therapy dog motivates kids to read

As soon as I read about Zach in our local newspaper, I knew we had to meet him. Zach and his person, Nancy Kirk, volunteer their time each Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ironwood Branch of the Phoenix Library. This poodle-lhasa apso mix is a great motivation for children to practice their reading. Prior to this engagement, Nancy spent years volunteering with Zach at the hospice where her mother resided. After her mother passed, they decided to take a break. Reading with children at the library is entirely more cheerful, and such a worthy cause.

My kids Porter (8) and Campbell (6) already love to read, and we make regular trips to the library, but knowing that Zach would be there reignited a fire in them. We talked about reading to Zach for several days, and when they woke this past Wednesday, they couldn't wait for our after-school plans. They nagged...er...gave me plenty of reminders that morning! After school, we headed straight to the library, and  for the duration of the car ride, the kids discussed what books they might read to Zach.

When we arrived, a third-grade girl was reading to Zach, petting him with one hand as Nancy helped with big words and her proud mother looked on. The girl's mother looked inspired and a bit teary, and before they left, she thanked Nancy and Zach for helping to motivate her daughter. I can only imagine what joy this special dog brings to kids who struggle with reading. 

My kids waited semi-patiently for their turn with Zach. Campbell selected a dog-themed book while Porter chose a book from a favorite series. As the kids read, Zach vacillated between rapt attention and snoozing, but was always calm and comforting and happy to be pet. He is the definition of patience, as is Nancy, who lets the kids work out big words on their own but is happy to help when the struggle persists. 

Zach is patient while Campbell reads. 

Zach relaxes and listens to Porter while Nancy helps with challenging words.

As we wrapped up our time with Zach, a group of young children began to gather for their turn. Even toddlers come to spend time with Zach, making up words to go with the pictures they see if they've not yet learned to read.  

After the kids' turns, they each got to choose a dog sticker. A dog and stickers? If that's not motivation to read, I don't know what is.

Zach comes to the library at 4333 E. Chandler Blvd., Phoenix, AZ, every Wednesday from 3-4 p.m. Even before we left the library, Porter and Campbell were discussing which books they will read to Zach next week. 

How do pets motivate your children to do things they might be reluctant to do?

child dog-walkers: guidelines and illustrated leash-holding techniques

Children typically love to help out with the family pet. Even if you can't get them to clean their rooms, they will likely be happy to walk Fido. My son, Porter, has been accompanying me on pet sitting visits since he was one week old. As soon as he could hold his head up properly, I would put him in a forward-facing carrier on my chest while I walked dogs. At about six months of age, he began to want to hold the leash he could see stretched out in front of him. I let him hold the leash a couple of feet in front of the end where I had a firm grasp, and I think he was convinced that he was doing the job, himself. He'd giggle and coo during every walk. He is now eight years old, and I'll let him walk the family dog independently and very occasionally a client's dog, depending on the dog and the situation. Regardless, I'm an arms-length away in case an emergency arises. There are lots of tasks children can help with when it comes to the family pet, but walks are a favorite. One thing to remember is that our pets are completely dependent upon us to meet their basic needs. It's vital that parents make sure the most important tasks are being done, especially if they have been assigned to a child. Making sure the family dog gets food, water, and exercise is vital to his well-being. 

so when is a child ready to walk the family dog?

Whether a child is capable of walking the family dog is dependent on a number of factors, all of which must be considered for the safety of the child and the pet. 

• age of the child

• maturity of the child

• physical strength of the child

• size/strength of the dog

• energy level of the dog

• behavior of the dog

Each child/dog combo is unique, so you'll have to carefully consider your own situation. A two-year-old may be able to walk your senior Daschund who moves as slow as a snail with some supervision. On the other hand, even a tween may not be able to handle the energy and strength of a young Boxer. 

