Vincent's career is going very well! While these blog posts are more on the seasonal side, you can always follow us on your favorite social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr) to keep up to date on our adventures.
Coosa Valley Fair
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| Vincent pondering his photo |
I entered the photo I took of Vincent when he was baby to the Coosa Valley Fair and we won 2nd place in Amateur B&W Animals! Might enter this photo next year, haha.
Trunk or Treat
Halloween is always a fun time for us because rats are a key animal for spooky decorations and what not. I also have a pumpkin basket that is fun to use!
This event went really well and Vincent had some interactions with young children and we also worked more on having him held in a rat burrito.
Halloween DeStressing at Berry College
Back at Berry for Vincent! So, at this point, I had worked a lot trying to get Vincent comfortable in the rat burrito to no avail. For his comfort, I decided to limit the burritos and just phase them out. Having him being held in a towel is more of an extra thing and isn't required for therapy work.
So instead of being held in a burrito, people can hold the basket or even sit down with the basket in their lap.
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| Fellow therapy dog Zoe watches Vincent |
Rome's Exchange Club Veteran's Day Event
This was a nice little event where we had a booth with our fellow Pet Partners from Compassionate Paws!
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| Vincent with his daddy |
See more photos in our Facebook Album
Destress at Berry College
If you followed Oliver's adventure, then you remember his buddy Wyatt. I was excited for Vincent to meet him but was nervous as to what to say since Oliver had passed away. His mom was there so she helped connect what happened to Oliver to a dog Wyatt knew that was sick. There was a little bit of confusion for Wyatt, but he quickly bounced back and gave Vincent so much love. I was happy to see that Vincent did well meeting Wyatt since we don't visit younger kids too often.
Reading Rats
In November, we started our Reading Rats program! The same library that I visited with Oliver was looking for another therapy animal and we were happy to fill in the spot.
You can see more photos on our Facebook Album
Berry De-Stress
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| Sparrow, Sassy, and Vincent |
Always happy to visit Berry College! Vincent is so good with his coworkers.
You can see more photos on our Facebook Album.
Snowflake Ball '18
We attended the Snowflake Ball last year so I was excited to attend again. This is a yearly dance for special needs young adults and Compassionate Paws was invited. Last year we had a special connection with a young man with down syndrome and I was thrilled to see him and he loved meeting Vincent! This event is notoriously loud and Vincent wasn't too happy with all the noise, but I made sure he took many breaks and covered him with his towel when he wasn't visiting.
Finals week was very busy visiting both Rome and Cartersville Georgia Highlands campuses. We were able to start handing out "I Pet A Therapy Rat!" buttons and they were a big hit.
Vincent has been reading with kids for a couple of months now and he has been a champ. He might get a little fidgety at first, but he quickly gets comfortable and listens to the kids read.
You can see more photos in our Facebook Album.
Georgia Highlands De-Stressing
Finals week was very busy visiting both Rome and Cartersville Georgia Highlands campuses. We were able to start handing out "I Pet A Therapy Rat!" buttons and they were a big hit.
When we were visiting the Rome campus, I learned about the sudden passing of a man named Joe that we visited once before. It was upsetting, but I was happy that we were there to provide some comfort for his wife.
You can see more photos over on our Facebook Album.
Reading Rats
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| A lovely gift from our pal Lindsey |
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| Reading with our friend Levi |
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| Reading with our friend Dylan |
You can see more photos over on our Facebook Album.
The Dog in The Dentist Chair
Our friend Peggy Frezon asked us a while back if we wanted to be featured in her new book about animals who help kids and of course I said yes! The Dog in the Dentist Chair is a fabulous book which features all kinds of therapy and service animals including our own Oliver the therapy rat.
It's so nice to see Oliver in a book and I know he is bruxing from up above!
If you'd like to order a copy feel free to use our Amazon affiliate link where we get a small percentage at no cost to you.
If you'd like to order a copy feel free to use our Amazon affiliate link where we get a small percentage at no cost to you.
Vincent and his Balloon
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| Art by Lily Chesnut |
Lily Chesnut is my younger sister who continues to amaze me every day and she surprised me with this for my birthday last month. We've been brainstorming ideas for a children's book and this piece has fueled us even more! Who knows when we will actually get it done, but we have some great ideas.
Lily has prints of "Vincent and his Balloon" available over on her website.
You can also get a Vincent's Balloon sticker over on our Etsy shop!
You can also get a Vincent's Balloon sticker over on our Etsy shop!
Montessori Homestead
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| Photo by Jennifer Cromer |
Starting this year we are visiting a small homeschool group here in Rome, Georgia. We are only visiting once a month, but it is definitely fun in the few hours we are there.
Vincent gets to visit with a younger crowd than usual with this reading group so it's a fun challenge for both of us.
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| Photo by Jennifer Cromer |
We are still perfecting the kinks in our visits. Vincent was very anxious last time and I'm hoping it was a one-time thing, but if he starts showing anxiety next time I might need to find a more quiet spot to work in since it can get a little much being around so many kids at one time.
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| Photo by Jennifer Cromer |
I try to visit with each child and if they are not reading yet I will read to them or we will look at a picture or comic book of sorts. The teachers are the best and help me keep on track!
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| Photo by Jennifer Cromer |
Support Healing Whiskers
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| Xavier and Lily Chesnut |
I'm thrilled to announce that we finally have shirts! They come in many colors and are SUPER soft.
Our pom pom hats are super cozy and can double as a snuggle sack for your favorite rodent.
And our mugs are the perfect accessory for early mornings! Be sure to check out the rest of our Etsy shop.
Speaking of hot drinks, we have a Ko-fi page where you can send us a coffee or two to help us with various expenses.
Speaking of hot drinks, we have a Ko-fi page where you can send us a coffee or two to help us with various expenses.
Book Donations
I want to thank those who have sent us books for our reading program. Thanks to you guys we are set with books for a good while!
Thank you Amy!
Thank you Anita!
Thank you Tabitha!
Birthdays!
The boys turned a year old! I made a sweet potato cake and a mint cookie cake, but the sweet potato was the biggest hit. Some people have asked me for the recipe and it is literally just cooked sweet potato with whipped cream in the middle.
Thank you guys for your support! I am still working on an online course for people interested in training therapy rats. Feel free to sign up for our newsletter to be emailed once it is live!
What's your favorite kid's book?
Let us know in the comments below!
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