Re-Posted with permission by Christie Ellis on Jan 12, 2012 in The Go-Giver

Thank you to Christie for this enlightening article and for sharing it with Gabriel’s Angels!

Dallas Keeping Watch

The phrase working like a dog to most means working super hard, getting dirty, putting your nose to the ground and getting the job done.  It’s even in the song Hard Days Night by the Beatles, you know, “It’s a hard day’s night and I’ve been workin’ like a dog”.   After a discussion on a Facebook post I am starting to realize it is so much more than that.  I think the qualities I often associate with my canine are qualities I want to mirror.

I posted a photo of my dog Dallas watching over my yard.  You can see his ears are perked, he is fully aware of what’s around him, and he is ready to go at a moment’s notice.  I never asked him to do that.  It is what comes naturally to him, like so many other wonderful qualities he has.

What got me started thinking about this is a comment Jim Dangelo made on the Facebook post:  “People have a habit of feeling the need to make a comment when all you want is a caring ear. I have noticed that my dogs know when to be quiet & listen, then lean in & nudge my hand, as if to say without words, ‘Pet me. You’ll feel better for it.’  And I do”

I was fortunate enough to connect with Pam Gaber, author of Gabriel’s Angels and CEO and Founder of Gabriel’s Angels, a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to helping at risk children through the healing power of pet therapy.  When I asked what she finds powerful about dogs qualities she stated “it is amazing to watch a therapy dog intuitively go to the child who has the most angst.  In our work with at-risk children we have witnessed dogs doing what dogs do best, lend a listening ear and a unconditional caring heart”.

The amazingly wonderful things that make a dog the top pet are all the things I want to emulate:

1. Caring for others without judging them: A dog doesn’t care what I look like, if I am in my sweats, what color, age, religion, sexual orientation, weight, hair color or height I am.  At networking events how do I choose who I connect with?  Am I judging people on how they look, what they wear, the way they do their hair?  Am I going up to the person who seems to be unsure and nervous and helping them at least find one person to connect with in the group and then introducing them to others?
2. Honesty: Have you ever come home, opened the door and saw that complete look of utter shame on your dog’s face.  You are just waiting to find what he chewed or destroyed.  Am I owning up to my mistakes as readily and showing up and asking for forgiveness?
3. Good Listener: Just like Jim said, dogs just sit and watch you with those big soulful eyes, not making a sound, but letting you know they are there for you.   When clients are sharing their concerns or issues they don’t always want me to have the answer.  Are they really just looking to sort it all out for themselves and they just need to talk it through?  Am I being careful about when I am offering my opinion and when I should just let my clients speak?
4. Greeting people with an unbridled enthusiasm: I personally love it when I come home, or I meet a new dog, and the tails are wagging and they just look so happy you are there with them. When I make new contacts, meet new prospects, am I showing them how happy I am to get to know them or am I acting like it is their privilege to know me?  When I am out at places am I greeting people with a smile as I pass them, saying hello, offering a kind gesture by holding open a door?
5. Protecting those who are important to me: By the picture above you can see how Dallas takes his job seriously.  He is watching and waiting to see if he needs to take action.  He is very prepared to act. Am I offering my clients the protection they need during every transaction?  Am I up to date on all the current material, laws, advancements, etc on what I am selling to be sure my client is getting the best deal possible?  Am I keeping up with my education, seminars, reading to be sure I am top of my game?
6. Faith that those I serve will come back: When I leave my house and say goodbye to Dallas, he knows I will be coming back to him.  I have shown him time and time again that I always come back to take care of him.  Am I doing every thing I can to keep my clients happy?  Am I putting their interests first and do I have faith they will come back to me?
7. Authentic: Have you ever seen a dog be anything other than what he was made to be?  I haven’t.  Am I always being who I am and not someone I am not?

I want to answer yes to every one of these questions so I can truly be working like a dog.  Are you working like a dog?

Here’s a story of the bond that is formed between a child and a Therapy Team – well maybe two!

Recently, a Gabriel’s Angels therapy team Debra Markert and her golden retriever, Chelsea, were volunteering at Banner Desert hospital. A young woman escorting a patient came towards them in the hall. Debra & Chelsea stopped by them for some pats and the young lady’s face lit up. She said, “You should be a Gabriel’s Angel!” When Debra announced that they already were, she gazed at Chelsea and asked, “Is that you, Chelsea? Do you remember me? I was at Parc Place when you visited there with another team, Guinness and Wendy!”

