November, 2015 – Help Create a GMO-Free Wellington
Want more information? Call Monica at (561) 762-1713.
November, 2015 – Ode to Autumn
Ode to Autumn
by Thomas Hood
I saw old Autumn in the misty morn
Stand shadowless like Silence, listening
To silence, for no lonely bird would sing
Into his hollow ear from woods forlorn,
Nor lowly hedge nor solitary thorn;
Shaking his languid locks all dewy bright
With tangled gossamer that fell by night,
Pearling his coronet of golden corn.
Where are the songs of Summer?—With the sun,
Opening the dusky eyelids of the south,
Till shade and silence waken up as one,
And Morning sings with a warm odorous mouth.
Where are the merry birds?—Away, away,
On panting wings through the inclement skies,
Lest owls should prey
Undazzled at noon-day,
And tear with horny beak their lustrous eyes.
Where are the blooms of Summer?—In the west,
Blushing their last to the last sunny hours.
When the mild Eve by sudden Night is prest
Like tearful Proserpine, snatch’d from her flow’rs
To a most gloomy breast.
Where is the pride of Summer,—the green prime,—
The many, many leaves all twinkling?—Three
On the moss’d elm; three on the naked lime
Trembling,—and one upon the old oak tree!
Where is the Dryad’s immortality?—
Gone into mournful cypress and dark yew,
Or wearing the long gloomy Winter through
In the smooth holly’s green eternity.
The squirrel gloats on his accomplish’d hoard,
The ants have brimm’d their garners with ripe grain,
And honey been save stored
The sweets of summer in their luscious cells;
The swallows all have wing’d across the main;
But here the Autumn melancholy dwells,
And sighs her tearful spells
Amongst the sunless shadows of the plain.
Alone, alone,
Upon a mossy stone,
She sits and reckons up the dead and gone,
With the last leaves for a love-rosary;
Whilst all the wither’d world looks drearily,
Like a dim picture of the drownëd past
In the hush’d mind’s mysterious far-away,
Doubtful what ghostly thing will steal the last
Into that distance, gray upon the gray.
O go and sit with her, and be o’ershaded
Under the languid downfall of her hair;
She wears a coronal of flowers faded
Upon her forehead, and a face of care;—
There is enough of wither’d everywhere
To make her bower,—and enough of gloom;
There is enough of sadness to invite,
If only for the rose that died, whose doom
Is Beauty’s,—she that with the living bloom
Of conscious cheeks most beautifies the light:
There is enough of sorrowing, and quite
Enough of bitter fruits the earth doth bear,—
Enough of chilly droppings from her bowl;
Enough of fear and shadowy despair,
To frame her cloudy prison for the soul!
Thomas Hood (1789-1845 )
November, 2015 – The Importance of Sleep
Mommy Moments
The Importance of Sleep
By Melanie Lewis
It’s 9:00 p.m., do you know where your pillow is?
My cat is curled up on the end of the bed sleeping. Stillness, peace, rest. Contrast that with the dueling pillows taking place down the hall. The boys are having a pre-bedtime, take-down pillow fight. I wish my kids to be more cat-like, especially when it comes to getting to bed for the night. It’s not only for their benefit, it’s for the parents as well. My motto is a well-rested family is a happier family.
Sleep, This is a major topic of books written on infants and children. There’s volumes by Ferber and co-sleeping and sleep training. Despite what’s recommended, my kids don’t clock in the recommended hours. This topic has eluded our family. I feel like the general barking orders. I’ve posted charts, lists, and drilled the routine. They don’t seem to get the notion that when it’s dark and you’re tired, you go to bed. Mommy and daddy would like to have some time before we turn in for the night; to read a book, watch TV, or just have an uninterrupted conversation.
Likewise, we don’t get to “sleep-in”. My feet hit the ground running. My first 2 hours of the day are about taking care of others and continues throughout the day and into the evening. I’ve tried to say, “Now, kids, when you get up in the morning, just go use the bathroom and then go back to bed.” Unfortunately, I’ve gotten into trouble there. They are hungry. Like little mice, they scurry to the kitchen. Soon there’s a crash and grape jelly is splattered all over the floor. Or, a fight erupts over who gets to use the Kindle.
