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by Yvonne Dagger October 3, 2018 I love October!! It's a great time of the year here on Long Island. There's pumpkin and apple picking…and of course Halloween. Most importantly, though, October is Dagger's Birthday Month!!! Born on October 6, 2012, Dagger and his brother, Diesel, traveled at eight weeks old to the Northeast Region of Canine Companions for Independence to be Puppy Raised. Both released from CCI's Program…they are now CCI COC Dogs. They've embraced their "Change of Career" Status and now share their talents and gifts with many people! We are very proud of the both of them!!!
Dagger's Birthday is certainly a reason to celebrate his life. To us and many others Dagger is an exceptional dog. His birthday gives us all the opportunity to recognize the great accomplishments he has achieved in just less then 3 years. Therefore, we have parties planned for Dagger throughout the month. On Thursday, we are visiting the Dominican Village in Amityville, NY. The Sisters of St. Dominic plan to sing "Happy Birthday" to Dagger while enjoying refreshments and festivities. I may even play my Ukulele!! More to come about that!! Then on Saturday we will be celebrating at the Merrick Library during a Dagger DogVinci Workshop. Dagger LOVES his workshops. Sometimes I think he just loves seeing ALL of the people that come to show off his painting skills!!! As soon as he sees the students come walking in, his tail begins to wag...His "Happy Wag." Resisting his plea's for their attention, they are instructed to say, "Hi Dagger, I'll pet you later." But, there are times he continues his wiggling over to them…He's truly a character!! In addition to Dagger's Birthday Celebrations… I'm proud to announce that Dagger has been Nominated for Bethpage Best of L.I. Artist/Painter for the second year in a row!! He won the competition last year and we are confident (with your continued support and vote) Dagger will once again win this prestigious honor!! Voting began on October 1st and will end on December 15th. Click the button below to vote for Dagger. Please join me in wishing Dagger a Happy Birthday by voting for him everyday until December 15th. That would be the greatest Birthday Gift EVER!!!!! Happy Tales to you, Yvonne 
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by Yvonne Dagger October 1, 2018 Dagger and I are like mountain climbers exploring new territory all of the time. We don't know where our journey will take us, but with confidence we forge ahead seeking, learning and striving; allowing our creative prowess the freedom and independence to pour forth from the restraints of life. It’s exciting, exhilarating and exuberating.
Making our way across the house to our studio, I’m reminded of our sense of exploring and climbing. We love our studio space. It’s truly our happy place. It’s a place where we bond, where we create, where we confidently move up the mountain of innovation and origination.   As the doors open to the studio, Dagger's tail wags. Miss YaYa and Tommy TuTu follow behind quickly taking their places on the couch. A small CD player tucked in the corner of the studio is turned on as Dagger & I prepare for a painting session. Placing my smock on, I think of the colors Dagger will use during the session and line up the tubes of non-toxic paints on his painting table. Squeezing some paint on his palette and loading it on his brush, we’re almost ready for action. Dagger is waiting patiently watching as things are coming together for his session. Calling Dagger over to his canvas drop cloth, I place his signature red beret on his head. This is a serious time for Dagger. It's time to work. Working makes Dagger very happy. For...in working...Dagger feels successful. Sitting, Dagger looks up at me with eyes of confidence and intent focusing on my direction. Saying the word "Brush." I give Dagger the loaded brush in his mouth. Then, looking up at me, he waits for the command word "Paint" to make his way over to the canvas set up on his easel. One…Two…Three… Brush strokes are placed on the canvas by Dagger. Standing behind the easel, I continue to observe Dagger painting, reloading his brush as needed, treating him in between with his favorite cookies. Dagger finds this a positive experience...an experience that gives him a sense of success and confidence. Treats always do that!!! :-) The expression, "Time flies when your having fun" fits suitably when we're creating in our studio. The music plays as we continue to work together. It's a wonderful time. Dagger works hard during the 45 minute painting session. It shows. He has worked on three canvases today. Tomorrow he will go back into them...but, they need to dry or the colors will not look bright and clean. Saying the word "Release" and taking Dagger’s red beret off of his head, Dagger knows this signifies that the session is over. Making our way over to the couch where Miss YaYa and Tommy TuTu have been patiently hanging out, we sit and listen to one of Dagger's favorite songs "Remember Who You Are" by Cathy Bolton. Treats are given to each as they all did a GREAT job!!! Dagger lays his head on my shoulder while Miss YaYa places her head on my other shoulder and Tommy TuTu lays his head on my lap...as I sing along. We love this time. It's a time of continued bonding and moments treasured. Pablo Picasso and George Braque, founders of Cubism, often likened themselves to mountain climbers exploring new and innovative ways to be creative. They and many artists over the centuries have given much to the art world through their desire and yearning to find new ways of expressing themselves. You, too, can let your creative side shine by using your gifts and talents. Remember; Create. Inspire. Learn. AND, Please, continue to explore and climb your mountain of creativity with confidence and purpose… And Never, Ever give up!!!! Happy Tales to you, Yvonne |
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