Hello Therapy Dog Friends,

Here is what you can find in the update below:

Newsletter-

Edition

• 40

Subaru- Information

• Needed

• First Aid Competition

Call For Nominations

• and Promotions

• 2021 Annual Statistical Report

Good Morning Everyone,

I am writing this update on a very chilly Sunday morning. I think today will be a stay inside day. I am sure most of our dogs are thinking the same thing. It is just too cold out there, even for a quick bathroom break. This evening we are expecting a large amount of snow, hopefully the temperature changes and our dogs can go out and have some fun. I would love to see some photos.

As the Omicron variant continues to be persistent there is no change with our Therapy Dog visiting status. I know these are truly difficult times. If there is anything myself or the Recovery Working Group could do to assist you through this wave please let us know. The door is always open and we are looking for suggestions.

Newsletter-Edition 40

WOW!!!! Edition 40! This is incredibly hard to believe. Thanks so much to Bob for keeping us, the facilities and anyone that wants a read connected. Please continue to send along photos and entries so we can continue to get to know our team. Bob will be looking for more uplifting contact as we enter another phase of this pandemic. Please send along to bobdarlington.ontario@gmail.com .

Subaru

I have been asked by Council for Ontario to get a complete list of everyone who has completed any initiatives with their local Subaru dealership both before and during Covid. I know I have received some information before but want to ensure I have a complete list.

First Aid Competition - Not just for our MFR and Yeath Teams

St. John Ambulance will be hosting another virtual competition. It would be awesome to have a team of Therapy Dogs participate in this event. Please see the registration information below. Should you have any questions please feel free to reach out to me.

The OMFRC Competition Committee is pleased to announce our plans for 2022. Following direction from the official Public Health Advisory Task Force (PHATF) and Council Board of Directors, we are moving forward and planning a Virtual ‘TEAM’ Zone Competition on March 5, 2022.

On behalf of Paul Sims, Chair of Competition Committee, please see attached memo regarding the 2022 Zone Competition.

Save the Date: March 5, 2022 – Virtual Zone ‘Team’ Competition

Pre-registration: http://register.omfrc.ca or by visiting our OMFRC.ca Competition website,

Registration Deadline: February 27th, 2022.

Our committee is excited to stay engaged with our volunteers in a new way, until we are able to be together again for a return to in-person fully simulated competition.

If you have any questions, please reach out to zonelead@omfrc.ca

Kind Regards,

Clare Akintoye, MStJ (she/her/hers)

Director, Community Services

St. John Ambulance | Council for Ontario

Call for Nominations for Nominations and Promotions

An email was sent on Saturday with the information regarding the process for Nominations and Promotions. It is wonderful that we have this opportunity to recognize our volunteers. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to myself or your Branch.

2021 Annual Statistical Report

By now Unit Coordinators have likely received the Annual Statistical Report from their branches. It is that time of year to record all the important work our volunteers have provided through 2021. There are a couple additional columns to the report which would include the Covid Response. It is always an exciting time to see how our Therapy Dog units were able to impact their communities.

That is all from me. I hope everyone stays warm and healthy, and I will see you back here in a couple of weeks. Should you have any questions you know where to reach me.

Best regards,

Marsha

Hello Therapy Dog Friends,

Happy New Year!!!! I am wishing everyone all the best for 2022.

Does anyone have any big plans for this year? Have any of you made a New Year's Resolution? As a new year begins, I like to reflect on the year past and what can I do to make this year better. There are of course some things that are outside of my control but deciding what I can control to make 2022 the best year.

I look forward to another wonderful year with my Therapy Dog friends.

Here is what you can find in the update below:

• Facebook - Leadership Private Group - Reminder

• Newsletter

• Non - LTC Request Forms - Review

• SJA Screening Requirements

• Covid-19- Update

Facebook - Leadership Private Group - Reminder

Some exciting News- Starting in 2022 I am looking for new ways to keep us connected. We are revitalizing the Facebook -SJA Therapy Dog Leadership Group. This will be a private group designed for volunteers in a leadership role of the Therapy Dog program. It will offer another way of communication to our team and opportunity to support one another. If you are interested in being part of the group please let me know your name and the Unit you belong to. Membership into the Group will be vetted by the admins of the group before allowing access. Stay tuned for more information.

Newsletter-Edition 39

Please find our newsletter that has been written by Bob Darlington. Please continue to send along photos and entries so we can continue to get to know our team. Bob will be looking for more uplifting contact as we enter another phase of this pandemic. It would be great to see some of your holiday photos. Please send along to bobdarlington.ontario@gmail.com.

Non - LTC Request Forms

As things with the Omicron variant have changed the landscape of the pandemic we will now need to re-look at all the Non- Long Term care visits that were previously requested. Please send me an email if you wish to continue your Non- Long Term Care visit for approval. I have attached the request form for your convenience. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to me.

Screening

Just a friendly reminder that St. John Ambulance requires all volunteers and staff to continue with our online Covid-19 screening process. Please follow the link https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdq_6pud8cjfqXaQsd0yEUNIVioelsCwNDaU_Ch8ECODy0-pQ/viewform. Should you have any questions in regards to the screening please feel free to reach out to me.

I know these last few weeks have been hard with the Omicron variant. We have all had to pivot once again and change our behaviours to reduce the spread and to protect ourselves and families. I understand how hard this is. We do need to dig deep for a little more patience as we make it through this next wave of infections. I am sure our Public Health Advisory Task Force is reviewing the latest restrictions. As soon as a new update is sent out, I will send it to our teams for review. We will get there, stay positive.

I can not wait for the day where we are able to get together in person.

I hope everyone has had an opportunity to read the latest Wagz that was sent out on Dec.31. We had a fantastic team working to get this edition out prior to 2022. I believe we did it with a few minutes to spare.

Have a wonderful week!

Regards,

Marsha

Hello Everyone!!

Happy New Year!!

What a wonderful way to put a close to 2021 and welcome in 2022. Our 13th edition of Wagz is out.

Thanks so much to everyone who offered contributions to this edition of WAGZ.

Heather, your dedication to getting this edition of Wagz out is inspiring - Thanks so much!

Please read Heathers' introduction to WAGZ below.

Happy Reading!!

Regards,

Marsha

Good Evening Therapy Dog Teams,

I hope everyone is having a wonderful, restful and healthy holiday season.

I am sure all of you are following the incredible spread of the Omicron variant. With the news released today most of our Therapy Dog visiting will be again on-hold as LTC homes and retirements residents do their best to keep the variant out of their homes.

Announced today from the provincial government:

• Access to long-term care homes by general visitors will be paused. Designated caregivers may continue to enter long-term care homes.

In order to follow the provincial regulations we are now unable to visit in these facilities at this time. I will keep you posted of any further restrictions as we navigate the Omicron variant. I would encourage you to continue with your virtual visiting during this time and staying connected with one another.

Although this is not surprising news, it comes with a lot of emotion. I know how happy our teams were to be back visiting.

Should you have any questions regarding the most recent update, please let me know.

Enjoy the rest of your holiday season.

Marsha

Hello Therapy Dog Friends,

Happy New Year!!!! I am wishing everyone all the best for 2022.

Does anyone have any big plans for this year? Have any of you made a New Year's Resolution? As a new year begins, I like to reflect on the year past and what can I do to make this year better. There are of course some things that are outside of my control but deciding what I can control to make 2022 the best year.

I look forward to another wonderful year with my Therapy Dog friends.

Here is what you can find in the update below:

• Facebook - Leadership Private Group - Reminder

• Newsletter

• Non - LTC Request Forms - Review

• SJA Screening Requirements

• Covid-19- Update

Facebook - Leadership Private Group - Reminder

Some exciting News- Starting in 2022 I am looking for new ways to keep us connected. We are revitalizing the Facebook -SJA Therapy Dog Leadership Group. This will be a private group designed for volunteers in a leadership role of the Therapy Dog program. It will offer another way of communication to our team and opportunity to support one another. If you are interested in being part of the group please let me know your name and the Unit you belong to. Membership into the Group will be vetted by the admins of the group before allowing access. Stay tuned for more information.

Newsletter-Edition 39

Please find our newsletter that has been written by Bob Darlington. Please continue to send along photos and entries so we can continue to get to know our team. Bob will be looking for more uplifting contact as we enter another phase of this pandemic. It would be great to see some of your holiday photos. Please send along to bobdarlington.ontario@gmail.com.

Non - LTC Request Forms

As things with the Omicron variant have changed the landscape of the pandemic we will now need to re-look at all the Non- Long Term care visits that were previously requested. Please send me an email if you wish to continue your Non- Long Term Care visit for approval. I have attached the request form for your convenience. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to me.

Screening

Just a friendly reminder that St. John Ambulance requires all volunteers and staff to continue with our online Covid-19 screening process. Please follow the link https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdq_6pud8cjfqXaQsd0yEUNIVioelsCwNDaU_Ch8ECODy0-pQ/viewform. Should you have any questions in regards to the screening please feel free to reach out to me.

I know these last few weeks have been hard with the Omicron variant. We have all had to pivot once again and change our behaviours to reduce the spread and to protect ourselves and families. I understand how hard this is. We do need to dig deep for a little more patience as we make it through this next wave of infections. I am sure our Public Health Advisory Task Force is reviewing the latest estictions. As soon as a new update is sent out, I will send it to our teams for review. We will get there, stay positive.

I can not wait for the day where we are able to get together in person.

I hope everyone has had an opportunity to read the latest Wagz that was sent out on Dec.31. We had a fantastic team working to get this edition out prior to 2022. I believe we did it with a few minutes to spare.

Have a wonderful week!

Regards,

Marsha

Hello Therapy Dog Friends,

Happy Tuesday!

Well the countdown is on. As my niece tells me, only 4 more sleeps until Santa comes. I love watching the excitement in the children's eyes. It is just so much fun. It makes for another tough holiday season a little bit brighter.

I know the news coming out regarding the Omicron variant is not what any of us wanted to hear, especially this time of year where many of us were planning on reconnecting with family members after being apart for so long. Unfortunately, it looks like we need to hunker down for a little while longer to control the spread. Just know that your Therapy Dog Team will be here and continue to support you as we navigate these unprecedented times.

Here is what you can find in the update below:

• Update from PHATF

• Non - LTC Request Forms - Changes

• SJA Screening Requirements

• Facebook - Leadership Private Group

• Newsletter

• Niagara 2022 Summer Games

• 50/50 Raffle

Update - PHATF

We received a PHATF update that was sent out to our membership yesterday. This update was in response to the Government's announcements last week and the serge of Covid-19 cases with the Omicron variant. This is a very fluid situation and I do expect there to be more updates as the Government provides more updates and guidance as we enter this new phase of the pandemic. I have attached the update here.

Non - LTC Request Forms

As things with the Omicron variant have changed the landscape of the pandemic we will now need to re-look at all the Non- Long Term care visits that were previously requested. Please send me an email if you wish to continue your Non- Long Term Care visit for approval. I have attached the request form for your convenience. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to me.

Screening

Just a friendly reminder that St. John Ambulance requires all volunteers and staff to continue with our online Covid-19 screening process. Please follow the link https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdq_6pud8cjfqXaQsd0yEUNIVioelsCwNDaU_Ch8ECODy0-pQ/viewform. Should you have any questions in regards to the screening please feel free to reach out to me.

Facebook - Leadership Private Group

Some exciting News- Starting in 2022 I am looking for new ways to keep us connected. We are revitalizing the Facebook -SJA Therapy Dog Leadership Group. This will be a private group designed for volunteers in a leadership role of the Therapy Dog program. It will offer another way of communication to our team and opportunity to support one another. If you are interested in being part of the group please let me know your name and the Unit you belong to. Membership into the Group will be vetted by the admins of the group before allowing access. Stay tuned for more information.

Newsletter-Edition #38

Please find our Holiday newsletter that has been written by Bob Darlington. Please continue to send along photos and entries so we can continue to get to know our team. Bob will be looking for more uplifting contact as we enter another phase of this pandemic. Please send along to bobdarlington.ontario@gmail.com.

Niagara 2022 - Canada Summer Games

Niagara Region Branch is excited to announce that we have secured a contract for the Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games. St. John Ambulance will be providing spectator medical coverage for the games which will run from Friday, August 5th - Sunday, August 22nd, 2022. This 16-day multi-sport event will take place at 29 different venues across the Niagara Region, and we will require assistance and support from SJA members across the province.

Opportunities: Planning Team (x2), Operations Team (x2) and Logistics Team (x2).

To Apply: Any interested applicants shall apply through the following link: https://forms.gle/B1racHCFuRBGRoJ57 and upload a resume.

Deadline: January 4^th, 2022.

Timeline:

• On or around January 7th, 2022, candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

• Between January 9th and 11th, 2022 shortlisted candidates will be able to select predefined interview times.

• On or around January 14th, 2022, successful candidates will be contacted.

Looking for experienced SJA members who are team players and have experience leading a team to success. Many of these are administrative roles that do not require MFR certification, so we’d encourage leaders from any of our community service programs, governance volunteers, instructor cadre and even staff members to consider applying if you have the required skill set, and time to fulfill the position commitments.

Any questions please feel free to reach out to:

Sean Morris, MStJ

Branch Operations Officer

Pronouns (he/him)

St. Council for Ontario, Niagara Region Branch

Exciting News: SJA Ontario has launched a Holiday 50/50 Raffle!

Get your electronic tickets here >>: https://sja5050.com/

Date: November 15, 2021.

Draw Date: Dec 28, 2021 at 12 noon.

Licence#: RAF1221405

St. John Ambulance is recognized for its leading edge services and we understand the importance of investing in the communities in which we live and work. Through partnerships with businesses, community groups and government we are achieving better solutions to evolving health care challenges. In 2020 and 2021, St. John Ambulance witnessed a reduction in its traditional forms of service and a growth in alternate forms of St. John medical, social and humanitarian community service to adapt to pandemic restrictions and needs, including: PPE Drives, COVID Screening Centres, Food Bank Support, COVID-19 Isolation Centres, Therapy Dog virtual and window visits at Long Term Care facilities. For St. John Ambulance to continue investing in the community, we need your support.

The final date to enter will be December 28th at 12noon. Immediately following the Draw will take place.

We encourage everyone to share this exciting 1^st ever SJA 50/50 Draw with your family and friends.

If you are interested in supporting SJA, and having a chance to win the 50/50 cash prize, please visit https://sja5050.com/ to enter today!

I want to wish each of you a very happy and healthy holiday season and the very best for 2022!

Thank-you for reading this week's update. Please feel free to reach out to me anytime.

Best Regards,

Marsha

Good Morning Therapy Dog Friends,

Happy Tuesday!

Well The holiday season is definitely upon us. I can feel it in the air.

I have an area where I live where the whole community does up their houses with Christmas lights. This was my first time going but the lights were absolutely beautiful and the skill of putting some of these lights up was incredible. There were lines of cars to take part in looking at this magical scene but with a hot cup of tea in hand I slowly weaved through the houses. I may just need to go again.

International Day of the Volunteer

On Sunday December 5th it was International Day of the Volunteer. I would like to thank each of you for your dedicated service to St. John Ambulance and our beloved Therapy Dog program. You are the foundation of our program and you continue to shine as we work our way through the pandemic. Thank-you for everything you do.

Newsletter- Edition 57

Please find our 57th newsletter that has been written by Bob Darlington. I love reading about the “Dogs from our Pack” and “Dogs with Jobs” . Please continue to send along photos and entries so we can continue to get to know our team. Please send along to bobdarlington.ontario@gmail.com.