Debra & Chelsea had only visited there once as a guest team when Wendy and her golden retriever, Guinness, were on vacation. Debra was happy and amazed that she remembered. The young lady introduced herself as Samantha, and asked Debra to make sure that Wendy knew that she was doing well and no longer in the shelter, and she was no longer homeless. It was obvious that Samantha remembered her time with Wendy and therapy dog, Guinness, and even that one time visit from Chelsea and Debra.

Sometimes our teams wonder if they are really having an impact with the at-risk kids they visit…Wendy and Guinness’ love gave a young person strength and determination to succeed despite the challenges she had faced so early in life. Even Samantha’s brief encounter with Debra and Chelsea made an impression on her.

High-fives and paws to all the Gabriel’s Angels Therapy Teams and Helping Hands for making a difference in the lives of at-risk children and youth everyday!

The Sterling Award is the Scottsdale Chamber’s marquee event, and celebrates the people and companies that make our community a great place to live, work and play. The prestigious Sterling Award is one of the most coveted business awards in the Valley, with a rigorous application, judging and selection process.

On November 29^th Gabriel’s Angels was announced the winner of the 2011Nonprofit Sterling Award. With a table of supporters anticipating that instant when the Honoree would be named from the group of finalists, I easily recall the feelings of humbleness and exhilaration that we all experienced when Gabriel’s Angels was announced!

Now that I have had some time to reflect on the nomination process, the finalist stages and ultimate achievement of Gabriel’s Angels becoming the Honoree, the meaning of this recognition has become crystal clear.

The road to achieve the Sterling Award commenced at the very beginning of Gabriel’s Angels - from that first visit at the Phoenix Crisis Nursery with Pam Gaber and her gentle gray dog, Gabriel. The journey encompassed the early years when the mission and guiding philosophy of the organization was developed, along with the structure and behavioral premises for the Pet Therapy Program. As the number of therapy teams grew and our community awareness increased, Gabriel’s Angels’ program reached into more Arizona communities. The demand for our services became evident and we work tirelessly to meet the community need.

Gabriel’s Angels currently serves annually over 13,000 abused, neglected and at-risk children through visitations by 155 registered Therapy Teams – a volunteer and his or her own therapy dog. The individual at-risk child together with the overall community impact that our pet therapy program has in reducing violence are the very reasons Gabriel’s Angels exists. The means by which our organization moves forward, with clear vision for the future, are the hundreds of donors, supporters, volunteers, friends and talented Board of Directors, who guide and support the work we are doing each and every day.

The Sterling Award has left an indelible mark on Gabriel’s Angels. We understand that it is an honor that results from years of focus, dedication and due diligence. We appreciate how much this honor will continue to enhance our community respect and awareness.

With gratitude to the Scottsdale Chamber and the Sterling Committee, Gabriel’s Angels moves forward in our quest to expand our services and heal the additional 7,000 children in crisis throughout Arizona – all through the unconditional love that only a therapy dog provides to an at-risk child.

During this season, Gabriel’s Angels celebrates the abundance of true blessings that surround our organization each and every day. It humbles us to both see and feel the beautiful impact that our pet therapy program has on the 13,000 at-risk children who receive healing pet therapy each year. It astounds us to know that our supporters and donors have invested so deeply in our mission - in the same way that the children share strong bonds with the pet therapy team that consistently comes to see them.

This Thanksgiving 2011 - we celebrate…

A dedicated Board of Directors

Hundreds of Volunteers ~

155 Therapy Teams

40 Helping Hands

Fundraising Event volunteers

Office & Administrative volunteers

Committed Donors and Community Supporters

Unleash the Love for at-risk children

Our Founding Dog, Gabriel

This Season ~ may each of you be blessed with both human and animal loved ones and the understanding that your dedication and support help Gabriel’s Angels to Unleash the Love every day.

Jack in all his glory!

The Gaber family is Jack, the Weimaraner’s fifth home.  It is indeed his forever home but his journey to Phoenix, Arizona from Albany, New York and his will to live is a testament to his courage and strength.

