From Bailey, our Rovering Reporter:
Make Frosty Treats for your Pup!
Article from Woof report
http://woofreport.com/archive/index_tip.php?id_story=280
Homemade FrostyTreats
There is really nothing cuter than watching a dog lick from a cup between his paws. It’s one of life’s great pleasures.
Instead of sending you off to search for four-to-a-box pre-made treats, we invite you whip up your own big batch at home. It’s so easy, even your dog could do it -- but since he isn’t allowed in Safeway, it’s up to you.
The Scoop:
Here’s all you need to make Homemade Frosty Paws, a doglicious summertime treat:
1 Quart Vanilla Yogurt (preferably nonfat)
1 Medium Ripe Banana
2 Tablespoons Peanut Butter (creamy or crunchy)
2 Tablespoons Honey
First, puree the banana in a blender. Add the peanut butter and honey and continue processing until smooth. Then, add yogurt and process until all ingredients are blended together. Pour the mix into small containers. Glad reusable mini containers with tops work great and they’re eco-friendly. Dixie 3-ounce mini cups work well too. Freeze until solid. This mix makes about 10 per batch.
Bailey, Rovering reporter with a news flash:
Trakr 9/11 Hero dog cloned
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Five clones of a Search an Rescue dog that helped locate people trapped in the rubble og the 9/11 attacks were presented formally to their ancestor's former handler.
James Symington, a former Canadian officer, formally took possession of the five descendants of his beloved German Shepherd, Trakr, who died in April.
Symington was presented with Trakr's offspring after winning a competition organized by Calif. firm BioArts International-the "Golden Clone Giveaway"- to find the world's most "cloneworthy" dog.
Symington says he hopes the puppies, Trustt, Valor, Prodigy, Solace and Deja Vu, will follow in Trakr's pawprints.
Symington and Trakr arrived at the site of the WTC collapse on Sept. 12, 2001 and were one of the first K-9 search-and-rescue teams on the scene. After working nearly non-stop for 48 hours, Trakr located the last human survivor found in the rubble of the twin towers.
Article from NewsMax magazine, also see story here: http://www.ktla.com/news/landing/ktla-cloned-dog,0,3452759.story
Dog-assisted therapy: therapeutic for patients and good for your health
A small pet is often an excellent companion for the sick or long chronic cases, especially. -Florence Nightingale
Dogs are Nature’s perfect therapists – thoughtful, affectionate, excellent listeners, unconcerned about patients’ appearances or disabilities, and never bored by hearing the same story over and over. As a medical doctor, I am humbled by the joy my therapy dog wheaten terrier brings to the patients we visit on his “rounds.” His visits unleash patients’ emotions, who share their fears, tears, and joys with my bouncy buddy. Last week we visited a sick man who turned to his wife during the visit and exclaimed, “This dog has taken me out of myself! For the first time since I’ve been here, I’ve had a break from worrying about myself and really feel better!”
Does dog-assisted therapy REALLY help sick patients?
This question was answered in a new study published this year in the journal Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. Children (average age of 12 years old) in the hospital who were reporting pain were asked to sit quietly for 15 minutes. Children either sat quietly with a therapy dog or by themselves. After 15 minutes, the children were asked to report their pain severity. Pain levels decreased four times more in children who sat with the dog compared to those sitting by themselves. The researchers noted that the level of pain reduction achieved by having a dog at their sides was similar to pain relief after taking acetaminophen with codeine!
How does volunteering for others help my health?
Volunteering has consistently been shown to improve a sense of well-being in the volunteer, as well as increase life satisfaction and improve mood. Recently, volunteers at a cancer center reported that they benefited from volunteering about the same as the cancer patients they were attending. Volunteering makes you feel better about yourself AND improves your general health. Doctors at StanfordUniversity published their findings of a link between volunteering and risk of death in the Journal of Health Psychology. They monitored over 7500 seniors for 8 years. Compared with people who never volunteered, risk of dying was about 40 percent lower in people who volunteered rarely or sometimes and over 50 percent lower in those volunteering frequently.
How much should I plan to volunteer?
As with all good things in life – moderation is the key. As volunteer commitments increase, health benefits improve, up to a peak improvement when people are donating about 2 and ½ hours each week. People who volunteer more often find that volunteering becomes stressful and begins to interfere with their daily routine.