COVID-19 VACCINATION STATUS

As we know now - most of the facilities that we are now visiting do have a Covid-19 vaccination policy in effect. As Coordinators we are responsible for informing the volunteers of the vaccination policy at the facility they will be visiting and can request the vaccination status from our volunteers before having them attend a facility.

PHATF Update

To: Council Board, Provincial Office, Senate, Chaplains, Council Committees, Branch Chairs and Branch ED/Managers – for information sharing with all volunteers, instructors and employees.

The St. John Council for Ontario Public Health Advisory Task Force (PHATF) continues to diligently review, monitor and work on updates for our volunteers, employees and instructors. In addition to health agencies and authorities, the PHATF works closely with the Council Chairman, CEO, board and management to ensure information is timely, accurate and consistent with SJA policies and procedures.

All SJA Ontario COVID-19 related event requests, social media considerations & photos (drafts) and all COVID-19 related questions must go directly to the PHATF at coronavirus@sjaoc.ca as they are the Official St. John Council for Ontario point of contact for SJA COVID-19 information, engagement and response queries.

Advisory regarding the novel respiratory infection (COVID-19) – UPDATE 011221-1

Please see attached:

1. 2021 SJA Internal Memo – Novel Coronavirus #33

This Memo includes update, directives and recommendations for:

• Update

• Omicron

• Fourth Wave

• Vaccine Update

• Seasonal Precautions

• Mask Guidance Changed

• Plexiglass Barriers may be Counterproductive

• Branch In-Personal Training

• More Links and Information

Information specific to SJA activities and status around COVID-19 is centralized at the following website for ready access: https://sites.google.com/sjaoc.ca/phatf

Kind Regards,

On behalf of the Chair, CEO and PHATF of St. John Council for Ontario,

Clare Akintoye, MStJ (she/her/hers)

Manager, Community Services

St. John Ambulance | Council for Ontario

Attachments area

Screening

Just a friendly reminder that St. John Ambulance requires all volunteers and staff to continue with our online Covid-19 screening process. Please follow the link https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdq_6pud8cjfqXaQsd0yEUNIVioelsCwNDaU_Ch8ECODy0-pQ/viewform. Should you have any questions in regards to the screening please feel free to reach out to me.

WAIVERS

A friendly reminder:

Over the past few weeks we have noticed an increase in the number of waivers being requested by our facilities as we are preparing to return. Please do not sign any waiver prior to sending the waiver to Clare Akintoye at clare.akintoye@sja.ca and Marsha Seens at therapydog@sjaoc.ca. Should you have any questions in regards to waivers that you mabe receiving please reach out to Clare or myself.

COORDINATOR FORUM

Our Coordinator forum is tonight at 7pm. If you wish to register please go through this link https://forms.gle/T9Jxo4AuBuAFByVy5. If you have already gone through the link we have your registration. A link for the forum will be sent out this afternoon.

Exciting News: SJA Ontario has launched a Holiday 50/50 Raffle!

Get your electronic tickets here >>: https://sja5050.com/

Date: November 15, 2021.

Draw Date: Dec 28, 2021 at 12 noon.

Licence#: RAF1221405

St. John Ambulance is recognized for its leading edge services and we understand the importance of investing in the communities in which we live and work. Through partnerships with businesses, community groups and government we are achieving better solutions to evolving health care challenges. In 2020 and 2021, St. John Ambulance witnessed a reduction in its traditional forms of service and a growth in alternate forms of St. John medical, social and humanitarian community service to adapt to pandemic restrictions and needs, including: PPE Drives, COVID Screening Centres, Food Bank Support, COVID-19 Isolation Centres, Therapy Dog virtual and window visits at Long Term Care facilities. For St. John Ambulance to continue investing in the community, we need your support.

The final date to enter will be December 28th at 12noon. Immediately following the Draw will take place.

We encourage everyone to share this exciting 1^st ever SJA 50/50 Draw with your family and friends.

If you are interested in supporting SJA, and having a chance to win the 50/50 cash prize, please visit https://sja5050.com/ to enter today!

Thank-you for reading this week's update. Please feel free to reach out to me anytime.

I hope that everyone has a fantastic week!

Regards,

Marsha

Good Morning Therapy Dog Volunteers,

I hope this email finds everyone well.

Brrrrr….it is a cold one today. I guess I have to come to the realization that winter is coming. It just might be time to pull out the winter coat.

I have heard many great stories about our slow return to visiting. Please continue to send your requests excluding the visits to long term care along to me. I have attached the request form to this email.

Newsletter- Edition 37

Please find our 37 newsletter that has been written by Bob Darlington. I love reading about the “Dogs from our Pack” and “Dogs with Jobs” . Please continue to send along photos and entries so we can continue to get to know our team. Please send along to bobdarlington.ontario@gmail.com.

Screening

Just a friendly reminder that St. John Ambulance requires all volunteers and staff to continue with our online Covid-19 screening process. Please follow the link Therapy Dog Visit Screening (google.com) Should you have any questions in regards to the screening please feel free to reach out to me.

WAIVERS

Over the past few weeks we have noticed an increase in the number of waivers being requested by our facilities as we are preparing to return. Please do not sign any waiver prior to sending the waiver to Clare Akintoye at clare.akintoye@sja.ca and Marsha Seens at therapydog@sjaoc.ca. Should you have any questions in regards to waivers that you mabe receiving please reach out to Clare or myself.

COORDINATOR FORUM

We have booked a day for our Coordinator Forum. If you wish to register please go through this link https://forms.gle/T9Jxo4AuBuAFByVy5 . The Coordinator forum is booked for December 7 at 7 pm. If you have already gone through the link we have your registration.

Exciting News: SJA Ontario has launched a Holiday 50/50 Raffle!

Get your electronic tickets here >>: https://sja5050.com/

Date: November 15, 2021.

Draw Date: Dec 28, 2021 at 12 noon.

License#: RAF1221405

St. John Ambulance is recognized for its leading edge services and we understand the importance of investing in the communities in which we live and work. Through partnerships with businesses, community groups and government we are achieving better solutions to evolving health care challenges. In 2020 and 2021, St. John Ambulance witnessed a reduction in its traditional forms of service and a growth in alternate forms of St. John medical, social and humanitarian community service to adapt to pandemic restrictions and needs, including: PPE Drives, COVID Screening Centres, Food Bank Support, COVID-19 Isolation Centres, Therapy Dog virtual and window visits at Long Term Care facilities. For St. John Ambulance to continue investing in the community, we need your support.

The final date to enter will be December 28th at 12noon. Immediately following the Draw will take place.

We encourage everyone to share this exciting 1^st ever SJA 50/50 Draw with your family and friends.

If you are interested in supporting SJA, and having a chance to win the 50/50 cash prize, please visit https://sja5050.com / to enter today!

Thank-you for reading this week's update. Please feel free to reach out to me anytime.

I hope that everyone has a fantastic week!

Regards,

Marsha

Good Morning Therapy Dog Volunteers,

I hope this email finds everyone well.

Has everyone survived the time change? As I am writing this email it is just after 5pm and the sun is setting. It will be dark very soon. The weather has been treating us well so far. We have had many mild days and no snow yet. I will give a “Ruff Ruff” to that. I hope that we can keep the mild weather a while longer.

Newsletter- Special Edition- Remembrance Day

Please find our special edition newsletter that has been dedicated to Remembrance Day. It is such an important Day of reflection, remembrance and of gratitude for those who fought for us. We have the beautiful country we live in today due to the men and women that gave up everything for us.

Re-Entry

I have had the opportunity to talk to many coordinators over the last few weeks as we start the process of returning to Therapy Dog visiting. It is an exciting time mixed with many emotions. I know this has been very difficult and the road to our re-entry will take some time.

As many of you have started the re-entry process I am sure there are questions, concerns and situations that have come up that we have never had to deal with before. This is new for us all. We would like to offer a Coordinator open forum. This is an opportunity to come together and discuss your successes and your challenges. We can help each other get through these difficult times together. If you are interested in joining this virtual forum please register through this link https://forms.gle/T9Jxo4AuBuAFByVy5.

Please feel free to reach out to me anytime.

I hope that everyone has a fantastic week!

Regards,

Marsha

Good Morning Therapy Dog Volunteers,

I hope this email finds everyone well.

It certainly feels and looks like fall has come to join us. The days and nights have really begun to get chilly. The spectacular colour of leaves has ended in most places and now we have lots of leaves on the ground. Today is a wet, chilly rainy day where I am from. I am just grateful that the precipitation is not snow. Yesterday I joined in some Halloween activities with some friends of mine. The kids were super excited to dress in their costumes. I love seeing the world through their eyes , even if just for a few hours. It was so much fun.

Therapy Dog - Return to Indoor Tactile Visiting

I know many of you were very excited about the announcement made last week about permitting “Indoor tactile Visiting in our LTC and Retirement residences”. All other facilities and requests do need to be submitted for Approval.

Please be patient as there is a tremendous amount of work to be done by our Coordinators to get our teams back to visiting.

There are a couple of reminders to follow:

1. Approval of indoor Therapy Dog visits at LTC and Retirement Facilities by your Local Health department

(must have removed the need to have a 6 ft distance between handler and the client we are visiting)

2. Your Branch and Coordinator may also have policies and procedures for tactile indoor visits that do not appear here. Always make sure your Coordinator and Branch is aware of and part of your plans for tactile indoor visits as per your Branch’s direction.

3. Volunteer Requirements are all up to date

4. Therapy Dog Vaccinations are up to date

5. All visits must be agreed upon through facility management in advance

6. Facility staff must be present for each visit

7. Choose less busy times and areas for these visits

8. Limit the number of teams to appropriately fit the area you are visiting

9. Facility staff must manage the visiting environment for the therapy dog team

10. Visiting guidelines to be provided to facility prior to visit

11. Residents should be spaced apart and seated

12. If visiting room to room, follow facility directions and only visit with approved clients

13. Face masks are required

14. Sanitize or wash your hands before and after each person you visit

15. Facility staff are responsible for ensuring that residents sanitize or wash their hands before and after your visit

16. All handlers must complete the SJA screening before going out to a visit - this includes Window visits, non tactile patio Visits, outdoor tactile visits and Tactile indoor visiting. The screening is completed digitally at this link - Therapy Dog Visit Screening (google.com)

As you can read in today's PHATF update the only Indoor Tactile visiting that has been officially been approved are for Long Term Care and Retirement facilities. Please continue to submit your additional requests to me. This will provide information to us on who is ready for us to return to Tactile visiting.

I have revised the “Indoor Tactile Visiting” form. Please complete if you have facilities interested in Tactile visiting.

Should you have any questions regarding Therapy Dog Visiting please feel free to reach out. I know these are exciting times with lots of challenges ahead.

NEWSLETTER- Edition 36

Please find the attached 28th edition of our Therapy Dog Newsletter. 36 editions later Bob continues to keep us entertained. Please continue to send in those fall photos and Halloween photos. I can not wait to see these cute costumes.

PHATF - UPDATE 32

Please find the latest update from our Public Health Advisory Task Force.

SJA - Women in Leadership - Event Registration

On behalf of the SJA Women In Leadership Working Group, please see attached SJA WIL Nov. 6 Registration Package.

To Register for the SJA Women in Leadership Virtual Engagement Morning, being held via Zoom on Nov.6^th 2021 starting at 9:30AM.

Registration - Please click >>>HERE<<<

Join us via Zoom for a morning of, inspiration, information, and engagement. We look forward to connecting with all our SJA staff, volunteers, instructors, and members who identify as women.

For more specific details, please refer to the SJA WIL Nov. 6 Registration Package attached.

Registration Deadline: Friday Nov. 5^th 3:00pm.

If you have any questions, please reach out to us at wil.on@sjaoc.ca

Thank-you for your continued dedication to the Therapy Dog program. I know these have been the hardest 19 months. But we have some very exciting times to look forward too.

Best Regards,

Marsha

Hello Coordinators, Evaluators and Volunteers,

I have some very exciting news to share.

As of this morning INDOOR VISITING IS APPROVED for Long Term Care and Retirement Facilities!! We were in this together and we made it to indoor visiting together. I am so excited for all of you.

We still need to be very vigilant and continue to adhere to the Health and Safety Guidelines set out by our Public Health Units, Public Health Advisory Task Force and our Therapy Dog Recovery Working Group. Please find information below as your teams move to indoor visiting. Please remember if you have not chatted with me regarding your re-entry please send me an email so we can set up a call. It has been a pleasure talking with our coordinators and getting to know you and a little about your teams.

5) Tactile Indoor visits– October 20, 2021

Prior to returning to tactile indoor visits, the re-entry plan for the facility,

handler and therapy dog must be completed.

· Therapy Dog Vaccinations must be up to date

Your Branch and Coordinator may also have policies and procedures for tactile indoor visits that do not appear here. Always make sure your Coordinator and Branch is aware of and part of your plans for tactile indoor visits as per your Branch’s direction.

· All visits must be agreed upon through facility management in advance

( A request form must be compled and aproved by the Therapy Dog Working Group for indoor visits not - except for Long Term Care and Retirement facilities as attached)

· Facility staff must be present

· Choose less busy times and areas for these visits

· Limit the number of teams to appropriately fit the area you are visiting

· Facility staff must manage the visiting environment for the therapy dog team

· Checklist with visiting guidelines to be provided to facility prior to visit

· Residents should be spaced apart and seated

· If visiting room to room, follow facility directions and only visit with approved clients

· Face masks are required

· Sanitize or wash your hands before and after each person you visit

· Facility staff are responsible for ensuring that residents sanitize or wash their hands before and after your visit

I know this is the announcement you have all been waiting for and it is finally here. If there is anything I can do to assist please do hesitate to reach out to me.

Thank you all for your continued support and dedication!

Regards,

Marsha

Hello Everyone,

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with great food and family. It was truly a time to reflect on the things to be thankful for.

I know I have lots to be thankful for -- but most of all, I am thankful to volunteer with such a wonderful group of volunteers. Your dedication and passion is truly inspiring. Thank-you for sticking with us over the last 20 months. I know this has been a very challenging time for both our volunteers and our Therapy Dogs. We will get through this challenging time.

I have enjoyed a very mild fall and love looking at the vibrant colours that season has to bring. I am just ignoring all the reports of an early winter.

NEWSLETTER- Edition 35

Please find the attached 35th Thanksgiving edition of our Therapy Dog Newsletter. Bob has done an amazing job putting these newsletters together for you. Please continue to share them. Bob is always looking for new ideas and material to include in these newsletters. Please continue to share stories and pictures for these inspiring newsletters. Bob can be reached at bobdarlington.ontario@gmail.com.

Workshops

It has been a while since we have had a workshop. I have been thinking of starting up a new series of workshops but need your assistance.

1. Please let me know if you would be interested in joining our workshops

2. Workshop topic ideas

3. Do you know someone that would be interesting a workshop to our Therapy Dog volunteers

I look forward to your replies.

Outdoor Visiting

I am so happy that we are able to provide outdoor tactie visiting. I have received a few pictures and stories about the first return to Tactie visiting and it just fills my heart so much. Just a friendly reminder from the PHATF to ensure that our volunteers are completing the SJA Covid-19 screening form each time prior to our volunteers going to a visit. Here is the link to the screening form Therapy Dog Visit Screening (google.com)

Thank-you for your continued support

Regards,

Marsha

Hello Everyone,

I hope everyone has had a fantastic week.