I first heard about Jack from Weimaraner Rescue in Arizona.  Rebecca called me and told me about this super-sized Weimaraner who needed a home.  I already had two dogs (one Weim) and two cats and I politely told her “No thanks.  My hands are full with the animals I have.”  Never one to give up, Rebecca said, “I see one like this every ten years.  He would be a great therapy dog like Gabriel.  His disposition is so gentle and kind.”  I thought about it and said I would meet Jack as I may know someone who would want to adopt him.

I met Jack and Rebecca at a park and I was mesmerized by his size and beauty.  Rebecca then told me his story.  Jack was from Albany, New York and was turned in to the ASPCA because he tore both his ACL’s (knee ligaments).  The Albany ASPCA repaired one knee and as Jack recovered a man wanted to adopt him and take him to Phoenix, as he was moving there to get married.  The man signed all the necessary paperwork stating he would have the other knee repaired once he arrived in Phoenix.  A month later Jack was brought to a Phoenix veterinary hospital to be euthanized because the man’s new wife would not let him spend the money for the knee surgery.  This “angel” veterinarian would not euthanize Jack and talked the man into leaving him at the hospital so he could get the care he needed.  Weimaraner Rescue was contacted and they took Jack to a foster home. Rebecca said she remembered that he was so scared yet loving at the same time. 

Rebecca and her Weimaraner rescue volunteers wrapped presents over the 2006 holiday season at Border’s book store to raise the money to repair Jack’s knee.  They were successful and Jack has his second knee repaired.  I met Jack with Rebecca eight weeks after his second surgery. I fell in love with the elegant and loving gray dog.

We adopted Jack in March of 2007 and he fit very well into our home.  A few months later I noticed a popping in one of Jack’s knees.  I brought him to my veterinarian and it was determined Jack needed a full knee reconstruction or TTA.  He went into surgery in October 2007.  He had a long recovery and never really returned to his normal demeanor.  In November, he was rushed to emergency due to shivering and eye discharge.  I was scared to death. He was transferred to my regular veterinarian and put into isolation as an upper respiratory infection was suspected.

Jack struggled to get better.  He developed pneumonia but the test came back as not an upper respiratory disease.  Tests were being run to determine what was happening to Jack.  His white count topped 75,000 one day and I thought we would lose him.  But Jack kept fighting back.  He developed endocarditis (inflammation of the heart) and a heart murmur.  Still he survived.  He was Valley Fever positive but the symptoms he was having meant there was something more….but what?  I sat with him every afternoon and into the evening at the hospital force feeding him because he would not eat.  Finally, a diagnosis…MRSA.  Jack had a latent staff infection in his knee and the most recent surgery woke it up so to speak.  MRSA!  I was floored.  Jack was immediately put on the IV antibiotic they use for humans with MRSA.  During this treatment he had a pulmonary embolism and spent many hours in the oxygen cage. But still he hung on.  We dubbed it “Jack in the box.” 

On February 16, 2008 after a month in intensive care, Jack left the hospital. I playfully call him my “kitchen remodel” as I saved him instead of spending money remodeling and it is money I would gladly spend again!  Today Jack is a registered Delta Therapy Dog working as a Gabriel’s Angel volunteer with me.  We visit at-risk teenage boys in a group home and they marvel at Jack’s story.  If Jack found his forever home and fought so hard to live then these boys should never give up finding their forever home, too.  Jack is a wonderful example of a dog who wanted to live and is using his story to help children in crisis.  Good boy Jack!

Pam sharing her beautiful Story!

As a first time author, I recently had my first book signing at Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe, Arizona.  While I had done a signing in the previous month at an upscale jewelry store which was well attended, I did not speak formally to the attendees.  As the date for the book store signing grew nearer I wondered, “Will anyone attend?”  I did not want to disappoint Changing Hands Bookstore as they were so very gracious to host me.  Pinna, the Community Events Manager at Changing Hands had invited me to do the signing which is quite an honor.

As the 7 o’clock hour approached, I saw a lady with a dog inside the store - this was a good sign since my book attracts dog lovers.  By the tick of the clock at exactly 7 pm straight up, the crowd emerged!  People began to fill the seats.  They smiled and looked so friendly.  All my nervousness disappeared as I felt the love and support from the attendees.  Once Pinna had introduced me, I approached the podium and said, “While Gabriel is only here in spirit, I smile at the thought of what he would be doing right now if he were here.  He would be mingling with the crowd intently to see who had dog treats in their pockets!”  Everyone laughed and I knew I was ready to go!

I spoke on why I wrote the book about Gabriel and that if I could write a book anyone could.  There were four therapy dogs in attendance which the crowd loved!  I read the first chapter of the book which is about the day my husband and I adopted an adorable Weimaraner puppy that we named Gabriel.  I had tears in my eyes, as did others as many knew he passed away one year ago. 

I managed to regroup and then took questions ranging from how a dog becomes a Gabriel’s Angels Therapy Dog to one woman who reminisced about how she met Gabriel at an event years ago.

The line of people wove around the store to have their books signed.  I took a deep breath and felt such gratitude that I had the privilege to adopt Gabriel and experience his unconditional love and devotion.  God Speed Big Gray.

For additional photos of the book signing click on:

As a first time author, I recently had my first book signing at Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe, Arizona.  While I had done a signing in the previous month at an upscale jewelry store which was well attended, I did not speak formally to the attendees.  As the date for the book store signing grew nearer I wondered, “Will anyone attend?”  I did not want to disappoint Changing Hands Bookstore as they were so very gracious to host me.  Pinna, the Community Events Manager at Changing Hands had invited me to do the signing which is quite an honor.

As the 7 o’clock hour approached, I saw a lady with a dog inside the store - this was a good sign since my book attracts dog lovers.  By the tick of the clock at exactly 7 pm straight up, the crowd emerged!  People began to fill the seats.  They smiled and looked so friendly.  All my nervousness disappeared as I felt the love and support from the attendees.  Once Pinna had introduced me, I approached the podium and said, “While Gabriel is only here in spirit, I smile at the thought of what he would be doing right now if he were here.  He would be mingling with the crowd intently to see who had dog treats in their pockets!”  Everyone laughed and I knew I was ready to go!

I spoke on why I wrote the book about Gabriel and that if I could write a book anyone could.  There were four therapy dogs in attendance which the crowd loved!  I read the first chapter of the book which is about the day my husband and I adopted an adorable Weimaraner puppy that we named Gabriel.  I had tears in my eyes, as did others as many knew he passed away one year ago. 

I managed to regroup and then took questions ranging from how a dog becomes a Gabriel’s Angels Therapy Dog to one woman who reminisced about how she met Gabriel at an event years ago.

The line of people wove around the store to have their books signed.  I took a deep breath and felt such gratitude that I had the privilege to adopt Gabriel and experience his unconditional love and devotion.  God Speed Big Gray.

For additional photos please click here:

http://www.facebook.com/gabrielsangels#!/media/set/?set=a.10150310675265663.382648.150266895662

Kerri and Dillon

An excerpt from The Power of Wagging Tails: A Doctor’s Guide to Dog Therapy and Healing by Dawn A. Marcus, MD

Dawn A. Marcus, MD, is a neurologist and Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine. Dr. Marcus has authored over 100 articles on the topics of chronic pain and headache and is a frequent lecturer on these topics both in the US and internationally. She is the author of thirteen previous book including Fit As Fido: Follow Your Dog to Better Health and The Woman’s Migraine Toolkit. Dr. Marcus has trained her two wheaten golden terriers to be therapy dogs.

“People sometimes wonder if there are certain breeds best suited to become therapy dogs. Ann Cadman will tell you that becoming a therapy dog is more about an individual dog’s temperament and training than breed.  Pam Gaber, The CEO of Gabriel’s Angels, echoes that sentiment. Gabriel’s Angels is an organization committed to providing pet therapy for abused, neglected, and at-risk children. Gabriel’s Angels was named after its first therapy dog, which was not a typical therapy dog breed – a beautiful grey Weimaraner, Gabriel.  Pam’s work with Gabriel and other therapy dogs has taught her that great therapy dogs can come from any breeds:

When people think about therapy dogs, they often picture Golden Retrievers or Labrador Retrievers. If you’re interested in therapy dog work, don’t be discouraged just because you don’t have a breed that’s a popular one for therapy dog work.  On the other hand, your individual dog might not be suited for therapy work - even if he is a popular breed for therapy dogs.  At Gabriel’s Angels, we have lovely therapy dogs from a wide range of breeds - unexpected breeds like Dobermans, Rottweilers, and pit bull mixes, as well as Goldens and Labs.  We don’t automatically say “no” to these “bully breeds,” but we don’t always say “yes” either.  Over the past ten years, we’ve found that, while genes play a role, it’s the love and healthy environment provided by the owner that play a bigger part in how a dog turns out and whether he’ll be suited for therapy dog work.