If you’re volunteering with your dog, remember that he’ll get tired and stressed from visiting for too long. For your dog, it’s hard work keeping quiet and calm when confronted with lots of new people, noises, and activity. Limit initial visits to a total of about 30 minutes per visit day. If your dog seems eager for longer visits, be sure to take frequent breaks for drinks and potty during each visit and keep the total visit time around about 1 hour or so.
How can I get started with dog therapy?
The keys to any good dog therapy program are:
- Selecting a dog with a proper temperament for patient visits
- Training yourself and your dog before starting to make visits
- Continuing the training process after you’ve passed your therapy dog certification
- Learning the policies for dog visits for the places you might be visiting
Guidelines for successful pet therapy were recently published in the medical journal, American Journal of Infection Control. Some of the recommendations are summarized below:
- Make sure the facility you’re visiting has an animal visitation policy and that you are following it.
- Make sure your dog is suitable for animal-therapy. Suitable dogs are current family pets who have completed animal-therapy training, testing, and certification and who CONSISTENTLY follow their handler’s commands.
- Make sure your dog’s temperament is suitable for patient visits. Make sure your dog is not bothered by:
- Strangers
- Loud noises or sudden movements
- Threatening voices or gestures
- Crowds
- Vigorous or clumsy petting or restraining hugs
- Small children
- Equipment that might be encountered during a visit (like walkers, wheelchairs, and intravenous poles)
- Other animals (You probably won’t see other dogs or animals during a visit, but if you do, your dog should be able to avoid interactions with them.)
– Complete dog and handler training and certification testing for animal-assisted therapy.
– Make sure your dog’s vaccinations are up-to-date.
– Your first patient visit should be supervised by a representative of the facility’s animal visitation program.
– Make sure your dog is healthy, clean, and brushed on visit days. Dogs making therapy visits should be healthy on the day of the visit and should have annual health assessments by a veterinarian.
– Make sure you are also healthy on the day of the visit.
– Wash your hands before and after seeing every patient. Keep hand sanitizer available for you and the patient to use.
– Always keep your dog with you and under your control throughout the visit. Never give this responsibility to someone else during your visit.
– Keep your dog on a leash throughout the visit.
– Check in with staff each day before beginning your visit. Find out if there are patients who should and should not be visited that day.
– Ask permission from each patient before entering his or her room.
– Avoid visiting patients during their meals, procedures, or when being attended to by staff.
What’s the first step?
Both you and your dog will need some training before you get started and most facilities require testing through organizations like American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC), Delta Society, or Therapy Dogs International. If you’re interested in becoming a pet therapy handler, talk to your local animal shelter, facilities that conduct obedience classes, and area hospitals about requirements in your area and facilities that provide training and testing. Websites that can provide additional pet therapy information include:
You can find a testing center for CGC in your area at: http://www.akc.org .
Once your training and certification are completed, look for organizations that typically welcome therapy dogs:
- Nursing homes
- Hospitals
- Hospice facilities
- School and library reading programs
- Some bookstores for reading programs With thoughtful planning and good training, animal-assisted therapy can be a great way for you to enjoy additional bonding time with your dog, brighten the day for others, and improve your own health in the bargain!
A book by the Author, Dawn A. Marcus, MD:
http://www.fitasfido.com
About the author
Dawn A. Marcus, MD is a medical doctor and professor at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. She also serves as medical expert to Del Monte’s Power of Paws program, which promotes better human health through pet companionship. She is an internationally-recognized speaker, educator, and author, receiving the National Headache Foundation Media Excellence Award. Dr. Marcus has written nine medical books, including her latest book, Fit As Fido: Follow Your Dog to Better Health. Visit her websites www.dawnmarcusmd.com and www.fitasfido.com.
FACT or FICTION: Is a dog's mouth cleaner than a human’s?
Submitted by Bailey, Rovering Reporter
Article From Petplace.com
FACT or FICTION?
Fiction. This misconception regarding the cleanliness of dog's mouths probably originated from the thought that most diseases are species specific. This means that most communicable canine diseases, with the exception of rabies, do not generally affect humans. While it is true that dog bites are less likely to transmit a communicable disease to a human, they are still quite capable of causing an infection.
