2008 Celebration Pet Day Program Schedule

Here is the 2008 Celebration Pet Day schedule of programs:

10:30 a.m. - Celebration Pet Day kickoff by County Mayor Eugene Ray. Immediately following demonstration program by Nashville K9.

11:00 a.m. - Tellington T Touch by Amanda Oliver and Penny Case.

11:30 a.m. - Head on down to the Gazebo warm up ring to watch Candy Swan and her dogs from Mudbug Farm Agility and Obedience put on a spectacular display of agility.

12:00 p.m. - The Comedy Canines: Come and watch these amazing rescue dogs, and their trainer, Dawn, put on a great show.

12:30 p.m. - The Nashville K9s are back for their second demonstration.

1:00 p.m. - Foundation of Training information session and demo by Cynthia Hollis of Sit and Stay Dog Training.

1:30 p.m. - Miniature Donkey Coon Jumping and Donkey Cart Driving by Kay Allen of Blessed Assurance Farm.

2:00 p.m. - Celebration Pet Day Pet Show. Registration begins at 1:00 p.m.

Returing Guests to 2008 Celebration Pet Day

This year, we are pleased to have two returning guests. Their programs were such a HUGE hit last year, that they were requested to return.

The first guest is Kay Allen from Blessed Assurance Farm. Kay specializes in breeding Miniature and Standard Donkeys, Miniature Horses, Alpacas and Nigerian Dwarf Goats. She is doing a Coon Jumping and Donkey Cart Driving Demonstration at 1:30 p.m. in the main ring, under the pavilion.

Wanna know what Coon Jumping is? Click HERE. To read more about Kay and her farm, please read her bio from last year HERE . Be sure to visit the Blessed Assurance Farm booth in the vendors area!

Our second returning guest is Amanda Oliver. Ms. Oliver is the executive director for the Beesley Animal Humane Foundation in Murfreesboro, TN. The Beesley Foundations operates a low cost Spay/Neuter clinic.

Ms. Oliver is also certified in Tellington T Touch Therapy for dogs. What is Tellington T Touch?

TTouch - the Tellington TTouch - is a method based on circular movements of the fingers and hands all over the body. The intent of the TTouch is to activate the function of the cells and awaken cellular intelligence - a little like "turning on the electric lights of the body."

Ms. Oliver's program will include a demonstration and description of Tellington T Touch Therapy. She will have the other T Touch specialist in the state, Penny Case, with her.

The Telling T Touch program is at 11:00 a.m. So, if you want to learn how to use this technique to pamper your pooch, don't miss it!

Also, don't forget to visit Amanda Oliver and Penny Case at the Beesely Animal Humane Foundation booth in the vendors area.

Celebration Pet Day: Guest Program

This year, we are pleased to have Cythia Hollis of Sit and Stay Dog Training Center with us. Cynthia's program is called: Foundation of Training. This program gives tips and techniques of obedience training. Cynthia will demonstrate with participants and dogs from the audience. Her program is scheduled for 1:00 p.m..

More on Cynthia Hollis:

Cynthia Hollis has turned her love of dogs into a dream come true... that of her full-service dog care facility known as SIT & STAY Dog Training Center.

After acquiring her first dog in 1974, a German Shepherd named “Freedom”, Cynthia learned she had a natural knack for training dogs. In 1978 she earned her first obedience title (C.D.) with her German Shepherd named “Greta” and was hooked from that moment on.

She continued with Greta’s training, earning the next level (C.D.X). At the same time she became interested in breed competition (conformation) with an Akita, after earning his C.D. as well as several breed points.

Since 1981 however, the breed that has become her passion and dedication has been the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier (www.HollywoodWheatens.com). Through this very sensitive-tempered breed, Cynthia has learned that harsh methods do not work with this breed, nor does she believe any other dog needs to perform through force or fear. Only gentle and positive methods are used to help your dog understand what it is you want.

Cynthia has earned over two dozen performance titles in Obedience, Agility, and Rally as well as having bred several Champion Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers, including the #3 Wheaten in Canada in 1996: Am.Can.CH. Hollywood’s Just in Case. She has also bred and trained the first Wheaten terrier in history to earn the U.D.X (Utility Dog Excellent) title with Hollywood’s Happy Jack,(www.HollywoodWheatens.com) who was the #1 Obedience Wheaten in 1994. “Jack” remains the only Champion UDX in Wheaten history.