I am very sorry for the delay in getting this newsletter out to everyone. It has been a very busy time for me. Bob says we will need a large cup of coffee for this one.

I hope everyone has a great week-end. I hope we have some great weather to enjoy.

Take Care!

Marsha

Hello Therapy Dog Volunteers

I hope everyone has enjoyed their first week of September. It certainly has cooled down. I feel like summer has just flown by. I hope that you were able to make memories with family and friends over the summer. Memories that we have not been able to make over the last 18 months.

Thank-you for continuing to email me with your questions and concerns. It has been a time where I have really enjoyed getting to know you all.

Please contact me when your first therapy dog team is ready to return to Outdoor Tactile visiting. We have a short questionnaire to review with you prior to the first visit.

NEWSLETTER

Thank-you to Bob Darlington who continues to write and gather information for these fantastic newsletters. Please find the 33rd edition attached.

Message from Bob Darlington

“Now that we are into September we will soon start to see Mother Nature take out her fall colour palette to paint the trees and other plants in the bright reds, yellows and browns. Remember to take plenty of pictures of your fur legged friends enjoying themselves and please send them to me for inclusion in the newsletter.

If you know of anyone having trouble reading the newsletter because the font is too small please let me know as I am more than happy to produce a version with an increased font size.”

I look forward to hearing all your fabulous stories and seeing the lovely Photos. Material can be sent to Bob at bobdarlington.ontario@gmail.com

Thank-you Event

As mentioned in my last update I would like to offer a thank-you event for those Handlers and Therapy Dogs that have left our beloved program throughout Covid-19 due to a variety of different reasons. We want the opportunity to honour these Handlers and Therapy Dogs for everything they have provided to our program. Each handler and Therapy Dog holds a special place with our program and in our hearts.

The Link below can be filled out by both Coordinators and Handlers. I would kindly ask that you share the link below so your membership has the opportunity to participate.

https://forms.gle/bBCAH2BUni5f6osY6

I wish you all a lovely week!

Regards,

Marsha

Hello Therapy Dog Volunteers

As I am writing this email the sky is being lit up by some bolts of lightning and the loud sounds of thunder are deafening. (I started writing this email on Saturday evening) I know many of our lovely and talented Therapy Dogs do not appreciate these storms. We often have to be their best friend during these storms and reassure them that everything will be alright. It is a great relationship that we can be there for each other.

It has been great to hear from so many coordinators over the past few weeks as they prepare their units to return to Outdoor Tactile Visiting. I am so proud of the effort our Coordinators, Evaluators and leadership teams are putting into returning our teams. I know you are all doing your best.

Please continue to contact me with any questions. Myself and the Therapy Dog Recovery Working Group continue to be here to support you through this process.

Please contact me when your first therapy dog team is ready to return to Outdoor Tactile visiting. We have a short questionnaire to review with you prior to the first visit.

NEWSLETTER

Thank-you to Bob Darlington who continues to write and gather information for these fantastic newsletters. Please find the 32nd edition attached. Bob has let me know that he has very little content to share in the next newsletter. He is really looking for your help to make these newsletters a success. I look forward to hearing all your fabulous stories and seeing the lovely Photos. Material can be sent to Bob at bobdarlington.ontario@gmail.com

Thank-you Event

As I continue to talk with our Coordinators one message has been the same from all of you. During Covid-19 we have lost so many teams for many different reasons. Over the last 17 months we have seen many of our Therapy Dogs cross over the rainbow bridge, Dogs that will be unable to return to our program due to illness or age, our handlers unable to continue with the program or a move to another area. We would like to thank each one of these teams for providing so much to St. John Ambulance and want to celebrate each contribution. Each handler will be invited to this virtual event.

Stay Tuned- Date to be determined. There will be more information to follow plus a link for handlers to complete.

It is hard to believe that summer is almost over. Labour Day week-end already! I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable week-end!

Best Regards,

Marsha

Good Morning Therapy Dog Volunteers,

I hope that you have all had a fantastic week! The week-end was awesome with great weather. It is so hard to believe how fast the summer is going. My hope is that we still have many great days of fantastic weather left. I love the sun.

I hope everyone received my announcement about opening up Outdoor Patio Tactile Visits last Monday. I know it will take some time to get these visits started as there are many steps for our Coordinators and leadership to undertake to begin tactile visiting again. I have received many emails and calls with questions as we inch forward with the Therapy Dog reopening. Please feel free to contact me with any questions. I have had some interest in running another "Road Map to Tactile Visiting" workshop. If you are interested in participating in another workshop or as a Coordinator have not yet participated in a workshop please register through this link https://forms.gle/JGgoMfAmvgL6J5xx8.

IMPORTANT MASK UPDATE

As our Therapy Dog Recovery Working Group and our SJA PHATF (Public Health Advisory Task Force) continue to monitor the information that is being delivered provincially by Long Term Care, it has come to our attention that although outdoor visits would likely only require cloth masks (may depend on the facility), any indoor visits or even passage through a nursing home, would require wearing a disposable medical mask.

To keep things simple and avoid potentially switching masks, it is now a requirement that Disposable Medical Masks be the only masks worn for all outdoor tactile patio visits and all visits moving forward. I know there are some facilities that are providing these masks for volunteers. Please ensure our volunteers are adhering to these safety procedures.

NEWSLETTER

Thank-you to Bob Darlington who continues to write and gather information for these fantastic newsletters. Please find the 31st edition attached. Bob continues to look for your help to make these newsletters a success. Please share stories, pictures and content that you feel would be a great addition to the newsletter. Material can be sent to Bob at bobdarlington.ontario@gmail.com .

I have been forwarded this link to a fantastic article regarding St. John Ambulance in Manitoba. We are getting there. I am sure we can all relate to the feelings expressed through this article. We all know the power of Therapy Dog visiting and the benefits to our community and how much we have been missed. Here is the link https://sharedhealthmb.ca/news/2021-08-13-paws-itively-therapeutic/

I wish everyone a fantastic week.

Best Regards,

Marsha

Good Morning to My Therapy Dog Coordinators and Evaluators.

I know many have been waiting for this announcement. I have some very exciting news!!!

We are now moving forward with approving Outdoor Patio Tactile Visits.

Please read this entire email as there are many things to consider and to do to ready your team.

Once your unit is ready to begin Tactile Visiting I would ask that you contact me prior to your first handler beginning Tactile Visiting. We have a short questionnaire to review with you as we begin to get the province back to Tactile Visiting.

Tactile Outdoor Patio Visits– Monday August 9, 2021-

Please find steps below to ready your Unit for Outdoor Patio Tactile Visiting

1. Coordinator has attended the Therapy Dog- Roadmap to Return to Tactile Visiting – by The Therapy Dog Recovery Working Group- (if not please contact Marsha at therapydog@sjaoc.ca to arrange a workshop)

2. Has permission from your local Branch to move forward with Tactile Visiting. Your Branch and Coordinator may also have policies and procedures for tactile outdoor patio visits that do not appear here.

3. You have developed a local plan to ready your unit to Return to Tactile Visiting.

4. Coordinator or Branch has contacted your local Health Department for a list of their policies and procedures for Therapy Dog visiting

Therapy Dog Team

5. Coordinator/Designate has completed the Therapy Dog Handler Questionnaire with the handler (needs to be completed with each handler- Needs to be completed as a conversation by phone or virtually)

6. All Therapy Dog qualifications are up to date

· Therapy Dog Vaccinations are up to date

· All required online training is up to date

· Attestation in the last year has been signed

· Police Records Check up to date (required to be submitted every 6 years)

Facilities/visiting

7. Coordinator/Designate has completed the Facility Questionnaire with the facility (needs to be completed with each facility- Needs to be completed as a conversation by phone or virtual

8. Obtain a copy of the facility’s policies and procedures regarding visiting

· All visits must be agreed upon through facility management in advance

· Facility MUST have removed the requirement of physically distancing of two metres

· Facility staff must be present

· Choose less busy times for these visits

· Limit the number of teams to appropriately fit the area you are visiting

· Facility staff must manage the visiting environment for the therapy dog team

· Checklist with visiting guidelines to be provided to facility prior to visit

· Residents should be spaced apart and seated

· Both handlers and therapy dogs should not be close to or touching another therapy dog team

· SJA Screening has been Completed prior to each visit

· Face masks are required

· Sanitize or wash your hands before and after each person you visit

· Facility staff are responsible for ensuring that residents sanitize or wash their hands before and after your visit

***** If you are required to go indoors to travel to the outdoor patio or to complete the screening - Please complete the attached request form and send to the Therapy Dog Recovery Working Group at therapydog@sjaoc.ca. *****

I have attached the SJA Ontario Covid-19 occupational health guidelines from our SJA Public Health Advisory Task Force. This provides information on how contact tracing will work if there is an exposure.

We had a Town Hall for all our volunteers on July 29^th. Please let me know if there is interest in having a second session.

Should you have any questions or concerns as we navigate these new waters please reach out. We know these are new times and there will be different concerns that will come up as we start to talk to our handlers and facilities.

Please know that if tactile outdoor patio visiting is not a fit at this time we are continuing to offer Virtual, Contact Free Window and Distanced Patio Visiting (with barrier in place).

Thank you so much for your continued support and patience. Your dedication to our Therapy Dog program is humbling.

Best Regards,

Marsha and Your Therapy Dog Recovery Working Group

Good Evening Therapy Dog Friends

I hope everyone had a great week-end. As of Friday we are now one step closer to the reopening of Ontario. It was a great day with an amazing feeling when Durham had “0” cases one day last week. We are getting there. There is a bright light at the end of the tunnel. Stay positive we are making great strides forward.

To my friends living in the Barrie area my thoughts and prayers are with you. I know many of you may have been affected by the Tornado that took place on Thursday Afternoon. Please know your Therapy Dog family is thinking about during this difficult time.

NEWS FROM PHATF

I have attached the 2 latest Public Health Advisory Task Force (PHATF) updates . As you will read, even though many restrictions in LTC have been lifted there remains physical distancing restrictions which limits our ability to return to tactile visiting.

There is a new screening link to be used when going to do any type of visiting which includes window visits. Here is the link SJAO - Public Health Advisory Task Force - Member Screening (google.com). I have also updated the screening form attached with the update.

Volunteers are to include their Coordinators email in the "Optional' section. An email will then be sent to the Volunteer and Coordinator/Designate whether the volunteer has "passed" or "Failed" the screening. If the Volunteer "Passes" the screening they are now eligible to attend the SJA sanctioned visit/activity. Should the Volunteer receive a "Fail" the member is not permitted to attend the sanctioned visit/activity. Coordinators/Designates please connect with your volunteers that have "Failed" the screening to ensure they do not attend the visit/activity. This screening is similar to the screening being conducted in most venues and workplaces.

Should you have any questions please feel free to reach out to me.

CONTACT-FREE DISTANCED OUTDOOR PATIO VISITS WITH BARRIER-

NOW APPROVED WITH APPLICATION

Contact-Free Distanced Outdoor Patio Visits (with a barrier in place) – Approved July 19/21

Important Notes:

1. Your Branch and Coordinator may also have policies and procedures for contact-free distanced patio visits that do not appear here. Always make sure your Coordinator and Branch is aware of and part of your plans for contact-free distanced patio visits as per your Branch’s direction.

2. Application forms for this type of visit must be submitted to the Therapy Dog Recovery Working Group for approval at therapydog@sjaoc.ca. (please find application attached)

Prior to returning to contact-free distanced outdoor patio visits, the re-entry plan for the facility, handler and therapy dog must be completed. (this was explained at the recent Coordinator/Evaluator Workshops) Please connect with me if you still require this training.

· Therapy Dog Vaccinations must be up to date

· Barrier in place (fence, hedge) between patio and therapy dog team while maintaining physical distancing (2 metres/6 feet)

· Contact-free (avoid contact with furniture, gates, doors, windows, ornaments, etc.)

· All visits must be agreed upon through facility management in advance

· Facility staff must be present

· Choose less busy times for these visits and away from high traffic areas

· Limit the number of teams to appropriately fit the area you are visiting to maintain physical distancing (2 metres/6 feet)

· Physical distancing must be maintained at all times for both the handler and the therapy dog. If more than one team is visiting at one time there should be enough distance between not only the handlers but the therapy dogs, as therapy dogs should not be interacting with each other.

· Both handlers and therapy dogs should not be close to or touching another therapy dog, residents, family members or staff during any part of the visit. 12 feet between teams allows for physical distancing to remain in place if the therapy dog is on a full lead.

· Face masks are required

· Sanitize or wash your hands before and after your visit

Therapy Dog - Town Hall

Our Therapy Dog Recovery Working Group has planned a Therapy Dog Town Hall for Thursday July 29th at 7PM. This opportunity will explain our Roadmap to Return to Therapy Dog visits . There are 90 spaces available. Should this workshop fill we will book a second workshop.

Please register for the workshop at https://forms.gle/S2gpkrGF2MBeeeYEA.

As we are expecting a high number of participants we are asking if you have questions please let us know your questions during the registration process and we will do our best to answer them throughout the presentation.

NEWSLETTER- Edition 29

Please find the attached 29th edition of our Therapy Dog Newsletter. Bob continues to inspire us through his newsletters. Bob continues to look for content to include in these newsletters. Please continue to share your stories at bobdarlington.ontario@gmail.com.

Regards,

Marsha

Happy Monday Everyone,

Welcome to the first Monday of July. I just finished my first week of vacation. It was lovely. I was able to wake up without the alarm, drink a slow cup of tea each morning, and go for some nice long walks by the lake. I was also productive this week and I was able to check some things off my ever growing task lists. We did receive quite a bit of rain but the flowers, and grass definitely needed it. I hope we are in for a week of sunshine. Summer is my favorite season.

Now I return to the rat race.

We are currently offering training to our Coordinators and Evaluators on our Road Map to Returning to Tactile Visiting. Stay tuned we will be offering a Town Hall to our the rest of our membership soon.

NEWSLETTER- Edition 28

Please find the attached 28th edition of our Therapy Dog Newsletter. Wow 28 editions, this is amazing. Bob continues to keep us connected and showcasing our members and Therapy Dogs from across Ontario.

Message from Bob:

To all of those Therapy Dog Handlers that have submitted to the newsletter pictures and stories about their beloved four legged partners thank you. The submissions were great and much appreciated by our clients across the province who really enjoy hearing about each and every Therapy Dog in the program. Please take time to send us an update on what you and your dog are doing. For those individuals that have not submitted pictures or an article please take the time to do so since we would like to celebrate the valuable contribution you and your partner make to the program.

I know that some of you may feel uncomfortable putting pen to paper. If you are one of those individuals please reach out to me and I can help you with the article as long as you can provide me with a picture of your dog. Remember every team has such interesting stories to share which will allow us to celebrate the impact that our Therapy Dogs make on the world around us.

Bob can be reached at bobdarlington.ontario@gmail.com.

Coordinator/Evaluator Workshop

We have added a Coordinator/Evaluator workshop on our Road Map to Return to Tactile Visiting on Tuesday July 6th- at 7pm. Please register at https://forms.gle/EP145EnkiJ84Fmrj7. We look forward to seeing you there.

I hope everyone has a great week and enjoys the dog days of summer!!!

Regards,

Marsha

Good Morning and Happy Monday!

I would like to first wish all the Dads and Father Figures a very Happy belated Fathers Day. I hope you were able to enjoy your special day!

