Month: February 2013

The Power To Light Up A Room.

Everyone is happier when serving a purpose – humans and dogs alike. In each issue of The New Barker dog magazine, we feature working dogs, which can be any form of work, as determined by the dog-human team. Here is an excerpt from our winter issue, featuring a group of volunteers for the Pinellas Chapter of  Therapy Dogs International.

It takes a special kind of dog to be a pet therapy dog. It takes an even more special kind of human being to recognize that their dog might be able to provide a service for the betterment of mankind. We were recently introduced to a group of volunteers for the Pinellas Chapter of Therapy Dogs International (TDI) by Elliott Rakofsky, Vice President of Development at PARC. Elliott and his dog, Conrad are TDI volunteers.

PARC provides over 40 services to more than 800 children and adults with developmental disabilities in Pinellas County. It was founded in 1953 by Edythe Ibold and a group of parents with children who had developmental disabilities. Several years earlier, Edythe’s daughter Midge had been born with Down’s syndrome. When Midge was still a toddler, Edythe decided to telephone the Pinellas Superintended of Schools to find out what the training options were for her daughter. She was shocked to learn that the School Board was prevented by law from providing education and training for developmentally-challenged children. Those words impelled Edythe into action and she set out from that day forward to change the system.

Leilah, a Curly Coated Retriever, interacts with resident.
Leilah, a Curly Coated Retriever, interacts with a Curry Villa resident.

The first project was the opening of a pilot class for children with developmental disabilities in 1953. The School Board furnished the teacher, the Red Cross provided transportation and members of the Junior Women’s Club provided volunteer assistance.

Today, PARC has a national reputation as a progressive leader in the field of developmental disabilities. Expansion in recent years has brought enhanced innovative opportunities for PARC clients. PARC maintains four residences for both adults and children with developmental disabilities. The residents served by these homes range in age and abilities.

TDI team Alex and April interact witha PARC resident.
TDI team Alex and April interact witha PARC/Curry Villa resident. April adopted Alex, a Border Collie/Jack Russell Terrier mix, from the SPCA Orlando.

The New Barker was at Curry Villa on the day that Therapy Dogs International volunteer teams were scheduled to visit its residents. Through the lens of my camera, I couldn’t tell who was happier to be in the room: the dogs, the residents or the TDI volunteers. Everyone was either smiling or laughing. The dogs were smiling too, tails wagging uncontrollably from all the extra attention. Who was benefiting more from the interaction? It was a tossup. As I photographed one resident with a dog, another one tapped me on the shoulder and asked if he could have his picture taken. The more photographs we set up, the more residents wanted to be photographed with the different dogs.

The dogs utilized for therapy work vary in size and breed. Many are mixed breeds. The one thing they all have in common is a love for human interaction. Alex, a nine-year-old Border Collie/Jack Russell Terrier mix was adopted by April from the SPCA Orlando. He was either lost or abandoned during Hurricane Charley. April was so grateful to have found Alex, she decided that giving back to her community felt like the right thing to do. “Like paying it forward,” she said. They have been a TDI team for almost six years.

Pinellas Chapter of Therapy Dogs International & PARC Residents.
Volunteers for the Pinellas Chapter of Therapy Dogs International, visiting residents of PARC’s Curry Villa.

Many of the volunteers visit several different facilities that use therapy dogs to interact with their patients and clients. Candace Coughlin and her Samoyed, Crystal participate in the Tail Waggin Tutors program. They visit the VA Hospital at Bay Pines in St. Petersburg, in addition to their volunteer work with PARC. She agrees with April on the theory of paying it forward. Candace and her husband Paul have built a successful business in the Bay Area that revolves around dogs. For more than 25 years they’ve been dog trainers, and Candace has been a pet sitter for almost six years. It has been a rewarding journey for the Coughlins.

“I love my dogs and enjoy being with people who feel the same. I cannot imagine my life without dogs,” said Candace. While it is clear that the dogs’ owner/handlers have an unselfish desire to help others, they all admit to receiving something in return for their time and effort. “It is so rewarding to watch Leilah interact with the residents, and to see the joy she brings to them,” said TDI volunteer Toni Lynn Sharpe of her four-year-old Curly Coated Retriever.

For information on Therapy Dogs International, Pinellas County Chapter, contact April at 727.771.5995 or email her at TDIChapter256@gmail.com. To learn more about PARC visit http://www.PARC-FL.org.

Later this week, read about another Working Dog featured in The New Barker. Molly, a little Shih Tzu with a very big heart.

Michael Phelps’ Dogs Pose with Super Bowl Trophy?

Michael Phelps: 18-time Olympic gold medalist. Fan of the Baltimore Ravens. Friend of Baltimore Ravens player, Ray Lewis. Phelps credits Lewis with inspiring him to return to swimming to compete in the 2012 Olympics. He won six more medals, including four gold, and then retired after the Games.

Somehow, Phelps snagged the Vince Lombardi Trophy (or the Tiffany Trophy as it is sometimes known, after Tiffany & Co., the famed jeweler that makes the trophy). He then posed each of his dogs next to the trophy and snapped up some photos. The New Barker dog magazine heard from  a spokesdog for the Puppy Bowl dogs, who are understandably steamed. “We do all the heavy lifting, and those Phelps’ dogs get all the glory,” said the spokes dog.

The Ravens may have won Super Bowl XLVII. But the champs here are Herman and Stella. And we heard they’re heading to Disney World.

Meet Stella, Michael Phelps' dog in front of the Super Bowl Trophy.
Meet Stella, Michael Phelps’ dog in front of the Super Bowl Trophy.
Meet Herman Phelps, who appears unfazed by the Super Bowl Trophy.
Meet Herman Phelps, who appears unfazed by the Super Bowl Trophy.