Dog's mouths are filled with all kinds of bacteria, depending of course upon what the dog had in its mouth recently. When you consider that dogs use their mouths much like people use their hands, the bacteria counts in their mouths can be quite high. Suppose your dog has been eating fecal material, taste testing a dead animal, licking your shoe, or simply chewing on a stick that has been decomposing on the ground-your dog could have a nice selection of harmful bacteria cultivating within the mouth. Next, imagine that after sampling the world with his tongue, you let your dog back inside only to receive salvia and bacteria smeared kisses over your hands and face. While canine kisses can be sweet, you really should consider washing your hands and face thoroughly before you make yourself that sandwich or rub your eye.
Article from Petplace.com
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3/14/09
Marcia Polimer Abrams Fund to Benefit Canine Behavior Studies
RALEIGH, NC –The AKC Canine Health Foundation announces the establishment of the Marcia Polimer Abrams Fund for Canine Behavior Studies. The Donor Advised Fund (DAF) was created in memory of author and CHF President’s Council Member Darlene Arden’s mother, and will benefit studies focusing on unlocking the mysteries of canine behavior.
A certified animal behavior consultant, Arden’s writing focus has been on helping dog owners in identifying and eliminating unwanted behaviors in their pets. The author of “Small Dogs, Big Hearts,” “The Angell Memorial Animal Hospital Book of Wellness and Prevent ive Care for Dogs ,” and now her new behavior book, “Rover, Get Off Her Leg,” Arden has specialized in behavior issues of dogs 20 pounds and under. Portions of the proceeds from “Rover, Get Off Her Leg,” will benefit the fund and will lead to future behavior studies as identified through the Canine Health Foundation grants review process.
“Darlene has been a great supporter of AKC CHF and we appreciate her generosity. Behavior research can benefit all dogs,” says Cindy Vogels, Chair of the Canine Health Foundation, “We are thrilled that she has chosen to honor her mother by establishing this fund.”
“I couldn’t think of a better way to honor my mother and our shared love of dogs than to create this fund in her memory. Behavior is at the very core of the human-animal
bond. I also know that whatever studies the CHF funds will also ultimately benefit
people. It’s truly a win/win for dogs and their human companions. I also hope it will help breeders breed dogs that are mentally as well as physically sound. I think my mother would wholeheartedly approve.”
Donations can be made to the fund online by clicking here or by contacting the Canine Health Foundation toll free (888) 682-9696.
In a recent review of Arden’s new book in “The Library Journal,” Florence Scarinci writes, “Even the most inexperienced dog owner will find her acvice easy to follow. Humorous anecdotes illustrating the undesirable behavior enhance the text. While there are many helpful guides available addressing the same behavioral issues and using the same training methods… Arden’s book is easy to read, entertaining, and affordable. An excellent purchase for all public libraries.” Information about ordering Darlene’s new book can be found at Amazon.com.
The AKC Canine Health Foundation, founded in 1995 by the American Kennel Club, is the largest nonprofit worldwide to fund health research exclusively for canines. Our goal is to help dogs live longer, healthier lives. The AKC Canine Health Foundation is proud to be the leader in non-invasive genetic health research, stem cell research, and biotherapeutics benefiting both canines and humans. Through the generous financial support of the American Kennel Club and the Nestlé Purina PetCare Co., we’re proud to announce we have allocated more than $22 million in canine health research to veterinary schools and research institutions worldwide.
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Posted 3/10/09
Making sure a puppy's death was not in vain...Justice is Demanded for Karley.
A young puppy named Karley was beaten to death. The (warning...graphic) full story can be read at http://www.justice4karley.com.
Although the dates have past, the information is valuable for those who may have experienced something similar. We felt it would be extremely useful and it would add to the cause of Karley's death not being in vain.
From the site, http://www.justice4karley.com
We’re determined to make sure that Karley’s death is not in vain. Not only are we continuing to fight for the prosecution of Glynn Johnson, we are teaming up with ALDF. February 22-28 is the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s National Justice for Animals Week, which is dedicated to fighting animal abuse and honoring animal victims—like Karley—by pushing for strong laws to protect our animals and tough prosecution of animal abusers. There’s lots of information on the ALDF website, www.aldf.org, guiding animal lovers in how to get involved to stop this kind of terrible cruelty in their own communities.