It's important to consider what kind of a walker your dog typically is. Under normal circumstances, how does your dog walk? Has he been leash trained? Does he walk along the sidewalk next to you in a relaxed fashion, or does he dart here and there, veering under every bush to check things out? Does he pull on the leash? If your child is able to handle what your dog dishes out, then it's a go. The age of the child should always be considered, however. Even if your five-year-old can appropriately handle the family chihuahua, a five-year-old should not be navigating the neighborhood alone. Young children should always be accompanied by a responsible adult or older sibling. 

What's even more important to consider is how your dog will behave in an unusual situation. What would happen if a squirrel suddenly darted across your path? Would your dog spring into action and pull you up a tree to get to it? Or what if you encounter another dog? Even if your dog gets along well with others, you never know who you'll meet. You might run into Kujo. Can your child handle those extreme situations that can happen in an instant? If not, you need to walk within inches of your child and pooch, prepared to take over, should the need arise. 

I allow my eight- and six-year-old to walk our 11-pound , 9-year-old mixed terrier. She has quite a bit of energy even though she is getting on in years, but she walks fairly well on a leash, and when she gets excited about something enough to pull, the kids have the strength to control her. I walk with them, however, because I feel that A) they are too young to be out and about on their own, and B) they may not be able to handle a sticky situation, such as a brush with a not-so-friendly or off-leash dog. If we encounter a situation like that, I simply take over the responsibility of holding the leash until the unpredictable situation has passed.

If your child isn't ready to walk the dog independently, you can do as I do or even allow your smaller child to hold the leash with you. It can be a bit awkward for two people to hold the leash, but if it's safer that way for your situation, it's a great way to get your child involved in the task.

does it matter how a child holds a leash?

You may not think so, but it's important for the safety of the dog and the walker, regardless of age. A proper leash hold will allow your child control and will prevent the potential for injury or a loose dog. Below, you'll see a couple of  common mistakes as well as the the best hold.

The wrist wrap-around is wrong.

One of the most common ways children hold a leash is the wrist wrap-around position. It seems ultra-secure because it almost guarantees that the child won't let go of the leash. And therein lies the problem. The child really can't let go of the leash, something that is necessary in some emergency situations. Though it's important for a child to have a secure hold on the leash, there must be an escape, and the wrist wrap-around hold does not allow that.

The four-finger grasp leaves a lot of room for error.

The four-finger grasp is another common leash hold for a child. It is natural and easy, but has just the opposite problem of the wrist wrap-around hold. This hold does not allow enough security, as the leash can easily be pulled from the child's grasp.

Thumbs up for the thumbs-up hold!

The best way for a child (or anyone) to hold a leash is the thumbs-up hold, pictured here. It may seem a bit awkward at first, and it may not feel as secure, but rest assured that it is. Ask your child to give you a classic "thumbs up" gesture. The leash is grasped by the child's four fingers, then looped around the thumb. The thumb stays up to prevent the leash from being yanked from your child's grasp, but your child can quickly let go in an emergency situation. It's the best of both worlds, secure, yet safe.

With the proper leash hold, your child and dog can learn to walk well together. Though each child/dog combo has a unique set of circumstances and requires individual evaluation, there are some deal-breakers:

• Any child under the age of five should not independently hold a leash.

• A child of any age should not be allowed to walk a dog he can't control. This is true of adults, as well. If the dog can not be controlled on a leash, leash training is a must.

• Children under the age of ten should always be supervised when dog-walking.

• Children should never walk a dog who is aggressive toward other people or animals.

• Children should never walk multiple dogs at the same time.

• Retractable leashes pose many dangers and should not be used by children (nor is it my advice for anyone to use them)

When proper technique is used and your child can control the animal, dog-walking is a great way for your child to get involved in the family chores and bond with your pooch. It is a fun activity, and the exercise and fresh air will be great for both human and canine. So get out there and work together to ensure everyone is safe, secure, and happy! 

How does your child help with the family pets?

This article, written by me, originally appeared as a contributor post on Brie Brie Blooms. It has been posted here with minor changes with permission.

