Spreading Love... When I teamed up with Anna Roy, the President of the Animal Heroes Hall of Fame, last year, our main focus was to be able to keep Dagger's Legacy alive. At first, I was a little skeptical about teaming up with someone on the other side of the planet even though she was a super kind person to Dagger and me. You see, I live in New York and Anna lives in Cyprus. How was this going to work and also be successful with such a huge distance between us? After talking with Anna and coming up with a reasonable plan, we decided to give it a go. I think that success is defined as having a mission, being determined and putting it all into action. If all of these things are implemented and in place, one can also sprinkle in a lot of gratitude and blessings! All of which, Anna and I have experienced throughout our journey together. Our "Howling Talent" Podcast has been hugely successful. Anna wrote about our Mission so eloquently by saying, "At Howling Talent, we are driven to do our part in making the world a better place by creating activities that empower individuals and communities. We strive to build productive relationships and make a positive impact with all of our pursuits." Thus far, we've interviewed everyone from talented animals' masters to filmmakers and producers. It's been enlightening and so very educational to meet such remarkable people and some pretty talented animals. We are already working on Season 2 ~ Episode 9. How great is that!! Now, that's something to HOWL about! I invite and encourage everyone to listen in. You can listen on www.HowlingTalent.com, Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Our podcasts are scheduled bi-monthly, and are generally 30-40 minutes long. In fact, many of our guests feel so comfortable chatting with us that we continue our conversation well after the podcast interview is over. If you happen to know anyone who would love to be a part of our "Howling Talent" Podcast, please email your suggestions to [email protected] In addition to our "Howling Talent" Podcast our vision also includes events throughout the year. Our newest event is called "Kindness of Animals." This event welcomes ALL animals…the talented animal painter, as well as the beginner animal painter. If your animal uses their snout or their paws/hoofs or they hold a brush in their mouths, we encourage you all to use your imagination and creative know-how and engage your beloved animal/pet to create an original Valentine’s Day Card to be given or sent to someone in your local area or overseas to brighten their day and make them feel valued and appreciated. When your card/s are ready take a photograph of it and email it to us for our gallery with the first name only of the recipient and why you chose them. If you deliver the card in person and they agree, why not send us a photograph of them receiving the card. [email protected] Remember to Hashtag us on social media: #kindnessofanimals #ahhof #DaggerDogVinci I do hope that you will all get involved in our Valentine's Day Event. Either personally or by sharing our event with your family and friends. The more cards our animals create the bigger our community of happy Valentine receivers will be. Have a very Happy Valentine's Day! Remember to be the smile someone needs! Happy tales to you, xoxo Yvonne 
0 Comments
🎉 Happy New Year! 🎉 As I welcome in a new year, I can't help but reflect on the previous year and how bitter sweet it was for Denis and I. After loosing Dagger in January, I felt my purpose was suddenly taken away from me. In an instant life changed for us. I've often thought about the song "What a difference a day makes...twenty-four little hours..." It's so true. Looking back I guess I took my days with Dagger for granted thinking that Dagger would always be there by my side. WOW! What a shock it was when in a matter of 24 hours he was gone from us!! It's never easy when we loose someone that we love. Whether it happens suddenly or due to an illness over a long period of time. It's still very difficult. I know this past year has been challenging for many people. But, as we ring in a new year, I feel it's important to keep the faith and move forward. I feel Dagger by my side in a different more spiritual way now. I know that he's with me and I also know that when and if I enter the pearly gates of heaven when I leave this earthly life, he's going to tell me that he was instrumental in sending Barney and Picasso to rescue Denis and me. They both entered serendipitously. Barney through many angels that got him to our home and Picasso through many other angels who raised him, trained him and saw he was too sensitive to be a CC Service Dog. Both of whom entered our lives needing a forever loving home. Both came to a home in need of being rescued. So, now we look forward to a new year and a new beginning. Dagger's studio is being used almost everyday now. I'm training Picasso to be a Therapy Dog for CC and to paint with the help of his CC professional trainer, Alex. I'm finding my purpose again. It's a good feeling. Grief never, ever leaves. If we shut down after a loss the only path is sickness and depression. That's not healthy for anyone. There were things that I did throughout the year of 2023 that I felt gave me comfort in the mist if my great loss. I cried whenever I felt like crying...I didn't hold it in. I had a Service of Thanksgiving in Dagger's Memory at St Rose of Lima Church. We were invited to Dog Mountain in St. Johnsbury, Vermont to film an up-coming PBS episode of Shelter Me which concentrates on grief and loss. Barney will be featured in it. The release date is scheduled for early 2024. I also collaborated with Anna Roy, The President of The Animal Heroes Hall Of Fame, and created a day on Dagger's