Check out my new website!
http://www.kriscosta.com
Partner’s Dog Training
Searching for the very best of training and services for your dog? If you have found Partner’s Dog Training, you’ve just hit the jackpot!
Partners Dog Training, Cave Creek, AZ, offers an amazing array of services for you and your canine companion. Whether it be training in obedience, military and law enforcement, or doggy day care, Partners offers their myriad of services in their well equipped, all encompassing, indoor/outdoor facility. This multi-licensed facility is owned and operated by Mr. Leighton Oosthuisen, who regularly appears as Pet Expert on EVB Live, offering valuable advice on common canine concerns. Complimenting Leighton’s dedication is Partner’s friendly, experienced and driven staff, who cheerfully go our of their way to deliver responsible, reliable and consistent service seven days a week. In addition to elite training services, Partners also offers group and private training in agility, personal protection, snake avoidance, problem behavior, and canine good citizen certification. As if that was not enough, you can even bring your dog for swim classes and dock diving events in their regulation sized doggy swimming pool!
Partners is also a proud supporter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s AZ Chapter, participating in various fundraising efforts as well as the annual “Light The Night” walk in November.
Contact Partners for their professional K-9 placement, its rescue adoption services, and everything in between!
Partners Dog Training School
4640 E Forest Pleasant Place
Cave Creek AZ 85331
Office:480 595 6700
Fax:480 595 6885
E: contactus@partnersdogtraining.com
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Facebook PWD:Partners Working Dogs Facebook
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How Do I Abuse Thee – Let Me Count The Ways
Abuse is a worldwide epidemic.
In no specific order, child abuse, spousal abuse, elder abuse, other domestic abuse, animal abuse, physical violence, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, intimidation, bullying, social isolation, neglect, spiritual abuse, economic coercion, cyberstalking, self abuse, substance abuse, verbal abuse. And there is more.
Have you ever heard the phrase “you’re just too sensitive”? If so, you’ve heard a verbally abusive comment.
Abuse is about control, and lack of control at the same time, and abuse is handled differently depending upon geography, culture and upbringing.
There are many myths surrounding abuse. One is that old childhood chant, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me”. Not true, although the statement does attest to the age old act of abusing. For many current baby boomers in this country, abuse was demoted to bullying or being picked on, and the occasional courtyard brawl was considered somewhat of a right of passage. Domestic abuse, as wide spread as it was, remained behind locked doors as did other forms of neglect. Emotional and verbal abuse brushed off the radar, right behind animal abuse. While sexual abuse, self inflicted or drug abuse were behaviors of only the darkest in population contained in certain neighborhoods, etc. Decades before the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy was every used in the media, it was already going on. The mind’s defense of ”not in our neighborhood” was just another myth. Denial meant safety. Not true.
So the abused then, and still now too often, suffer mainly in fear, silence and shame, while making excuses for those whose actions they suffer from. Some brave speak to disbelieving ears, others are minimized, few supported. To acknowledge means one must act, and the fear of an unpopular action can be disabling. All the while, countless victims have been, and still are, left scarred and dependent on their abusers, spiritually unrecognizable or even dead. Since the majority of abusers are selective about whom they abuse, they have the element of surprise in their favor. Not the surprise of the victim, but of their community, who have come to know the abuser as their persona, the “kind and friendly” facade. The victims, hence, isolated and victimized yet again.
To complicate matters further, is what can happen next to a victim, especially one of domestic, emotional or verbal abuse. They may begin, as a desperate attempt at controlling their situation, to assume responsibility for the abuser’s actions. The “if only” mindset kicks in, and the belief that there is something “wrong” about themselves that makes their loved one act out as they do. If only they were better, smarter, more attractive, a harder worker, etc..taking on for the abusers actions. Far be it at this point for victims to realize there is nothing they can do, or ever could, because the actions of another do not belong to them. Holding on to what control they can, this self defeating pattern does not in fact protect them from the painful truth. They really have even less control than they think.
Yet again, as in verbal abuse, what begins subtly can be difficult for some to recognize or understand. Just as frequent abusers rarely possess the awareness of what it is that they are doing, just as frequently, it becomes an accepted lifestyle for the victims. We must continue to recognize and help those in need. Help them, until they can help themselves!