Being well rested makes the day go more smoothly, but bedtime hassles derail our efforts. Yawn! Right now I see a flashlight on under someone’s’ blanket. And it’s way past 9:00 p.m.. Maybe I’ll catch a cat-nap in the afternoon.
***
Melanie Lewis is the mother of 2 active young boys. She is married and works part-time as a Silpada representative and a weight loss consultant. She enjoys book club, and playing with her Blue-mitted Ragdoll, Percy and Golden Retriever, Rosie. She can be reached at – melaniewlewis@yahoo.com.
www.mysilpada.com/Melanie.Lewis
Jewelry makes the perfect gift!
508-656-0125
November, 2015 – I Just Don’t Like The Way I’m Feeling
Ask the Docs
I Just Don’t Like The Way I’m Feeling
By Dr. Randy Laurich
The other day I was talking with some friends and we were discussing injuries, aches, pains and getting older. Some of our old injuries have been creeping up on us and cause weakness or limitations. One of my friends said “I don’t like it, I don’t like it at all.” So, what can we do about these aches, pains, and old injuries?
Most of the weakness comes from an imbalance in the body, whether it’s spinal alignment or loose ligaments or tight muscles. These limitations could be caused from old fractures, sprains, strains or other injuries. So what can be done about these weaknesses?
First, you must be evaluated to see how these weaknesses are throwing your body off. I evaluate many different athletes from many different sports and have found that balancing the spine helps to balance the entire system, starting with the nervous system.
But just balancing the spine doesn’t always help with limitations, weakness or injury. We must look at our weaknesses and strengthen the body around them. The body will adapt and overcome if we find the right team to help. So if you have a trainer, or physical therapist, or chiropractor, make sure they are evaluating you based on your limitations, weaknesses or injuries, so that they can provide you with the best care possible.
Let me evaluate your spine today. I want to be your family chiropractor.
Call today, change your life today.
***
Dr. Randall Laurich
Chiropractor
The Wellness Experience of Wellington, Inc.
(561) 333-5351
Helping to make Wellington Well!
November, 2015 – The Property Known As Garland Runs in Palm Beach
The Property Known As Garland Runs in Palm Beach
By Angela Shaw
When Lee Marlow’s acting coach requested a cold reading of The Property Known as Garland, she jumped to the podium, script in hand. One doesn’t normally drag their feet or refuse a director’s request, especially if that director happens to be Burt Reynolds. Marlow read it with grace and ease; the words tripping off her lips. She later said of the read that,
“It. Felt. Wonderful!”
The role of Judy Garland appeared to be tailor-made for Marlow. A perfect fit, like the red, satin gown she wore in the final scene.
If you were lucky enough to see the production last month at the former Florida Stage, I think you’d agree that
It. Was. More. Than. Wonderful!
Set in Garland’s backstage dressing room, the icon took us on a journey from her stolen Vaudeville childhood, through the relationship with MGM studios, her many husbands, her mercenary mother, and the nagging narcotics. Garland told her story of triumphs, defeats and come-backs. With biting wit she rails on those who forced their agendas on her, who started her on the ‘pill mill’ at 15 – a pill to keep her awake, help her sleep, shed excess weight. She struggled to regain her life when those around her orchestrated it against her will. She battled for her identity and independence despite being treated like a thing, a product, a paycheck for her producers. Her fierce love for her children was her only lifeline, her saving grace, for the moment, anyway.
The two-character script was written by Billy Van Zandt and played in New York for several weeks. How it got to the The Palm Beaches Theatre in Manalapan, is a story in itself.