As I write this email I am sitting in my backyard with the sun rays beating down. There is a beautiful breeze coming in off the lake. It is just gorgeous out. I sure have missed this. I hope this weather is here to stay for a while. As we ring in the first day of Summer you can see the flowers are in full bloom, the birds continue to sing their lovely songs and I get to spend a part of my afternoon connecting with you. All things to be thank-ful for.

As the Government of Ontario has lifted the “Stay At Home Order” you will notice we are slowly able to implement our En-entry plan.. More will be shared at our Coordinator meeting on Wednesday. At this time we are able to bring back “Contact Free Window Visits”. I Understand this does not work for all facilities but I have heard many touching stories from the facilities that are able to benefit from these types of visits. There are some processes that need to be followed in order to resume these types of visits. I have included the process below. We will be reviewing these process in depth at the Coordinator workshop

Contact-Free Window Visits – Currently approved

Prior to returning to contact-free window visits, the re-entry plan for the facility, handler and therapy dog must be completed.

• Therapy Dog Vaccinations must be up to date

Your Branch and Coordinator may also have policies and procedures for contact-free window visits that do not appear here. Always make sure your Coordinator is aware of and/or part of your plans for contact-free window visits as per your Branch’s direction.

• Contact-free (avoid contact with furniture, gates, doors, windows, ornaments, etc.)

• All visits must be agreed upon through facility management in advance

• Facility staff must be present

• Choose less busy times and areas for these visits and away from the front entrance

• Limit the number of teams to appropriately fit the area you are visiting to maintain physical distancing (2 metres/6 feet)

• Physical distancing must be maintained at all times for both the handler and the therapy dog. If more than one team is visiting at one time there should be enough distance between not only the handlers but the therapy dogs, as therapy dogs should not be interacting with each other.

• Both handlers and therapy dogs should not be close to or touching another therapy dog, residents, family members or staff during any part of the visit. 12 feet between teams allows for physical distancing to remain in place if the therapy dog is on a full lead.

• Face masks are required

• Sanitize or wash your hands before and after your visit

NEWSLETTER- Edition 27

Please find the attached 27th edition of our Therapy Dog Newsletter. Bob has outdone himself again. Please Please Please we are asking you to share positive stories about your experiences with the Therapy Dog program or what has been happening while staying at home. You can send along photos of your dogs enjoying the summer weather or ways they are staying cool. Maybe an interesting story about how your dog became part of your family. Whatever the story we want to hear from you. Please send your entries to bobdarlington.ontario@gmail.com.

I look forward to seeing those Coordinators and Evaluators that have signed up for the Coordinator/ Evaluator Workshop on Wednesday. Your link will be sent out tonight.

I hope you all have a fantastic week! Enjoy the weather and remember to stay cool!

Regards,

Marsha

Good Morning!

Here we are 15 months after COVID-19 arrived and changed our lives. I remain impressed with the resilience and way our members adapted during this time. You are truly amazing and inspirational. I know we are all ready for our lives to return to normal. I am encouraged by the number of emails I have received about our return to visiting and I know our friends are deeply missing the compassion and companionship you and your Therapy Dogs provide.

There is much confusion around the provincial restrictions that are currently in place, leaving us feeling in limbo. There are still many restrictions in place for volunteers at all facilities, even as we enter the province’s new “step” process. These restrictions do not permit a return to tactile visiting yet. The Therapy Dog Recovery Working Group is actively adjusting our plan to link to the province’s new step process and have been researching and preparing guidelines around Therapy Dog visiting.

At this time, only virtual visits are approved.

These visits are very worthwhile and bring comfort to many who have been without visitors for so long. It is a way for us to stay connected yet remain physically distanced.

Please stay tuned - Date is yet to be determined for when we can start our return to contact-free window visits.

We have lots to look forward to. The sun is shining, the warmer weather is here and vaccinations have dramatically reduced the number of COVID-19 cases in our communities. All positive things to be thankful for.

NEWSLETTER- Edition 26

Happy Anniversary to Bob!

It has been a year like no other. Bob graciously stepped up and started writing our Ontario Newsletter for us 1 year ago. This has been a labour of love. The newsletter has definitely kept us informed, entertained and keeping our brains going with the quizzes and mind games. Bob I can not not thank-you enough for continuing to put together these newsletters for our volunteers, facilities and anyone who wants a good read about dogs. I know the time and effort it takes to put each one of these together. THANK YOU!

Please find the attached 26th edition of our newsletter. The stories in the newsletters come from our volunteers. These stories are what makes this newsletter. Please continue to send in your stories. We love to hear from you and see pictures of your pup. I encourage you to send in your story. Your story can be submitted to Bob Darlington at bobdarlington.ontario@gmail.com.

COORDINATOR AND EVALUATOR WORKSHOP

I would like to invite our Coordinators/Evaluators to our next Workshop scheduled for June 23 at 7pm.

We will be able to provide updates to the revised Ontario plan and how our Therapy Dog program fits. Please register for the workshop with the link below https://forms.gle/QLMaiyUM76BC6LeWA .

I hope you all have a fantastic week! Enjoy the weather and remember to stay cool!

Regards,

Marsha

Good Evening!

Well that is a wrap. The 2021 unofficial long week-end into summer has come and gone. What a week-end it was. Mother nature really took care of us and blessed us with this great weather. I think with all everything we have all been through it was very much needed.

I was so happy to be able to give my car a bath. The trees and birds sure do like to make a mess of it. I think they both purposely aim for my car. We shall see how long it can stay in a somewhat clean fashion.

NEWSLETTER- Edition 25

Please find the attached 25th edition of our newsletter. The stories in the newsletters come from our volunteers. These stories are what makes this newsletter. Please continue to send in your stories. We love to hear from you and see pictures of your pup. I encourage you to send in your story. Your story can be submitted to Bob Darlington at bobdarlington.ontario@gmail.com.

ET FIRST AID TIP OF THE WEEK-First Aid Heat Injuries

"Pet First Aid tip from Gary Jack", Pet First Aid Instructor St. John Ambulance.

Signs of Heat Injuries

1.Hot to touch

2.Vomiting

3.Drooling

4.Rapid breathing

5.Panting so hard that it has trouble swallowing

6.Loss of coordination

7.Collapse / lying down and refusing to move

8.Coma

9.Tongue hanging out to an unusual degree/ lips pulled back, back molars exposed

HYDRATION

- Check to see if the gums are moist

- Lift the fur at the shoulders ( if it stays peaked your dog could be dehydrated)

PREVENTION

- Minimize exercise in the heat of the day

- Avoid exercise on unusually hot or humid days\

- Avoid leaving your pet outside for long periods of time

- If outside make sure there is shade and fresh cool water

- Check the temp of the dog regularly Ears, gums, inside thigh

Jogging with your dog is the main cause for heat stroke. The dog’s, and other master dependent species, will faithfully follow the leader even when its health is failing!

DOGS ARE BUILT TO RETAIN HEAT!!!!!!

When a dog is suffering heat exhaustion the first thing that you will notice is his tongue hanging out of his mouth to an unusual degree. His need to try to gasp for air and cool himself will cause his lips to pull back and expose his back molars.

Common in:

-brachycephalic breeds, Bulldog, Pug and Pekingese

-muzzled or animals that cannot open their mouth to pant

-confined to long in direct heat

-being without sufficient fresh water

First Aid

1.Move your pet from the heat and sun

right away

2.Cool by placing COOL wet rags on the body especially

the pads, head and groin

3.Offer your pet COOL water. DO NOT force them to drink

4.Seek Veterinarian assistance as

Hyperthermia is critical in pets!

In regards to pets they have not come to a final conclusion as to its success. Cool Water is a natural way that most animals cool themselves.

When in severe heat distress!

Cool the dog down as quickly as possible without shocking the dog’s system. Move to the coolest spot you can find. Apply ice packs to the abdomen or groin. You will know this is working when his tongue begins to slide back into his mouth a little as he breathes. Do not give him water right away as he will probably throw it up.

If you need to rush him to the veterinarian make sure that the car is cooled down prior to putting him inside. A dog who is stabilizing could be put back into distress when loaded into a hot vehicle.

Don't forget the Paws

I am continuing to look for words of what our Therapy Dog program means to you. Please send them along.

Have a wonderful week!

Marsha

Good Morning My Therapy Dog Family,

I would like to wish a belated Mother Day to all our Mothers. Moms to be, grandmothers, great grands, step moms, aunts, foster moms and of course to our fur baby moms. I hope you were able to enjoy your special day. I wish for nothing more than to celebrate this day differently next year. Where we are able to get together with our loved ones, hug them and let them know how much we missed them.

This week-end, the sun came out to play. Woohoo!!!! It seems after a long run of rain the sun has come and joined us for a visit. It was so nice to spend some time outdoors in the fresh air. Summer is on its way, I can feel it, we just need to hang on a little while longer.

You will find below details for our next workshop and how to register as well as your “Pet First Aid Tip” brought to you by Gary Jack.

We also have our amazing Newsletter. I love to curl up with a hot cup of tea and take some time to read all the wonderful stories.

Please continue to stay safe by physically distancing yourself from others, wear a face mask and keep washing your hands. We will get through this, we are in it together. Stay safe!

Workshop- Buckle Up

When- Wednesday May 19th

Time- 7 PM

Presented By- Gael Ross

Registration Link: https://forms.gle/DHjWZJQpySC6Po5t5

BARC (BuckleUp Animal Restraint Control) is an information/educational safety programme concerned with keeping you and your dog safe while driving.

You wouldn’t think of letting your children or grandchildren get in a car without buckling up! Don’t you think your furry family members deserve the same care.

Pet seat belts do exist! Driving with pets can be dangerous for both you and your furry family member. Not only are pets natural-born distracters, they can be seriously injured and can seriously injure you—if not properly restrained

An unrestrained pet becomes a projectile in a sudden stop or an accident. When you come to a sudden stop and have control your dog can still go flying against the back of your seat and cause you to lose control and an accident that didn’t have to happen does.

To register for the workshop please follow the link below. We have room for 100 participants to join the fun.

NEWSLETTER- Edition 24

Here is our 24th Newsletter edition. Please continue to share stories and pictures to Bob for the newsletter. Content can be sent to Bob at bobdarlington.ontario@gmail.com.

PET FIRST AID TIP OF THE WEEK-First Aid for Ticks

"Pet First Aid tip from Gary Jack", Pet First Aid Instructor St. John Ambulance.

Types of Ticks

Photo of Ticks click HERE

Tick Removal Instruments

Photo of Tick Instruments click HERE'

Tick Kits click HERE

FIRST AID FOR TICKS: Emergency Scene Management – Scene Survey, Primary Survey (ABCs and Rapid Body)

1. Remove with splinter forceps/tweezers by grasping the head, as close to the skin as possible, and pulling steadily and gently

2. Special tools available too (Tick removal tool)

3. Lyme disease is a possibility – if it’s embedded more than 24 hours get prophylactic antibiotic

4. Clean the area and get veterinary help.

5. Retain the tick for medical examination.

6. Ongoing casualty care.

Thank-you Gary for sharing this fantastic tip!

Have a great week Everyone!

Marsha

Good Morning My Therapy Dog Family,

I hope this email finds everyone well, healthy and staying safe while we navigate this third wave and fingers crossed the last wave of Covid-19. I can not explain the excitement that came over me when I was able to book my vaccination date. It was a feeling of taking one step forward to the end of this. I am a person who hates vaccinations and needles and often avoids them at all costs, but here I am booked and ready to go.

I thought I would share this card with you. I know the colours and phrase definitely brightened my day and it is absolutely true. There were many messages of gratitude shared throughout Volunteer Week . I have attached a one from our Provincial Commissioner to this email for you to read. I know I am honoured every day to volunteer for St. John Ambulance and humbled to be part of the Therapy dog program. I would like to put together a little art of what volunteering means to our Therapy Dog volunteers. If you would kindly send me words or small phases of what volunteering means to you it would be greatly appreciated.

Therapy Dog Re-Entry Process

The Recovery Working Group has completed 5 workshops to Coordinators/ Evaluators walking our way through the Re-entry plan of our program. Thank-you to those who have attended. There are a few Coordinators and evaluators that have reached out to me as they were unable to attend one of our scheduled presentations . Please let me know if you missed one of our presentations and I will arrange one more session. Once the sessions are completed I will send out the PowerPoint presentation.

NEWSLETTER

Wow edition 23.

Bob Darlington continues to share stories of our volunteers who continue to navigate and who have pivoted their volunteer experience. We would love to hear more stories from you.

If you are interested in sharing your experience with your fellow volunteers, facilities and many others that are receiving this newsletter please contact Bob for more information. I know the pictures of our K9s warm my heart and put a smile on my face. Bob can be reached at bobdarlington.ontario@gmail.com.

PET FIRST AID TIP OF THE WEEK

I know you can all sympathize with the horror and disappointment when we realize our loved one tries to play with a skunk. The trick is to find something that works.

THE BEST SOLUTION

1. ¼ Cup of Baking Soda

1-2 teaspoons of mild dishwashing

2. detergent like dawn

1 litre of 3% hydrogen peroxide

3. solution

4. Mix in a bucket and use immediately

Work the foaming mixture well into the

5. coat

6. Leave on for 5- 15 minutes

7. Rinse with Warm water

8. Follow with dog shampoo if desired

This solution can also be used on people, clothing and furniture.

Myth: tomato juice, lemon juice and febreze do not work

Good Luck!

Have a great week!

Marsha

Hello Therapy Dog Volunteers

Well I am sitting here writing this email as we have just finished our second virtual conference. I echo the remarks stated that this does not replace being able to get together in person but “Zoom” has been a great tool in keeping us connected through the pandemic. We will continue to stay connected virtually and hope this time next year we are able to gather in person. I have my fingers and toes crossed.

I would like to thank Gary as he provided an awesome presentation on Pet First Aid. I know I learned a lot. Gary did the most marvelous job as we navigated some technology issues. There were some challenges we just couldn’t predict even though we had practised a few days before. We will continue to learn as we navigate this virtual learning environment.

I hope that you have had an opportunity to enjoy the wonderful weather that we have been having. It has been awesome to go outside in just a light jacket and enjoy the warm sun rays.

OPPORTUNITIES TO VOLUNTEER

During the conference it was mentioned about a call out with opportunities to volunteer for a variety of Council Board and Committee opportunities. I have attached the email that was sent out last week. If you are interested, I would encourage you to apply.

PHATF UPDATE

The PHATF provided another update due to the provincial “Stay at Home” order. I have attached the most recent update to this email. If you have any questions regarding the update and what this means for the Therapy Dog program please reach out.

NEWSLETTER

Thank-you to Bob Darlington who continues to write and gather information for these fantastic newsletters. Please find the 22nd edition attached. Bob has let me know that he has very little content to share in the next newsletter. He is really looking for your help to make these newsletters a success. Please share stories, pictures and content that you feel would be a great addition to the newsletter. Material can be sent to Bob at bobdarlington.ontario@gmail.com

*** Notice of Apology- In our latest newsletter we had an article "How to give a cat a pill" which talks about the misadventures of someone attempting to give their cat a pill. We would like to assure everyone that we do not condone the abuse of any animal for medical reasons or not. If this article has given anyone angst we are truly sorry. Please find the revised Newsletter attached***

PET FIRST AID

Coming out of the Pet First Aid session during the conference we will be starting a new series. With each Advisor update a Pet First Aid tip will be provided. We hope this series will be both educational and informative. Please stay tuned as the series will start with the next update.