birthday, October 6th, to honor him and all of the Talented Animals all over the world. The website has an Art Exhibition and currently has a Podcast called "Howling Talent" which is up to its 7th Podcast now. We are so very proud of it!! Check it out! It's available on Apple, Spotify and www.HowlingTalent.com I'm excited to witness what's serendipitously in store for us as we enter this new year. If you have any suggestions and/or guests for our future Podcasts please let me know by clicking HERE. In the meantime... Have a Happy and Healthy New Year! Happy Tales to you, xoxo Yvonne  "An Artist is born"A Children's Book Written By: Yvonne Dagger  It took four years, but it was well worth the time, effort and tears I put into my first book of a series of books about the adventures of Dagger DogVinci. Encouraged by many people including most of the librarians we met as we held our "DogVinci" Workshops at their libraries, I heard them often say on our travels all over Long Island and New York City, "Why don't you write a book?" Then when we were hit with the pandemic, that caused Dagger and I to go into isolation for close to three years. Our workshops and Dagger's love of community ceased. I'm sure everyone felt the effects of COVID. The scary horrible toll it took on every family all over the world. We all felt the effects of it and still do, I suppose. Of course, we continued to create in Dagger's studio. That was our saving grace. In isolation, I began to think about what was said to me during our workshops about writing a book. But, could I do it? I'd written papers in college, but never a book!! I could give it a try, I thought!! Therefore, taking to my writing tablet, I started writing my first children's book about Dagger's life as a canine artist. It was important for me to include his message of education and community service in the book. The first draft I wrote was about Dagger's life as an artist. It was simplistic and geared more for toddlers. It was about the dog that painted from his heart. After sending my manuscript to experts in the area of writing direction, I was told that they yearned to learn more about Dagger's journey from his birth. They wanted to know his back story. Their points were well received by me. So...back to my writing tablet I went! It was fairly easy to tell Dagger's story from the day I picked him up at Canine Companions' Miller Family Campus at eight weeks old until the time he learned how to paint, sell his works and give all of his money to charity. I knew it by heart since I told our story at all of our over 150 "DogVinci" Workshops in the years we visited libraries, schools, senior living facilities, museums and charity events. It literally took me four years to get my book to publication, though. That part of the process was not an easy task. For sure! I learned that an author needs an agent to get into the big publishing houses. That takes oodles of money and because Dagger gave all of his funds to charity, we didn't have the funds to make this happen. I was also told that sometimes it takes years even with an agent to get the big publishing houses to recognize your accomplishment. I knew that I had already spent four years creating my book, the thought of waiting many more years to get published was not something I wanted to do and pay for. So, I decided after investigating publishers, that my best mode of operation on the publishing scene was to self-publish my book through Amazon and IngramSpark. That alone takes an expert to manage. A friend and author of two books gave me the name of an expert in the field....Jaye Medalia. Jaye was instrumental in helping me with everything from how to create the book for publication to giving me steadily advice all through out the process. As an art director and seasoned expert in book publishing, Jaye knows her business. Her expertise in all areas of publication was beneficial to getting things done. She followed the process to a "T." She was able to secure a wonderful illustrator for me, Penny Weber. Penny is a fabulous illustrator. I love her style. I'm not an illustrator. Penny is. She was so accommodating and patient with the little nuances that Jaye and I felt needed to be added such as the spaghetti and meatballs after Dagger's day at the Broadway Show. Hee! Hee! She did all of it with grace and understanding. I have so many people to thank. First and foremost, my husband, Denis. Denis has been a driving force and wind beneath my wings to get to the finish line of this endeavor. Jaye and Penny were there for me throughout the process even up to the date of release. They're still there whenever I need them. I will be forever grateful to them. And to all of you, without your encouragement and support, I'm afraid that I would've never had stepped outside of my world to challenge myself to live a dream that I've always had. I'm beginning my next great adventure in Dagger DogVinci's life. So, stay tuned to travel with him on another zany journey. In the meantime, I wish you and your families a Happy, Blessed, and Peace-Filled Holiday Season! Happy Tales to you, xoxo Yvonne  P.S. Make sure you tune into our New Podcast "Howling Talent." Anna Roy, the President and Founder of the Animal Heroes Hall Of Fame and I co-host this enlightening and fun podcast as we interview people from all over the world who share their talents by helping animals through their creative process. Tune in today to learn about a wonderful dog name "Buddy Mercury" and his human mom and dad,Laurie and Glen Wolfe. Click HERE to listen to this amazing story. (www.HowlingTalent.com)  Welcome to our world |
 |  |
I would be remiss if I didn't take this opportunity to thank all of you for your contact support and love over the years.
