Our Stories

Cali's 3rd Birthday at New Horizons

by Lydia Marcus

New Horizons monthly lunchtime visit on March 14, 2012 got a huge turnout of seven Lend A Paw teams: Calli and Audrey Johnson, Ash and Lisa Erving; Buckwheat and Lori Gilchrist; Wilson and Kenneth Kay; Chloe and Judy Kamins; Cali and Me; and Daisy and Jim Henry. The New Horizons students were excited to celebrate Cali's 3rd birthday!

New Horizons team leader Lisa Erving (who has completed over 100 visits with Ash at New Horizons) provided birthday party hats, candy (a HUGE draw), and decorative bead necklaces.  Lisa also handed out St. Patrick's Day photo cards featuring many of the Lend A Paw therapy dogs. Lisa and Ash know how to work the crowd and please the students! I made a giant birthday card featuring numerous cute doggie stickers and Cali's photo and Lisa oversaw students signing the card. I also handed out Cali's new business card that features photos and information about Cali and Lend A Paw.

At the visit, Wilson and Buckwheat displayed their prowess at backing up on command, Ash showed off his super cool style by wearing a birthday hat and humorous birthday sunglasses, many of the students enjoyed a face washing "Cali style" as her handler Audrey exclaimed, "she's a great kisser," and Daisy danced for treats by standing on her hind legs and spinning.

Many of the students were excited to pose for photos with birthday girl Cali and Judy shared her fluffy white doggie Chloe is, "always up for a party and enjoyed the festivities as well."  More highlights included: Buckwheat and Wilson comparing therapy dog patches on their vests (Cali is jealous and wants a patch too!); very obedient labbies Wilson, Buckwheat and Cali doing a triple lie stay for a photo op (good doggies!); and hugs for the handlers from a few New Horizons clients, some of the sweetest people you will ever meet!

Click here to see more pictures of the Cali at New Horizons.