Have a wonderful week!

Regards,

Marsha

Hello Therapy Dog Volunteers,

I hope this email finds you well. We saw some great weather this week which really makes it feel like Spring is on its way.

I would like to send out a huge congratulations to our one and only Heather Leong for her promotion to Officer in the Order of St. John Ambulance. We all know the dedication and contributions Heather continues to provide to St. John Ambulance. We are so grateful to have her as part of our team.

St. John Ambulance has announced the details of the virtual conference on April 10th. Please find the information below.

The deadline to register is April 8th. We look forward to seeing you there.

CONFERENCE

St. John Council for Ontario 2021 Virtual Conference

As previously announced, on behalf of St. John Council for Ontario will host on Saturday April 10^th 2021, an online virtual “St. John Council for Ontario 2021 Virtual Conference”. The virtual conference will start at 9:00AM and ending approximately 12 Noon.

We look forward to connecting and engaging with our members; the Conference will coincide with the April Branch Board Chair video conference which is being held on Thursday, April 8th at 7 pm, to provide an opportunity to adapt our Council events during this time COVID-19 restrictions.

Attached is our 2021 Virtual Conference Registration Package for more details.

Please complete the online registration link to sign up for sessions, deadline is Thursday April 8^th 4PM,

To register click >>>>>HERE <<<<<<

Prior to the conference date you will receive access to the “2021 Ontario Council Conference Program and Guide”. Within this Guide is all the information and Zoom Meeting Links you will need to join on April 10th.

New this year: we are utilising a Q&A Platform called ‘Slido’ for our Panel Q&A Segments. To assist with the flow of the Panel Q&A segments we will be asking a question via ‘Slido’ prior to April 10th. More details on how to submit your question will be within the 2021 Ontario Council Conference Program and Guide.

Please feel free to reach out with any questions to conference@sjaoc.ca

Brian J.J. Cole, Chief Executive Officer, and Clare Akintoye, Manager, Community Services

NEWSLETTER

Please find the attached newsletter from Bob. Please continue to share. Bob is always looking for new content to add to the newsletters. Bob can be contacted at bobdarlington.ontario@gmail.com

COORDINATOR WORKSHOPS

I would like to thank our Coordinators/Evaluators who have recently taken the “Re-Entry Workshop” If you have not secured your seat we have one more date available on Saturday April 17th. Please register through this link https://forms.gle/KzTgC8j1G2zEaZf79.

Once we complete the Coordinator/Evaluator workshops we will be providing to our volunteers.

Have a great week!

Regards,

Marsha

Hello Therapy Dog Volunteers,

Here's to another weekly update.

As I write this email at 7pm on Sunday it is still light outside. What a difference. I have been looking forward to this all winter. It was so worth losing an hour of sleep this morning. It is a sure sign Spring is on its way.

As I do not have much to report these days I will be transitioning to writing these updates twice a month. I will continue to keep you informed with any changes from our Public Health Advisory Task Force and information sent out by St. John Ambulance. We will be starting our Therapy Dog Coordinator/Evaluator Workshops this week and will continue to plan workshops and ways for you to connect.

Newsletter

Thanks Bob for the wonderful attached Newsletter. Please continue to share the newsletter far and wide. These newsletters are a labour of love for Bob. His only wish is that they reach as many people as possible. Bob continues to need more content so if you have pictures or stories to share please email Bob at bobdarlington.ontario@gmail.com.

Have a wonderful week. Should you have any questions please feel free to reach out to me.

Stay well and continue to physically distance, wash your hands and stay home as much as possible.

We are in this together!

Best Regards,

Marsha

Good Morning Everyone.

How is everyone doing today? I hope everyone had a great week-end.

Well I hope the saying is true- in like a Lion out like a lamb. I can’t wait to see the lamb, although we didn't exactly see the lion either. I think I am just looking forward to the warmer weather. It us so hard to believe it is March 1st. I have no idea where January and February went. Here we are starting a new month.

Just for you- I have put together the recipes I received and put them together in a recipe book for you. I know I always enjoy getting new recipes to try. I hope you enjoy some of these recipes too. Thank you to everyone that submitted a recipe. It was a lot of fun putting these all together.

Workshop

We have scheduled our next workshop and hope that you will be able to join us. I kindly ask that you only register if you know that you will be able to attend. There are limited spaces available on the “Zoom” account and we want to ensure the spaces are filled with those available to attend. Please see the detail for the workshops below.

Name of Workshop: Canine Massage at Home

Description:

From puppy to senior, canine massage can benefit your dog's physical health and strengthen your connection. Join Heather as she takes you on a tour of your dog’s body, talks about the benefits of massage and shows you a basic massage routine you can you use with your dog at home.

Date: March 25th

Time: 7PM

Registration: Please email at therapydog@sjaoc.ca

Newsletter

Bob has once again offered us a great opportunity to stay connected. I would kindly ask that you continue to share this far and wide. Please continue to submit material for these newsletters. We have quite a few holidays coming up including St. Patrick's Day, Easter and Mothers Day. There is lots of opportunity to send along pictures and messages. (click here)

Friendly reminder: 2021 Virtual Conference-April 10th- Save the Date

UPCOMING: STAY TUNED: Coordinator and Evaluator Workshops will be announced soon.

I Hope you have a fantastic week!

Marsha,

Hello Everyone!

I hope everyone had a great week.

As I write this email snow is just gently falling. It does look beautiful, I just wish it was a tad bit warmer. I have noticed in the last week that our days are beginning to get longer. I am sure many of you are like me and enjoying the longer days and soon to be the warmer temperatures. Although it looks like we are in for another blast of snow on Monday.

For those of you that were on the social last Saturday- Anna shared with us about Bird watching/tracking. What an interesting process. Please find information below from Anna about how you can start bird tracking. Thanks Anna for sharing this with us.

The bird identification app is called Merlin and it will prompt you to download the bird pack for this part of the continent after adding the app to your device, so that it will have a database with which to work and help narrow down your id. It’s pretty neat how it just uses your GPS location and you click on the main 3 or so colours you saw, where you saw it (ie. in a tree, on a wire, flying, etc) and then it gives you a list of possibilities with photos that you can look through. If you want to, you can even report your special bird sighting via Merlin as it will guide you through that process if you so choose.

The eBird app can be added on your phone so that bird sightings from a session of bird watching can be done remotely, but you can also keep track and enter your information on your computer later and not use the app. The computer website also has so much information available via the tabs at the top, especially the Explore tab, where you can find incredible maps for every bird species and where they have been viewed. I recommend spending the half hour or so on going through the Essentials course, which is a tutorial explaining how to use eBird (I think I found it in the Help tab under Getting Started). All of these things are free from The Cornell Lab of Ornithology. I wish I’d spent the time to figure this out sooner, as it wasn’t as complicated as I had thought it would be. Both the phone apps and the website are very user-friendly. I hope you take a look and get hooked.

Public Health Advisory Task Force Update

Many of our regions have now entered into the reopening framework for the province of Ontario. Please find the information below sent out from the Task Force last week. Should you have any questions about the reopening framework for St.John Ambulance please feel free to reach out to me. There is a step by step process being developed by the Recovery Working Group and will be ready to present to Coordinators and Evaluators in March.

To: Council Board, Provincial Office, Senate, Chaplains, Council Committees, Branch Chairs and Branch ED/Managers – for information sharing with all volunteers, instructors and employees.

The St. John Council for Ontario Public Health Advisory Task Force (PHATF) continues to diligently review, monitor and work on updates for our volunteers, employees and instructors. In addition to health agencies and authorities, the PHATF works closely with the Council Chairman, CEO, board and management to ensure information is timely, accurate and consistent with SJA policies and procedures.

All SJA Ontario COVID-19 related event requests, social media considerations & photos (drafts) and all COVID-19 related questions must go directly to the PHATF at coronavirus@sjaoc.ca as they are the Official St. John Council for Ontario point of contact for SJA COVID-19 information, engagement and response queries.

Advisory regarding the novel respiratory infection (COVID-19) – UPDATE 170221-1

Please see attached:

2021 SJA Internal Memo – Novel

1. Coronavirus #24

SJA Covid-19 Response Framework –

2. Chart V2. (Chart)

This Memo includes update, directives and recommendations for:

Update Reference Chart: SJA

• Covid-19 Response Framework – Chart V2.

• Case Count and Variants

• Vaccinations

• Rapid Testing

• Other Training

Support for Community Vaccination

• Clinics

• Reminder

• More information and Links

Information specific to SJA activities and status around COVID-19 is centralized at the following website for ready access: https://sites.google.com/sjaoc.ca/phatf

Kind Regards,

On behalf of the Chairman, CEO and PHATF of St. John Council for Ontario,

Clare Akintoye, MStJ

Manager, Community Services

St. John Ambulance | Council for Ontario

15 Toronto Street, Suite 800, Toronto, Ontario M5C 2E3

Tel: (416) 923-8411 Ext: 233 , Email: clare.akintoye@sja.ca

Charitable Registration No.: 10802 2237 RR0001

Friendly Reminder- SAVE THE DATE- 2021 Virtual Conference-April 10th- Mark Your Calendars- Registration details will be shared in March

I hope you have a wonderful week.

Best Regards,

Marsha

Hello Everyone!

Well the weather predictions are in, those living in the south part of the province are expecting 10- 15 cm of snow. I hope the weather predictions are yet again wrong. I have enjoyed not having to clear snow off my car every day.

Thank-you to everyone who was able to join us on the “Zoom” call on Saturday. I think you would agree with me that this gave everyone a chance to connect. We have lots of talented volunteers in our Therapy Dog group. We saw yarn dying, knitting, crocheting, painting, miniature furniture making and so much more. I loved seeing all the creations and what you have been doing to keep yourself busy while we are in these lock downs. Thanks for the laughs. I will be working on putting all your recipes together. If you have some more to send please forward to me at therapydog@sjaoc.ca.

The first long week-end of the year (Family Day) has passed. I hope each of you has been able to connect with family in some sort of way. I know I had an open “Zoom” call with my family. It was good to see family near and far. Although very different we were all appreciative to be able to see one another.

2021 Virtual Conference-Save the Date

Council Board, Council Committee Chairs, Prov. Office, Branch Chairs & Branch Executive Directors and Managers – please kindly share this information with your Branch Boards, Units and leaders

On behalf of St. John Council for Ontario we would like to announce our 2021 Annual Conference which has been transitioned to virtual due to the ongoing pandemic related public health restrictions related to group sizes, etc. Council will host a virtual engagement conference on the morning of Saturday April 10^th.

The outline of this virtual morning will include; engagement/learning sessions for Community Service programs, which will be hosted on the Zoom platform, beginning at 9:00AM, wrapping up at approx.. 12noon.

As we finalize the schedule and online registration form, we look forward to engaging with all our members, during this unique time.

Specific details will be circulated shortly,

Newsletter

Please find Bob’s 18th edition of his newsletter. I know this is a labour of love. Please continue to share and near and wide. I know you love seeing all the wonderful photos and stories as much as I do. Please keep sending in photos and stories for us to read. Please send content to bobdarlington.ontario@gmail.com.

WAGZ Contest

REMINDER: Our Wagz editing team is running a “ New Trick” contest. We want to see all the wonderful tricks our Therapy Dogs have learned during the pandemic. Please see the entry details below. I am looking forward to seeing these wonderful tricks.

I hope you all have a wonderful and safe week!

Regards,

Marsha

Good Morning Therapy Dog Volunteers,

I hope this email finds you well and happy.

I have to say I look forward to writing these emails each week. You may ask why. Well I will tell you. This gives me some time to connect with each of you. Staying connected to the people I care about has been my mission since the pandemic started. This weekly update has provided me an opportunity to stay connected to you and for that I am grateful.

I ask you to continue to stay connected with one another, friends and family. This is so important. As Family Day approaches we are spending another holiday away from family and friends. Find a way to stay connected for this special holiday.

As part of the working group our team is always looking for ways to stay connected with you.

We have planned a Valentines social.

SOCIAL DETAILS- ****IMPORTANT CHANGES****

We have had to make some changes to the Zoom platform for our social on Saturday. We would like volunteers to register for the social so we know how many might be attending. The Zoom Link has been changed.

The details are below. If you are interested in attending please email me. Seating is limited so I would kindly ask that you register only if you can attend. Bring with you your favorite treat and beverage.

This workshop is available for all of our Therapy Dog volunteers.

Date: Saturday February 13th

Time: 1PM

Registration: therapydog@sjaoc.com (limited seating available)

I thought it would be fun if we did a recipe exchange for our favorite treat. (this can include treats for humans and treats for our Therapy Dogs) Lets share those treat ideas with each other. Bring your recipe with you along with you and email me a copy. I will put together a recipe book for us all. I look forward to seeing you there.

Please find a youtube video below. I thought you might enjoy this one as much as I did.

https://youtu.be/vYmSAMcwXA8

Have a wonderful week!

Regards,

Marsha

Woof Woof to all our Therapy Dog Volunteers,

Congratulations! We made it through January- we are one month closer to Spring. Yahoo!! This is where we get to see the birds start to chirp, buds on the trees getting ready to come to life and the warmer weather. I can taste it. I know we will get there- just need to have a little patience.

I hope you have all had an opportunity to read and share the Wagz newsletter that was sent our last week. The planning process has already started for the next edition. I have attached the Wagz Newsletter to this email if by chance you did not receive it. It is worth sharing a second time.

This is a newsletter written by volunteers, for the volunteer. They need your assistance to make this happen. Here are some topics that the editing team is working on:

• A feature on Window Visits

• The Canine Scholar

• Dear Audrey

• Positive and Rewarding things to do with our dogs

If you have any submissions for the above topics and/or other submission ideas they would love to hear from you. Please email at wagz.submit@gmail.com

Newsletter

I have attached Bob’s 17th provincial newsletter since the pandemic. These are a tremendous amount of work and he continues to do them for us. Please continue to share this far and wide. We kindly ask that you continue to send along submissions for this Newsletter to bobdarlington.ontario@gmail.com. We are always looking for new content and stories to be featured.

Social

Please join us on Saturday February 13th for our First social of the year. It will be fun to see everyone. Bring with you your favorite treat and beverage.

I thought it would be fun if we did a recipe exchange for our favorite treat. (this can include treats for humans and treats for our Therapy Dogs) There are some wonderful homemade lets share those treat ideas with each other. I look forward to seeing you there.

Date: Saturday February 13th

Time: 1PM

Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/91717985204?pwd=WDU4VVl3WVhuOVcydTJLMk5XVjYzZz09

Well that is all from me. Have a wonderful week!

Regards,

Marsha

Good Morning Therapy Dog Teams!

Well here in southern Ontario the sun blessed us with her presence over the week-end, it was so nice to see. I had the window open a smidge to allow in some fresh air. Hopefully this means Spring is just around the corner. I can only hope for a nice easy Winter and an early start to Spring.

We have a terrific new resource for Community Services that was launched this week. You can find a wide variety of resources for community services including our beloved Therapy Dog program. You will find Community Service Manuals, a folder for our Therapy Dog Program and information on Honours and Awards. This is a link to put in a safe place for easy access. We will continue to add resources to this platform.

Community Service Link: https://sjaasj.sharepoint.com/:f:/s/Mutual_ON_Office/EsUSaA56_txEpPUzujumdYwBMwxpMFXVDTo28DOq8QD-NQ?