Burt Reynolds had set things in motion for Marlow and insisted the show be a one-woman monologue. Marlow contacted offices in New York to see if Reynold’s vision was possible and to procure licensing rights. Office workers directed her to Billy Van Zandt himself via email. A few emails later she got a personal phone call from the playwright. Delighted to speak with him directly, Marlow explained Burt’s concept and where he wanted to cut in to the script. To her surprise, Billy told her he had preferred it as a monologue and said it should start with the precise line Reynolds had recommended. Licensing was granted. With that kind of like-mindedness and affirmation, Marlow went to work and emerged with 90 minutes of a sparkling depiction of who Judy Garland was.
When many of us think of Judy Garland, we picture the young farm girl in a blue checkered dress, Toto in arms, belting out “Over the Rainbow.” We soar with her mighty vocals to that magical land.
For others a darker image arises: one of a tragic, worn down woman. We mourn that she left this world so early.
Regardless of which image of Judy you ascribe to, Marlow’s grand portrayal of the legendary star is one of the best. The Property Known As Garland is likely to come back again in the future at The Palm Beaches Theatre, formerly The Florida Stage, 262 South Ocean Drive, in Manalapan. For information about their upcoming season, call 561-362-0003. The play was scheduled for a second run, but this was recently postponed.
And if you get the wonderful chance to see the show, you will see that Marlow’s presentation is more than just a tribute, but a treatise on her tenacious will. A declaration of her determination to resist defeat and shine as the victorious star she truly was.
***
Angela Shaw is a blogger, pianist and songwriter. Born and raised in California, she has five grown children and resides with her husband in Wellington.
November, 2015 – Don’t Thwart Your Thyroid
Natural Insight
Don’t Thwart Your Thyroid
By Sabeen Faquir
Working at a pharmacy, I see a lot of medication dispensed for thyroid support. Armour Thyroid and Nature Throid are popular brands. Did you know you could get similar ingredients from supplements?
According to Forest Laboratories, Inc., “Armour Thyroid is a natural, porcine-derived thyroid hormone replacement containing both T4 and T3.” And according to WebMD, Nature Throid “…is a natural product made from animal thyroid glands (usually a pig’s). Well, supplements like Natural Resources Raw Thyroid and Thyroid Glandular by American Biologics provide thyroid hormones from bovine sources.
In practice, the consumption of porcine hormones delivers needed T3 and T4 hormones to patients with hypothyroidism. In fact, the body secretes a T4:T3 ratio as 11:1 and Armour Thyroid delivers a 4.22:1 ratio. To make up the difference, compounding is suggested (Snyder, Listecki). You may be wondering what are T4 and T3 hormones? These are hormones produced by your thyroid gland that control your metabolism. In a below-average functioning thyroid, these levels drop. In order to be diagnosed with hypothyroidism, your TSH (Thyroid Stimulating hormone) levels must be over a certain level. An inverse relationship exists between T4 and T3 hormones and the TSH hormone. In fact, a TSH level over 2.0 is associated with an increased risk of hypothyroidism over 20 years (Dayan et al).
So, could non-pharmacueticals with bovine hormones also help raise our T4 and T3 hormones? In theory, consumption of bovine thyroid hormones should produce the similar results as the consumption of porcine thyroid hormones. But unfortunately, I haven’t found much evidence supporting the consumption of thyroid hormones through dietary supplements. One study found that commercially available thyroid supplements delivered so much of the T4 and T3 hormones, it could potentially cause thyrotoxicosis or hyperthyroidism (Kang et al). In a hyperthyroid condition, TSH levels drop and T4 and T3 levels rise dangerously high.
What can you do for support of a slow functioning thyroid? Iodine is needed by the thyroid to make thyroid hormones and selenium is used in the conversion of T4 to T3. According to the NIH, the Recommended Dietary Allowance for Iodine is 150mcg for someone 19 years or older. Depending on salt intake or the presence or absence of foods rich in iodine, people get more or less than the upper intake level, daily. Please only take supplemental iodine under the guidance of a healthcare provider. This is because excess iodine intake is also associated with thyrotoxicosis and complications of hypothyroidism, according to Integrative Health of West Palm Beach.