Support Resources
Childhelp®
Phone: 800.4.A.CHILD (800.422.4453)
People They Help: Child abuse victims, parents, concerned individuals
Darkness to Light
Phone: 866.FOR.LIGHT (866.367.5444)
People They Help: Children and adults needing local information or resources about sexual abuse
Phone: 800.799.SAFE (800.799.7233)
TTY: 800.787.3224
Video Phone Only for Deaf Callers: 206.518.9361
People They Help: Children, parents, friends, offenders
National Parent Helpline®
Phone: 855.4APARENT (855.427.2736) (available 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., PST, weekdays)
People They Help: Parents and caregivers needing emotional support and links to resources
National Human Trafficking Hotline
Phone: 888.373.7888
People They Help: Victims of human trafficking and those reporting potential trafficking situations
National Alliance on Mental Illness
Phone: 800.950.NAMI (800.950.6264) (available 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., ET, weekdays)
People They Help: Individuals, families, professionals
Child Find of America
Phone: 800.I.AM.LOST (800.426.5678)
People They Help: Parents reporting lost or abducted children, including parental abductions
Child Find of America—Mediation
Phone: 800.A.WAY.OUT (800.292.9688)
People They Help: Parents (abduction, prevention, child custody issues)
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
Phone: 800.THE.LOST (800.843.5678)
TTY: 800.826.7653
People They Help: Families and professionals (social services, law enforcement)
Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN)
Phone: 800.656.HOPE (800.656.4673)
People They Help: Rape and incest victims, media, policymakers, concerned individuals
National Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Information Center
Phone: 800.784.6776
People They Help: Families, professionals, media, policymakers, concerned individuals
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Phone: 800.273.TALK (800.273.8255)
TTY: 800.799.4TTY (800.799.4889)
People They Help: Families, concerned individuals
National Runaway Switchboard
Phone: 800.RUNAWAY (800.786.2929)
People They Help: Runaway and homeless youth, families
Useful Websites:
www.loveisrespect.org Dating Basics
www.thehotline.org National Domestic Violence Hotline
www.childhelp.org National Child Abuse Hotline
www.rainn.org Rape Abuse Incest National Network
www.ncea.aoa.gov National Center On Elder Abuse
www.pet-abuse.com Animal Abuse
www.cyberbullyhelp.com Cyber Bully Information
www.bullyingstatistics.org Bully Statistics
www.samhsa.gov/treatment Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Calling All Closets!
Step into the world of your closet!
Unlock the key to your imagination!
Oh, and by the way, get organized too!
Jo Paris Salon
A huge THANK YOU to Jo Paris Salon in Scottsdale for supporting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society! It is people like you who help make the word a better place. Thank you for caring and for creating beauty both inside and out!
Jo Paris is a luxurious salon and spa fulfilling every beauty need. Over 35 professionals with cutting edge and up-to-the moment skills master at hair cutting, styling, colors, french balayages, brazilian blowouts, complete nail services, extensions and Spa Services.
Jo’ Paris Salon – one of the best salons in Scottsdale!
Find Jo Paris at:
14202 N. Scottsdale Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
480 663 8994
Happy Easter
Easter, Jesus Christ’s victory over death. Eternal life is symbolized by His resurrection and the same is granted to all who believe in Him. Easter also represents a validation of Jesus’ teachings on Earth during His three-year ministry. His resurrection changed the meaning of death, and eternal life and gave final and irrefutable proof that He was really the Son of God. As we dress in Easter hats, attend worship and celebrate with meals and communion among friends and family, let’s not forge the hope and miracle that Easter truly is. Have a wonderful Easter weekend!
Destination Taiwan
Often overlooked when traveling to Asia, Taiwan is a must see! Located off the mainland of China, Taiwan is positioned south of Korea, with Japan off its northeastern coast, while laying north of the Philippines. Interestingly, Taiwan is split into two parts by the tropic of Cancer, thus the country is present both in the northern and eastern hemisphere. With a sub-tropical climate, warm and wet, Taiwan is prone to intense summers and powerful monsoons. Its climate may help explain the rich landscape and varied flora that can be seen when traveling through Taiwan. Winters are pleasant, and graced with a healthy avian population, as well as various species of lizards and snakes.
You will know you are in the capital city of Taipei simply by looking up. Taipei 101 is the second tallest building in the world, soaring majestically among the city scape to a height of 1667 feet, with 101 occupied floors. Its architecture, reflective of the culture of the country, is a stacked feat of 8 canters, which pays tribute to the Chinese lucky number 8 while affording those on the observation deck a view virtually unobstructed to the street below. If the thought of a spectacular view from the 91st floor observation deck, or dining at the Observatory Restaurant located on the 85th & 86th floors doesn’t lure you up, then the 37 second aerodynamic elevator ride ride up to the 89th floor will leave you in awe.
The capitol city of Taipei unfolds its life by way of lively marketplaces, temples of worship, and abounding culture against a mountainous terrain. There is so much to see and do, and the food, oh the food. Natural, fresh and diverse, the Taiwanese know their food. You will come home feeling 10 years younger! Don’t miss the dumplings at Din Tai Fung at the Sogo mall. Other don’t miss adventures include the Hot Springs at Sakuraoka (the ride there is half the fun), The National Palace Museum, Qingshan Temple, C.K.S. Memorial Hall, a ride on Taiwan’s High Speed Rail, Night Markets and moon cake! The Tai Pan Residence Club at the Grand Formosa Regent Taipei has my vote for best accommodation, although I cannot say what I enjoyed most there. Was it the view at the breakfast buffet, the 24 hour personal butler service, or the double massage I had at the spa. How about all three!
http://www.npm.gov.tw/en/Article.aspx?sNo=03000060
http://eng.taiwan.net.tw/pda/m1.aspx?sNo=0011179
http://www.regenthotels.com/EN/Taipei
Taiwan Fast Facts:
- Population: about 23 million
- Area: 36,000 square kilometers (about 13,900 square miles)
- Airport: Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (Airport Code TPE)
- Area Code: Taipei: 02 Jilong: 02 Kaohsiung: 07 Tainan: 06
- Language: Chinese is the official language with a variety of dialects used in middle and southern Taiwan. English is a foreign language. You can expect most of the population only able to speak Chinese.
