Out Of Town

Pawing my way across the keyboard this morning to let you know Mom is going to be out of town for about a week. She will not have internet access, television, or phone all next week.

Dad and I are taking Mom to the mountain to pray! It is a time for us to draw closer to our Creator and renew our spirits.


Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

PS: Please see the post below and pick up your award.

Honest Scrap Award

In the last week, I have received the Honest Scrap award from two bloggy friends:

God Created Laughter

Patiently Waiting

Both of these blogs are new bloggy friends. As a dog, I am honored when humans bless me with awards. Please jump over and visit my new friends. Each of them have beautiful blogs.

With this blog comes the furry obligation to talk about myself. I am to tell 10 things you may not know:

1)My name, Sitka means: By The Sea in Klinket Indian (an Alaskan Indian Tribal Language. When Mom and Dad named me they wanted my name to be native to the area of my ancestors orgin, but they also wanted it to mean something to them. My parents love the ocean. That is how I got my name.

2)I am the only dog my parents searched out and purchased. My two brothers and sister were rescues. After my parents were married, my mom wanted a dog.

Dad told her, "we already have a dog."

Mom said, "you don't understand...I neeeeeeeed a dog and I want a big one."

Dad said, "well, if you must have a big dog it has to be a Malamute. I had them about 30 years ago and they are the absolute best and by the way, it must be a male and either gray and white or black and white."

Mom said, "OKAY!"

Mom began the world wide search for a Malamute. She had never seen or been around one, but if this was what it took to get a big dog then she would comply. After searching the world over and talking to "many" breeders she found a breeder here in Virginia. GOD being GOD, my breeder lived in Christiansburg, Virginia and worked for the college my Dad graduated from in 1965, Virginia Tech. Not only am I a Malamute, I am a Hokie! How could Dad refuse a road trip to visit me?

3)I am a gray and white Malamute. Of course, all of you have seen my picture and know that. What you may not know is that most gray and whites do not have a full mask, but I do!

4)I love everyone, but I have a very strong bond with my mother! She and I are inseparable. If possible, I go everywhere with her and when I can't I am NOT happy about it.

5)Mom feeds me holistic dog food. She also puts a spoon of pure pumpkin in my food. Pumpkin has natural healing agents and is good for a multitude of ailments in both humans and dogs. It is also great for my furry coat and skin.

6)The farthest I have traveled north is Seaford, Delaware and the farthest I have traveled south is Destin, Florida. I love to travel.

7)I use a dog ramp to get in and out of my parents SUV. They bought it for me after my first knee surgery. They do not want me to re-injure myself. I have two Veterinarians and a doggie Orthopedic Doctor. I do not like going to the doggie Orthopedic Doctor. I would rather see my favorite doggie doctors and Town and Country Vet., Chesterfield, Virginia. I LOVE them!

8)My picture hangs on the wall in my Vet.s Office. The staff and nurses love me so much they learned my native language. They howl with me the entire time I visit.

9)If you have not figured out by now, I am a bit spoiled. Please don't tell anyone. I don't want to mess up a good thing!

10)Most of you know I am a therapy dog. I also alert my mom before she has an asthma attack. I am not sure if you knew it was my idea to get into dog therapy and not my parents. From the time I was a little guy, I pulled my parents through crowds to get to hurting people, handicapped, and anyone who needed me. Finally, Mom and Dad recognized what I had been trying to tell them and began specialized training with me. I LOVE my job.

WOW..that was harder than I thought. I hope you enjoyed learning a few things about my furry life. I know I am only suppose to choose a few people to pass this award to, but I simply can't. I must pass it to each of you. Each of my followers are unique and different. You each represent the world around me. I love the diverse mixture GOD has graciously brought into my furry life. You will never know how much I appreciate each of you and your comments. How many dogs can say they get to write a blog and they actually have followers. I know there are a few others out there, but I am amazed as my blog grows and you guys keep coming back. So, please take the Honest Scrap Award and post it on your blogs. I love you all!

