It’s been a red letter day! I spent most of it working as a team with Shelby and Nikki. And I was blessed today for many reasons.

First we conducted therapy dog testing at All Breed Training Club of Akron. They are kind enough to allow me to use the building and they have most of the equipment that I use so I don’t have to load up the car with much. There are now several more dogs eligible to visit nursing homes, hospitals, etc. ! If you’re wondering how Shelby and Nikki help me with this, they are my assistants to check the testees for reaction to a neutral dog. They work as the neutral dog.

Ways I was blessed during this event:

• My friend Linda graciously showed up to unlock the building and help with testing.
• The club allowed me use of the building.
• My daughter showed up to help me check people in even though she wasn’t feeling 100%. She showed up because she is reliable and had committed to helping me.
• Another friend, Meganne, and her daughter came to help with the reaction to children portion of the test. The daughter enjoyed it and wants to help again!
• I was able to certify five more dogs for visiting!
• I got to meet a Bernese Mountain Dog, a Scottie, an Irish Wolfhound, a Parson Russell mix, and two Border Collies.
• The person who didn’t pass was understanding and pleasant about it.

Then after the test I got to have lunch with my friend Erin who drove an hour and a half to have her dogs tested as a team. I first met Erin about two years ago when I tested her first therapy dog. We connected on Facebook and over time have discovered that we have more and more in common. We had such a good time talking about dogs and connecting!

Then Shelby, Nikki, and I came home for a while where they got to spend some time outside with our other dogs and bark at their brother Baxter while he chased the frisbee.

Then on to more therapy work! I recently met someone at work who’s parents live about a half mile down the road from me. The father is not able to get around like he once was and could really use a visit from a sheltie, I was told. Shelby and Nikki to the rescue! We walked down the road for a visit and now have even more friends.

I was so proud of Nikki. She sat on this gentleman’s lap for 45 minutes and I do believe she made his day.

Blessings from this encounter:

• I got to hang out with my girls some more.
• I got to talk about my favorite thing-dogs.
• I got to go for a walk.
• I made new friends.
• I had the opportunity to make someone’s life just a little bit happier.

Life is good. I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings and what opportunities I have to spread happiness.