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art studio holds "paint a pet" fundraiser for the humane society

I enjoyed an evening with some of my best gal pals last week for "Moms' Night Out" hosted by our local MOMS Club. We all brought some food and wine to share and met up at Be...An Artist, a local art studio recently opened by artist Sandra Marshall. I was excited to do something different...slap some paint onto a canvas, but it was even more fun than I expected. While we were there, Sandra mentioned that the studio would be hosting a "Paint a Pet" fundraiser for the Arizona Humane Society, and my ears perked up. 

Our MOMS Club had an awesome time at Be...An Artist. photos courtesy of Sandra Marshall, Be...An Artist.

So a few days later, I found myself back in the studio with Sandra and her fabulous team. When the Arizona Human Society's Waggin' Wheels Mobile Adoption Wagon pulled up, the small crowd watched in excitement. For, inside were not only furry models for the budding artists, but adoptable models, at that. Once the wagon was parked in front of the studio, the side rolled up to reveal a wall of adorable critters in see-through kennels. The onlookers released a collective "Awwwww..." The back of the wagon said "NEW FAMILY MEMBERS ON BORD," which totally melted my heart.

The crowd gathered outside the Waggin' Wheels Wagon.

The hopeful pups check out the crowd, hoping to become the newest addition to a great family.

Inside, Sandra and her team had set up canvases for potential adopters as well as for birthday party-goers. What a great occasion for an animal-loving tween to have a party! Sandra started the art lesson by teaching everyone how to draw the animal they wanted to paint. Step-by-step, she showed them how to form the shapes the would somehow come together into a masterpiece. What I love about Sandra is her attitude. Though she is an accomplished artist, she instructed both "spirited" moms and young animal lovers on how to create a painting to be proud of. Throughout the process, she occasionally asks "are you happy with it?" If you say you're not, she'll ask what you're not happy with and help you find a solution. Remarkable patience.

Sandra helps the artists every step of the way.

Back outside at the wagon, I spoke to Megan Merrimac, Mobile Adoptions Coordinator for the Arizona Humane Society. I asked her about the Waggin' Wheels program. She explained that since the program's inception in July of 2014, they have had over 250 adoptions out of the wagon. They bring 6-8 dogs and a couple of cats each time they take the wagon out, which is three or four times a week. Sometimes they attend events, and sometimes they just hit the road. I asked Megan if the pets had to meet any special requirements in order to board the Waggin' Wheels Wagon. She said that she always make sure the animals are good with kids. That seems understandable, as the wagon was attracting small humans like bees to honey. 

Who could resist these cute faces?

At Be...An Artist that day, AZHS adopted out four animals. Pretty awesome! And Sandra donated a portion of the proceeds to the cause. We love that!

Be...An Artist has a wide variety of sessions and events geared toward children, teens, and adults.  They even offer summer camps and classes for people with special needs. It's a great place to have a birthday party, as I was lucky to witness first-hand. I think my art-loving daughter, Campbell, would absolutely love to have her next birthday party there. 

The party-goers were pleased with their masterpieces. photo courtesy of Sandra Marshall, Be...An Artist.

Have you been to Be...An Artist, yet? Or if you're not in the Phoenix area, is there anything like this where you live?

View the Be...An Artist calendar of events.

Connect with Be...An Artist on Facebook.

View the Arizona Humane Society's Waggin' Wheels Mobile Adoption Vehicle calendar.

Connect with AZHS on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube and Google+.

come have a blast with me at #ChipotleCultivate and enter our #giveaway

When my husband, who works for Chipotle, told me that the Chipotle Cultivate Festival was coming to the Phoenix area, I immediately called a couple of my closest gal pals and told them to mark their calendars. To make matters more exciting, a few weeks later I was invited to attend the local media preview event so that I could learn more about and help spread the word about the food, chefs, and artisans who would anchor the festival. What an opportunity!

So what exactly is the Chipotle Cultivate Festival? It's all about food, ideas, and music. Chipotle describes it as "a celebration of food that is responsibly raised, skillfully prepared, and delightfully enjoyed." They ask that we join them on their "journey toward a world of more sustainable, wholesome, and delicious food." And to sweeten the deal? It's completely FREE to attend. The whole idea is to get people thinking and talking about food and food issues and how to create a more sustainable future.