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

Mountain Therapy

Yesterday, Mom and Dad took us to the mountains. We left home around 11:00 AM and made our way towards our destination. Our first stop was in Charlottesville, Virginia. We all needed to potty.

As Dad pulled into the parking lot, Mom noticed a lady who looked angry or upset. We parked and unloaded. Dad went inside to potty and Mom took us to a nearby grassy spot. As she walked us, the Lady who had appeared upset or angry started our way. The lady asked, "Are your dogs friendly?" Mom said, "Yes, they are therapy dogs and love everyone. You may pet them if you would like."

The lady hugged and snuggled with both Nanuq and I. She then looked up at Mom and said, "They sure are therapy. I was in a bad mood and I feel much better now." She thanked Mom and went inside a local business.

After gassing up the vehicle and eating a little lunch, we journeyed on toward the mountains. Dad stopped in Crozet, Virginia for apples. Again, Mom helped us out of the SUV and we walked around while Dad carefully chose his apples.

Many of the people visiting the orchard needed a furry hug, too. We spent some time with each person who came over to us and then we began our journey again. All along the way, Mom took pictures.

Eventually, we arrived at Big Meadows on Skyland Drive, Virginia. We hiked up onto the rock, in the picture above, all along the way stopping so people could pet us. Mom and Dad spend a lot of time answering questions about us while, we spend a lot of time giving furry hugs and love.

Dog therapy and dog therapy education does not end in hospitals and nursing homes. Our ministry is goes far and wide. It was a beautiful day in the mountains of Virginia.

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

Miracles at Dog Therapy

Last night was an amazing night. We (Nanuq and I) went to CSH, Petersburg, Virginia. We entered and rode the locked elevator to the second floor. Then we went through a few more locked doors to get to our destination. There is a large activities room we are allowed to use so the patients can visit with us.

On many visits, we have observed a gentleman who always carries a stack of papers with him. He keeps his head lowered, never making contact with anyone. Once or twice, I have pulled toward him and he has given me a little smile. He must deem his papers very important, because he "never" puts them down.

Last night, he came and stood in front of me (sitka). Mom said, "you can pet him if you would like." He grinned, leaned down and petted me. The humans watched with amazement as he talked to me and interacted with me and then with Nanuq later on during our visit. He has been in the psychiatric for a "long" time and noone had ever heard him speak.

The humans were amazed and filled with excitement with this gentleman's progress, but they did not realize GOD had yet another miracle to work.

I can not stay as long as Nanuq, because of my hips and knees. Mom takes me outside after the first hour. One of the staff escorts us back through all the locked doors and into the front courtyard. I rest while we wait on Nanuq and Dad.

After I left, Nanuq continued to visit with the patients. He even played a game of sorts with the man who found his voice. As Nanuq's time came to a close and he was escorted back to the first floor a young woman approached he and Dad. She said, "what breed is he?" Dad answered her and she attentively listened and continued to talk to Dad.

After the patients were taken back to their rooms, one of the staff members told Dad that this patient who had just spoke to him had been in the facility for over 3 years and had never uttered a word that she could remember.

Mom prayed and asked for prayer earlier in the day. She prayed that GOD would use us (her furry kids) in a way like never before. Most certainly, GOD ANSWERED!

Another day in the life of therapy dogs~~~

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

Nanuq's History

"Dear Sitka, so glad you were able to provide peace and joy to the psychiatric patients. I always look forward to your and Nanuq's reports. Some day maybe tell us how you and Nanuq came to live with your mom and dad and how you got your names :) xoxo
Ina In Alaska"

Today, I will begin to answer Ms. Ina's questions! I will start with Nanuq. Mom and Dad were not looking for another dog. They already had Macy, Trouble, and I. However, one of Mom's friends found Nanuq wandering around in rural Eastern Virginia. Apparently, someone had thrown him out. He was matted and underweight. She brought him home and fostered him while trying to find his owners.

Knowing Mom is partial to big dogs she invited her over to help evaluate the big white fluffy dog. She put up fliers, called the veterinarian's offices close to where he was found, etc. No one claimed him.