In addition, Jack’s grandson “Dagwood” (CH. Hollywood’s Dagwood Bumstead CD RAE NA NAJ) was the first Terrier in the country to earn the R.A.E. (Rally Advanced Excellent) in 2005.

CREDENTIALS AND EXPERIENCE

Cynthia Hollis has been teaching obedience classes since 1997. She opened SIT & STAY Dog Training Center in 2002 with the purchase of a building in Christiana, TN for year-round use. Her experience includes:

*Earning over 2 dozen performance titles in Obedience, Agility, and Rally, as well as, numerous Champions, all breeder/owner handled

*Certified in Pet First Aid with the American Red Cross

*Member MOTC (Murfreesboro Obedience Training Club) since 1989. Past vice president, class instructor, and Steward at numerous trials

*Certified AKC evaluator for the Canine Good Citizen Program (www.AKC.org)

*Member of IACP, International Association of Canine Professionals (www.IACP.com)

*Judged dozens of Obedience matches in the Southeast

*Regularly holds Obedience matches and SIT & STAY

*Member APDT, Association of Pet Dog Trainers (www.APDT.com)

*Two of her Wheatens have been registered therapy dogs with Therapy Dogs International (www.tdi-dog.org)

*Has applied to be a TDI Team Evaluator (www.tdi-dog.org)

*Member Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club since 1999 (www.SCWTCA.org)

*Currently offers the “Happy Jack” Obedience Award for SCWTCA

*Involved in Wheaten Terrier rescue efforts

*Has had two of her Wheatens (mother and son) each play the part of “Sandy” in the play “Annie” with two different local theater productions

CIVIC INVOLVEMENT

*Member Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce

*Donates thousands of dollars in merchandise and services each year to: PAWS Animal Shelter, Beesley Spay/Neuter Clinic, Habitat for Humanity, Special Kids,Heart GALA, Starry Night at St. Rose of Lima, Boys and Girls Club, Discovery House, On the 5th Day Animal Sanctuary

*Regularly visits nursing homes with her dogs doing pet therapy with patients

*Speaks at schools to children about responsible pet ownership

*Does obedience demonstrations at public and private affairs

*Has chaired the MOTC Christmas parade and walked with her dogs in every parade since 1989

Please come out and join us for Cynthia's program!

**Photographs and biography used with exclusive permission of Cynthia Hollis.

Relaxing

I've been busy this past week putting the finishing touches on Celebration Pet Day. As you guys know, I've been putting the guest posts and info on here as well. I've got several more guests to highlight next week. Casey and I just trying to relax this weekend, since we know it will be crazy in a few days. We've had great luck this year. The community has been very supportive of us, and they have been just wonderful to donate to us. We are now down to just the last few final details. I really hope we do well again this year. Everybody keep your fingers crossed. I'm going to be getting some video of the events this year. Hopefully, I'll have some footage that I can share with everyone. I know that I'll have LOTS of pictures as usual too. Well, I gotta run. I've got some more things to get done before bed. More tomorrow.

More Celebration Pet Day Guests...

We would like to welcome more special guests this year, the group from Nashville K9. Ali Hemyari and his group will be bringing his specially trained police canines and search and rescue dogs.

Here's a little about Ali and his team:

"WE HAVE BEEN IN THE DOG TRAINING, HANDLING, AND PERSONAL INSTRUCTION INDUSTRY FOR OVER 25 YEARS! PREVIOUS TO OUR BEGINNINGS, WE WERE MEMBERS OF SEVERAL K-9 ORGANIZATIONS THAT INVOLVED ANYWHERE FROM OBEDIENCE TO POLICE STANDARD K-9 TRAINING. OUR COMPANY'S FIRM BELIEF THAT WORKING DOGS SHOULD WORK, CONTINUES TO MOTIVATE US TO CONSTANTLY PRODUCE AN OUTSTANDING PRODUCT FOR OUR CUSTOMERS."

Their trainers have trained and worked with many law enforcement agencies throughout the state, which include:

Davidson County Rescue Squad K-9 Unit, Chief K-9 Instructor

Nashville Fire Department, Search and Recovery

Tennessee Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Task Force 2

Tennessee Association of Rescue Squads, Member

Franklin County, TN Rescue Squad K-9 Unit, Captain

Police Benevolent Association (PBA), Member - Capitol Hill Chapter

Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), Member, Williamson County Chapter

Appalachian K-9 Club, Member

TN Valley DVG Schutzhund, Member

TN Valley Working Dogs, Member

Nashville K-9 Police and Schutzhund Club, Member

Intelligent K-9, Owner

Nashville K-9, Owner

Co-Director Jackson County (OK) Search & Rescue Team

Firefighter, Martha (OK) Fire Dept., Winchester, TN Fire Dept.

Tennessee Search and Rescue Dog Association, Middle TN Regional Coordinator

Member, National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR)

K-9 SARTECH EVALUATOR FOR NASAR

Licensed State of TN Police Dog Vendor

They will be doing two demonstrations during the day. One will be criminal apprehension and the other will be a search and rescue demonstration. One program will be at 10:30 a.m. immediately following Celebration Pet Day kickoff. The other will be at 12:30 p.m. So, come on out and join us for these unique demonstrations.

**Photos used by exclusive permission by Nashville K9.

Celebratio Pet Day Pet Show: Class List

Celebration Pet Day Pet Show

Class List

Saturday, September 27, 2008

2:00 P.M.

Bedford County Agricultural Center

1. Cutest Tail - Dogs can have long, bushy tail or short nubby tail.

2. Color Class - Dogs can be an unusual color or just a very pretty shiny color.

3. Critter Class - Open to any pet other than a dog.

4. Costume Class - Dress your pet ( and yourself) up.

5. Rescue Class - For dogs that have been adopted through a Humane Society or

Shelter . If your dog was a stray, it can be in this class too!

6. Best Trick

7. Puppy Class - Puppies under 11 months old.

8. Ugliest Dog - We mean this in the most loving way!

9. I Look Like My Dog

10. Special Needs Dog - For those missing a leg, blind, deaf, etc.

11. Prettiest Dog - Female dogs only.

12. Most Handsome Dog - Male dogs only.

13. Best In Show - All 1st place winners to compete - no fee charged!

Open to all dogs, mixed & purebred. Entry fee is $5.00 per class.

All classes are open to all ages. Awards in some classes will be divided into two age groups, 18 and under, 18 and over.

For information call Mary Jo at Puppy Palace (931) 684-7236 or Verizon cell (931) 224-2567.

Sponsor for the pet show is Puppy Palace of Shelbyville.

All proceeds will go to the Shelbyville-Bedford County Humane Association.

Dog show will start at 2:00 p.m. Registration to begin at 1:00 p.m. But come early to enjoy the demos, exhibitions, and fun for the whole family!

COME JOIN THE FUN FOR YOU & YOUR DOG!

Celebration Pet Day: Special Guests

I AM SO excited that this group is coming to pet day!!

This year we are more than pleased to feature: The Comedy Canines. These performing dogs, usually a troop of 10, are AMAZING!! Their performance is scheduled for 12 Noon for the 4th Annual Celebration Pet Day. In the heart of the Smoky Mountains you will find a unique group of dogs. A group of rescues that have been trained to educate and entertain. These dogs are known as The Comedy Canines. All of the preformers were rescue dogs/strays adopted by Dawn and trained for the show. To learn more about the dogs, click HERE. The Comedy Canines Through out the last several years Dawn and her dogs have been featured in several news stories, go to senior centers for pet therapy, traveled to Pet Star, worked at Camp Gone to the Dogs, been featured in commercials, ads and videos and performed at several charity events and schools. The Comedy Canines with trainer, Dawn. Practicing for Pet Star

Performing at the Comedy Barn in Pigeon Forge. The dogs are also available for media work. They are experienced in commercials, print work, movie and video. They are kid and dog friendly and love to work. Some of their credits include: Turner Classic Movie Channel Scotch Tape Saturn Cartoon Network D.I.Y. Network Georgia Power Atlanta Childrens' Museum Pet Safe Febreeze Bank of America To learn more about The Comedy Canines and their trainer Dawn, please visit: www.comedycanines.com

On the Mend

Well, I'm finally feeling more normal. I've been able to breathe most of the day anyway. I've managed to stay up all day today. I also managed to get the MOUNTAIN of laundry done that had piled up. I'm just sitting now relaxing for a bit. The three little, wild puppies are going crazy playing and running from one room to the other. They are all very well behaved, when they are by themselves, but they are like kids. They tend to act VERY naughty, when they are all together.

