Woof ...my Gift

Boomer and I both have December birthdays.

What does that mean?

Sometimes we get only one gift

for Christmas and our birthday.

Here is my one gift for this year.

Is "woof" the only word they think I know?

Are you real?

Are you the real Santa?

I've been a very good boy.

I've completed 85 therapy visits

and I' m only three years old!

December Birthday Boy

Happy Birthday to my Litter Mate, Jake and to ME!

Today we are THREE years old.

My stocking has been hung, Jake.

I hope WE both get treats...

WE already have loving families.

GE After Hours

This is what GE looks like when I'm in bed.

She won't come out of the laundry room

when other animals are about.

I watch for her but unless Joan brings her to the window...

I don't see her.

I know she's in the house.

I just want to make a new friend.

House Guest

Fiona does not want to be my friend.

She told me herself.

I don't eat her food or chase her much.

I guess I'll just have to keep trying.

Poster Boy

Here is Joan's first attempt at making a poster about my first year.

It shows some of her favorites.

We think it will be fun to make more about the cats, too!

Yard Guards

We are the yard guards.

The cement cat doesn't do much.

I watch for squirrels and rabbits.

I keep watch every day. It's one of my many jobs.

The real cats, Fiona and Ginger Elizabeth,

only watch through the windows.

November Groomer

This is the lady that made me look like a Highland Gentleman again.

This morning I looked like a "rag-a-muffin".

Now I'm freshly bathed and groomed.

I will make five TDIA visits this week bringing my total to 80.

Ginger Elizabeth's New Address

This is Ginger Elizabeth.

She was a rescue from a fire in California about 4 1/2 years ago.

She was too little to be away from her mom but Henry's granddaughter made the effort to save her. Now that Henry is gone, she needed a new home.

Dorothy and Nita flew to Illinois and brought her to us.

Ginger Elizabeth will make her home here.

Fitzwilliam is hoping to be friends.

Time will tell.

My Friend Glenna

My friend Glenna came to help our guest cat, Fiona.

Fiona needs a shot every month.

Glenna worked as a nurse before she was called to be our pastor.

She has given me many pet blessing at Hope Church.

Sometimes we visit care centers on the same day.

Service to others is important to both of us.

Bear With Me, Neighbors

Our neighbors invited us to see their dogs in action.

We went to the hunting and fishing event.

Meeting a bear was a bonus!

Fall Paw Fest

Molly and I did represent TDI at the

Fall Paw Fest. Sandy and Joan talked

about training for therapy dogs.

I rested in my crate some of the time.

Ben and I Visit

You may remember Ben's visit when we were both "pups".

He is a big boy now. Just like me.

We had a great time playing in my yard.

I hope he comes again soon!

Doesn't look like me!

This is Aunt Dot and her boy MacGee.

He wanted to see what she was up to at her rehab center.

She is doing quite well. She may be walking him again soon.

Are you looking for me?

Look closely... Do you see me?

No you don't!This is my brother, JAKE!
He was helping his mother, Carol, rest

and slipped in behind the pillows.

We were litter mates.

We both look handsome. Don't you agree!!!

Just doing my TDI Job!

Here is what I do when I visit Doris.

I climb up and get settled. Then she pets me and talks to Joan.

We don't stay long because I have others to see.

She is looking good (and so am I).

Squirrel in my Yard

Squirrel! Squirrel in my yard!

Why am I inside when it's out there???

I'm ready to be on duty.

Who is going to open the screen for me?

Hurry! It might get to the tree before I do!!!

Joan's Birthday

This little dog gift was for Joan's birthday. It looks like me!

Her friend Bon Bon painted it.

The balloons from Carolyn were fun, too.

Joan had a great day but her friends didn't take ME to lunch.

Black Road Branch Library Visit 7.7.09

Our friends at BRB Library invited us back for an afternoon storytime.

Boomer was the reader, Joan was the handler, and I was the star attraction.

We brought all my blog books to share while Joan talked about me.

All the children were given my newest picture bookmark.

They were a great group!

Start on the 4TH

I plan to Bark in the 4Th.

The noise starts on the 3RD making it hard for me to get my rest.

I'm a protector. I just have to bark at unusual noises.

Joan is thinking of playing a CD for me when she goes to watch the fireworks.

How will she know if that works if she's not here with me?

Highland Cousins

Here I am with my Highland cousins

at the Oak Brook Polo Grounds.

Can you find me?

They were waiting for their turn

in the agility ring.

I only work agility in my backyard.

I hope they enjoy it as much as I do.

My Cake

How do you like my TDIA cake?

Joan had it made to look like me.