All You Need Is The Love Of A Dog For Valentine’s Day.

While doing some window shopping over the last couple of weeks, we discovered some fun finds for Valentine’s Day gift ideas at local Tampa Bay Area dog boutiques. The proprietors are constantly searching the country for unique dog-themed items. So, if you’re in the mood to shop with and for your dog, stop in at any one of the local area shops, and say hello. It pays to shop with The New Barker Valentine’s Gift Guide. Simply mention The New Barker dog magazine when you make a purchase, email us your receipt (info@thenewbarker.com) and you will automatically receive one of the following, while supplies last:

1) A gift certificate from a Bay Area dog-friendly restaurant.

2) A gift certificate from Florida Jean Company or from Bella By the Sea Boutique.

3) A DVD of the Disney/Tim Burton film, Frankenweenie (a 4-disc combo pack).

4) A DVD of the family-friendly movie I Heart Shakey.

5) A perpetual dog-themed calendar, with beautiful black and white photos, and touching dog-themed quotes. Perfect for annual recurring dates like birthdays and anniversaries.

6) Tickets to upcoming dog-friendly events, such as Florida’s Largest Home & Garden Show or the Little Everglades International Combined Driving Event & Jack Terrier Races.

7) Then, you will automatically be registered (just by sending us your emailed receipt) for A Getaway Package from one of our dog-friendly Florida resort partners, like the TradeWinds Island Grand, Steinhatchee Landing Resort, Changing Tides, Hotel Indigo, Siesta Key Bungalows, The Chart House Suites, Heron Cay Lakeview Bed & Breakfast.

So, how much do we love our dogs? Let us count the ways.

1) Accentuate Your Love – We found these pillows (shown below) at Fluffy Puppies in Clearwater. Vamp up a couch or chair, and show the world you love to adopt dogs.

Fluffy Puppies, 727.446.7999
These pillows are the perfect Valentine’s gift for anyone who volunteers in animal rescue.

 

2) One of our most spectacular finds were these Bada Bling Bada Bloom collars at Fluffy Puppies (shown below). Exquisitely adorned with Swarovski crystal beads, you might think they would be ridiculously expensive. But, think again. They’re beautiful and reasonably priced. Perfect for a night on the town.

Gorgeous collars, adorned with Swarovski beads. Available at Fluffy Puppies.
Gorgeous collars, adorned with Swarovski beads. Available at Fluffy Puppies.

3) Be My Valentine. Now, if it’s your dog you’re shopping for, this sweet little I Heart You tee, worn by our model, Chloe, says it all. Available at One Lucky Dog in multiple sizes, while supplies last. Be sure to check out their line of  tee shirts for humans, including the “I Kissed A Dog and I Liked It.”

Nothing says "Be Mine" than the I Heart You tee shirt from One Lucky Dog, St. Pete.
Nothing says “Be Mine” than the I Heart You tee shirt from One Lucky Dog, St. Pete.
Soft, nicely cut tee shirts from One Lucky Dog, St. Petersburg.
Soft, nicely cut tee shirts from One Lucky Dog, St. Petersburg.

4 & 5)  Call Me, Maybe? Oh yea these numbers are one-of-a-kind finds, and available exclusively at Pawsitively Posh Pooch. Hand-sewn with delicate appliqués and jewels, the couture lines carried at Pawsitively Posh Pooch are from fashion-first cities like Milan, Paris, and Spain. Plan on spending some time here, as you uncover treasure after treasure, like the gorgeous harness, worn by store dog, Zoe. Available in various sizes.

This couture doggie design, exclusively at Pawsitively Posh Pooch, St. Petersburg.
This couture doggie design, exclusively at Pawsitively Posh Pooch, St. Petersburg.
Zoe, our Pawsitively Posh Pooch model, wearing a one-of-a-kind halter.
Zoe, our Pawsitively Posh Pooch model, wearing a one-of-a-kind halter.

6) Dental Health Month. In conjunction with National Pet Dental Health Month, February is also Responsible Pet Owners Month. Now is a good time to stock up on some in-home preventive measures like the Fresh Breath Liquid Floss spray and Triflossball, available at Pet Food Warehouse. The dynamic duo treatment doubles as a great way to clean your dog’s teeth during playtime. Throughout February, Pet Food Warehouse is offering 20% off on all dental products. Stop in to see their huge display, and have your questions answered by a knowledgeable staff. Be sure to check out their I Heart Dogs T-shirts. Another sweet Valentine’s gift for dog lovers.

Floss and Fun with your dog for healthier teeth. Available at Pet Food Warehouse, St. Pete.
Floss and Fun with your dog for healthier teeth. Available at Pet Food Warehouse, St. Pete.
Novelty tee-shirts, like this one, available at Pet Food Warehouse, St. Petersburg.
Novelty tee-shirts, like this one, available at Pet Food Warehouse, St. Petersburg.

7) Environmentally dog-friendly. Who can resist the charming handmade and hand-painted Adirondack chairs, complete with a motif that includes your dog’s likeness? Wet Noses, the shabby-chic cottage boutique in Sarasota’s Downtown, carries some wonderful finds, created by local artists.

Handmade and hand-painted Adirondack chairs, available at Wet Noses Boutique, Sarasota.
Handmade and hand-painted Adirondack chairs, available at Wet Noses Boutique, Sarasota.

For the love of dog, come along and have some fun with Florida’s top dog lifestyle magazine. Be sure to stay connected to all things Florida Dog via The New Barker blog, Facebook page and Weekend PupDates. We’ll be offering fun specials and more giveaways throughout the year.