The provincial office sent the call for nominations/promotions forms this week. This is the time to start thinking about those fantastic volunteers that you would like to recognize in your units. It is great that we have this way to celebrate the contributions our volunteers have made to St. John Ambulance.

Newsletter

Here is the second Newsletter of 2021. Bob has done it again. Please continue to share this Newsletter far and wide. I cannot believe I am saying this. We are looking for content for our Newsletters into February. What better way than showing our love for our dogs. Bob is looking for pictures of your dogs celebrating Valentine's Day.

Please continue to send material to Bob Darlington at bobdarlington.ontario@gmail.com.

Workshop

I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to Dr. Kim for hosting our first Workshop of 2021. I was overwhelmed with members that wanted to attend. It was the perfect presentation after receiving the difficult news that a “ State of Emergency” in Ontario was called and a “Stay at Home” order. We were provided with many great techniques that may help us get through these challenging days.

I will sign off for now.

Have a fantastic week. Stay safe!

Best Regards,

Marsha

Provincial Therapy Dog Advisor

Hello Therapy Dogs,

Here we are another week into 2021 and more announcements were made in regards to Covid-19. The news was not so positive but we will get there. Hang in there with me.

With all the American news this week, I have never been so happy to live in Canada and the opportunity to volunteer with St. John Ambulance, a true humanitarian organization and most of all to volunteer with all of you.

Workshops

Our first workshop of 2021 is scheduled for Wednesday January 13th at 7pm. I was completely overwhelmed with over 100 registrations for this workshop. I have had to make some changes in order to accept everyone into this workshop. Details will be emailed to the registrants on Tuesday. If you are interested in registering please let me know by Monday so I can ensure everyone receives the link on Tuesday. I have included information on the workshop below.

Creating Certainty in an Uncertain World-

This how-to, hands-on workshop will share the top techniques from quantum integrative medicine for creating certainty, calmness and clarity during uncertain times.

Come get a better understanding of how the mind-body connection works and get tools that you can use immediately; physically, emotionally, mentally, and at the quantum level!

Dr. Kim Redman, one of our own therapy dog members and evaluators, is the highest ranked professional in her industry in the country, and globally ranked in the top 5. Dr. Kim shares and trains these techniques with the medical industry, organizations and companies, and individuals.

She will take us through some quick tools in each quadrant and stay online with us for Q & A too! There is something for everyone!

I would kindly ask that you forward this workshop to your membership.

To register for this workshop please email me (Marsha) at therapydog@sjaoc.ca.

COVID-19 Hours and Activities

Thank-you to everyone that has provided me with a list of volunteers that have pivoted their volunteer experience since Covid-19 began.

I am truly humbled to see and hear of so many of our volunteers that have changed the way they volunteer. I know that volunteering in these virtual ways is a challenge and it is just not the same but trust you are doing so much good for your community.

I Hope everyone has a fantastic week. I will see you back here next week.

I hope everyone has a great week!

Best Regards,

Marsha

Provincial Therapy Dog Advisor

Hello Everyone,

Happy New Year to my Therapy Dog friends! I have surely missed you over the past couple of weeks. I really enjoy our time together and am looking forward to seeing each other again, even if it is for a virtual visit.

This year I was in bed before the New Year was brought in but did have time to reflect on 2020 and what a year it has been and to think about my wishes and hopes for 2021.

My wishes for 2021 are for my friends and family to remain healthy through this pandemic, hopes that the vaccination roll out will be successful and that we will be able to gather in groups before the end of the year.

This month is going to be tough for many as the province has issued a province wide lock down. Our Therapy Dog recovery group will continue to walk beside you as we navigate all the changes we are encountering each day.

Newsletter

The first Newsletter of the year has been delivered. I feel like it is Christmas all over again and I am opening a precious gift that Bob has provided to us all.

Message from Bob:

Please encourage more people to contribute to the newsletter. I am running low on articles. I have been suggesting that they write about memorable

Therapy Dog visits since they are often the ones that make you say that is why I am in the program.

Please continue to send material to Bob Darlington at bobdarlington.ontario@gmail.com.

Please continue to share this gift with our volunteers and facilities. We love reading them.

Workshops

Please stay tuned about information regarding our upcoming workshops. Look for an email this coming week.

COVID-19 Hours and Activities

Just a friendly reminder to email me a complete list of Volunteers that have been innovative and have pivoted their volunteering experience due to Covid-19. This may include but not limited to virtual and window Therapy Dog visits. I would kindly ask that I receive a list by the end of the year.

The second part of this is to provide hours for our volunteers that have provided service in relation to Covid-19. I realize this is a challenging task and may take some time to get answers from your volunteers. I hope that we can collect a list by mid January. We will continue to ask for updates so we can publish an ongoing statistic of the volunteer hours provided by our Therapy Dogs.

I hope everyone has a great week! Stay well and be kind we will get through this together.

Best Regards,

Marsha

Provincial Therapy Dog Advisor

Happy Greetings to my Therapy Dog friends!

I am always amazed how fast the year goes by, each year feels like it went by faster than the year before. It is amazing how this happens, I remember being a child thinking the year went by so sl--ow---ly! I believe this happens to most of us. All I can hope is that the next few months will fly by as the vaccination roll out begins. I can not wait for life to return to some normalcy and of course for the time we are able to get back to visiting and being together.

I am sure like you, my holiday season does not feel the same. Usually these days I would by going from one family dinner to another. We would be preparing to go to my Nana’s for a large Christmas celebration. She is always happy to have her family all around (about 30 of us). I am really going to miss being with them this year but I am doing my part to stop the spread. I am sure you all have similar stories. I hope you are all able to find different ways to celebrate and are able to make memories in a new way.

Newsletter

Our Newsletter is out! Hooray! It's the most wonderful time of the week! (sing to the tune “ It’s the most wonderful time of the year”) So much time, thought and work has been put into these newsletters.

Please continue to share with our volunteers and facilities. I am sure they will enjoy the stories, games and oh the cuteness overload with the photos. They just make my day!

I would like to thank-you for continuing to contribute to these newsletters. Please continue to send material to Bob Darlington at bobdarlington.ontario@gmail.com. He is running low on material from our volunteers. Keep sending in the stories. We love reading them.

COVID-19 Hours and Activities

Just a friendly reminder to email me a complete list of Volunteers that have been innovative and have pivoted the volunteering experience due to Covid-19. This may include but not limited to virtual and window Therapy Dog visits. I would kindly ask that I receive a list by the end of the year.

The second part of this is to provide hours for our volunteers that have provided service in relation to Covid-19. I realize this is a challenging task and may take some time to get answers from your volunteers. I hope that we can collect a list by mid January. We will continue to ask for updates so we can publish an ongoing statistic of the volunteer hours provided by our Therapy Dogs.

Reminder

The government is announcing many changes to the colour of many areas across the province. Please remember any Yellow, Orange, Red and Grey all need the Public Health Task Force approval for visits. Please note if a Therapy Dog group was in Green and then moves to Yellow - they will now need to

go through the approval process. It is important to reach out to me once you have been approved for visiting so we are able to provide the full re-entry process. There will be Coordinator training coming in January.

Coordinator Request

From- Cynthia Howe

A friend of mine sent me a request this morning with details below.

I was wondering if it could be passed onto our therapy dog members. Apparently Chad loves animals and so when I sent my card, I included one of Jenny’s business cards. Thank you!

Cynthia and Jenny 🐾

Thanks sooooooo much.

This fellow is my friend’s nephew and he is the kindest soul! His info

is.... Chad Salemink

1845 Main St. Unit 8

Val Caron, ON

P3N 1B6

Well thanks for reading!

I wish you all a wonderful, healthy and safe holiday season! May it be Merry and Bright.

Best Regards!

Marsha Seens

Provincial Therapy Dog Advisor

Good Morning Therapy Dogs!

Well time continues to tick. It is so hard to believe that we have been under this pandemic for 9 months now. We have learned so much about

resilience, adaptability and looking out for one another.

We have received hopeful news about the first vaccines coming to Canada this week. This provides us a glimmer of hope that we will be able to return

to our “New Normal” sometime in 2021.

We held the last of our Holiday Social series on Wednesday. I hope you had as great a time attending as we had planning these events. There were lots of laughs, opportunities to connect and to see our fellow volunteers. It was so nice to be able to put names to faces.

Our Recovery Working group is already looking forward to planning some more social events in 2021.

Therapy Dog Workshop

Our workshop series was a success in 2020 with lots of topics being covered from May through October. As we start planning into 2021, we are looking for your ideas for future workshops. If you have a workshop suggestion please send along to me to Therapydog@sjaoc.ca.

COVID-19 Hours and Activities

Just a friendly reminder in regards to the email I sent out to Coordinators on Thursday. We are looking for a complete list of Volunteers that have been innovative and that have pivoted their volunteering experience due to Covid-19. This may include but not limited to virtual and window Therapy Dog visits. I would kindly ask that I receive a list by the end of the year.

The second part of this is to provide hours for our volunteers that have provided service in relation to Covid-19. I realize this is a challenging task and may take some time to get answers from your volunteers. I hope that we can collect a list by mid January. We will continue to ask for updates so we can publish an ongoing statistic of the volunteer hours provided by our Therapy Dogs, handlers and volunteers. I know this is going to be a staggering number and we would like to showcase the volunteering our Therapy Dog volunteers continue to provide even through the restrictions.

I am honoured to be part of a volunteer group who have adapted so much and that continue to support their communities. Thank-you!!!!

I thought I would share this quote with you. I love it!

I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. -- Maya Angelou

Please feel free to reach out to me anytime. I love hearing from you.

Have a wonderful week. See you back here next week!

Marsha

Provincial Therapy Dog Advisor

Good Morning Therapy Dogs!

I hope this email finds everyone well and healthy. It is hard to believe that Christmas is less than 3 weeks away.

How is that holiday shopping going? I usually love to walk the malls (when they are not too crowded), listen to the holiday music, see the magic in the children's eyes as they await to sit on Santa's knee and the excitement of picking out the perfect gift for a friend or family member. This year shopping is sitting on my couch looking through a variety of online sites to find that perfect gift.

It is not the same, however I am grateful for technology where I am able to shop but most of all I am grateful for the technology that allows me to stay

connected with you.

Newsletter

Once again Bob has out done himself with this newsletter. Click HERE We need to Thank Bob for continuing to keep us connected with each other and with our facilities. Please continue to send Bob pictures, uplifting stories or your Therapy Dog bios to bobdarlington.ontario@gmail.com. We love to hear them.

Therapy Dog Holiday Social

We hosted our second Coordinator/Evaluator virtual social on Saturday. I think everyone who attended would agree it was lots of fun with tons of

laughs. I think this really moved us to get us in the holiday spirit. It was so fun to see everyone and their K9s in their holiday attire. Thanks to everyone that participated.

This is the last chance to sign up for a holiday social our Coordinators/Evaluators. We would love to see you and your pooches there. Please find details

below for registration. To sign up simply email Lesley and she will add you to our list.

Date: Wednesday December 9th

Time: 7PM

Leslie Email- leslie.tdogs@gmail.com

Therapy Dog YouTube Channel

Let’s Bring on some

more holiday cheer!!!

Heather sent out an email earlier this week about adding Holiday Cheer to our YouTube channel. What a fabulous idea! In case you missed it…...

Please send out this appeal to your Therapy Dog members!

I had the thought today that it would be great fun to get some holiday content onto the

St.John Ambulance Digital Therapy Dog YouTube channel! The current 'highlighted' video is our summer vacation college - time to get current with the season!

Here are some video ideas - let's see what our amazing volunteers come up with!

your Therapy Dog enjoying a snowy walk or

play session with snowballs playing and barking as mom or dad shovels the driveway

- a message of love, cheer, hope from your Therapy Dog by the hearth or Christmas tree

- a funny video of a naughty TD dog stealing Santa's cookies!

- a custom message from your Therapy Dog to their friends at a particular LTC home or facility

- let your creativity shine and celebrate the winter and holiday season to share with others

Please send your videos to wagz.submit@gmail.com with the subject 'Holiday Therapy Dogs'. If you need the link to a shared Google Drive folder so you can upload it there, I can send that to you.

Thank you and Happy Holidays!

Cheers,

Heather

--------------

on behalf of WAGZ Heather Leong

Cambridge SJA TDs

I can not wait to see the creative entries. They will be sure to brighten our days.

CONGRATULATIONS 🎈🎈 to Brampton Therapy Dog 1072 on winning

the Watson Trophy. This Trophy is awarded to the Community Service unit with the greatest percentage increase in membership over the preceding calendar year as reflected in the

Unit Annual Report .

A round of ap-paws for a terrific group of volunteers. It is so special that this trophy was awarded to a Therapy Dog unit this year! Way to go!!!!

Well that is it for now! Have a wonderful week and I will leave you with this meme. I think we can all relate to this below.

See you

next week!

Marsha

Hello Everyone,

As I write this email I am sitting with a cup of hot chocolate, the Christmas tree lights are on and a Hallmark movie is playing in the background. All these things provide me with a sense of normality in times that are far from normal. I encourage you to find a little piece of normal every day, it helps us get through these tough times.

I would like to thank each of you that have reached out over the past week. It is such an honour to be in this role. Please know I am here to assist you in any way that I can. I will continue with Leslie’s tradition in providing weekly inspiration. Hopefully I can provide you with half the inspiration she was able to provide all of us.

If you have inspiration to share with our St. John family please feel free to share.

Now let us get to it!

HOLIDAY PARTIES

We hosted our first holiday party last Tuesday. There was lots of time to connect with one another and play a few games. There were many laughs and I really enjoyed seeing all the holiday spirit. I am sure our judges had a hard time choosing the winners of our contest. Winners can expect a little gift from us in the mail in the coming days.

If you would like to join in one of the holiday parties there is still time to register. We would love to see you there. As space is limited these sessions are being offered to Coordinators, Evaluators and 1 or 2 leaders in your unit that you would like to recognize. We encourage coordinators to host a holiday party or end of year for their members.

DATES: Saturday December 5^th or Wednesday December 9^th

Please email Leslie to register at leslie.tdogs@gmail.com

THERAPY DOG NEWSLETTER

Bob Darling continues to keep us connected through his bi-weekly newsletter. The stories, jokes and puzzles are always a good way to start my morning.

Please share these newsletters with your volunteers, facilities and anyone who may enjoy a smile.

Bob is currently looking for stories and pictures of your dogs dressed up for this holiday season. You can send these stories and pictures directly to bob at bobdarlington.ontario@gmail.com.

I can’t wait to see them. This will give us some good ol holiday cheer!

APPROVED VISITS AND LEVEL “GREEN” FRAMEWORK

As many of you read last week our Therapy Dog program has a glimmer of hope for those who are living in colour “Green”. This refers to the Government of Ontario’s reopening framework. The Public Health Advisory Task Force has approved Therapy Dog visits for those in green with recommendations. It is important to reach out to me if you are planning to return to visiting as there are processes in place prior to returning to visiting.

This does provide us all with hope. We will get there together. This is one of many puppy steps.

In January the Recovery Working Group will be planning training for our Coordinators/Evaluators on these processes and the requirements for resuming visits.

Please continue to stay home, wear your mask and wash your hands. We are in this together and as Leslie has always said we are walking beside you.

If you have any questions please reach out to me.

Till the next time,

Marsha Seens

Hello Everyone, Happy Monday morning! I have lots to talk about so I'll get right to it, trusting you are well and working hard to keep those spirits up!