- Credit Card: credit cards are commonly used on the island, especially in restaurants, hotels and shopping malls. American Express is not very popular while Eurocard and Carte Blue are not available here.
- Currency: NTD (local currency) is used throughout the island. Remember to change your dollars in hotels or banks.
- Voltage: 110 V, some hotels offer 220 V
- Tips: generally speaking you can expect to pay an additional 5 to 10 percent of the bill.
- Time Zone: Taiwan time is the same as Beijing Time. Within the island, there is no time difference.
- Tap Water: undrinkable
Emergency Number
Police: 110
Fire: 119
Inquiring of Phone number: 106 Public Phone: it is easy for you to find phone booths along streets, roads or in some public places. There are NT$ 100, NT$ 200 and NT$ 300 phone cards sold in some convenience-shops.
Office hours of government: 08:30 to 12:30 and 13:30 to 17:30 from Monday to Friday. Mobile phone: if your mobile phone is served by an international roam card, it will be no problem to use it in Taiwan. Be sure to check the voltage of the charger is 110 V.
Check into both Health and Entry Requirements
Waikiki or Bust!
We knew he’d get there sooner or later! Trump International has opened a hotel with residential like guest suites, amenities galore and world class service! In adition to its sandy white beaches, Trump International Hotel Waikiki Beach Walk is offering some initial luring benefits to lucky Platinum American Express holders! For more info: 1.800.525.3355 or americanexpress.com/fhr
Precious Gifts of Love
A beautiful something brought to us from a friend:
God summoned a beast from the field and he said, “Behold man, created in my image. Therefore, adore him. You shall protect him in the wilderness, shepherd his flocks, watch over his children, accompany him wherever he may go…even into civilization. You shall be his companion, his ally, his slave.”
“To do these things,” God said, “I endow you with these instincts, uncommon to other beasts: Faithfulness, devotion and understanding surpassing those of man himself.”
“Lest it impair your courage, you shall never foresee your death. Lest it impair your loyalty, you shall be blind to the faults of man. Lest it impair your understanding, you are denied the power of words.”
“Let no fault of language cleave an accord beyond that of man with any other beast or even man with man. Speak to you master only with your mind and through your honest eyes.”
“Walk by his side; sleep in his doorway; forage for him; ward off his afflictions; love him and comfort him. And in return for this, man will fulfill your needs and wants — which shall be only food, shelter and affection.”
“So be silent, and be a friend to man. Guide him through the perils along the way to this land that I have promised him. This shall be your destiny and your immortality.” So spoke the Lord.
And the dog heard and was content.
Canine Therapy at MSKCC
Dogs in our Caring Canines program help to relieve stress and pain for inpatients. They took a moment to pose here with (from left) registered nurses Melanie Bushnell and Claire Carmody, unit assistant Michelle Smith, and dietitian Jayne Wiprovnick. Since 2007, our dedicated teams of therapy dogs and trained owners/handlers – now totaling nearly 20 – have visited hundreds of people undergoing treatment for cancer at Memorial Sloan-Kettering.
Many people who spend time with our nurturing canines find a sense of peace, comfort, and much-needed distraction. Interacting with a dog can help:
- lessen your anxiety and distress
- reduce the need for pain medication
- support you emotionally
- make you feel more comfortable communicating with your healthcare team
With one of our animals to keep you company, you might also find yourself focusing less on your pain, and even feel more motivated as you work toward recovery.
Our Caring Canines at Work
Studies of animal-assisted therapy have shown that healthy and properly cared for dogs are not a health risk for hospitalized patients. Our Caring Canine teams adhere to strict guidelines. Handlers follow infection control procedures and wash their hands frequently.
Before becoming a member of our team, handlers are interviewed and dogs are observed to ensure they are a good match with our patients.
Participating volunteers belong to the Angel on a Leash program, a charity of the Westminster Kennel Club. Volunteers must also complete training at one of the three nationally recognized and insured dog therapy organizations: Delta Society, Therapy Dog International, or Good Dog Foundation.
Schedule a Visit with a Therapy Dog
Our teams are available to visit inpatients every week on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Each day, our volunteers visit different floors of the hospital. The program is currently approved for floors 10, 12, 16, 17, and 19.
If you are an inpatient on the day the Caring Canines are on your floor, a volunteer will stop by your room to see if you would like to schedule a visit. During your visit, you will receive a copy of our annual calendar, featuring photos of our volunteer teams, staff, and patients.
To learn more about the Caring Canines team, please contact Jane Hedal-Siegel at 212-639-8623 or hedalj@mskcc.org.