Karley’s violent death has outraged people around the country—even around the world. We’re urging people to honor her memory by supporting tough laws protecting animals like our proposed Karley’s Law, which is in the process of being written, and by getting involved in the fight against abuse in their own communities. February 22-28 is the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s National Justice for Animals Week—it’s a perfect time to take a stand to protect animals like Karley—there’s lots of information about how to do so at www.aldf.org.
REWARD
CHF Announces a New Behavioral Studies Donor Advised Fund
$2,750.00
For information leading to the arrest and conviction of person responsible for killing and dumping a dog in
Frelinghuysen Township NJ on Monday
February 2nd on County Road 661
Call the NJSPCA HOTLINE – 1-800-582-5979
Leave message for Lieutenant Rick Yocum
(Image omitted due to graphic nature)
Dog found shot dead at empty house
2 men seen driving up to home, then dumping the body
By Matt Kadosh • Daily Record • February 4, 2009
A brown and black Rottweiler dog was found shot to death with his paws tied together at an abandoned house in Frelinghuysen, animal control officials said Tuesday.
A witness reported seeing two men in a brown or black Honda Civic drive about 75 feet up the driveway of the home before they dumped the deceased dog's body, said Alan DeCarolis, animal control officer for the township.
When he arrived at the abandoned home, DeCarolis, who is the animal control officer for several towns in Warren and Sussex counties, found the dog had his paws tied together, he said.
DeCarolis transported the body to the Blairstown animal hospital where it was examined and found to have bullet holes in it.
DeCarolis said the male Rottweiler did not have a microchip or any identification on it. The dog was put in a freezer at Blairstown animal hospital Monday night and it was cremated Tuesday.
Kelly Simonetti, of the Antler Ridge Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Frelinghuysen, said residents are willing to offer a reward to anyone with information leading to the arrest of the suspected killers.
"We banded together and said this is something which should not go unnoticed," Simonetti said.
To report animal cruelty or further information about this or other cases of animal cruelty call (973) 582-5979.
Read More About Antler Ridge Rescue
PetSmart – The Facts
With the recent FDA announcement of a salmonella investigation involving peanut butter products distributed through the Peanut Corporation of America (PCA), we began working closely with all of our vendors to verify whether there are any implications for our customers and their pets through the products sold in our stores.
Although we are not aware of any reported cases of injury or illness related to peanut butter products in our stores, we are conducting a voluntary recall as a precautionary measure and have removed these products from our shelves and website.
Background
Effective January 20, 2009, PetSmart® is conducting a voluntary recall of seven of our Grreat Choice dog biscuits (peanut butter and assorted flavors). We initiated the recall after determining these products sold between August 21, 2008 and January 19, 2009 contain peanut butter product linked to the salmonella recall announced by the FDA.
While some of these products have been tested and no traces of salmonella were found, we have recalled these products as a precautionary measure.
Because of the potential risk, we're immediately removing these products from our shelves and website.
What Has Been Recalled?
- Here's the complete list of products included in the recall with their UPC code, also known as a bar code.
Check the description and UPC of any food you may have against this list. The UPC can be found on the product label under a series of bars. If you need help, ask any PetSmart store associate.
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Grreat Choice Dog Biscuits
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| UPC |
Description |
Sample of a UPC Code |
| 73725702900 |
Small Assorted 32 oz. |
| 73725700601 |
Small/Medium Assorted 4 lb.. |
| 73725700605 |
Small/Medium Assorted 8 lb.. |
| 73725702755 |
Small/Medium Assorted 10 lb.. |
| 73725700638 |
Large Assorted 8 lb.. |
| 73725700779 |
Extra Large Assorted 8 lb.. |
| 73725700766 |
Peanut Butter 4 lb.. |
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- At this time, only these UPCs are affected.
What About Other Peanut Butter Products?
- We’re in communication with all of our vendors to make sure there are no other products implicated by the FDA announcement, and that we have the most updated and accurate information to share with you concerning this recall.
Salmonella
Salmonellosis is an infection with bacteria called salmonella. Most persons infected with salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most persons recover without treatment. However, in some persons, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. In these patients, the salmonella infection may spread from the intestines to the blood stream, and then to other body sites and can cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics. The elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness.