Selenium, on the other hand, is well associated with benefits for the thyroid gland. A study in China found an association between low selenium status and increased risk of thyroid disease (Wu et al). In another study, it was found to reduce likelihood of postpartal hypothyroidism (Gartner). Also, supplementation of selenium is found to improve the structure of the gland (Drutel et al). So, if you are thinking about alternatives to your thyroid treatment, talk to your doctor.
***
Sabeen is currently an MPH student at NOVA Southeastern University. She is an evidence-based health writer able to decipher and convey first hand research to an informed audience. Sabeen was inspired to write about natural alternatives to health after working for a science and health information dispensing company that also sold vitamins and supplements.
***
Disclaimer: The statements in this article are not intended to treat, prevent, diagnose, or cure disease.
Sources:
Home. Armour Thyroid. Forest Laboratories, Inc. 2015. accessed September 21, 2015
Nature-Throid. Drugs and Medications. WebMD. accessed September 21, 2015
Snyder S, Listecki RE. Bioidentical thyroid replacement therapy in practice: Delivering a physiologic T4:T3 ratio for improved patient outcomes with the Listecki-Snyder protocol. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Compounding. 2012 Sep-Oct;16(5):376-80.
Dayan CM, Saravanan P, Bayly G. Whose normal thyroid function is better–yours or mine? Lancet. 2002 Aug 3;360(9330):353.
Grace Y. Kang, Jonathan R. Parks, Bader Fileta, Audrey Chang, Maged M. Abdel-Rahim, Henry B. Burch, and Victor J. Bernet. Thyroxine and Triiodothyronine Content in Commercially Available Thyroid Health Supplements. Thyroid. October 2013, 23(10): 1233-1237.
Qian Wu, Margaret P Rayman, Hongjun Lv, Lutz Schomburg, Bo Cui, Chuqi Gao, Pu Chen, Guihua Zhuang, Zhenan Zhang, Xiaogang Peng, Hua Li, Yang Zhao, Xiaohong He, Gaoyuan Zeng, Fei Qin, Peng Hou, and Bingying Shi. Low population selenium status is associated with increased prevalence of thyroid disease. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. August 25, 2015, 1945-7197.
Gärtner R. The Role of Selenium in Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases. Der Nuklearmediziner. 2013, vol. 36, no04, pp. 241-245.
Anne Drutel, Françoise Archambeaud, Philippe Caron. Selenium and the thyroid gland: more good news for clinicians. Clinical Endocrinology. February 2013, Volume 78, Issue 2, Pages 155–164.
Iodine, Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. accessed September 21, 2015
Alternative Thyroid Treatments, Hypothyroidism. Integrative Health of West Palm. accessed September 21, 2015
November, 2015 – Give Thanks
Mayor’s Column
November 2015
The month of November is when we give thanks for our health, families, jobs, and our great hometown. As we approach the end of the year, the days get shorter while Wellington gets busier. Please remember to “fall back” by setting your clocks back one hour on November 1st for the change to Daylight Savings.
Even through this busy time and holiday season, I encourage you to stay involved with the Village. Please make sure your voice is heard by participating in our Village’s decision making process. For complete list of meetings and agendas, click here, http://wellingtonfl.gov/government/agendas, or visit our website and social media pages (Twitter: @wellingtonflgov, and Facebook: Wellington, Florida).
The 2016 Florida Legislative session starts early next year because of elections. We are working with our legislators on the issues that impact us. Wellington’s priorities are to monitor agricultural exemptions, agri-tourism and the transfer of costs from private utilities to local governments which means a transfer to you the taxpayer. We are closely watching Amendment 1 funding as it relates to water supply projects, litigation relating to the final EPA rule amendment to the Clean Water Rule which defines “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS), sober homes regulations, affordable housing and a potential solar power constitutional amendment. Wellington’s Council is working to set our basic priorities as we gear up for what promises to be a busy legislative session.
