Looking BACK, Looking FORWARD!

We look back at 2012 and have many beautiful memories.  We so try to bring joy in all we do for Hospice of Southern Illinois.  There are times when our goal is comfort and Magnum somehow knows just when to give hugs, kisses and show love to people in need.  Thank you all for sharing your lives with Magnum.   No matter what our connection is to you, we are thankful for your support, encouragement and prayers as we continue to work to enhance the quality of life for people touched by terminal illness.

Happy Trails in 2013! 

Love,
Magnum and Miss Carol

Newspaper Interview!

This past week, Magnum spent a wonderful afternoon at Relais Bonne Eau with Miss Ramona from the Suburban Journals.  He told her all about hospice care.  As a journalist, she asked alot of questions to learn what Magnum does for our patients, family and staff at the Hospice Home.  The answer is:  "He brings them comfort and joy!"   Miss Ramona also learned that Hospice is about LIVING!  Magnum gave her a tour of the hospice home.  We can't wait to read her article.  Thanks to Miss Ramona, many more people will learn about the wonderful services being provided by Hospice of Southern Illinois.

Miss Carol

A day at Edwardsville High School

What a day!  We visited lots and lots of students interested in medical careers.  Our friend, Candice Arana, Community Educator with Hospice of Southern Illinois, talked about hospice care and the wonderful services offered by Hospice of Southern Illinois. 

Magnum was so happy because he got to meet a ton of kids!  We started off talking about Magnum's Service Dog training, time spent in prison, and skills.  Then we got to the really fun part - talking about what Magnum does TODAY at the Hospice Home. He simply brings joy and comfort to people!  He does this through visits with patients, their families and his fellow employees at Hospice of Southern Illinois.  Magnum loves his job and was really happy to share the story of his work with the all the students today. 

Thank you, Ms. Jennifer Weller, Medical Occupations Coordinator, for asking us to come today!  We appreciate the opportunity to educate people (young and old) about hospice care.  Remember:  Hospice is about LIVING!

Magnum gave his all today in our presentations.  Here's what he is doing now:

NAP TIME!!

Thank you everyone at Edwardsville High School for making this a great day for me, Miss Candice and Magnum!

 

Miss Carol

THANKFUL for Trouw Nutrition USA!

Magnum has been really busy over National Hospice Month.  To kick it off, on October 30th, Magnum visited Trouw Nutrituion USA in Highland, IL where he received a donation on behalf of Hospice of Southern Illinois for their Facility Dog and Therapy Dog programs.  Twister, Service Dog-in-Training for CHAMP Assistance Dogs, Inc., also received a donation on behalf of CHAMP.  Trouw Nutrition USA announced these donations at their Companion Animal Summit in September 26-28 in Colorado Springs, CO.  This summit was an educational seminar for current and potential customers.  Magnum and Twister visited Trouw's Highland, IL office in order to meet employees and explain what their organizations and their own Service dog work is all about.



Magnum and Twister with their new favorite friend,
Lesley Gerard at Trouw Nutrition USA

Thank you to everyone at Trouw Nutrition USA for their support of both Magnum at Hospice of Southern Illinois and the wonderful work of CHAMP Assistance Dogs, Inc.

We are very THANKFUL for all of our blessings.  Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

Miss Carol

Father and Son

Murphy (Dad) on left, Magnum (Son) on right

Yesterday was a wonderful day for Magnum.  He met his Dad!  Dad is Murphy, also a CHAMP dog.  Murphy's Mom, Diane, brought Murphy to walk with Magnum in the 1st Annual "Magnum's Mile" - a walk for dogs and their humans celebrating National Hospice Month.  Diane thought that Father and  Son should walk together at such an important event.  Sooo sweet.  THANK YOU Diane for bringing Murphy.  And "yes", the two handsome boys seemed to know each other and feel their special bond.  A very special day for Magnum and Hospice of Southern Illinois.  Thank you to all the CHAMP Assistance Dogs, Inc. Therapy Dog teams who came to support their friend, Magnum.

Miss Carol
P.S.  More pics from "Dashin for Compassion" 5K  & Magnum's Mile to come...