See our Salmonella Q&A for more information on how this can affect you and your pet.
What We’re Doing About the Recall
Any news that involves a pet food recall naturally causes uncertainty and worry for our customers. We are deeply concerned, and our first thoughts are for the well-being of you and your pets.
- Please be assured that, as always, we're handling this recall with the utmost urgency to ensure our shelves and website are free of recalled product.
- We're immediately removing all recalled product, and have precautions in place to make sure they are not re-stocked.
- To the best of our knowledge, and based on information from our suppliers and government regulators, customers can continue to use pet food and treats that haven’t been subjected to recall.
What Should You Do?
- If you purchased any recalled treat products, you should discontinue use immediately and return the pet food to any PetSmart for a complete refund or exchange.
- If you have any concerns that your or your pet's health has been affected by any of these recalled treat products, we recommend you contact your medical professional.
- Keep informed. At PetSmart, we’re committed to keeping you informed of any developments regarding the recall. We’ll continue to post any updated information on this website, as well as in our stores.
You can also follow our updates via Twitter at @PetSmartTLC.
If you have any additional questions about this recall, please call our Customer Service line at 1-888-839-9638.
Additional Information
Salmonella Q&A (PetSmart Customer Handout)
News Release: PetSmart Voluntarily Recalls Grreat Choice Dog Biscuits
Salmonella investigation news and updates (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
FAQ about the recent Salmonella investigation (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
Interesting Read About Managing No Kill Shelters: http://www.nathanwinograd.com/?p=670
Animal Poison Control from the ASPCA
http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pets_top10poisons
Top 10 Pet Poisons of 2008
With various dangers lurking in corners and cabinets, the home can be a minefield of poisons for our pets. In 2008, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) in Urbana, IL, handled more than 140,000 cases of pets exposed to toxic substances, many of which included everyday household products. Don’t leave it up to Fido or Fluffy to keep themselves safe. Below is a list of the top ten pet poisons that affected our furry friends in 2008.
Human Medications
For several years, human medications have been number one on the ASPCA’s list of common hazards, and 2008 was no exception. Last year, the ASPCA managed more than 50,000 calls involving prescription and over-the-counter drugs, such as painkillers, cold medications, antidepressants and dietary supplements. Pets often snatch pill vials from counters and nightstands or gobble up medications accidentally dropped on the floor, so it’s essential to keep meds tucked away in hard-to-reach cabinets.
Insecticides
In our effort to battle home invasions of unwelcome pests, we often unwittingly put our pets at risk. In 2008, our toxicologists fielded more than 31,000 calls related to insecticides. One of the most common incidents involved the misuse of flea and tick products—such as applying the wrong topical treatment to the wrong species. Thus, it’s always important to talk to your pet’s veterinarian before beginning any flea and tick control program.
People Food
People food like grapes, raisins, avocado and certain citrus fruit can seriously harm our furry friends, and accounted for more than 13,500 cases in 2008. One of the worst offenders—chocolate—contains large amounts of methylxanthines, which, if ingested in significant amounts, can cause vomiting, diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst, urination, hyperactivity, and in severe cases, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors and seizures.
Rodenticides
Last year, the ASPCA received approximately 8,000 calls about pets who had accidentally ingested rat and mouse poisons. Many baits used to attract rodents contain inactive ingredients that are attractive to pets as well. Depending on the type of rodenticide, ingestions can lead to potentially life-threatening problems for pets, including bleeding, seizures and kidney damage.
Veterinary Medications
Even though veterinary medications are intended for pets, they’re often misapplied or improperly dispensed by well-meaning pet parents. In 2008, the ASPCA managed nearly 8,000 cases involving animal-related preparations such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, heartworm preventatives, de-wormers, antibiotics, vaccines and nutritional supplements.
Chemical Hazards
In 2008, the Animal Poison Control Center handled approximately 7,500 cases of pet exposure to chemical hazards. A category on the rise, chemical hazards—found in ethylene glycol antifreeze, paint thinner, drain cleaners and pool/spa chemicals—form a substantial danger to pets. Substances in this group can cause gastrointestinal upset, depression, respiratory difficulties and chemical burns.
