Animal Assistants, Conscious Events, Clean-up Efforts

-- Quote of the Day --

“…The youngest dog I ever got was 15 months old when I got him, I know someone who received a 14 month old. The oldest dog I have received was 22 months old. They are weaned from their mom and then they go into a home to be socialized… we want to prepare them for what humans do; shopping carts moving around, people jostling each other. That is the first stage, they usually stay there about a year. They go back to the school for 6 months to a year of training. They then call the blind person and they have you come to the school to spend 3 1/2 weeks to learn how to deal with your dog. …It may not be your first dog, but you are the dog’s first blind person. …From there you encounter different situations; training on the subway stations, and all kinds of things like that. …It is very important for the general public to know that you must never engage a guide dog – do not touch them, do not distract them. People will start petting the dog without even saying hi or asking first, and sometimes people get angry when they are told not to touch the dog! Guide dogs are like any other dog when they are at home – but when he has his harness on and he is working, then nobody touches the dog.”
~ Donna Hill – March 26, 2009

Today's quote was taken from an interview with Donna Hill who was in to represent the National Federation of the Blind. She had so much to share regarding the performing arts division of this organization and her personal experience as a blind person, a performer, wife and animal lover. To access the interview simply click on the show title or the hyper-links here, alternatively there is a link to your right that will take you to the Conscious Discussions radio show.

* Reminder * -- This week's prize draw includes the science fiction novel, Beyond Mars - Crimson Fleet and 5 science-fiction art posters - all signed by the author. Email: ldbrummet@yahoo.com with “prize” in the subject line. Deadline: Sunday morning - May 10th.

-- Events this Week --

- Happy Cinco De Mayo day everyone!
Often confused with the Mexican Independence Day, Cinco De Mayo (May 5) is not a formal holiday, but began as a celebration of the Mexican victory over the French in 1862, despite being vastly outnumbered. This day is a celebration of Mexican heritage and national pride.

- May 6th, is National Nurse's Day for the US, while for the rest of the world International Nurses Day falls on May 12th. However the entire week of May 3-9th is known as International Nurse's Week. This is traditionally a time to celebrate the services provided by the nursing industry, the education and hospital facilities and independent health care services. This year we will likely be seeing recruiting efforts by the nursing industry who is experiencing a shortage of workers.

-- Something to Celebrate --

Around the end of April numerous organizations, individuals and groups participated in Earth Day events. Here's one example of the amazing efforts taking place: The Grand Forks Wildlife Association (BC, Canada) spent a day cleaning up 4, 730 pounds (2,150 Kg) of garbage along roads in our community... much of the garbage appears to have been dumped on the side of the road including household items like furniture and appliances, tires and broken children’s furniture or chairs. These efforts are certainly something to celebrate!

Find Dave & Lillian Brummet, excerpts from their books, information about their radio shows & free resources & articles at www.brummet.ca