Today, I would like to encourage you to visit my other blog. It is written in the voice of my beloved Alaskan Malamute, Sitka. He is my baby. Yes, I know babies do not normally weigh 125 pounds, but this one does.
Some of you know my husband and I have therapy dogs. We take them into hospitals, nursing homes, and other facilities. We do a variety of things from encouraging a stroke patient to try and walk, encourage patients with terminal disease, and much, much more.
Last night we witnessed not one, but two miracles. Over the past year or so we have been visiting Central State Psychiatric Hospital, Petersburg, Virginia. We are the only "outside" therapy dogs ever to be allowed into their facility. Time and time again we have witnessed dramatic change in the patients, but last night was beyond what we could have asked or imagined.
Doug and I chose this ministry because there is such a tremendous need. Please jump over to Sitka's blog: All GODS CREATURES and read about our adventure. If you have time look back into the archived posts and read about other adventures we have experienced. Sitka would love for you to join and follow him. He loves "everyone."
Thank you for patiently allowing me to break from the norm on this blog and share a little about the ministry Doug and I are passionate about.
Amazed by HIS grace,
Andrea
49 comments:
Oh ANDREA, I just love your babies!!! I'm anxious to read your other blog!
What a wonderful way to reach people. My mom suffered a terrible stroke in Jan. & spent a long time in the rehab facility. The thing she always looked forward to the most was the visits from the dogs. Wow, I know so many people benefit from what you guys are doing. I love it!
Jenn
Bless you sweetie.
What an awesome way to serve the Lord - with His creatures!
I've always enjoyed Sitka's blog too. Trotting over now.
Nice to meet you Andrea. This is wonderful ministry. Amazing blogs.
Thank you for sharing your talent.
Thank you too for joining me.
God bless you.
That is awesome-I'll go check out what Sitka has to say :) Thanks!
God bless your ministry!
That is so cool Andrea. Since I am fairly new around here I had no idea. Awesome
Andrea, this is wonderful...my daughter is disabled, and the program she attends has the local shelter bring dogs in once a month to "visit" the clients...its amazing what happens through the touch of a furry friend! Anxious to get over to Sitka's blog...God bless!
Mary
What a wonderful way to serve the Lord with His creation, both you and your dogs!
Wonderful! What an awesome and awe-inspiring thing you both do!
Andrea,
Praising God for using not only you and hubby in this beautiful ministry but sharing the love of your family pets with others that couldn't be reached any other way.
Love and Hugs ~ Kat
Andrea, What a wonderful outreach! Such a blessing and I know it blesses the heart of the Father!
Sweet Blessings!
Jackie
Not so many are doing this awesome ministry you are involved in...And I know a lot of patients are blessed whenever all of you get that chance to be with them. God bless you sister and I'm heading over to Sitka's now.
****Off to the other blog I go. Hi Ho the dairy-oh****
Love your dogs they are truly handsome fellows.
I just lost my 120 pound fur nephew to cancer. He was a stunning Alaskan Mal with a fun and playful spirit. I'm glad I stumbled upon your post today. Hugs, Jen
Its so nice to be apart of your blog! Love it here!
How awesome that you 'touched' this man so deeply. Very emotional to read ..... TY for sharing. TTFN ~Marydon
Our furry friends are angels...
Living it up at Lakewood,
Cindy
I knew you were special. Now I know you are. What you and your husband do is wonderful. And I did check out your other blog with my daughter and yes we are both following it. Hugs to you. Sarah
Your dogs are beautiful! I'm going over to your other blog nowm just as soon as this song is over!
What a wonderful ministry and such a blessing to those in need. You and your husband are special people, thank you for the work you do dear one.
Thank you so much for visiting my site. I truly appreciate visits and comments :)
I love your sites. Both are just wonderful!
I am going to follow each one!
All of our animals except our Mastiff, Zeke, are rescue kids. God has blessed us with 4 horses, (one on the way!), 3 dogs, and .....18 cats!
Inside cats, outside cats, and barn cats. Whew.
Have a blessed day, Misha
I'm heading over there. We have a therapy dog that come to our nursing home and the residents so look forward to his visits. I've seen some amazing responses too.
Andrea, I am posting David's button on my blog. He is included in our prayers here. I appreciate the updates as you get them.
And while I have never seen the joy brought by a therapy dog, I know the calmness our dog brought to our home before she passed away.
Thanks for visiting my blog!
Andrea, God bless you and your husband. What a wonderful post. Thank You for sharing. Blessings, Audrey
I am late getting to my blog visits but I can hardly wait to go read about Sitka's trip. Therapy work with dogs is something I hope to do one day.
Chester's Mom ;0=)
Thanks for all of your sweet comments! I love to see therapy dogs helping people...thanks for what you do!
It is truly amazing to watch God work through us - using beloved pets as channels of His healing peace and love or our hands and words.
PG
I will go visit....my girlfriend use to bring her dog into care homes as well...blessings to you as you continue on with your amazing work!
Please stop by my blog. I left you an award.
I am new to your wonderful blog. Coincidentally, I was thinking that I should start a blog in the voice of my dog. Dogs are amazing, loving, helpful creatures. Now I'm off to visit your other blog! :)
God is awesome! I know those dogs are ministering to others along with you. Glad to see you freed from your rut. I love it! :O)
Just got back from your other blog - isn't God just amazing! What a wonderful ministry you have and thanks for sharing with us!!
God bless and hugs to you,
Debbie
You have me excited to get my dog trained!
What an awesome ministry you and your husband have. I love your dogs and I love your faith and determination. Thank you for visiting my blog and for your prayers. Blessings
Wow.. it is truly amazing that you can reach out to people in this way ! I am on my way over to read what Sitka has been up to lol!!!:)
What a wonderful ministry, Andrea.
Awesome too!
Grace be with you
Hi Andee,
Thanks for the warm and encouraging comment you left at my blog this morning. I truly appreciate having you as a blog friend.
Oh, I need to ask your help to enlist prayers for my friend Elena. I wrote about her on my recent post. She had an AVM on her brain removed three days ago, and we thought she was doing ok. But just this afternoon she had a seizure. RIght now she's being operated on again for bleeding and brain swelling, Please pray for complete recovery.
Thank you !
Love
Lidj
Neat story. I know dogs are great - we have 2 1/2 dogs. Sounds funny, I know. My daughter and her boyfriend "share" a dog. He spends most of his time at the boyfriends house, but some at ours. Good to know that dogs can provide such helpful therapy.
Andrea, what a blessing you give to others through your "children". We feel the same way about our Reese. When I am feeling a little down she can climb up in my chair, lick my face, and I feel better within seconds.
May God continue to bless your entire family and the wonderful work you do.
Have a "splendiferously" blessed weekend.
Mimmy
I think that you and your "babies" have an incredible ministry.
Just one more way of creation praising the One who is worthy of all praise.
Sweet dreams.
What a neat ministry Andrea! I like the picture of you surrounded by your babies!
I love God and I love animals.....so you know I love everything about this! So thankful that there are people like you who are bringing such joy to others......
xox
*~Michelle~*
What a beautiful ministry.. I have heard about this on TV some but never really knew anyone that was involved.. What a blessing you are....... May the Father God bless your ministry beyond all that you could even imagine......
Just found your blog. What a fantastic ministry. My husband is a pastor, but we've wondered what we'll do after we semi-retire. Lots of needs=lots of opportunities.
What a great and special ministry...hopping to your other blog now....
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