Happy Halloween 2012!

Big "not so bad" Wolf really scared patients and staff today at the Hospice Home - NOT!  Magnum and Little Red Riding Hood brought lots of candy for Magnum's (opps - I mean the Wolf's) friends.  

 

Magnum also visited his fellow employees at Hospice of Southern Illinois offices in Belleville.  Here he is with some of his favorite girlfriends.  Big "not so bad" Wolf was surprised they all saw through his costume and knew it was really Magnum! 

 

Hope you all had a treat filled Halloween!

Miss Carol a/k/a Little Red Riding Hood



In Training!

Magnum has been putting in many early
miles getting ready for his race:
November 3, 2012

Magnum is very serious about getting into shape for Hospice of Southern Illinois' upcoming "Dashin' for Compassion" 5K and "Magnum's Mile".  "Magnum's Mile" is a one mile walk for dogs and their human's.   :)

November is National Hospice Month.  We want to bring awareness of Hospice to everyone!  Go to www.hospice.org for a Registration flyer.  We look forward to seeing you at the race on Saturday, November 3rd at Wagner Buick GMC, Belleville, IL.  Check in is 7:30 a.m.  The 5K starts at 7:30 a.m. and "Magnum's Mile" starts at 8:45 a.m. 

On your mark, Get Ready, Woof!  (Go!)

Concert for the Cause - YOU are invited!

Concert is on the Fairway!
(Bring a blanket or lawn chair)

Saturday night, September 8th is the night of Magnum's favorite concert, SMASH BASH!  This is a FREE "Concert for the Cause" - Hospice of Southern Illinois!  Doors open at 5:30 p.m. at the American Legion, Edwardsville, IL.  Concert is 6:00 - 10:00 p.m.  This is a family friendly event!  Magnum will be there!  We hope to see YOU!!  Go to www.smashbashforhospice.com for details. 

FUN! Food, Drinks, Silent Auction, Dancing, Contests, FUN!

"Making A Difference"

Award Winner! - MAGNUM

Magnum with Miss Carol and KSDK Reporter John Kelly

Exciting day!  Magnum has won the "Making A Difference" Award from NewsChannel 5 St. Louis.  This award is for "an individual who is under the radar but going above and beyond to make a difference in the community."  Magnum is the first dog to be nominated!  We are so proud.  Today they filmed him at Relais Bonne Eau and presented us with the award.  It was very exciting to talk about the work Magnum, the fabulous staff, and volunteers do at the Hospice Home.  Thank you to everyone at Hospice of Southern Illinois for your support and encouragement of Facility Dog, Magnum.  Watch for news story/video at 11 p.m tonight!  Later the clip can be viewed at www.ksdk.com. 

Happy Birthday to Magnum! (July 16th)

It's a Birthday PAW-ty!  Join Magnum and Friends for a birthday gathering with birthday treats and Relais Bonne Eau tours on July 16th from 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Hope to see you there.  Call Candice 618-659-7900 if you have questions. Gifts (accepted all day) will be donated to friends of Magnum at C.H.A.M.P. Assistance Dogs (MO), Edwardsville Humane Society (Madison County) and Spencer Kennel (St. Clair County).  THANK YOU!  Magnum is really excited and we hope that you can come!

Birthday Kisses from Magnum,
Miss Carol

Happy 4th of July!

Magnum is feeling very patriotic today!  This morning he went to visit Relais Bonne Eau and played with everyone there.  After this photo session, he is now celebrating his FREEDOM with a swim in the pool!  We hope you all have wonderful 4th of July celebrations.   Try to keep cool!

Miss Carol

Eye On Design



Magnum relaxing in his office

Magnum's been watching HGTV, and decided we needed to redesign the office he shares with Mary, Clinical Office Coordinator at Relais Bonne Eau.  We did this yesterday on an evening visit to Relais Bonne Eau - so, SURPRISE Miss Mary!!!  (Hope she likes it!)  It is much more ergonomic now!  Visitors can now look into Magnum and Mary's office and see Magnum on his mat after a long day at the office chatting up the staff at the water cooler and visiting patients and their families!  Thanks Montez for your help in moving everything around (again, and again) until Magnum thought it was just right.  We knew we had it right when he plopped right down on his mat and looked at us as if to say "This is it!"  Add Interior Design to Magnum's resume!  :)

Win a Car!