The red bones are red hots.

The cake is yellow with a raspberry filling. YUMMY!

I only got to look but Joan said it was very easy to cut and serve.

She saved the part that looks like me for Father's Day.

Most people think Boomer and I look alike!

Hosting with Joan

Joan listed me as co-host at church Sunday.

I did not attend but the certificate

I earned was displayed with flowers, my picture, and the little cards we hand out when I visit for TDIA.

TDIA

Joan is so proud of me.

I'm now TDIA. The A stands for Active.

We have documented my first 50 TDI visits .

They sent a certificate, a letter, and pin for me.

I can't eat the cake Joan is having made but I will get a treat

because I'm sitting here for this picture.

Stray Cat Strut 09 P!

Here is the last group to walk in for the Stray Cat Strut.

Joan and I walked two of the five mile route.

We came up to Chicago with Joni and some of the homemade treats.

It was a great day for a walk.

TreeHouse will use the money for cats who need care.

Camping with Kandy

I'm going camping with Kandy.

There won't be any grass because I'll be inside at the PetSmart Hotel.

Kandy is the manager.

I've known her since I was a pup. She is always happy to greet me.

I come to play and Kandy makes sure I have a safe good time!

Spa Day

Here I am after my spa visit at PetSmart.

My breed has sensitive skin.

Rachael gave me an oatmeal bath.

My coat is so soft to the touch.

Now I'm ready for my May TDI visits.

Happy Mother's Day

Here I am in our guest room.

If we don't have overnight guests, it's my room.

Before I came it was Grandma Jefferson's room.

She enjoyed it for over 30 years.

Mothers are so special in our lives.

I hope you share a Happy Mother's Day!

Winner

Joan took me to the pet birthday party at PetSmart.

We had our picture taken together.

They gave us a gift bag from Purina.

I won the small dog round of musical sit.

I tied in the final round.

Since it was way past my bedtime, the doberman won first place.

I sent my second place coupons to Chicago.

Some feral cats needed help.

I was glad to do it.

Am I real ?

There have been a few remarks made asking if I am real dog.

Of course I am!

I bark at squirrels, chase birds outside, and guard my yard.

I'm expected to be calm on my TDI visits but I am a real dog!

Happy Easter

Joan said I could have a treat for Easter.

I wanted a rabbit but she said No.

She said No to a bird and a squirrel, too.

She gets chocolate.

Why can't I have what I want?

Oh well,

Happy Easter to all of God's creatures!

Best Friends at the Park

Here I am with my best friend, Mistee.

She just had her spring haircut.

As you can see, I need one!

My Friend Jack

I am visiting my Hope friend Jack.

He fell so he needs to stay here a while.

He really misses his own dog.

I'll stop by in April after my bath.

I want to see his big smile again!

A Good Report

My vet came to the house for my spring check-up and shots.

He brought all his "tools" and a table.

He said I'm in fine shape.

Joan told him about my latest TDI visits.

She gave out a total of 158 of my visit cards.

(No one would want to see me today.)

I'm in the backyard enjoying the rain and the mud!

My Newest toy

Joni came to visit and brought a new toy for me.

It's a bowling pin.

She couldn't make it squeak but I can!

Boomer waits for Spring

This is Mistee's new housemate, Tess.

We met our friend Mistee at the smaller park today.

The temp was up to 40 in the sun.

We were waiting for Joan to take a picture of Tess.

Boomer waited with us.

We all did a good "sit,stay"!

February Wish for 09

Be Mine in 09!!!

Love,

Fitzwilliam James

A Mark Twain Quote

Heaven goes by favor,
if it went by merit,
you would stay out and
and your dog would go in.

Mark Twain

Dressed for TDI

I'm dressed to start my TDI visits.

I have my yellow tag on all the time.

I wear my red scarf only when I visit.

Joan will carry my ID and log.

The folks we visit are always happy to see me

even when they are not feeling their best.

It reminds them that the Lord has his eye on them.

His eye is on the sparrow...but I have my eye on the squirrels!!!

TDI 09

Fitzwilliam has presented his 2009 credentials from
Therapy Dog International to the volunteer office of
Provena St. Joseph Hospital in Joliet, IL.
When on duty, he wears his hospital ID,

his TDI scarf and his yellow 2009 TDI tag.
He brings smiles to everyone he greets.
Both staff and patients have warmly welcomed his visits.

Hello 2009

Hello 2009

The Christmas stockings are packed for next year.

I get to sit in the living room but I'm not allowed to bring my toys in here.

I just had my bath and my nails buffed at PetSmart.

My nails can't be sharp when I visit for TDI.