The director at one of the programs where I volunteer with my Wheatens recently asked me, “We just got an application from someone who wants to do pet therapy with a Rottweiler. They have letters that say he’s a great dog that has worked so well in nursing homes.  But a Rottweiler therapy dog? What do you think?

I didn’t have to think long – Rottweilers can make terrific therapy dogs.  A

great example is Dillon, a five-year-old who has been making visits with his handler, Kerri Stamas, for the last two years. Dillon has a special affinity for working with children.  At one crisis center, Dillon acts as a go-between to help parents reconnect with children who have been living at the center without their parents:

Interacting with Dillon is something both the parents and children can do comfortably.  Once they’re playing with Dillon and talking about him together, it’s easier for the parents and kids to start talking with each other about other things, too.

Dillon also has incredible patience. Because children are so attracted to him, he’ll often find himself surrounded by large groups of kids - with everyone reaching in to pet, hug, and brush this beautiful dog. 

Many people are surprised when they first meet this gentle giant:

At one facility, teenage boys had been looking through some books showing different dogs and were commenting that Rottweilers were mean and ferocious. So the counselor asked us to bring Dillon for a visit. When we got there, a Rhodesian Ridgeback who is a therapy dog at the center came up to Dillon – apparently less than pleased to find another dog in his territory.  The Ridgeback gave Dillon a sniff and a quick snap to show him who was boss. Dillon calmly backed away and turned his attention to the teens.  The boys looked on in amazement and one exclaimed, “Now that’s something I never thought I’d see!

A Rottweiler backed down!”

That day, those boys got a great lesson about dogs – and a valuable lesson about handling conflict without fighting.

Dillon’s incredible work with children shows that so-called “bully breeds” can be wonderful therapy dogs – these tough-looking dogs can provide a calm strength for those needing support. So should my director consider adding a well-trained, qualified, reliable Rottweiler to our team?  Absolutely.”

Interested in reading more? The Power of Wagging Tails is available at www.demoshealth.com

Payson Teaching Children How to be Gentle

Payson, a black Lab and Golden Retriever mix, is known as the ‘star’ by her owner, Julie Moran, and her Helping Hand, Becky Samford. Their visits take them to work with three and four year old children at a Head Start classroom. While Head Start offers education, it is also about developing the needed core behaviors to be successful in school - Gabriel’s Angels Pet Therapy program is a perfect fit!

Julie is the first to admit that at times it is challenging to see the impact the visits have with the Head Start children. “We have experienced a child “warming up” to Payson, but sometimes we wish for more tangible evidence that we are making a difference.”  While the team understands the power of the human-animal connection, they recognize that occasionally the impact is so subtle it may be overlooked.

One example of this occurred recently. The children enjoy learning how to care for pets through their interaction with Payson.  The act of filling her water bowl is so cherished that a game has been created so every child gets to offer Payson a drink. Payson is clearly teaching the behavior of respect – to animals and each other. This became evident one day after the Therapy Team had departed and the room became exceptionally noisy and chaotic. One young boy spoke up and asked everyone to quiet down. He proclaimed, “Payson doesn’t like loud noises!”

Gabriel’s Angels Pet Therapy Teams are reaching abused, neglected and at-risk children by developing critical behaviors – respect, awareness and tolerance.  Payson shows everyone how these behaviors stay with the children even after the visit has ended!

I asked Debbie Coons, one of our outstanding therapy teams, with her Bloodhounds Beau and Georgia, to give you her experience utilizing the activity kits that we supply to our Therapy Teams.