I just finished a six week beginner's obedience class with Shingo at my friend, Jennie's, kennel. He did extremely well. While we were there, he did everything I asked. We were in a group class, and he did really well with all of the other dogs. I was quite surpised at how quickly he learned the basics and was always willing to do what I asked of him. He is just now getting the message to apply his commands at home. He's doing much better the last couple of weeks here. He gets distracted by the two other puppies, but he's trying. It's working a lot better, since Casey has started giving LOTS of positive reinforcement too!! I highly recommend obedience classes to all dog owners. It helps to establish you in a true leadership position, and can teach you and your dog commands that could end up saving his/her life. If anyone close around is looking for a good group class, I have to recommend Jennie Jones and Kindred Spirits Dog Training and Boarding. Shingo did SO well, that I'm looking forward to the intermediate class that begins in October. I'll keep everyone posted on his progress. Eventually, before the end of next summer, I hope to have had all three puppies in the program.

Well, I'd better run. It's almost time for dinner and my new favorite show, True Blood. Toodles...

Woe Unto The Head Rot

I'm sitting here pretty miserable right now. After I worked all of last weekend and the first part of the week to get Casey well, I came down with the funk. I managed to drag myself feebly to the doctor yesterday. Due to my wonderful allergies, I now have a throat and ear infection. Repeat after me....YUCK!! So, I've just been laying here on the couch most of the day watching movies that I would have otherwise passed by. It's a good thing that we added new movie channels this week. Otherwise, I would have been sick and bored! I have lots of good books that I could read, but after just a little bit, my eyes start to water terribly. Maybe by tomorrow, I'll feel more like getting up and around. I hope that I can read tomorrow too. I miss having a book in my hands, when I'm at home. I just wanted to take a minute to let everyone know that I haven't disappeared completely. I hope to be back to my old self in a couple of days. The doctor has told me to stay home from work for a couple of days, which would be today and tomorrow. I feel some better today, but I'm at the in between stage. I'm tired of just laying here, but I don't really feel good enough to do anything yet. I'm starting to get fidgety. I suppose that a good sign though. I'll check back in over the weekend.

Woe Unto The Head

What I'm Up To

I'm just sitting here on the couch chilling. I got to sleep in this morning for a change. Casey made a HUGE breakfast. We had french toast, scrambled eggs, bacon, cheese grits, and hashbrowns. YUM! I managed to watch the ball game today. Afterwards, I took off to the Rec Center to swim my laps. I'm back home now. Casey is busy cooking supper, and I'm waiting for True Blood to come on. I've read all of Southern Vampire books, so I'm really looking forward to it.

Gotta run. Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

A Moment...

I just want to take a minute to wish my wonderful husband a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! I Love you!!!

Need a Laugh?

Check this out:

Chef Casey

Casey is REALLY enjoying his culinary classes. This week, we began to get his chef's uniform together. I now present:

Chef Casey

Over the Weekend

I had a pretty good holiday weekend. I had to work Saturday, but I was off on Sunday and Monday. On Sunday, I managed to squeeze one last outdoor pool day in. I managed to get my laps done in the indoor pool, and then I headed outside to catch some rays. I think that I spent about 4 hours at the pool on Sunday. I just can't tell you what an afternoon in the sun does for me. My whole outlook changed with just those few hours. Now, if I can just make it last for the next 6 months.

I was glad to hear that Gustav didn't do the damage that was anticipated. What damage there was was bad enough. Our campus is hosting a Red Cross shelter. There are over 450 evacuees here. Now, everyone's watching the next two storms, Hannah and Ike. It's just a terrible couple of weeks to live on the coast.

I hope that everyone had a great weekend!! BTW, I just want to take a minute to wish my sweet friend, Shanera, a VERY HAPPY 16th BIRTHDAY!!!