Care

Arcare – Hope Island

Anglicare Day Respite Robina

The Lodge Domain

Tallai Glades Aged Care

Parkwood Gardens Arundel

Southport Nursing Centre

FSG Disabilities Parkwood

De Paul Villa

A SPECIAL VISITOR

 Three year old Amy was a special guest at Southport Nursing Centre, she came along with her aunt Jennie to visit with us as she had heard all about PFT and wondered if she might show the residents her tricks she has learned with Jackaroo (a large boy) all went without a hitch and she was applauded loudly for her efforts. Amy has type 1 diabetes and has learned to handle it well, what a pleasure to have her along, well done Amy we look forward to having you along again dressed in Christmas theme you were a delight.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL

I would like to thank our Sponsors and welcome new Sponsors, the names of which are on the Pets for Therapy website: www.gallerygiselle.com/pettherapy.htm
To Dieter, our Webmaster – our most grateful thanks.

Cheers from Yvonne (Coordinator) and Misty (the wonder dog)

Newsletter October 2014 Issue – 89

G.C.PET & ANIMAL EXPO

A huge thank you to our team members and their dogs who participated and helped make the weekend so much fun and a great success, the Expo Committee congratulated us on our wonderful exhibit and well behaved doggies. Each exhibitor bought their own uniqueness to the event which helped contribute to the overall success of the Expo, we have received some wonderful feedback. The weekend was a delight seeing so many breeds and fun dress ups WELL DONE!!

HOTTING UP

What a warm October, still our wonderful team continued to spread cheer throughout the facilities with their canine companions flying the black and white chequered flags and riding in the race car at Arcare-Regency were Caesar, Bruce, Fluffy, Fi Fi and Misty and what a fun morning was had by all who attended, children, residents and visitors alike, the family members were thrilled that their parents and grandparents were treated to Pet Therapy in such a fun way.

MEET AND GREET
At Hillview House Merrimac and Tri-Care Labrador we enjoyed a morning of chatting to the residents and visiting rooms on request while they patted and cuddled our doggies Lucy , ( silver toy poodle ) Kobi , ( white toy poodle ) Tigger ( Bichon , poodle cross ) Misty , (miniature silver poodle ) Cooper,  ( silky terrier cross ) Caesar , (standard white poodle ) Jackaroo , ( labradoodle ). Having time to interact makes a pleasant change when the volunteers get a chance to hear stories of pets the residents have had as companions in their lives.

OCTOBER VISITS INCLUDED

Hillview House Merrimac

Arcare –Regency Hope Island

Probus Club Arundel

Blue Care Day Respite Coomera

Arcare- St James Helensvale

RSL Galleon Gardens Currumbin

Blue Care Day Respite Coomera (Friday group)

FSG Disabilities

Ozanam Villa “Keith Turnbull Place” Labrador

Villa Serena Robina

PROBUS CLUB ARUNDEL

We were invited by Dell Guest Speaker Co-ordinator to present our dogs and explain what the Pets For Therapy program is all about.

Cyn-D and Bee Cee( border collie ) and Yvonne and Misty ( miniature poodle ) delighted the members with their skills and found our presentation most informative , they were amazed to hear that we are now in our 25^th year of volunteering in the local community .

HALLOWEEN

Celebrated at Villa Serena , we had so much fun with the residents and staff requesting tricks from Bee Cee , Misty and Tigger and then receiving a treat ( dogs and Residents ) Dogs wearing witches hats , bat capes , a jacko lantern to keep the evil spirits away , the audience showing interest in the origin of Halloween and a fun time was had by all .

A FOND FAREWELL

To Judy at Bavia House. We have known Judy for many years and will miss her as I know the clients will also > Judy enjoy your retirement, WELL EARNED!!

WELCOME

We welcomed two new members this month to our team. Jennie and Jackaroo, Jack is a six year old labradoodle and has travelled all the way from the USA, a very smart boy learning quickly and enjoying the company of our team members

Also Michaela a young lady, she re homed Angel a staffordshire terrier six years old with a delightful temperament. Michaela is keen to see Angel progress.

ENERGY

Volunteers don’t necessarily have the time. They have the heart!!

I would like to thank our Sponsors and welcome new Sponsors, the names of which are on the Pets for Therapy website: www.gallerygiselle.com/pettherapy.htm

Cheers from Yvonne (Coordinator) and Misty (the wonder dog)