Without you, I wouldn't have the courage to continue to keep
Dagger's legacy of Education and Community Service alive.
I feel so blessed and full of gratitude for all of you!
As I begin this new journey
with my little rescue Barney by my side,
I look forward to seeing all of you at my book signings!!
With a happy tale of gratitude,
xoxo Yvonne
Without you, I wouldn't have the courage to continue to keep
Dagger's legacy of Education and Community Service alive.
I feel so blessed and full of gratitude for all of you!
As I begin this new journey
with my little rescue Barney by my side,
I look forward to seeing all of you at my book signings!!
With a happy tale of gratitude,
xoxo Yvonne
🐾 To participate in all of the free exciting events
taking place beginning 10/6/23 visit us at:
www.howlingtalent.com
taking place beginning 10/6/23 visit us at:
www.howlingtalent.com
FORGIVeness
The National Day Calendar dedicates September 1st to Forgiveness.
They say that they're "dedicating" this day
"as a day to embrace healing, understanding,
and unity by encouraging forgiveness and fostering empathy."
"National Forgiveness Day traces its roots back to the universal human need for healing and forgiveness."
The National Day Calendar is "using today’s National Day to remind people about the transformative power of forgiveness. It’s time to let go of grudges and embrace a path of unity and understanding."
They say that they're "dedicating" this day
"as a day to embrace healing, understanding,
and unity by encouraging forgiveness and fostering empathy."
"National Forgiveness Day traces its roots back to the universal human need for healing and forgiveness."
The National Day Calendar is "using today’s National Day to remind people about the transformative power of forgiveness. It’s time to let go of grudges and embrace a path of unity and understanding."
They list "5 Facts About Forgiveness"
- "Studies have shown that forgiveness can lower blood pressure, reduce heart rate, and even enhance the immune system. In fact, forgiveness can also increase mental resilience because it releases negative emotions that disrupt mental health.
- When people experience forgiveness, they are more likely to engage in acts of kindness toward others.
- Practicing forgiveness leads to changes in brain activity and contributes to an overall sense of well-being.
- The concept of forgiveness has been a part of human culture for centuries. Ancient philosophies and religious teachings from various cultures have emphasized the importance of letting go of resentment and embracing forgiveness for inner peace.
- Finding forgiveness does not mean you condone the behavior inflicted towards you. It doesn’t mean you have to have a relationship with the person, either. The process of forgiveness is to benefit you and your well-being."
When I think about the times that I've forgiven someone or have been forgiven for something I did to someone else, I always felt good after the forgiveness took place. I remember when I was growing up my parents always told us to say we were sorry for something we had done to hurt one of our siblings feelings. It was a very hard thing to do, but once the act of asking for their forgiveness took place I felt a sense of peace and freedom. We went back to having fun with one another.
Let's face it...we've all been intentionally hurt by someone in our lives. Or maybe we're the one's doing the hurting. We're human, after all! It takes a lot to forgive someone who has hurt us. And even more importantly, it takes more courage to admit when we've intentionally hurt someone. Asking for someone's forgiveness takes strength and bravery. By far the hardest person to forgive is yourself.