Check out the recap of last year's festival:

Since I focus on family wellness as it relates to animals, the fact that Chipotle serves sustainably raised meats, vegetarian and vegan options, and sources their produce locally whenever possible is very important to me. The knowledge to be gained at the Cultivate Festival is invaluable. Plus, it looks like one hell of a party. 

At the media preview event, I had the opportunity to listen to Scott Robinson, Chipotle's National Events Manager, talk about the Cultivate Festival. This is the festival's fifth year and Phoenix is the seventh city to house the festival. Just like they didn't know how the first Chipotle in Denver, CO, would do, they had no idea how successful the festival would be. We're super lucky that Phoenix is in the lineup this year. 

What can we expect to do at the phoenix cultivate?

ROCK OUT. Check out the killer music lineup at the music stage, composed of local and national acts: Jared & The Mill, Magic Man, MS MR, Bleachers, Twenty One Pilots, and DJ Christoper Golub, the DJ of Chipotle. 

LEARN. We'll be able to explore five exhibits throughout the festival, which will focus on sustainable food practices, including an exhibit explaining how to make Chipotle's guacamole, the reality of processed foods, and an experience showing the conditions of factory-raised pigs compared to those that are responsibly raised. Each exhibit will give you a stamp for attending, and if you check out at least four exhibits, you'll earn a card for a free burrito, bowl, tacos, or salad + IZZE™ at any Chipotle. Sweet! 

PLAY. Cultivate is a family-friendly event. Take the kiddos to the Kids' Zone that has snacks and fun activities. 

CHEF DEMOS. Live and in person? Yes, please. Chipotle says "superior ingredients deserve excellent preparation. Watch as these expert chefs and stars of the culinary world prepare a variety of dishes in our on-site kitchens. They'll demonstrate different cooking techniques as well as share their knowledge and love of working with local farms and suppliers." These superstar chefs include Joshua Herbert, Owner/Executive Chef of Posh, Chris Schlattman, Executive Chef of The Upton, Charleen Badman, Owner/Chef at FNB, Richard Blais, Restaurateur/Chef/Author and winner of Top Chef: All Stars, and Amanda Freitag, Owner/Chef at Empire Diner.

I was excited to have the opportunity to meet local Executive Chef Chris Schlattman of The Upton in Scottsdale, where the preview event was held. We tasted his cuisine, which was divine and beautiful, yet casual and completely approachable. He said that Chipotle and The Upton are alike because they are "fuss free" and use "great, simple ingredients." I would have to agree. 

GRUB. Whether you want to sample food and beverage or indulge in a full meal (or both), there is something for everyone. Since I plan on being there for the duration of the festival, my goal is to do it all. The Artisans' Hall will be a highlight. We'll get to try delicious samplings from an amazing collection of artisanal Arizona food. The Food Tents will be manned by Chipotle's chefs and top team members. The chefs have developed new recipes just for Cultivate. Along with the Chipotle-inspired dishes, select items from ShopHouse, Chipotle's new Southeast Asian concept, will be served. To wash it down, you'll find the Tasting Hall, where you can sample some of the best craft brews in the region or taste some top-quality sustainable wines, or go for a full glass, which are all reasonably priced.

At the preview event, I had the privilege of meeting some of the local artisans who will be set up at the Artisans' Hall and the Tasting Hall during Cultivate, and I had the chance to try their food and beverages. I didn't meet a person or sample I didn't like. Here are the highlights:

CARTEL COFFEE LAB Never in my life have I known such intricacies. I tried the recommended "cold brew, " which Jules described accurately as "fruit-forward." Amazing. Like no cup of Joe I've ever had. All of their coffee is carefully sourced, and they also have local beers on tap. 

SONORAN BREWING COMPANY They partnered with Chipotle to create a traditional Saison called "Cultivate Farmhouse Ale," brewed with local Arizona Honey, Lemons, and Limes. And, yes, it was just as yummy as it sounds. 