Our November 24th virtual party is full and registrations are closed, but if you haven't signed up yet we still have two parties with lots of room just waiting for you to take part. See below...

Still lots of room!

* Saturday, December 5th at 1 pm - registration will close on December 2nd or when our numbers reach 35 (whichever comes first)

* Wednesday, December 9th at 7 pm - registration will close on December 6th or when our numbers reach 35 (whichever comes first)

Please send me an email and tell me when we can expect you to join us!

I have a couple of great ideas I'd like to share with you, just to let you know what others are doing and perhaps give you some thoughts on what you can do next when reaching out with something new seems to become more and more challenging. Take a look...

Margaret and Carolyn from Hamilton Division had this poster made up and gave it to St. Peter’s Hospital where they (used to😩) visit every Tuesday. Both Carolyn and Margaret and their dogs miss visiting the patients on the palliative ward there! They hope their clients love it! I know I do! They also have another one that they plan on delivering to Victoria Gardens. The posters cost us about $25 each, done at Walmart.

What an awesome idea while they are waiting to start visiting again! Kudos to you Margaret and Carolyn for continuing to remind your clients you are thinking of them! Thanks for sharing.

Kim McFaul from Grey Bruce Division did this wonderful backboard with all kinds of pictures of her and her dogs Sydney and Amber. What a great way to keep this team in the minds of the clients! I can picture them all around this board enjoying the pictures and remembering their visits. Well done Kim! Thanks for sharing!

And here's a great idea for Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers while supporting SJA Therapy Dogs across Canada. Nancy has been one of ours in the past so really understands what we are all about I can't wait to get mine!

Nancy Silcox’ new book “Workin’ Like a Dog; Doin’ Nuthin’ Like a Cat” has just been released. It is filled with stories of how animals make the workplace a happier, more productive and creative one. Nancy is a good friend whose sweet Golden Hailey was in the KW Therapy Dog program from February 2013 to December 2017, passing away after a courageous year-long battle with cancer, defying the odds to begin visiting again in September 2017. Since then Nancy has continued to support our program locally, and now nationally including stories of SJA Therapy Dogs from all across Canada. Proceeds are going to the SJA Therapy Dog program. So please support us by buying this uplifting book. Contact Nancy at: silcox@cwisp.ca for more details.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

PRESS RELEASE FOR

WORKIN’ LIKE A DOG DOIN’ NUTHIN’ LIKE A CAT. CANADIAN PETS WHO GO TO THE OFFICE

New Hamburg author Nancy Silcox’s 15^th book will be released on November 19/2020. Entitled Workin’ Like a Dog; Doin’ Nuthin’ Like a Cat. Canadian Pets who go to the Office Vol. 2, the book features over 75 pets: dogs, cats, birds, horses, donkeys, goats and rabbits who make the workplace a happier, more productive and creative one with their presence.

The author interviewed 65 Canadians from St. John’s, Newfoundland to Vancouver Island to north of the Arctic Circle who work daily alongside their beloved pets. They include: government officials, medical personnel, fitness instructors, truck drivers, politicians, paramedics, prison staff, university professors and teachers to name only a few.

Canadians in the public eye also are featured: Jonny Harris of Still Standing and Murdoch Mysteries; Nancie Wight and Pluto the Internet Dog; CTV sportscaster Brian Williams; Global TV’s weather forecaster Anthony Farnell and his Storm the weather dog; Battle of the Blades star Violetta Afanasieva and Hamilton Mayor Fred Eisenberger.

A visual delight too, each subject is featured in full colour.

As is the author’s practice, she takes no writer’s salary for this project. The St. John Ambulance Therapy Dogs have been chosen as a recipient of book sales.

Contact Nancy at: silcox@cwisp.ca for more details. Thanks

And finally, attached is another edition of the wonderful newsletter done by Bob Darlington for all our facilities in Ontario. All you have to do is attach this to an email to your facilities and click. Done for you with love and affection! Thanks so much for this Bob! And while I'm talking about newsletters, it is time to send in pictures of your dog all dressed up in their holiday duds! Bob would like to do a special holiday edition showcasing our dogs dressed for the season so be sure to send yours to bobdarlington.ontario@gmail.com . The sooner the better as this one will take some extra work to put together. Thanks to all those who contribute. Our clients love it and particularly enjoy the pictures of our dogs. We are better together!

So that's the fun stuff! I am always amazed at how creative, resilient and determined our volunteers are! You are a fantastic bunch and I am so proud to be one of you. Which brings me to my closing news. Many of you may have heard this and some will not have heard. As much as I love this job it is time for me to step down. I have been doing this for over ten years and I know as any good leader will tell you, that it is time for new blood, new ideas, renewed enthusiasm and a different approach. I have enjoyed every minute serving beside you and helping you with the challenges that come to us as we navigate our way through the good times and the hard times. I know you understand when I say this has been a labour of love. It has been a privilege and an honour to hold this position and I am very proud of all we have done during my tenure as Provincial Therapy Dog Advisor. When I think of the Pan Am games, the Invictus games, Grand Council showcase of our dogs to those who gathered from across the globe, I can only smile. I have nothing but wonderful memories and amazing stories from some of our teams meeting Prince Harry at the Invictus games to seeing other teams meet the Governor General, Desmond Tutu and Justin Trudeau, only to name a few. But more than this I will remember how deeply passionate our handlers are and how dedicated they are to helping others. If Covid 19 has shown us anything, it has shown us we will fight with all we have to keep this program alive and well during the hard times. So I thank all of you for giving me some of the best years of my life. I am so grateful and humbled to have worked with you.

Your new Advisor is Marsha Seens. You will know her as the lead of our Recover Working group and also the Coordinator of three Ontario Divisions. Marsha comes to us with a wealth of experience, but more importantly she shares our passion for this wonderful program. You will hear from Marsha herself shortly, but I know you will show her the same respect, and love and give her the support that you always gave me. That's how we roll in this program and it works!

I will remain on the Therapy Dog Covid 19 Recovery working group and will continue to register you for our holiday parties so I will still be volunteering with you and helping you get the job done. I do ask that you send all your emails, questions, challenges etc. to Marsha with no exceptions please. If I get an email from you that should go to Marsha I will forward it on to her, but I would really appreciate your cooperation in connecting with Marsha and helping us make this a smooth transition.

And so I say goodbye to you in this position. It is time and I am confident that Marsha will do an excellent job. She is a firecracker and I wish I could plug into her energy. I know she will be there for you and when you get to know her you will love her as much as I do. She is the right person for this job. Watch for her email soon and best of luck in all your future endeavors. I know you will continue to do amazing things.

With affection and happy thoughts. Leslie

Good Morning Everyone, Yep, it's Monday again and after that storm last night I am really hoping all is well in your world and you are waking up, warm, safe and healthy with your pup at your side! That was enough wind to do us for the rest of the year I think and I know my pup Tinker thinks so too. She has those floppy, flappy ears that she loves to have blow in the wind, but this time I had to hold her down to avoid take off! LOL! She has a bit of Covid chub (much like me😞, that helped, but not enough to save her from flying the skies Dumbo style! LOL! You get the picture!

I don't have a lot of news for you this time around, except I am very excited about our holiday parties coming up. I am a little disappointed about our registration. I thought I would be turning people away at the door but alas I guess you are not in party mode yet! Put on the Seasonal music, start humming "Little Drummer Boy" as you make the salad for dinner tonight, grab that partner of yours or a kid or two and dance around the kitchen to Jingle Bells or Rudolph or Frosty the Snowman. Spray some pine scent around the room and envision going out to cut down a real tree! Come on! You can do it. I know it's hard, particularly now that a lot of us are in the red colour block 😕. So your working group thought it might be fun to ask each Coordinator to choose one or two teams within your division that have shown exceptional fortitude during our shut down to join us at one of our Holiday gatherings. This means that each Coordinator can pick a team or two that have worked hard to keep morale high, stay connected to their facility or helped big time with a fundraiser and any other special, wonderful, fantastic thing this team has done for your division and invite those teams to party with us. Just have them send me a quick email with their name, their dog's name if they have one. (I know there are lots of wonderful volunteers out there that don't have a dog in the program and they count too) and the division they are from. They can come to any one of the three parties below. Just send them the information. Let us give you an hour and a half of mindless fun, laughter and camaraderie. There will be games, prizes and lots of giggles. Terrific snacks - probably your favourites (yes you have to bring your own!) and smiles galore! We all need it! Help us help you get some of it!

Just a quick reminder to sign up for one of our Holiday Parties. It will be a lot of fun and we should end our year with something fun and something positive. Well these parties will be a blast, so get your munchies and favourite drinks, find a comfy chair and join us. Don't forget to dress your pup up in their favourite Holiday Costume and you can dress up too! We have judges looking forward to choosing our top dog costumes and our top human costumes and our top "Pair" costumes too! We have some fun prizes and I'm looking forward to enjoying your creativity. If you have a number one helper, inspirational team or assistant Coordinator that you would like to invite please let me know, but please make every effort to join one of our parties. It won't be the same without you.

Here are the planned dates. There's still lots of room in all of them ...

· Tuesday, November 24th at 7 pm - registration will close on November 21st or when our numbers reach 35 (whichever comes first)

· Saturday, December 5th at 1 pm - registration will close on December 2nd or when our numbers reach 35 (whichever comes first)

· Wednesday, December 9th at 7 pm - registration will close on December 6th or when our numbers reach 35 (whichever comes first) Please send me an email and tell me when we can expect you to join us!

· Hopefully you as Coordinators have something planned for your group. (Feel free to steal ideas if you plan to go this way with your division! LOL)

So that's it for this week, but next Monday will roll around before you know it. Try to have fun, not worry, enjoy all the gifts and blessings you have been given and remember you are not alone.

I'm right beside you ready to party! Leslie

Good morning all my Therapy Dog Coordinators! So great to drop in and chat with you this morning. Could we ask for better weather? Wow! It has been wonderful and I know that everyone is taking full advantage of that sunshine. Enjoy!

Today I have attached a special Remembrance Day Newsletter to share with your members and your facilities. Bob outdid himself this time. It is a wonderful special edition, full of great information, beautiful pictures and is sure to touch your heart when you snuggle up with your pup to read it. Thanks so much Bob. I know everyone is going to love it. So make sure you get it out to your handlers and your facilities. No-one wants to miss this one!

Just a final reminder to sign up for one of our Holiday Parties. It will be a lot of fun and we should end our year with something fun and something positive. Well these parties will be a blast, so get your munchies and favourite drinks, find a comfy chair and join us. Don't forget to dress your pup up in their favourite Holiday Costume and you can dress up too! We have judges looking forward to choosing our top three dog costumes and our top three human costumes and our top "Pair" costume too! We have some fun prizes and I'm looking forward to enjoying your creativity. If you have a number one helper or assistant Coordinator that you would like to invite please let me know, but please make every effort to join one of our parties. It won't be the same without you.

Here are the planned dates. There's still lots of room in all of them ...

· Tuesday, November 24th at 7 pm - registration will close on November 21st or when our numbers reach 35 (whichever comes first)

· Saturday, December 5th at 1 pm - registration will close on December 2nd or when our numbers reach 35 (whichever comes first)

· Wednesday, December 9th at 7 pm - registration will close on December 6th or when our numbers reach 35 (whichever comes first) Please send me an email and tell me when we can expect you to join us!

· This is just for our Coordinators or designates and evaluators Hopefully you as Coordiantors have something planned for your group. (Feel free to steal ideas if you plan to go this way with your division! LOL)

So it's short and sweet today. We all want to get out into the sunshine, but I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you so much for taking part and supporting this initiative. It means a lot and gives us a chance to see you before we all break for the holidays.

Today I will be thinking of you out in this beautiful weather. We can't ask much better than this. Love to all and remember I am right beside you. Leslie

Good afternoon everyone, Where did Monday morning go?. We actually have some sunshine out here in Stoney Creek and I spent the morning walking Tinker. A bit nippy, but lovely out. And have you seen the forecast for the rest of the week! It's all warm and sunny and stuff! Whoot! Mr. Sun don't fail me now!

Today we have a second edition of our Halloween newsletters for the facilities. Yes my friends! You went above and beyond in sending those pictures to Bob of your pups in costume and we didn't want to miss too many of them. Thanks to Bob Darlington for making the effort to include these pictures in an extra edition! Well done Bob and so worth it. We are grateful for your hard work. This is a newsletter extraordinaire. Enjoy it and make sure you send it off to your facilities. Everyone is gonna' love it! It certainly was cuteness overload in our house when Gary and I saw this one! But then again, this happens often in our house! LOL!

Just a reminder to sign up for one of our Holiday Parties. It will be a lot of fun and your recovery group thinks we should end our year with something fun and something positive. Well these parties will be a blast, so get your munchies and favourite drinks, find a comfy chair and join us. Don't forget to dress your pup up in their favourite Holiday Costume and you can dress up too! We have judges looking forward to choosing our top three dog costumes and our top three human costumes and our top "Pair" costume too! Do we have prizes for costumes!

Here are the planned dates. There's still lots of room in all of them ...

· Tuesday, November 24th at 7 pm - registration will close on November 21st or when our numbers reach 35 (whichever comes first)

· Saturday, December 5th at 1 pm - registration will close on December 2nd or when our numbers reach 35 (whichever comes first)

· Wednesday, December 9th at 7 pm - registration will close on December 6th or when our numbers reach 35 (whichever comes first) Please send me an email and tell me when we can expect you to join us!

· This is just for our Coordinators or designates and evaluators Hopefully you as Coordiantors have something planned for your group. (Feel free to steal ideas if you plan to go this way with your division! LOL) And finally I have attached a song by Malinda Herman. She sings to her little dog and has become quite the Youtube star. Thanks to Denise Gascon from Burlington Division for bringing her to my attention. Her suggestion was to compile a few of Malinda's songs and put them in our YouTube videos for our facility residents to enjoy. What do you think? I'm sure they would enjoy her songs. Have a listen.

· https://youtu.be/MXqQ_hKIyTc

So that's it for this week my friends. I hope to hear from you if you have not signed up for one of our parties and thank you to all those that already have! It should be a fun time.

So here's to another great week. Remember I'm here, I'm listening, I care and I miss all of you. Leslie

Good morning everyone, And what a lovely morning it is! Chilly with a splash of colour! It's hard not to feel the excitement in the air. Fall is here in full swing and we get to enjoy it from the inside, the outside and in between. It is gorgeous out there! Sprinkle a little sunshine on top and we are raring to go!

On Thursday we finished our last workshop of our Fall Series and are looking forward to starting up again in the New Year. It was a great workshop and we are grateful to Dr. Robert Pepper Jones for giving us lots of information about how to feed our dogs and do everything we can to make sure they live to a ripe old age, pain free and grabbing the very best life has to offer!

You have also sent in some splendid ideas for our New Year 2021 Winter/spring series and your working team is listening! We have a lot to look forward to!

