Monday was a hard day for me. For Tony, it wasn’t.

Tony and I returned to the children's hospital after a month long whirlwind of traveling. We are a therapy team certified through The Good Dog Foundation and The Children's Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders has become one of our regular visits. Tony was so excited to return he pulled all the way to the entrance of the hospital from the subway station.

He let out a happy howl when he entered. As he always has to announce himself when we arrive at the children’s hospital for a therapy visit.

His buddy was there who he hasn’t seen in a month. She was one of his first visitiors at the hospital and has been a loyal friend to Tony every Monday at 11am. I’m afraid to ask why she is there every Monday and am not exactly sure what is wrong with her. All I know is that she usually has an IV port hooked up to her arm. She has overcome her fear of dogs through weekly visits with Tony. At first she just watched him from the other side of the room, in no time she was petting him and giving him treats. She brushes him, walks him & even reads to him. She has become my little therapy assistant.

A toddler came to pay Tony a visit. It was his first time meeting a therapy dog. He clearly looked like he was going through chemo as he only had a tiny bit of hair left on his head. The little boy hesitant at first saw Tony lick a little girls face. It was his first time seeing a dog kissing someone. He started laughing so hard – his laughter cracked all of us up. He didn’t stop laughing, which egged Tony on even more. For a few moments, you wouldn’t have known we were at the hospital as this little boy’s laughter could be heard throughout the entire building.

A little girl tethered to her stroller was brought in. Tony and I have met her before. Her mom untethered her as Tony sprang into action curious about the little girl who kept hitting herself. Flying fists and all, Tony joined in with her frenzy and followed her fists showering them with kisses everywhere they flew. Even though he got whacked a few times, he kept smooching her as if it were a game.

Our hour flew by.

We were asked on our way out to stop by the “teen” room to say hi to a young man who wanted to meet Tony. He had a Maltese who looked just like him. As we were talking a young father holding a baby girl came in. The little girl’s face was completely deformed and she had a breathing tube. I’ve never seen a condition like this and was thrown for a loop seeing such a little girl so sick. Even though I tried not to show it on the outside, I was completely heartbroken on the inside. Tony wasn’t fazed at all – he wagged his tail at her and I scooped him up to bring him close to her. He gave her a ton of kisses as she began to wiggle and giggle with delight.

It’s pretty amazing how unflappable a dog can be. How unjudgmental. How loving.

No matter what.

If only we can live in the moment and see life through the eyes of a dog.

xoxo,
Susan & Tony

For more information on animal assisted therapy, please visit: www.thegooddogfoundation.org

TORU's taking it's "Summer of Love" tour on the road and heading north of the border June 6-8th to attend Woofstock in Toronto. Last year over 140,000 people and their dogs attended. Rumor has it that some of our tanks may appear on the runway. We are totally psyched and can't wait to rock out at woofstock!

We are proud to announce that TORU will now be available in Belgium, France, Germany, The Netherlands & Luxemburg thanks to our new european distributor, Mad Dogs Import. We are very excited to have the opportunity to rock some Euro Dogs worlds!!!

Spring is just around the corner and we are hard at work with our newest line of vintage style rock 'n roll apparel for dogs -- TORU tanks. Inspired by three decades of amazing music that has rocked our world - the 60's, 70's & 80's. With our signature soft vintage washed fabric, reverse retro stitching and sense of humor, these tanks are bound to rock your dog's world!



TORU tanks will be available Spring '08. Presale and inquiries, please contact us at info@torudog.com

Jack is Rudy’s new brother. When Jack’s original owner passed away he was sent to the local shelter.  Jamie of Jamie’s Rescue down in Miami, Florida was doing one of her daily visits to the shelter and noticed Jack crying and scared in his cage, immediately she decided to bring him home to foster. Jack was malnourished, scared and scratched up – a lot for a pup to have been through so early in his life.  Lucky for him, Vanessa was looking to rescue a dog from Paws 4 You Rescue. When Jen at Paws 4 You had heard about Jack’s situation from Jamie’s rescue group, she was quick to put them in touch with Vanessa. The second Jack and Vanessa met, it was love! We’re happy to say that Jack quickly adapted to the good life of belly rubs,  treats, and lot’s of love. He loves going to work with Vanessa and certainly keeps Rudy on his feet. Vanessa and Jack are grateful to both rescue groups for putting them together.
 
So when Jack heard that Paws 4 You Rescue is looking to raise funds for an adoption van, he wanted to help out. They’ve rescued 100’s of dogs from being euthanized in Southern Florida in 2007, but feel that they can be helping so many more if they had their own van (opposed to renting one each time). They found this cool organization that is running a fundraising event sponsored through Parade Magazine & the Case Foundation, called Networkforgood.org which enables non-profit organizations to raise funds through donations. Jack encourages you to log in and donate any amount you can or simply spread the word to help out his friends at Paws 4 You. (The fundraising drive ends on Jan. 31st.)

http://www.networkforgood.org/pca/Badge.aspx?BadgeId=108638

Jack thanks you & sends you a big sloppy kiss :)