Newsletter  March 2014 Issue 82 

ST PATRICK’S DAY

To be sure to be sure, we started the month with an Irish theme and Irish eyes were smiling as everyone joined in the spirit of things wearing green for the luck of the Irish. Our doggies dressed as Leprechauns and the volunteers wearing the shamrock added to the laughter while our much loved volunteer Frank led an Irish sing-a-long as the audience joined in enjoying the Irish jokes, a jolly time was had by all who attended.

DIVERSIONAL THERAPISTS

We are always delighted to see the effort the D/T’s put in to add to the themes on special occasions, many of the residents and clients also help, showing off their craft skills – it is great therapy for all concerned and they are to be applauded for the time, effort and love that goes in to the decorating of the room to make the residents and clients feel so special.

FAMILIES AND FRIENDS

We receive so many lovely comments and notes from friends and families of the residents who have attended and enjoyed the themes. They look forward to our visits which makes the extra effort from our volunteers, especially through a long hot summer , well worthwhile.

INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY

Held on March 7^th, Jenny Crewes of Somerville Funerals organised an interesting and most informative afternoon at Ozcare Labrador where Facility Manager Angela Aitken Smith welcomed everyone noting statistics on numbers of female residents and careers for women in Ozcare. Amy Henderson from Allambe Memoriel Park presented the “Eternal Flame”  from Allambe to Angela Aitken Smith. In between speakers trivia quiz questions brought smiles and laughter from the audience. Dawn Crichlow brought the house down with her speech on women in council. Ms Lynne Walsh, President Rotary Club Broadwater Southport and past principal spoke on her career in the education department. Counciller Margaret Grummit spoke on matters of interest to senior constituents. Dorothy now 97 yrs a resident of Ozcare spoke on her life and history,..  What an inspiration. I was invited to speak on how our PFT group came into being  and the work our volunteers do on the Gold Coast , Dawn’s comment was “ Volunteers Don’t  Get Paid because They Are Priceless”

MARCH VISITS INCLUDED

Southport Nursing Centre – Galleon gardens Currumbin – Tri-Care Labrador – Tri-Care Mermaid Beach – Hillview House Ashmore – Tallai Glades Mudgeeraba – De Paul Villa Ashmore – Nerang Nursing Home – Villa Serena Robina

PFT TRAINING SESSIONS

Held at 4.30pm every Monday at James Overell Park, Brighton Parade Southport. The general format of each session is: Meet & Greet / Warm-up/Agility, followed by some obedience /trick training / wheelchair work, etiquette, tailored to PFT visits. There will be two trainers weekly, Yvonne and Paula, Yvonne & Laurel. We are most fortunate to have experienced instructors and I thank Paula and Laurel for their valuable time and expertise.

WORDS OF WISDOM

“Helping others….Helps you “

I would like to thank our Sponsors and welcome new Sponsors, the names of which are on the Pets for Therapy website: www.gallerygiselle.com/pettherapy.htm

Cheers from Yvonne (Coordinator) and Misty (the wonder dog) 

MELBOURNE CUP THEME
The audience enjoy this time of year, when they can wear their hat creations and are delighted to see our doggies dressed in silks carrying little jockeys as we run our Pets For Therapy Cup Day race…Frank wearing silks and looking very dapper is our Master of Ceremonies. Misty does well over the hurdles as does Kobi, and are well backed while Ambra is a little slow out of the barrier at least she finishes the race, others like to wear spring hats more suited to Ladies day. Much laughter and cheers for the favourites.

MELBOURNE CUP RAFFLE
Ten of us enjoyed a delicious lunch at Golden Crest Manors hosted by Liz and Darren. The wonderful Melbourne Cup Hamper to the value of $150 donated again this year by Cavell, Frank and Sunny Boy PFT volunteers, was drawn and won by Laurie (Annette’s husband) 2^nd prize donated by Paula and family was won by Rick and 3^rd prize went to Liz, CONGRATULATIONS to the lucky winners and to all who sold and bought tickets many thanks for your support.

THIS MONTHS VISITS
Southport Nursing Centre
Villa Serena
Nerang Nursing Home
The Cottage Domain
The Lodge Domain
Woodlands Lodge
Abri Aged Care
Hillview House Ashmore
Melody Park
Ozcare Day Respite Burleigh

AWARDS RECEIVED
I was surprised and honoured to receive Finalist in Gaven’s most community minded senior citizen 2013 for 24 years bringing joy, laughter and love to groups within the community. Awarded and organized by Dr Alex Douglas MP, Member for Gaven.
Also for outstanding and inspirational contribution to community service NSW and ACT Rotary Inspirational Women Awards 2013.

My thanks to our sponsor One Stop Auto Nerang, Jacqueline and Paul for their nomination.

CONGRATULATIONS
Cyn-D celebrated a special birthday with us at Golden Crest Manor coffee shop. Cyn-D has contributed so much to PFT over many years with her highly trained border collies and service dogs she has trained to go to people with special needs. Cyn-D’s skills are evident and her dedication is second to none.
The delicious birthday cake was contributed by Jacqueline from One Stop Auto, again a sincere thank you.

CHRISTMAS GIVING
We have already begun our Christmas visits, our gift giving is always so special, each gift lovingly put together by our volunteers, the smile and thank you say it all even a tear here and there. Our wonderful Team who give their time at this busy time of year sharing the festive season to so many dear friends at the facilities we visit. A special bond between human and companion animals has been recorded through history, the therapeutic advantages of PFT seen , especially conducive to improving the quality of life.

Each week our calm friendly dogs give people both young and old the chance to stroke and talk to them.

“WELL DONE PFT”

I would like to thank our Sponsors and welcome new Sponsors, the names of which are on the Pets for Therapy website: www.gallerygiselle.com/pettherapy.htm

Cheers from Yvonne (Coordinator) and Misty (the wonder dog)