Mom took me and Dad to visit him. By now she was calling him Nanuq. Mom said, "he looks like a polar bear; his name should be Nanuq." Nanuq would walk up to Dad and just look at him pitifully. He knew whose heart he had to get to if he was coming home with us. Finally, Dad said, We will take him. We had already fallen in love with him.

Mom and Dad took Nanuq to the doggie doctor and found out he had heart worms. Mom and Dad treated him and over the last year and half he has gained 15 pounds. He is doing well.

Nanuq had never seen a leash and did not know doggie commands. However, he was so excited to be a part of our family he would do anything to please Mom and Dad. He went to dog school and was so obedient they allowed him to skip a few grades. He was quite the honor student in dog school.

At first Nanuq was scared to go places. In his doggie past apparently no one ever took him exciting places. All that has changed. Our Mom and Dad love to travel with us. When Mom says, "do you want to go?" Nanuq beats me to the back door.

Nanuq has become a wonderful part of our family. We are glad GOD brought him into our lives.

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

HI

Mom is resting, today. She has been over doing it for sometime, but don't tell her I told you. My human brother, Wil is doing his school work and Dad is preparing to go to the dentist.

I cohersed mom into letting me have her laptop this morning. I wanted to drop in and say HI to all my furry friends in blogland. I am sending each of you furry hugs and I thank you for your continued prayers for our family.

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

Furry Prayer Request

Mom had planned for me to answer questions today, but I had other plans. Yesterday, my family received the news that my favorite human uncle, David has lymphoma. We were all sad to receive the news.

I am asking for prayer on Uncle David's behalf. We live in Virginia. Uncle David and Aunt Courtney (my mom's sister) live in Pensacola, Florida. I love to visit them. Uncle David spoils me. He doesn't even get mad when I did holes in his back yard. After all it is hot in Florida and there is no snow to dig in. Uncle David understands me. He lets me go for rides in his SUV and basically do whatever I want while I am there. He loves us furry creatures as much as he loves the beautiful ocean GOD gave us to gaze upon.

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

Nanuq's History

"Dear Sitka, so glad you were able to provide peace and joy to the psychiatric patients. I always look forward to your and Nanuq's reports. Some day maybe tell us how you and Nanuq came to live with your mom and dad and how you got your names :) xoxo
Ina In Alaska"

Today, I will begin to answer Ms. Ina's questions! I will start with Nanuq. Mom and Dad were not looking for another dog. They already had Macy, Trouble, and I. However, one of Mom's friends found Nanuq wandering around in rural Eastern Virginia. Apparently, someone had thrown him out. He was matted and underweight. She brought him home and fostered him while trying to find his owners.

Knowing Mom is partial to big dogs she invited her over to help evaluate the big white fluffy dog. She put up fliers, called the veterinarian's offices close to where he was found, etc. No one claimed him.

Mom took me and Dad to visit him. By now she was calling him Nanuq. Mom said, "he looks like a polar bear; his name should be Nanuq." Nanuq would walk up to Dad and just look at him pitifully. He knew whose heart he had to get to if he was coming home with us. Finally, Dad said, We will take him. We had already fallen in love with him.

Mom and Dad took Nanuq to the doggie doctor and found out he had heart worms. Mom and Dad treated him and over the last year and half he has gained 15 pounds. He is doing well.

Nanuq had never seen a leash and did not know doggie commands. However, he was so excited to be a part of our family he would do anything to please Mom and Dad. He went to dog school and was so obedient they allowed him to skip a few grades. He was quite the honor student in dog school.

At first Nanuq was scared to go places. In his doggie past apparently no one ever took him exciting places. All that has changed. Our Mom and Dad love to travel with us. When Mom says, "do you want to go?" Nanuq beats me to the back door.

Nanuq has become a wonderful part of our family. We are glad GOD brought him into our lives.

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

Doggy Sleep Over

Yesterday, our human sister, Lauren came to visit. She brought "Little M" one of her three dogs with her. "Little M" is a 2 year old dapple dachshund. She is adorable. Nanuq and I love her. She runs back and forth and gives us kisses. She is quite the flirt.