Along with legislative work, Wellington has a number of upcoming highlights and events designed for our residents. On behalf of Council and Staff, please join me at the following:
Veterans Day is Wednesday, November 11th. Each year the Village and the American Legion Chris Reyka Memorial Wellington Post 390 honor all current and former members of the armed forces with a Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony. The parade begins at 8:15 a.m., commencing at Village Hall, located at 12300 Forest Hill Boulevard. The parade is followed by a ceremony at 8:30 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial, located on the corner of Forest Hill Boulevard and South Shore Boulevard. Join me in showing our support for our returned troops and honor those in our community who have served our country.
If you are an active or retired veteran attending the ceremony, I would like to personally thank you for your service and invite you to join us as we honor you and your fellow service men and women. You will have an opportunity to add your name to our roll call the morning of the event at the Wellington tent.
We have changes in store for the upcoming opening of The Green Market at Wellington scheduled to resume on Saturdays, 9 am – 1 pm, beginning November 14th. Please mark your calendars and make sure you do not miss out.
Holiday season officially begins on Monday, November 16th around Wellington. Village staff will begin decorating all around Wellington. I would like to invite you and your family to the Annual Tree Lighting event on Saturday, December 5th. For more information, please make sure to visit our website: www.wellingtonfl.gov, and follow us on Twitter: @wellingtonflgov, and Facebook: Wellington, Florida.
It is easy to see why Wellington is named “Equestrian Capital of the World.” We are starting to see many of our friends as “season” approaches. Join me in welcoming all “Seasonistas” and their four-legged friends. Please check out the equestrian venues for current and upcoming events schedules. With a busy season approaching, please be aware of the increased traffic on the roads.
The Village continues its tradition of partnering with InterFaith, the Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office, The Wellington Chamber of Commerce, Palm Beach County Fire Rescue, Walmart, and Ultima Fitness for the annual “Hometown Holiday Food Drive.” The drive runs through Wednesday, November 17th. Please drop off donations at Village Hall, the Wellington Community Services Office, Village Park, Lake Worth Professional Center, or Ultima Fitness. Non-perishable items such as instant mashed potatoes, packaged stuffing, and canned vegetables are appreciated.
The day after Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the holiday season and I hope you consider shopping locally with our many wonderful merchants. Please remember that the Village of Wellington will be closed on Thursday, November 26th and Village Park will be closed November 26th and 27th in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.
* * * * *
As you can see, Wellington is staying busy as the summer heat gives way to crisp autumn air. There is no better time to get the family outdoors to see movies at the Amphitheater, enjoy our weekly, Thursday food truck invasion, or go nature-spotting at one of our beautiful natural preserves. With no shortage of family friendly fun around the Village, I am thankful to call Wellington home, because it truly is a Great Hometown, and I am glad you are part of it.
***
Bob Margolis, recently elected as Mayor of the Village of Wellington, was first appointed to the Village Council in April of 2003, and was then elected to a four-year term in March, 2004. Prior to that initial appointment, he had proven his community spirit many times over by a long list of community endeavors and volunteer efforts.
November, 2015 – A Foodie Fall Trip
The Florida Foodie
A Foodie Fall Trip along the North Carolina Blue Ridge Parkway
By Saucy Sarah
Fall is the perfect time of year to get in your car and take a road trip. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic two-lane highway that runs over four hundred miles from North Carolina and through Virginia, following the Appalachian chain of mountains. The change of leaves in the fall provides a spectacular pallet of colors against the breathtaking mountain vistas you will experience on the drive. Yes, the views are tremendous, but the Blue Ridge of North Carolina also offers an abundance of culinary adventures. I chose the North Carolina portion of the parkway for our trip for many reasons; it is an easy day’s drive from Florida to the starting point of the parkway in Cherokee, NC, and you can do the North Carolina run, at a slow pace, in about three to four days. Also, the agritourism abounds along the North Carolina. Here are the highlights from our trip.