SUPER CHUNK Small-batch handcrafted sweets & treats with a modernized, unique twist. They use botanical sugars and essential oils. They sent me home with some crazy fun cookies and taffy pulled right there in house (shame I had to share with the littles) and this insane bag of white cheddar truffle popcorn (which–thank goodness–was a bit strong for the children, and my hubby never knew it was in the house). If I ever encounter it again, all bets are off. Plus, owners Sergio and Country were super fun to talk to. Sergio told me they are known for their black licorice. When I made a face, he said, it's well-known as "black licorice for people who don't like black licorice." I trust him enough to try it.

SWEET REPUBLIC The perfect definition of simplicity, I had the opportunity to taste their salted butter caramel ice cream, which was so perfectly balanced. Their ice cream is handcrafted in small batches, and their shop menu features artisan ice cream, insane-sounding sundaes and simple, yet unique milkshakes. 

TRACY DEMPSEY ORIGINALS Tracy was as much of a delight as her deserts. As I was devouring her creation, my brain checked out, so I asked her more than a handful of times what all I was consuming. She was totally cool about it. Her beautiful and delicious creation was lemon creme with coconut tapioca, roasted pineapple compote, berries, and basil syrup.

what now?

If you haven't gathered, I'm super pumped to enjoy even more at the Chipotle Cultivate Festival. I can't wait to share the time and experience with friends, visit my hubby as he heads-up the ever-popular taco tent, and basically gorge my mind and body on everything. All this, and we can be sure that the consumables are sourced responsibly, which is the one takeaway I want you to know. It is possible to have a carefree blast and be responsible at the same time.

I can't wait. 

Is the Cultivate Festival coming to your 'hood?

PHOENIX                                APRIL 18 AT WESTWORLD SCOTTSDALE

KANSAS CITY                        JULY 18 AT PENN VALLEY PARK

MINNEAPOLIS                       AUGUST 22 AT LORING PARK

So please join me and my pals on April 18 from 11 a.m.-7:00 p.m. at Westworld of Scottsdale. I can't wait to see you there! Which part of the festival are you most pumped for?

Are you pumped for this giveaway? Please enter for your chance to win 10 Chipotle Burrito Bucks, each one of which will get you a burrito, burrito bowl, salad, or order of tacos. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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ready for a furever home: the "lost our home" cats

Each week, the littles and I volunteer at the cat room at our local PetSmart taking care of cats available for adoption through Lost Our Home Pet Foundation. For the most part, the littles get to play with and cuddle the cats while I scoop litter boxes, but I'm not bitter. I get an occasional cuddle, too. We see cats come in and out, and some stick around longer than others. We get to know those better, and sometimes we just can't understand why they wouldn't be snatched up immediately. I thought I'd highlight a few of the regulars in hopes they might find a forever home. Check out these sweethearts:

Calypso is a two-year-old dilute calico female. She's absolutely gorgeous and has been hanging out with us since mid-January. She was found pregnant in a feral colony. It was obvious that she didn't belong there, so she was moved to a foster home where she had four beautiful kittens. Her kittens have been adopted, and now sweet Calypso is looking for her chance. She loves cat trees (both for hanging out and scratching), and she loves to be brushed. She gets along with kids and most other animals, so would be a beautiful addition to most homes. 

Keegan is a one-year-old female flame point siamese. "Keegan" means "small flame," so she is named after her beautiful siamese markings. A nice couple found her as a stray and cared for her for several months before bringing her to Lost Our Home to find her a permanent home. Keegan is "all siamese," meaning she's talkative, social, and loves heights. She has been in the cat room since mid-November! We can't believe it! 

Lightening is a two-year-old black and white female domestic short hair. She is named after the unique shape of her tail, which is charmingly crookedish. She is very social and sweet. She'll nuzzle and curl up in your lap. She has been in the cat room since mid-December, but has been with Lost Our Home her whole life, waiting for the right family to come for her. She'd love nothing more than to sit on your lap and cuddle, if you have room for this sweet girl. She won't let you down. 

If you're local, please stop by and pay them a visit. They would love to snuggle with you!

Click here for Lost Our Home Pet Foundation's adoption application.