Thursday, July 9, 2009

Expanding Purpose.....

When you find your Purpose and it becomes your 'Passion,' it always "PAYS FORWARD."


That's what happened to cute little Stella! (picture)


Her (human) mom found her purpose AND it became her passion AND it is 'PAYING FORWARD.'


Passion = animals!

Purpose - to share the love of animals with others

Pay Forward - Pet Therapy Dog


That's right! Stella is a Pet Therapy Dog.


She graduated, with honors, after 8 months of classes and, this month, passing her final evaluation -- she is officially a 'Certified Pet Therapy Dog.'


My friend and Stella's mom, Ellen Mertens, is her Certified Handler. They work in a team for Therapy Dogs, Inc., a non-profit, all-volunteer organization.


All this training and commitment is required to visit assisted living , nursing homes and Community Hospice facilities.


It starts with Canine Companion Obedience Training I and II, then Stella became Hospice trained; and, finally Therapy Dogs, Inc. training.


Now, the 'PAY OFF.' Being able to see Stella bring a smile to the faces of our ill and elderly, joy to hearts of the hopeless and lost, and new purpose for the days of the depressed and lonely.


When Stella makes her 'stops,' the feelings of being blessed are reciprocal. Stella gets loved and hugged and others are able to share their love and their hugs with Stella. Everyone is giving!


Ellen says, "Stella is truly amazing. As you can see, this is hard work for a new graduate, she is pretty pooped after a day of 'sharing the love.' Once she gets started though, she just can't get or give enough."


Thanks Ellen - for your passion, your purpose, and your commitment to 'paying it forward.'

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