After and afternoon full of kisses and watching her run back and forth through the house we realized Mom and Dad were allowing "Little M" to spend the night. This was her first sleep over at our house and boy were excited.

Well, most of us were excited. Trouble, our older toy poodle brother heard the words sleep over and he was NOT impressed. Trouble is a little picky about who sleeps in the bed with he, Macy (elderly, deaf cocker), and our parents.

Trouble put his paw down! He escorted "Little M" to our human brother Wil and let him know she would be sleeping with him. Despite Trouble's doggie drama we all had a wonderful furry time.

Sorry Mom did not get pictures. She was quite busy!

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

Dog Therapy

Wednesday night I returned to dog therapy at Central State Psychiatric Hospital, Petersburg, Virginia. I was overwhelmed with excitement to see the patients. As I entered the building, I began to talk to them in my native Malamute language (howling). I am always amazed. They seem to understand my greetings.

Nanuq and I were taken to the special room on the second floor where we have dog therapy. There were a large number of patients waiting to see us.

One elderly lady seemed to need me most. Nanuq took over the casual petting job and I laid down on a large mat.The lady began to pet me. As she relaxed, I rolled my large furry body over onto my back. She laid down beside me and began rubbing my belly. She and I spent about 30 minutes together.

I am thankful GOD allowed me to go back to work. I was not able to stay the full 1 1/2 hours. I left about 15 minutes before Nanuq. My knees and hits were beginning to ache after laying on the floor. Mom and Dad now realize they will be able to take me, but I will need to leave early.

I thank each of you for continuing to support my ministry and pray for me. My parents, Nanuq and I are overwhelmed by your support. We feel your prayers as GOD places us in those special places.

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

Return To Dog Therapy

Wednesday evening, Nanuq and I are to visit the patients at Central State Psychiatric Hospital, Petersburg, Virginia. I will be going back, after some time of rest and adjustment of pain medication. The patients miss me and ask about me and I miss them, too.

Mom has made arrangements to shorten my visit. if necessary. She will take me outside if I am unable to stay the full length of visit time. Nanuq and Dad will finish out there time.

Please pray for my furry knees and hips. I desperately long to encourage the patients and fulfill GOD's call on my life. Some of you may think I am silly for suggesting I have been called of GOD, however my parents will argue otherwise. They will share how I "dragged" them into dog therapy. I have always been drawn to people who need me.

Thank you for your continued prayers for me and my family.

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

Kreativ Blogger Award

Kreativ Blogger Award







I would like to thank Joyce at Shady Hollow for the Kreativ Blogger Award. I appreciate it very much. The 'rules' for the award are listed below:

1. Thank the person who gave this to you.
2. Copy the logo and place it on your blog.
3. Link the person who nominated you.
4. Name 7 things about yourself that no one would really know.
5. Nominate seven 'Kreativ Bloggers'
6. Post links to the seven blogs you nominate
7. Leave a comment on each of the blogs letting them know you nominated them.



Seven things about me (Sitka) that aren't known to most people are:

1: My micro chip sets of the alarm when Mom and Dad take me into Barnes and Nobles.
2: During my four years of life, I have received 3 knee surgeries.
3: Even though Mom and Dad have taught me it is not polite to chase cats, I still enjoy chasing my kitty sister and kitty brother. I would never hurt them, but I can not resist the temptation when they tease me.
4: My picture hangs on the wall in the vet office for all to see.
5: I love to travel with my Mom and Dad.
6: My best therapy dog friend is Grace, a 4 pound Papillon. She likes to sit on my nose and kiss me.
7: I love to swim!

Seven Blogs I pass this award to:

Mary @ Godly Graffitti
Ina @ Ina in Alaska
Edie @ Rich Gifts
Rosel @ Off the Beaten Trek
Patty @ Attic Clutter
Mary @ Piles Of Smiles
#7 ANYONE WHO PRAYS FOR ME!

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka