Happy Groundhog Day!

Went outside on this February 2nd for some early morning play.... BRRRR It's cold outside!


Magnum looked left...

Magnum looked right...
 

But Magnum did NOT see his shadow.  He and Punxsutawney Phil agree!  Looks like we are going to have an early spring!  Yay! 

Have a great Groundhog Day!

Miss Carol

Thank you for the gift...

Magnum received two wonderful gifts today.  One is his new "Miss Piggy".  She squeaks and as you can see, she's a bit unraveled already!  (This means "enthusiastically loved"!)  The other gift is the welcome embrace Magnum receives every day from patients, family, friends and staff at the Hospice Home.  From a 10 year old little girl who laughs with delight as she plays with Magnum, to Dedo, Magnum's vibrant and wise grandfather... Magnum is a lucky dog indeed.  Thank you all for the gift of sharing your lives with Magnum and allowing him to "show love" and and play with you to his heart's content.

Miss Carol

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...