When I looked up the "Key to Forgiveness" my Google search led me to this:
"Forgiveness includes acknowledging that you are hurt, accepting the pain as your own, and being honest with yourself about the effect it's had on you. Forgiveness happens by being honest about what it was like for you to be betrayed, lied to, offended, mistreated, and abused."* There are many negative consequences of not forgiving too. They've been "documented in studies that show that it can lead to emotional pain of anger, hate, hurt, resentment, bitterness and so on and as a consequence can create health issues, affect relationships and stop us from experiencing the freedom that forgiveness enables."*
"Forgiveness includes acknowledging that you are hurt, accepting the pain as your own, and being honest with yourself about the effect it's had on you. Forgiveness happens by being honest about what it was like for you to be betrayed, lied to, offended, mistreated, and abused."* There are many negative consequences of not forgiving too. They've been "documented in studies that show that it can lead to emotional pain of anger, hate, hurt, resentment, bitterness and so on and as a consequence can create health issues, affect relationships and stop us from experiencing the freedom that forgiveness enables."*
As I contemplate on the word "Forgiveness" I'm keenly aware of the times I've failed to forgive when I should have. I'm also aware of the times when I've forgiven as well. Very often I've written in Dagger DogVinci/Barney Dagger's message of the day that trying is so important. I think that being aware of forgiveness is a starting place. Perhaps "National Forgiveness Day" on September 1st is a New beginning of reflecting "on personal relationships by using today to reflect on our own relationships, of practicing self-forgiveness and taking time to forgive ourselves for past mistakes or regrets, by engaging in acts of kindness and compassion throughout the day. and by practicing mindfulness and meditation to reflect on the importance of forgiveness."
I'm gonna try. Are You?
Before you begin...
Most importantly...Remember to be good to yourself!
Happy tales to you!
xoxo Yvonne
Before you begin...
Most importantly...Remember to be good to yourself!
Happy tales to you!
xoxo Yvonne
I wish to thank the National Day Calendar for all they do to keep us informed by making everyday a celebration! ~Yvonne
SummerTime And the living can be easy...
As I sit in the courtyard of our backyard writing my blog for the month of August with Barney sitting close by under the shade of the umbrella, I can't help but think about how I yearn for days like this...a 10 on a scale of 1-10 in my opinion. Blue skies, low humidity and not too hot! I yearn for the summer months during the dead of the winter here in New York. It makes me chuckle to think that I will complain on the hottest of days, which we experienced last week with temps hitting close to triple digit numbers, yet I'll wait all winter long to feel the warmth of the sun in the summer months and complain that it's too hot!
Am I ever happy!?
Am I ever happy!?
I'm not alone.
I've talked to many people who feel exactly the same way I do.
So, what is it that makes us happy? I think that if we really contemplate on what it is that makes us truly happy we will see that it's the things that aren't expensive, to me, they are
the simple joys of life such as, taking a walk on the beach, playing with or going for a walk with your dog, bird watching, creating a work of art, watching the sun rise or set.
I could go on and on.
I've talked to many people who feel exactly the same way I do.
So, what is it that makes us happy? I think that if we really contemplate on what it is that makes us truly happy we will see that it's the things that aren't expensive, to me, they are
the simple joys of life such as, taking a walk on the beach, playing with or going for a walk with your dog, bird watching, creating a work of art, watching the sun rise or set.
I could go on and on.
My husband, Denis, loves to surf. He says that as he's sitting on his surfboard waiting for the perfect wave he can feel the strength and power of the ocean. He watches the sun rise and takes this time to meditate and pray.
For me, the summer months have always been a time of reflection and growth. I may not be a surfer like Denis, but I've taken the time in the summer to meditate by sitting in my backyard by the pool listening to the birds and enjoying the beauty of the flowers. Even the puffy white clouds against the azure blue sky portray various images to me. It's beautiful! I read and crochet too while sitting in my backyard. I love it! So does Barney!
There are many ways to take advantage of the Summer Time. Here are some of the ways I've been able to reflect and grow:
- Devote time everyday for quiet meditation. Just sitting doing nothing for a few minutes is a great way to become rejuvenated. It could be done in the morning, during the day or at night. Whenever you have a few minutes. Think of a mantra word that you can use during this quiet time. I find that when I repeat a positive word I'm immediately brought back to a positive place.
- If you pray, pray. I find prayer very soothing. You can recite formal prayers or just talk to God or whomever you choose.
- Summertime is a wonderful time to catch up on your reading. It's a great time to read the books that you wanted to read all year long, but didn't have the time to.
- And, finally, by all means, take time for YOU!
Whatever you do...
Enjoy every minute.
Stay safe.
Be well.
and
Please...
take some time to Relax and Rejuvenate.
The Summer Time is great for that!
Happy Tales to you,
xoxo
Yvonne
Enjoy every minute.
Stay safe.
Be well.
and
Please...
take some time to Relax and Rejuvenate.
The Summer Time is great for that!
Happy Tales to you,
xoxo
Yvonne
A Diamond in the Ruff
You've probably heard of the phrase a "Diamond in the Rough."
It's a reminder that diamonds, while beautiful gemstones, aren't quite that way in the beginning of their formation deep under the earth's surface in extreme heat and pressure.
As I reflect on this phrase, I can't help but think of our new rescue Barney. To me, he's our little four legged, furry "Diamond in the Ruff."
Barney's loving, gentle, and caring temperament is innate in him. He was born that way. Deep down inside Barney is a loving gentle soul. But, Barney's a scared little boy. There are days when I wonder if he thinks that this is REALLY his forever loving home. Denis and I try so hard to make him know that he's home now and he's okay. But, he cowers down so much to the rustling of a plastic bag, my keys, and so many other things. When we put his food down on his tray (which was Dagger's tray) he waits outside of the kitchen until we tell him it's ok to eat. I've never had a dog do that before! But, that's our Little Barney!
Every Saturday for the past 6 weeks we've been going to training classes. When asked what I expected out of the classes I simply said, "I'd like Barney to gain confidence in everything he does." Barney is doing splendidly in class. I think he's going to make a wonderful Therapy Dog one day. His loving, caring and so willing to please attitude is a pleasure to witness. AND He loves to work!! It makes him feel successful. Just like Dagger, but who's comparing...LOL...
Barney's my little four legged, furry "Diamond in the Ruff."
In a way, we are all like" diamonds in the rough." We are constantly striving to be the best version of ourselves. We all have what we need. We just have to recognize that deep inside is our true self just waiting to share goodness with the world.
As a "Diamond in the Rough" myself, I have so much more to learn and discover. Everyday I feel that I'm being formed into the "who" I'm meant to be. When I looked up how a diamond is formed, my Google Search sent me to this quote, "A diamond's journey is filled with diligence and perseverance. From mining details to making the final cut, the entire journey takes billions of years. The mesmerizing diamond story is a product of hard work, patience, and endurance."
Our lives are filled with "hard work, patience, and endurance." Sometimes it's difficult to deal with the difficulties and hard work we encounter in our daily lives. It's only when we acknowledge that we have the means deep inside of ourselves to become a beautiful diamond that we will discover a diamond mine just waiting to be brought to the surface, cultivated and shared with the world,
Barney's Journey continues with diligence and perseverance!
Everything that's worth the wait... is worth the wait!
Even with all of the hard work, patience, and endurance...
it's still Worth the Wait!
After all, if it takes billions of years for a beautiful diamond to make the final cut,
We too can persevere no matter what life throws our way
and become a beautiful "diamond" too!!
WOW!!
What a beautiful "diamond" formation that will be!!
Everything that's worth the wait... is worth the wait!
Even with all of the hard work, patience, and endurance...
it's still Worth the Wait!
After all, if it takes billions of years for a beautiful diamond to make the final cut,
We too can persevere no matter what life throws our way
and become a beautiful "diamond" too!!
WOW!!
What a beautiful "diamond" formation that will be!!
Have a happy, blessed, and safe Fourth of July!!
🇺🇸
🇺🇸
Happy tales to you,
xoxo Yvonne
xoxo Yvonne
Barney's Journey Continues...
I had never been to Vermont before.
A dear friend of mine asked me one day if I had ever been to
Dog Mountain in St. Johnsbury, Vermont.
Not only had I never traveled
to Vermont before, but Dog Mountain?
I quickly Googled up "Dog Mountain"
to find that it was a place
to good to be true!!
The web site says that "Dog Mountain is set on 150 acres on a mountain top location in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. The grounds are always open to people and their dogs. This unspoiled haven is covered with hiking trails and dog ponds. Dogs are not just welcome here, they are cherished!" That was so inviting to me. A place that you can take your dog to run free. Amazing...Simply amazing!
But, the "greatest thing since sliced bread" to me was when I learned that on the grounds situated on the top of a hill is a chapel. Now, this chapel is unlike any other chapel I had ever been to. Built by hand, by artist Stephen Huneck, it's a chapel that Stephen considered his "greatest and most personal artistic contribution. In 2000, the Dog Chapel was introduced to the world as a symbol of peace, love, and remembrance. In the more than 20 years since, it has been transformed into a living piece of communal art and history, ever-evolving with each new note and photo pinned to the overflowing walls. The Chapel has become a unique and moving physical embodiment of the unending love people have to give." The most unique and remarkable part of the Dog Chapel on Dog Mountain are the many dogs that are a part of the chapel. There are dogs in the stained glass windows, the pews have dogs intricately carved out of wood. There's even a dog weather vane on the steeple of the Chapel.
Stephen and his wife, Gwendolyn had a mission and a vision...After Stephen passed away his wife Gwendolyn wrote this touching love letter which appears on the Dog Mountain website. It reads:
"Stephen first wrote The Dog Chapel Mission Statement in 1997, when the Dog Chapel was merely an inspiration in his mind's eye. In 2000, against all odds, Stephen’s dream came true. In 2000, he revised his mission statement and explained what had inspired him to conceive and eventually build The Dog Chapel. Stephen often said, “Dream Without Limits,” and dream he did. The Dog Chapel’s walls are now covered with thousands upon thousands of Remembrances of Dogs Loved and Lost. It is a tremendously moving sight.
I believe Stephen accomplished what he set out to do with flying colors! He wanted to help us honor animals as the feeling, spiritual beings they are and to also help us all find closure and healing. The Dog Chapel is a tranquil, sacred space to meditate with your dog as well.
Remember:
WELCOME ALL CREEDS, ALL BREEDS, NO DOGMAS ALLOWED!
Let’s not forget Stephen’s other dream for Dog Mountain. That it be a place where hundreds of dogs and people could find Joy, Love, and Friendship by hiking the miles of trails, enjoying the swimming pond for dogs and the breathtaking views. He wanted everyone to take a break and allow themselves to be silly, playful and childlike (of course that comes naturally to dogs and children!).
Smell the flowers! Breathe the air! Listen to the songbirds. It is splendid to be out in Nature on our own little piece of heaven.
IN STEPHEN’S HONOR AND MEMORY, AND WITH YOUR HELP, I PLEDGE TO KEEP THE DOG CHAPEL AND DOG MOUNTAIN OPEN AND FREE FOR ALL TO ENJOY, ESPECIALLY DOGS, FOREVER.
With love and gratitude, Gwendolyn Huneck
"Stephen first wrote The Dog Chapel Mission Statement in 1997, when the Dog Chapel was merely an inspiration in his mind's eye. In 2000, against all odds, Stephen’s dream came true. In 2000, he revised his mission statement and explained what had inspired him to conceive and eventually build The Dog Chapel. Stephen often said, “Dream Without Limits,” and dream he did. The Dog Chapel’s walls are now covered with thousands upon thousands of Remembrances of Dogs Loved and Lost. It is a tremendously moving sight.
I believe Stephen accomplished what he set out to do with flying colors! He wanted to help us honor animals as the feeling, spiritual beings they are and to also help us all find closure and healing. The Dog Chapel is a tranquil, sacred space to meditate with your dog as well.
Remember:
WELCOME ALL CREEDS, ALL BREEDS, NO DOGMAS ALLOWED!
Let’s not forget Stephen’s other dream for Dog Mountain. That it be a place where hundreds of dogs and people could find Joy, Love, and Friendship by hiking the miles of trails, enjoying the swimming pond for dogs and the breathtaking views. He wanted everyone to take a break and allow themselves to be silly, playful and childlike (of course that comes naturally to dogs and children!).
Smell the flowers! Breathe the air! Listen to the songbirds. It is splendid to be out in Nature on our own little piece of heaven.
IN STEPHEN’S HONOR AND MEMORY, AND WITH YOUR HELP, I PLEDGE TO KEEP THE DOG CHAPEL AND DOG MOUNTAIN OPEN AND FREE FOR ALL TO ENJOY, ESPECIALLY DOGS, FOREVER.
With love and gratitude, Gwendolyn Huneck
Invited by the producers of the PBS Show that Dagger was featured on
("Shelter Me- The Art of Kindness"), Denis, Barney and I journeyed up to Dog Mountain in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, this past Memorial Day Weekend. In one word, it was "AMAZING." It's a little bit of heaven right here on earth. Sacred, peaceful and joyful. Driving up the dirt road to the mountain, we began to see dogs frolicking freely all over the place. There was laughing and crying all at the same time going on. Because, you see, the Dog Chapel is where folks leave photos. drawings, tributes and notes to the dogs and pets that have passed. Some people, we've since learned. scatter their beloved's ashes on the grounds where they once frolicked for years. That's the only sad part of Dog Mountain. But people can cry there and never feel judged or shame for feeling so deeply grief stricken by the loss of their pet.
("Shelter Me- The Art of Kindness"), Denis, Barney and I journeyed up to Dog Mountain in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, this past Memorial Day Weekend. In one word, it was "AMAZING." It's a little bit of heaven right here on earth. Sacred, peaceful and joyful. Driving up the dirt road to the mountain, we began to see dogs frolicking freely all over the place. There was laughing and crying all at the same time going on. Because, you see, the Dog Chapel is where folks leave photos. drawings, tributes and notes to the dogs and pets that have passed. Some people, we've since learned. scatter their beloved's ashes on the grounds where they once frolicked for years. That's the only sad part of Dog Mountain. But people can cry there and never feel judged or shame for feeling so deeply grief stricken by the loss of their pet.
Before we entered Dog Chapel, I thought I would weep like a baby, but instead a peace and warmth enveloped me. Perhaps seeing all of the dogs running and having fun when we first arrived helped my grief. As we gazed at all of the layers and layers of photos and notes left by people, Denis and I thought about all of the lives scotch taped and pinned to the walls of Dog Chapel. Each had a history, a family, a life filled with love. There was love that permeated those walls. It was truly breathtaking. An awesome moment, for sure!. When the time came that we had to leave our tribute to Dagger DogVinci, it was a bit painful, I must admit. We left one of Dagger's red berets, photos of him, a sketch I created of him and 2 notes...one from Denis the other from me. Reflecting on Dagger's life at Dog Chapel was in a sense healing for us. Nothing will ever take away the grief that we still feel after losing him, but the grief was eased by this act of leaving a part of how special he was to us and meeting other "like" minded people who shared the same feelings as we do. Some people say that "Dog Mountain is the happiest place to be sad."
Barney was such a good boy on the trip. He's a wonderful travel buddy to Denis and I. He LOVED Dog Mountain especially playing with the dogs that worked there. He became fast friends with Honey and Maggie Mae pet dogs to Creative Director Amanda McDermott and Pam the wonderful Greeter.
Dog Mountain is a very special place.
I encourage you to go and experience it for yourselves.
It's truly a slice of heaven on earth.
😇
I encourage you to go and experience it for yourselves.
It's truly a slice of heaven on earth.
😇
AND...
Stay tuned!
Barney will be featured in the show that was filmed at Dog Mountain.
The PBS producers of the show "Shelter Me,"
Steven Latham and Conrad Stanley,
are hopeful that it will be premiering this fall.
As Barney Dagger's Journey continues!!
Happy Tales to you,
xoxo Yvonne
.
Stay tuned!
Barney will be featured in the show that was filmed at Dog Mountain.
The PBS producers of the show "Shelter Me,"
Steven Latham and Conrad Stanley,
are hopeful that it will be premiering this fall.
As Barney Dagger's Journey continues!!
Happy Tales to you,
xoxo Yvonne
.
barney
Grateful and Blessed
Timid and shy, Barney, entered our lives.
We needed him and he needed us!
We needed him and he needed us!
Being the curious person that I am...I was interested to learn as much of a back story about Barney as I possibly could. Of course, before he was found scrounging and wandering the streets of Georgia, his story is not known. Only Barney knows that story and without a voice we can only assume what happened to him and why. What we do know is that he may have been harshly treated which is why he cowers down when he sees a newspaper and many other objects. That makes me feel sad and angry, too! So, from the streets of Calhoun, Georgia he started his journey to becoming a New Yorker! We are happy for us! In the next paragraphs I will attempt to tell his story from the time he was picked up until he arrived to his forever loving home with us!!
Barney's story goes back to Haralson County Shelter in Georgia. Their Facebook page describes them in this way... "Our Shelter is run by Haralson County Animal Control. Most of the animals in our care are picked up as strays by the Animal Control Officers who respond to citizen calls. We use this" (Facebook) "page to let the community know what animals are in the shelter, either looking for their owner, or looking for a new family." I have since learned that the Haralson County Animal Control keeps the strays for approximately 3 days during which they are either picked up by their owners or another shelter pulls them out. It just so happened that no-one came to reclaim Barney. And so Barney's fate was that he would be euthanized if someone didn't take him. The shelter then reached out to other shelters to see if they would be interested in him. Down in the Southeast and Southwest of the USA, dogs run the streets and are abandoned, dumped and destroyed all of the time. It's such a shame. When a Foster Shelter named "Paw Angels" in Calhoun, Georgia learned about Barney, they took him into their care. I was told that Barney spent about a week there. Paw Angels is a 501(c)(3) foster based shelter. From there, Barney was taken to live with a wonderful woman named Chris McCormick. Chris fosters rescues and sends them to a shelter called Forgotten Friends of Long Island (FFLI). Chris McCormick was the kind intermediary that took Barney and cared for him from August 2022 until his arrival in New York on April 15th, 2023. Barney became part of her family "pack" of dogs. She grew to love Barney. At the time Barney's name was Patriot or Pate (I was told that the shelter that picks up the strays usually names the dogs they take in. In Barney's case the Haralson County Animal Shelter most likely named him). As time went on Barney grew closer and closer to Chris and her pet dogs. But, Chris knew that Barney was being reserved for Forgotten Friends so, she opened her heart again and helped make arrangements to have Barney aka Patriot/Pate transported to a truck stop in New Jersey where Barney would meet Beth Marzo the President of FFLI and Lynda Lack the Vice President of FFLI. Before Barney was transported, Beth asked Denis and I if we would foster Barney for FFLI with the hopes of adopting him. We agreed to foster Barney. At first I thought maybe I wasn't ready for another dog. I was still so sad about Dagger's passing. But, Beth needed us to help her out with Barney. Chris made arrangements to have Barney groomed. He got a bath and was a complete sweetheart throughout the whole process. Chris was sad the day she had to say goodbye to Barney. She cried as she loaded him into the crate on the transporter. The transporters that travel up to the Northeast of the USA are loaded with crates piled on top of one another with dogs in each one. The dogs are scared and unsure of where they are going. Barking, crying and whining, the dogs travel for hours from one truck stop to another. Barney was on the transporter which left from Georgia at 6AM EDT Friday until Saturday at 3PM EDT.
Forgotten Friends of Long Island (FFLI) is a wonderful small animal rescue and rehabilitation center. They are near and dear to our hearts. Located right here on Long Island, New York, Dagger was a devoted Fundraiser for them and even had his first ever Painting Demonstration at their event in November of 2015. With over 100 eager attendees painting at their own workstations, they watched in amazement as a dog painted for them. The event was a huge success. In Dagger's Honor and Legacy, Barney will continue Fundraising for this fabulous Rescue and Rehabilitation Shelter, Forgotten Friends of Long Island.
Currently, Barney is getting and giving a lot of TLC. He is very smart and eager to please. Like Dagger, he loves to work. I know Barney feels as successful while working as Dagger did. Barney is just like Dagger in that respect. Currently, he's learning his name and some very basic commands. We are going slowly with Barney since he does get scared at times because we feel he was treated harshly by his previous owners.
Barney is a special boy.
I just know that Barney's journey will be an exciting adventure!! We plan to take him on a road trip
to Dog Mountain, Vermont at the end of May.
We are looking forward to enjoying our first road trip with him.
It should be a real HOWL of a trip!!
I just know that Barney's journey will be an exciting adventure!! We plan to take him on a road trip
to Dog Mountain, Vermont at the end of May.
We are looking forward to enjoying our first road trip with him.
It should be a real HOWL of a trip!!
Barney's Journey
...To Be Continued...
...To Be Continued...
Happy Tales to you!
AND
To all of the Mom's, Grandma's human and furry...
Happy Mother's Day!!
xoxo Yvonne
AND
To all of the Mom's, Grandma's human and furry...
Happy Mother's Day!!
xoxo Yvonne
|
A Place where I can Bark, Blog and Woof a Little
written by Yvonne Dagger
Archives
December 2024
November 2024
October 2024
September 2024
August 2024
July 2024
June 2024
May 2024
April 2024
March 2024
February 2024
January 2024
December 2023
November 2023
October 2023
September 2023
August 2023
July 2023
June 2023
May 2023
April 2023
March 2023
February 2023
January 2023
December 2022
November 2022
October 2022
September 2022
August 2022
July 2022
June 2022
May 2022
April 2022
March 2022
February 2022
January 2022
December 2021
November 2021
October 2021
September 2021
August 2021
July 2021
June 2021
May 2021
April 2021
March 2021
February 2021
January 2021
December 2020
November 2020
October 2020
September 2020
August 2020
July 2020
June 2020
May 2020
April 2020
March 2020
February 2020
January 2020
December 2019
November 2019
October 2019
September 2019
August 2019
July 2019
June 2019
May 2019
April 2019
March 2019
February 2019
January 2019
December 2018
November 2018
October 2018
August 2018
July 2018
RSS Feed