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Blog Entry 8 of 18 A Therapy Dog's Journal

I was curious about pet therapy when I first learned about it in the mid-90s. Pets can have an important role in the well-being of children, the elderly and hospitalized patients. In 2002, I was ready to look for the dog which would be compatible with me as a therapy dog. I wanted a smooth-haired dog; clean and easy to groom. I wanted it to be small enough to carry in my arms, hold on my lap, and travel in a little crate in the car. It must also be trainable, healthy and have a people-pleasing, forgiving temperament. I liked many of the characteristics of dachshunds. I owned one before, but she passed away in 1997, at age sixteen. This dog won an AKC obedience title. I narrowed my search for another dachshund. There were puppies available, but I didn’t want one from a pet store or puppy mill. In 2004, I heard about a litter in Utah. After several long distance calls and emails, I was excited about the runt. I drove to meet the breeder at a dog show in Greeley. Jewel and I were a good match. We visited for a while then I bought the puppy and brought her home. Jewel is a ten pound, smooth-coated, black and tan daughter of AKC champions. Jewel was sold to me as a pet, and has never been a show dog. But she’s a very healthy, happy and pretty little girl. Some day I might write her story as a book for young children, but am starting with this blog. It tells the adventures of Jewel: Therapy Dog.

Blog Url: http://denver.yourhub.com/~JewelWeekly

We'll miss you, Little Knucklehead!

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Contributed by: Gail Kirkegaard on 1/14/2008

My great niece is moving to southwestern Colorado. The ten year old is my sister's only grandchild. Together, they created tons of memories every summer when Kirsten visited her. She'll be living with her Grandma now, so they'll see one another every day.

Our grown daughters are in college now, but I know they will miss Kirsten. They remember that she was only about four when she came to our house for the first time. They swung her around and tickled her. They polished her fingernails and fixed up her hair. They drew chalk figures with her on the driveway.

Kirsten is our goddaughter. We've also created a lot of memories with her. Bob and I picked her up for church, and usually brought her back home with us for several hours on Sundays. Many times she stayed over night with us on Saturdays. She came along on my errands. The two of us baked goodies, played board games, read books, and went to the movies.

Bob and Kirsten took walks to the school playground, or went on hardware store adventures. He took her fishing at the lakes here in town. If we were busy, she played with the cats and dogs, watched T.V., played computer games,or went out back to play on the swingset. We kept Kirsten for a week last spring. I took her to and from school, and made sure she did her homework. I took her with me on Take Your Child to Work Day in April.

Kirsten took Jewel and Phoebe for walks, one dog at a time. She and I packed both dogs in the car and went for hikes on Green Mountain. Once in a while, Kirsten and I went for some exercise at Green Mountain Recreation Center. She swam while I worked out. The gregarious girl always made a new friend. All her friends and teachers at Green Mountain Elementary School will miss Kirsten. I have a feeling several people will miss her.

She'll be missed at Concordia Lutheran Church. She'll be missed by her Sunday School friends and her teacher, Mr. Lorenz. Shannon, the kids' choir director, will miss her. She always knew her cues, and happily sang and carried out any hand motions the song required. Gregg, the church youth leader, and the elders will miss her serving as an acolyte. She quickly picked up how to reverently bow at the altar and light all the candles in the proper order. The ushers will miss her help passing out the bulletins. The nursery attendant will miss Kirsten popping in to cheer up tearful toddlers. The audio-visual team will miss her inquisitiveness and watchful interest. Jim, the candy man, our head Elder, will miss her sugary smiles, and will need to tease another child. Pastor Tom will miss her boldly raising her hand to answer his questions or make a comment during the children's message.

Jewel and Phoebe will miss her. I hope they don't mind that Kirsten will be taking her Grandma's dog for walks now. She and her Grandma will pack up the Jimmy and go on even greater adventures than those she had with me and Bob. They'll probably go camping and biking when they get a chance.They'll explore historic and monumental Colorado sites from Alamosa to Four Corners; from the Grand Canyon of the Gunnison to Glenwood Hot Springs.

She knows how to e-mail me. I expect her to send me pictures of her with Poncho, her Grandma's dog. I know she'll make new friends at school and will quickly get involved in her new church. She's a lucky girl. Countless people love her, and wish her the very best in her new home.

See ya Sweetie! We'll visit each other. Give Grandma a big hug for me! I love you, ya knucklehead!

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Showing 1-4 of 4 comments

Submitted By: Gladys Mercier

posted on 1/29/2008 @ 7:19:01 PM

Rated Blog Entry

It is hard to have a child you love so much move farther away. She will remember the fun times with you.

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Submitted By: Katherine Jerome

posted on 1/16/2008 @ 9:08:11 PM

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Sweet story and photos Gail. Kirsten is lucky to have you in her life. Hope you get to see her often!

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Submitted By: Gail Kirkegaard

posted on 1/16/2008 @ 8:56:41 AM

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She really is special Erin!

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Submitted By: Erin Feese

posted on 1/14/2008 @ 9:47:28 AM

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Kirsten sounds like a special girl! Thanks for sharing your memories, Gail.

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CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

Gail Kirkegaard

Lakewood , CO

Gail Kirkegaard has posted 18 blog entries and 218 comments since joining on 3/2/2006. Gail Kirkegaard 's average blog rating is 4.85.

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