I'm very excited about our next project - Virtual Holiday parties! It's time for some silliness, laughter, games and prizes. We are going to have so much fun as we enter the holiday season by getting together and celebrating all that we have going for us! This is how it's going to roll... We are offering three virtual parties to Coordinators and Evaluators. Take a look at the dates and pick the one that works best for you. You do have to register for this so send me an email once you decide the date that best fits your needs. These parties will be around an hour and a half and filled with games, contests and lots of neat ideas! We hope as Coordinators you will plan a similar party with your division members too! You can use our template or come up with your own ideas, but what is a holiday party without a Holiday costume contest? So get out those ugly sweaters, silly hats, signs and props. There will be a contest for handlers and another for dogs. Up to two dogs per person, if they are Therapy Dogs and the dog does not have to be a Therapy Dog if you are one of those awesome people that help us out even without a dog in the program. The dog can be owned or borrowed by an SJA Therapy Dog volunteer! Please keep it to one dog if this is the case! But if you have two dogs in the program, both are invited to take part. Easy Peasy and what a blast! I will be sending more news as the dates get closer but get your registration in soon. Space is limited in each party! Each week my emails will roll out new activities that are planned for your party, so stay tuned and keep on smiling. We are going to have a ball. I look forward to hearing from you and spreading some holiday cheer together! Remember this is for Coordinators and Evaluators only. It's up to you to run a virtual party for your division members if you wish.

Here are the planned dates...

Tuesday, November 24th at 7 pm - registration will close on November 21st or when our numbers reach 35 (whichever comes first)

• Saturday, December 5th at 1 pm - registration will close on December 2nd or when our numbers reach 35 (whichever comes first)

• Wednesday, December 9th at 7 pm - registration will close on December 6th or when our numbers reach 35 (whichever comes first)

So that's it for this week, but stay tuned for more news and lots of ideas. I'm smiling already and the costume judges are ready to go! Whoot! Whoot! Put on your thinking caps and talk to your dog about it. They will be excited too!

Thank you once again for your support and enthusiasm. You are hard workers and we appreciate all you have done to keep our program going in your community. Our paw print remains deep and clear because of you! Hooray!

Stay safe and stay well. You are amazing leaders and we are so grateful to have you in our program.

Love to all and remember, I am walking right beside you! ❤🐾❤.

Hello Everyone, Just checking in to see how everyone is doing! It is a bit of a soggy day today, but I find the rain makes all the tree trunks look black and the colours, if it is even possible, pop even more! It's just an amazing time of year for the senses! That earthy fall smells along with the spicy, sweet tastes of baking and special drinks, the leaves crunching under foot (or slipping, in today's case) and the feel of that cold air nipping at your nose and fingertips. And of course seeing the symphony of colours. You don't even have to be outside! You can close your eyes and think of your favourite drive by or walking path where your eyes can't stay in one space for long before they jump to the next beautiful space. I betcha' you can think of even more things that get our senses jumping at this time of year. Isn't it glorious?

And for your reading pleasure I have attached our latest biweekly newsletter to send out to our facilities and for your own enjoyment. What a great day to curl up beside your dog with your favourite hot drink and read this edition. Don't forget that Bob is still looking for those fall pictures including our costumed canines (for those that are wonderfully patient with their handlers! LOL). They are always so much fun to see. The advantage of our newsletter is that we can make sure our clients see such a great variety of pics from all over Ontario. Don't disappoint - please send your pictures and supporting info to Bob at bobdarlington.ontario@gmail.com. I can't wait to meet your dog or see their costume. I live for this stuff people! Make me happy!

Thank you so much to all those who came to our Engagement Day workshops. I apologize if you ran into some of our challenges, but the morning, although starting off with a few rough patches was a great success and feedback has been very positive. Our attendee numbers were some of the highest with just under 100 for both of them. Your interest and support means a lot to all of us and of course my heartiest congratulations to the presenters Barb Ruhr, Heather Leong and Marsha Seens. We learned a lot and are so very grateful for your guidance and expertise.

Also a huge congratulations to all our Therapy Dog handlers who were recognized for years of service, admission to, or promotion within the Order of the Priory of St. John. You inspire us, you encourage us and you make us proud. Time for a "Pat" on the back from all of your peers across Ontario. You are awesome and we thank you for your passionate service.

So we did have a few questions come up during our workshop. First of all I have attached once again our "FAQ" from handlers. Please share this with your members and encourage them as I encourage you to look at this document first before sending questions on to the recovery group. This is so helpful in saving us time and making sure you get your answer in a timely manner. If your question does not appear on this document, by all means send it to us. If you are asking, chances are someone else is too, and we will do everything we can to get you your answer and we will update the questions. Things are always changing and our motion forward can change quickly, so this will help us as well as you. I believe that all questions asked at the workshop were also answered at the workshop, but if you need confirmation just let us know.

One question that came up continually from our first workshop was how do we get the information from Barb's part of the workshop? Bingo cards etc. I have attached the information sent out to Coordinators and those who took part in Barb's workshop earlier this year. It will give you information for the virtual meeting part of the presentation on Saturday, plus a whole lot more from her original workshop. I would ask Coordinators to please send it on to your members so everyone has this info. Thanks so much.

From the second workshop a few things to discuss...

1. Handlers do not generate requests for permission to go on special visits to the PHAFT on their own. They would need to be in discussion with their Coordinator. The Coordinator sends to the Branch (as Marsha mentioned) and Branch sends it to the Task Force/ TDRWG. It is very important to make sure your branch is aware and on board with your request.

2. I would like to reiterate a point that was addressed by Marsha…but important to hear again, that the Covid situation is fluid and what might have been approved previously, may not be approved in a subsequent similar request in light of what the current Covid situations of the day are and any actions taken by the Province. Also, a visit that may have been approved initially may not receive a final approval for the the same reasons (Covid situation has changed) when the time to visit actually arrives. Disappointing I know, but very necessary as new situations come to light.

3. Re: the Questionnaire (which has not been distributed to Coordinators yet)…if a handler completes this for a specialized visit and then makes no other visits until a return to visiting (which may be post 6 months of that specialized visit) the questionnaire would need to be completed again to provide a snapshot of the situation at that time. If a return is within the 6 months, then no need for a second questionnaire to be completed.

4. Do virtual visits count as staying up to date for you and your dog? Virtual visits will count for volunteer hours and dog visits only toward your years total, but they do not count as a mentored visit and they do not count as a visit for your six month period necessary to stay a member in good standing. The only type of visit that counts within that six month visit is a live, face-to-face visit with pets, hugs and cuddles - super tactile.

So hopefully that clears up any questions, misunderstandings and concerns that arose because of, during, or after that workshop and we are ready with renewed vigor to keep our

paw print 🐾 out there through all approved visiting. Again, we are very, very grateful for your ongoing hard work and support. We can't thank you enough.

And so we move forward yet again. We are all looking forward to the workshop on the 22nd. My apologies to those who did not get in before all the spots were taken. As I said, I do have a waiting list, so if you find that you cannot make it please let me know. Others are waiting to get in. It was a very popular workshop and we are happy we can do this for you.

Please stay tuned for some dates to come your way with some fun get togethers over the holidays. For our Coordinators and Evaluators we will be holding three holiday virtual parties so everyone gets a chance to join us for one and hopefully as a Coordinator you will hold your own holiday party for your teams. It will be an awesome way to say good-bye to 2020 and hello to 2021 and hopefully prepare us all to boldly go where no man (or woman) has gone before! Into a new year with new resolve, a passionate and happy attitude and determination to stay alive and well in the minds and hearts of our clients.

So please keep in touch and stay safe. There are so many out there that need you.

And remember, I am right beside you with a heart full of gratitude and a determination to move mountains. Let's take a lesson from this dog! Join me won't you?

https://youtu.be/Pyuk9bJ33rQ

Virtual hugs to all.

Leslie

Hello Everyone, I am dropping you a line to say how grateful we are at St. John Ambulance to you and all the wonderful volunteers who share their time, their talents and their dogs to make our program the best in the country. Please extend my thanks to all your members. You are our front line workers! Without you we would have no program and I know you are all itching to get back to business. Hang in there! It will happen!

I was hoping to have some more registration information for you about our Engagement Day on October the 17th, but I don't have it yet. As soon as it comes I will be in touch so all of you can register. I just ask that you put that morning aside to join us for some inspiration, information and fun with fellow volunteers from across the Province. It is going to happen, so please make yourself available for that morning. I can't register you myself. This is a Provincial initiative and registration will be done through Council for Ontario. Watch for updates.

Please keep in mind that if you have questions - anything you want to know about our program, then, now and in the future, please send them my way so we can include answers in our presentations that day. We probably won't have time to address questions then, so now is the time to get those queries, those doubts and any confusion, straightened out. The only silly questions are those that go unanswered. We are here to help. I will be taking questions until end-of-day on Wednesday!

In the meantime, count your blessings, have virtual family get-togethers and gather with a few to celebrate all that you hold dear. I know we are all weary as we hit our six month wall with another wave, but if we all remain diligent now perhaps we will be able to spread our paw prints a little farther at Christmas. It is not the time to ignore warnings and forget about isolation. They say this wave is bigger than the first, so dig in your heels and do everything you can to stay safe and follow the rules. We need you and I know you can do it.

May your weekend be filled with family, love, laughter and happiness, no matter how you connect! You are all in my thoughts and prayers. On behalf of your working recovery group I thank you for all your hard work, dedication and passion. Don't forget a "wee bit of turkey" for your pups! Love to all. Leslie

Good Monday morning everyone! Hopefully mother nature has all the rain out of her system and we can enjoy the sunshine again. The trees are gorgeous right now as we move toward the peak autumn colours. A bright and warm hue, orange represents positive emotions, such as joy and happiness, as it combines the stimulation of red and the cheerfulness of yellow. A dark, rich shade of orange is considered the color of fall and harvest for which we can probably thank pumpkins. Whatever is your favourite, you needn't look far to enjoy this wonderful display in Ontario.

I am so excited about all the great things we have coming your way in October. You might be feeling a little down as we hit the "6 month wall" and we see our Covid 19 numbers start to rise, but just check out all the neat things coming your way and smile! We have lots to look forward too!

Save the date: October 17th!!! Please pass on to your members! In lieu of our annual Conference we will be holding St. John Ambulance Engagement Day. Among other interesting presentations that morning, your SJA Therapy Dog Working Recovery Group will be presenting two workshops for your pleasure and learning experience. Lots more information to come over the week, but please free up that morning to join us. It's going to be interesting, fun and informative, so don't miss it! From what's been happening and what's going to happen to tips and ideas on running a good virtual meeting or workshop, there will be something for you at these Therapy Dog Sessions. Due to time restraints and the number of participants expected to join our sessions we will not have the opportunity to answer any questions during the session, so please submit to me leslie.tdogs@gmail.com, by the end of this week, your questions and we will try to prepare answers for you as part of the webinar.

I'm so looking forward to seeing you there.

And yes it is time for another fabulous facility newsletter - ready, waiting and attached to this email for your facilities, your members and any other interested parties. This is fun from everyone. Please keep in mind that Bob is always looking for more bios and pictures for the newsletter. He would love to see some pictures of your dogs dressed up in their Halloween costumes! These can be sent to Bob at bobdarlington.ontario@gmail.com. Keep 'em coming folks. Your clients are loving this part of the newsletter and the demand continues.

There are still a few spaces left in the workshop below. Once it is filled registration will close and I cannot take any other participants, so if you are interested make sure you email me very soon. = UPDATE: WORKSHOP FULL.

When: Thursday, October 22nd

Time: 7 - 8:30 pm

Facilitator: Dr Robert Pepper Jones DVM

Assisting: Stacey Kew, Animal Health Technician

"Pet Nutrition: Navigating the Tangled Web Of Information"

An overview of past and present trends in pet nutrition and how they relate to feeding your pet a balanced, healthy diet to encourage good health and longevity, as well as some tips for keeping trim and fit,including "the skinny" on healthy treats for your dog.

And finally I will leave you with a special song. This song is written by Brian Hawkins, in memory of his beautiful therapy dog Golden Retriever Emma. I had the pleasure of meeting Brian and Emma when volunteering for the Pan Am Games and Emma, of course stole my heart. Brian just recently retired from Subaru and often took Emma into work with him. The powers that be were so impressed that they wanted to support our Therapy Dog Program, so we can thank sweet Emma for the Subaru sponsorship we all now enjoy. Unfortunately Emma passed away last year very suddenly from bloat and Brian has had to navigate through this pandemic without this wonderful pup at his side, when he needed a Therapy Dog most of all. The good news is that Brian is picking up a beautiful Shetland Sheepdog pup very soon named Moss after the Sheltie he had as a kid. I know Emma would approve. So please enjoy this haunting song and listen closely to the words. We can all relate. I know you will join me in wishing Brian and Moss all the wonderful experiences they deserve on their journey together.

Until next week I say farewell and stay safe. I am right beside you.

Leslie

Hi Everyone,

Don't you look wonderful this morning! I trust you all had a fantastic week and are jumping into this one with a big smile and lots of enthusiasm. Fall has settled in quite nicely and we certainly can't complain about the weather. I think of Autumn as the preservation of life and its basic necessities. Like the furry critters, we prepare for winter by storing food and creating cozy spaces as we move inside away from cold weather. The feeling of warmth and closeness comes with those distinct fragrances and wonderful traditions. Soft sweaters and blankets, bright colours and amazing food. Hmmmmm! Just close your eyes and you can almost feel it around you.

Don't get too comfy though! We have lots to do and it's going to be fun! Thanks to all of you who have been attending our workshops. Our October one is listed below. Please share with your members. Just send me an email and I will get you registered. The link to get in will be shared the day of the workshop. I think you're gonna' love this one. I know I'm excited about it...

When: Thursday, October 22nd

Time: 7 - 8:30 pm

Facilitator: Dr Robert Pepper Jones DVM

Assisting: Stacey Kew, Animal Health Technician

"Pet Nutrition: Navigating the Tangled Web Of Information"

An overview of past and present trends in pet nutrition and how they relate to feeding your pet a balanced, healthy diet to encourage good health and longevity, as well as some tips for keeping trim and fit, including "the skinny" on healthy treats for your dog.

Just a reminder that we are not doing any face to face visits (including patio visits) at this time, other than window visits. Please let your membership know.

And finally, please remember that you can review all the documents sent to you by our working group as well as my emails on the task force website at https://sites.google.com/sjaoc.ca/phatf Just click on the "Therapy Dog" tab.

As I say good-bye for another week, remember we are all in this together. Your dedication and passion for this program is important and we thank you for all you do to make us better. Fall shows us how beautiful it is to let things go. ]

Are you stressed?

Remember you are also blessed,

So have some fun

And be pumpkin obsessed.

I'm right beside you. Leslie

Hello Everyone, I hope you have enjoyed your week and are ready to roll into another great weekend.

I am sending out this email as a reminder that we still are not allowed to do any Therapy Dog visiting other than the approved window visits that some of our teams have been doing all along.

As numbers start to rise again, we need to be extra diligent in making sure our teams understand this and do not take it upon themselves to do patio or inside visits. We also remind you that teams doing window visits may be experiencing increased traffic and should be very careful to avoid people coming from and going into the facility. We do not want to be stopped so someone can pet our dog.

Our task force is taking requests for visits on a case by case basis, but they are not, in most instances in LTC facilities and are usually other types of visits outside of that genre.

If you have questions, please go back and review all emails and Covid 19 documents sent to you by the Therapy Dog Recovery Working Group by visiting the task for website at https://sites.google.com/sjaoc.ca/phatf Go to the Therapy Dog Tab and it's all there for you to review.

Remember that the number one priority for our task force is the safety of our volunteers and their dogs.

All the best to everyone. Thank you for your continued hard work and dedication to this program along with a big thank you to those of you who continue to reach out to say hello, send me pictures and stories and support our workshops. Knowing you are out there fighting to keep our paw print large and deep right beside me keeps me smiling and enthusiastic!

Stay in touch and stay well. We need you! Leslie