2012- New additions and a new year!

2012 is here, and big things are in store.

As many of you know, I live and breathe animal advocacy, rights and of course, Animal Assisted Therapy. In 2012, I am looking forward to welcoming fresh new ideas (stay tuned!) and a regular weekly blog, beginning in February. I am also looking to welcome any fellow animal lovers to share their own stories of AAT and what it means to them, or perhaps your interest in this innovative and wonderful therapy. I truly believe that through sharing, we can enrich each others lives and therefore perfect methods and tools used to help those around us.

A dog named Brimley comes to mind when I think of the year 2012 and what I hope to see for myself and my fellow paws lovers. Brimley (yes, named for Wilford himself) is a mixed breed pooch I met in Orillia last year and who I never seemed to forget. We met by the water, and he kindly intoduced me to his owners; a lovely 60+ couple who embraced the town I was falling in love with and after finding that out, embraced me too. We ended up having a drink on a nearby Patio, where Brimley slept in the shade, water bowl nearby. I learned that Brimley had seizures, was deaf and prior to being adopted by his now parents, was on "the list". Everyone knows that "the list" isnt where anyone wants to be. This isnt a VIP. This is death row.

Brimleys prior owners had him as a farm hand of sorts and had big plans. You see, Brimley was to chase away racoons, rats and other vermin, protect the livestock, play with the kids, haul firewood...all while keeping his paws out of the mud, staying quiet and looking pretty. Impossible for a human, let alone a being without opposable thumbs. As time went on and even though big B worked hard for his loved ones, it never seemed to be enough and he was severely reprimanded by the "man" of the house...and of course, I use that term loosely. As if that weren't enough, Brimley was soon diagnosed with a hearing defecit after he kept running one day and was found in adjacent neighbours barn. I mused that he probably knew exactly where he was running. It just so happens that barn was of his now new family, and hearing this seemed to verify that. Sure, Brimley cant hear. But he can run like the dickens and loves to swim. Sure, Brimley has to take medication daily to aid in the control of his seizures but he gives a darn good hug and can do just about any trick in the book. He'll do them 2 times over if you ask nicely.

After our meet, Brimleys owners shared an interest in Animal Assisted Therapy. I gave them my contact information and am working with them to certify Brimley so he can share even more of his magnificent heart and soul with the residents of Orillia through meaningful visits with those in assisted living. I am truly excited to share his future endeavours with you all through the blog and via email.

This year, little by litle, take the time to visit with your own pet or get involved in an organization that promotes AAT. The rewards are endless as are the possibilities as I hope to reveal in the coming months.

Thank you for staying tuned and Happy new year to you and yours!