Plants
Common houseplants were the subject of nearly 6,500 calls to the Animal Poison Control Center in 2008. Varieties such as azalea, rhododendron, sago palm, lilies, kalanchoe and schefflera are often found in homes and can be harmful to pets. Lilies are especially toxic to cats, and can cause life-threatening kidney failure even in small amounts.
Household Cleaners
Everybody knows that household cleaning supplies can be toxic to adults and children, but few take precautions to protect their pets from common agents such as bleaches, detergents and disinfectants. Last year, the ASPCA received more than 4,000 calls related to household cleaners. These products, when inhaled by our furry friends, can cause serious gastrointestinal distress and irritation to the respiratory tract.
Heavy Metals
It’s not too much loud music that constitutes our next pet poison offender. Instead, it’s heavy metals such as lead, zinc and mercury, which accounted for more than 3,000 cases of pet poisonings in 2008. Lead is especially pernicious, and pets are exposed to it through many sources, including consumer products, paint chips, linoleum, and lead dust produced when surfaces in older homes are scraped or sanded.
Fertilizer
It may keep your grass green, but certain types of fertilizer can cause problems for outdoor cats and dogs. Last year, the ASPCA fielded more than 2,000 calls related to fertilizer exposure. Prevention is really key to avoiding accidental exposure, but if you suspect your pet has ingested something lawn-side, please contact your veterinarian or the Animal Poison Control Center’s 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435.
Home Town Heros: Our Friends Cissy-Meri and Linda on the front page in their hometown.
We love when people and pets do great things together to make the world a better place. Little Cissy-Meri and Jake and their Mommie-Peep Linda are friends of TPPC.tv. We are so proud of them and their therapy work. They are featured on the front page of the Arizona Republic news.
Cheryl Evans/The Arizona Republic
Ann Minnigerode (left) of Phoenix gets a visit from yorkie Cissy-Meri and her owner Linda Hueftlein , at The Hospice of the Valley Sherman Home in Phoenix.
Hospice pets are friends til the end
by Connie Cone Sexton - Dec. 8, 2008 04:54 PM
The Arizona Republic
http://www.azcentral.com/community/nephoenix/articles/2008/12/08/20081208phx-hospice1210.html
Louis Garno lifted his hand and began to pat the soft fur of Riley, a golden retriever that owner Diane Elliott had brought to the Gardiner Homein Phoenix.
"He likes that," Elliott said recently as Garno gave a little tap on Riley's head. Soon, the Hospice of the Valley patient was smiling and thinking back to a dog his son had owned.
That gentle nudge of Riley's paw was all it took to brighten his day, he said. Elliott was making the rounds at Gardiner as part of her volunteer work with Pet Connections, an animal therapy program at the hospice organization.
Visits from friends and family are welcome sights, but there's something about an animal that brings a little joy into the room, says Katie Howland O'Brien, Pet Connections director.
Most of the visitors are dogs, but there is one cat and even one bunny. And waiting in the wings? A miniature horse that probably will be certified by spring.
Howland O'Brien, a former investment banker, began the therapy program at the hospice organization in June 2006, after running her own similar program. She came on board at the request of Dr. Gillian Hamilton, administrative medical director at the organization.
The benefit of sharing an animal with patients is something Howland O'Brien has experienced, firsthand, in the visits she has made with her dog, Mr. Sundance. She brought the yellow Labrador in to see a woman who hadn't spoken in months.
"But she looked up at me and said, "Can I see your beautiful dog?" The nursing staff just gasped. She put her hand on my face and said, "thank you.' "
The Pet Connections program has nearly 120 volunteers, some with more than one pet they bring around. "Some of these animals have lived interesting lives, many are rescue pets who now give back to us." Volunteers in the program must have registered therapy animals.
On Thursday, volunteer Linda Hueftlein brought her 11-year-old Yorkshire terrier, Cissy-Meri, to Hospice of the Valley's Sherman Home in northeast Phoenix. Patient Ann Minnigerode's eyes widened when Cissy-Meri came onto her lap.
"She's so adorable," she said, her face beaming.
After several minutes, she and Hueftlein slipped into a friendly conversation, all the while Minnigerode giving the dog her attention.
For Hueftlein , it was a typical experience - one that always gives her joy.
"This means so much to me, to make someone feel just a little better."