Magnum showing off the 2011 Chrysler 200

Feeling Lucky?  Hospice of Southern Illinois is raffling off a car to raise money to support our services.  This Promotional car has a retail value of $18,500!!  Wow!  Tickets are $10 each.  The car was donated by Oliver C. Joseph, Inc., Belleville, IL (THANK YOU!!!!) and the raffle will be held at their Fall Festival on September 29th.  You do not need to be present to win.  Magnum will be there to congratulate the winner (YOU?)!   Get tickets online at www.hospice.org or call 618-235-1703.  (Or buy them from Magnum next time you see him!)

Rainy Day at Relais Bonne Eau

Yesterday was a cloudy, rainy day.  Magnum visited everyone, and then settled in for a good read.  Of course he loves heartwarming books about pets! 



We hope everyone has a heartwarming day.
Miss Carol

Happy Memorial Day 2012!

Magnum salutes all current and former U.S. Military personnel on this Memorial Day!  Magnum has visited with many Military personnel at both Relais Bonne Eau and while he is out in the community.  We thank you all for your service.  It is our honor and privilege to serve you at Hospice of  Southern Illinois. 

Sincerely,
Miss Carol

The EYES have it!

We honor the American College of Veterinary Opthalmologists and Merial for providing free eye exams to Service Dogs.  Today Magnum visited Dr. Ben Johnson of Animal Eye Associates in St. Louis for his exam.  Thank you Dr. Johnson!



Mr. Cool

Just like a person, Magnum's eyes were dilated for his exam.  He read the eye chart exactly right  and Dr. Johnson declared that he had perfect vision!  Yay Magnum!!

Magnum wore his shades all the way home and has to stay inside, out of the bright sun for the rest of the afternoon. 

Magnum can't wait to SEE (perfectly) all his friends soon.

Have a great, bright, shiny day!
Miss Carol



Happy Easter!

Magnum Bunny!  :)

HAPPY EASTER to all our friends!  We are so excited for Spring!  Playing outside, running outside, napping outside - these are some of Magnum's favorite things to do when the sun is shining. 

Most important, Easter is all about new life and HOPE.  Here's Magnum hoping he can take off these bunny ears now? 


HAPPY Easter!  HAPPY Spring! 
Miss Carol

Luck of the Irish to Ye!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Magnum is so excited.  He is going to Relais Bonne Eau to spread some St. Patrick's day cheer!  Fellow Volunteer, Betty, made his bandana.  Thank you Betty!!!  Doesn't Magnum look handsome?  I don't think anyone will mistake him for a leprechaun - he's kind of big for that!  :)   We hope everyone has a really fun St. Patrick's Day.  We know we will!

Miss Carol

Fabulous FEBRUARY!

Here's Magnum modeling with Magnums of wine!

These bottles will be raffled off at Andria's Countryside Restaurant, Edwardsville, IL.  Each February, Andria's also supports Hospice of Southern Illinois Facility Dog and Pet Therapy Programs by donating 10% of all wine sales for the month to Hospice of Southern Illinois.

Help support Magnum and Hospice of Southern Illinois by dining this month at the fabulous Andrias Countryside Restaurant and enjoying a bottle of wine with your dinner - OR purchase one of only 500 raffle tickets ($5 each).  Drawing held March 1, 2012.  Winner need not be present to win.  Thank you so much for your support.

Andria's Countryside Restaurant

7415 Illinois 143

Edwardsville, IL  62025

618-656-0281

www.andriascountryside.com 

Tickets may also be purchased from Magnum at Relais Bonne Eau (618-659-7900).  Magnum kisses to all participants!
Thank you,

Miss Carol 

Snow Fun!

You can't take the puppy out of the dog!

See the resemblance?



Little Puppy Magnum

Big Black Dog Magnum

Magnum LOVES a snowy day!
No matter the weather, he loves to play outside!

Enjoy the snow - we are!

Miss Carol