After a Therapy Team has some field experience, the handler returns for in-depth training for the ACT (Animals and Children Together) Learning Project.  ACT was developed as a result of an independent evaluation of our Pet Therapy visitation effectiveness on impacting the key behaviors needed for abused children to develop socially.  The activities that are engendered in this project help our volunteer Pet Therapy Teams reach children on a deeper level.  Included in the training, which lasts between three and four hours, are modules that help the volunteer understand the emotional effects of child abuse, the core behaviors being impacted, and the important role volunteer teams play.  Volunteer Teams are introduced to and trained on the effective use of over 25 engaging activities they may employ on their visits. 

The ACT Program is leveled in an age-appropriate manner.  Noah’s Tails is geared towards infants to children age 5; Penny’s Pals for 6 to 12 year olds; and Gabe’s Gang for teenagers. Each ACT activity bag contains an instant camera.  Handlers are trained to “catch the children doing something good” and snap those photos.  For children who have grown to believe that they can do nothing right, these photos are extremely valuable in providing tangible images that they can and are capable of doing right and well. 

Here is what Debbie had to say with a little help from Beau and Georgia:

The ACT kit is a tool that I use on all of my therapy visits for Gabriel’s Angels.  Students are typically anxious to see what interactive activity we will use on each visit and some of the items we commonly utilize are: a stethoscope, soft brushes, a water bowl, a ball or other toy, trading cards, and several books about dogs. 

I have two Delta registered therapy dogs, Bloodhounds Beau and Georgia, and we work with teenagers at an alternative school.  Over the course of a school year I have watched growth and change in the students as they have built a trust in our bi-weekly visits. Through the ACT books the students have discovered that individual dog breeds have unique temperaments and they enjoy relating them to their own personalities.  Sometimes we sit in a circle brushing or petting the dog and have discussions on grooming and the proper care of animals.  This activity reinforces the idea of taking turns and sharing while building empathy and affiliation.  Listening to the dog’s heartbeat and then hearing their own heartbeat sends the message that dogs are living beings that need to be cared for and loved, thus bringing out compassion in the kids. 

The ACT kit is a powerful and creative tool that Gabriel’s Angels has provided for the therapy program. The activities and training provided by Gabriel’s Angels staff are an integral part of my interaction on therapy visits with the students.

Shared with permission of Jason Knight, Founder/Principal of Human Capital Strategies who is a member of Gabriel’s Angels Board of Directors. [hyperlink to http://hcscando.com/]

Charity Associations are the right social choice, but are they the right business choice?

Doing good is good right? So we should be good at doing good because its good and good things are good. Plain and simple right?

As a member of society we should all have a natural inclination to help our community. In the United States that can often be achieved through a local charity organization; there are organizations that cover issues from military support to the rainforest and everything in between. As individuals we make choices to support various causes close to our heart, but should a business do the same? And if your business does choose to support a charity will it benefit your bottom line?

Pro’s of Charity Work

1. It’s charity work!
2. Helping a charity can be a great team building exercise
3. Doing good encourages positive behavior
4. Added exposure for your business
5. Exposure to other businesses with solid foundations for cross promotions/trade/referrals etc.
6. That warm fuzzy feeling inside

All these reasons are good justifications but in the end is it a smart business decision?

Absolutely! Not only will you foster a sense of paying it forward and a service attitude in your organization, but you will build a strong team united for a great cause.

In addition, you will foster relationships with like minded individuals who may become new customers, or business associates or marketing partnerships. The golden ticket to business success is fostering solid relationship’s with all those around you, from your suppliers, to your providers, to your customers  and charities are a great place to make those first connections.

While business growth certainly should not be the main reason for integrating charity work, it is certainly an added bonus. Not to mention it means you will have more to give back!

So find something you and your Staff are passionate about and then find a good organization to support.

Maybe you have a passion for animals like the HCS staff and chose a great organization like Gabriel’s Angles. Or your love is children, and find out about the great work of Phoenix Youth at Risk. The HCS Charity Theater night is a highlight every year for the HCS staff. It’s talked about and planned for months and gives the entire staff a common united goal. Each year we try to beat our record and this year we succeeded beyond expectations!

We were able to raise almost $5,000 for Gabriel’s Angels and were joined for the evening by the great volunteer staff from Phoenix Youth at Risk.

So business owners, find your passion and make it happen!