The North Carolina Cheese Trail offers cheese lovers a delicious journey into cheeses crafted in the cool, misty mountains of North Carolina. Many of the farms are open to the public and offer tours and tastings. Round Mountain Creamery is a Grade A goat farm offering fresh and aged goat cheese, goat’s milk, tours, and tastings. We enjoyed learning about how the cheese was made, touring the farm and cheese rooms, and meeting the charismatic goats. The cheese is super fresh and creamy. English Farmstead Cheeses is a cow dairy offering limited supplies of cheddar, Gouda, and cheese curds, made on site. They also offer a selection of grass-fed beef. Come early because supplies run out due to popularity! You can taste each type of cheese before you buy.
The Orchard at Altapass is a historic preservation project. An apple orchard set high in the mountains draws flocks of foodies from all around. They have something for everyone. You can pick your own apples from the stepped lanes of orchards that slope down the mountain. The store is full of homespun canned goods for purchase. Their sweet shop tempts you with warm apple pie and ice cream or homemade fudge. Treat yourself and sit out on the wide covered deck and enjoy the amazing views of the mountains. On the weekends, they even have music!
Buck Creek Trout Farm offers you the chance to catch your own supper from their well-stocked trout pond. A grand little creek runs just next to the pond making the whole experience enchanting. They provide poles and bait. You pay for what you catch ($5.00 per pound). They will even clean the fish for you! Bring a picnic lunch and eat next to the dazzling creek under the covered pavilion.
Old Hampton Store and Grist Mill is a historic old general store where they are still grinding their own cornmeal and slow cooking their own apple butter. The hidden gem here is the Barbeque. Nothing fancy, yet some of the best I’ve had pulled pork, mac & cheese, and more. You wait in line, order your food and wait for them to call you. Then, you get to eat inside the old-time store while a man strums a guitar. I swear, you feel you have traveled back in time. Make sure to buy the fresh-ground cornmeal or grits and the apple butter to take home with you!
There is a serious craft brew scene happening in Asheville, North Carolina that no true beer aficionado should miss. There are thirteen breweries in Asheville alone worth exploring. The city offer various tours via trolley, by foot, and even by “pubcycle”. Some of the notable breweries are Wicked Weed, New Belgium, Serra Nevada Brew Co., and Highland Brewing. Many offer tasting rooms and even food.
The cool, fresh air, the brilliant pallets of color the leaves offer all tempt the taste buds and make fall the best time for foodies to seek new adventures. The North Carolina Blue Ridge Parkway is one trip not to be missed!
Visit the foodie finds in this article:
https://www.facebook.com/Round-Mountain-Creamery-268228393247319/?fref=ts
https://www.facebook.com/EnglishFarmsteadCheese/?fref=ts
https://www.facebook.com/TheOrchardatAltapass/info/?tab=overview
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Buck-Creek-Trout-Fishing/490749620954397?fref=ts
https://www.facebook.com/OldHamptonStore/?fref=ts
***
In her previous life, Sarah, a Palm Beach County Native, spent ten years working in various high-end eating establishments around South Florida. She is currently a fiction thesis candidate in the MFA program at Florida International University where she also teaches creative writing and rhetoric. If that is not enough, Sarah is also the owner of Cakes by Sarah, a local custom cake shop. Sarah lives in South Florida with her husband and two beautiful boys. “Food, fiction, and family are my life.”
November, 2015 – Indian Rice with Lentils
Yummy Treats
Indian Rice with Lentils
by Nirali Patel
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked Basmati rice
- 1 can of lentils, drained
- Two cloves of garlic, finely minced
- One teaspoon of grated ginger
- ½ teaspoon of cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon of cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon of red chili powder, or to taste
- A handful of cilantro, chopped
- The juice of half a lime
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon of cooking oil
Method
In a skillet, bring oil to a heat over a medium flame. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for about 30 seconds. Next, add cumin powder, turmeric powder, and red chili powder. Fry the spices for about fifteen minutes. Next, add your ginger and garlic and stir for about 30 seconds. Add the can of lentils along with the cooked Basmati rice and stir-fry until heated through. Add salt and pepper to taste. Last minute, add cilantro leaves and fresh lime juice to serve.
This dish can make a wonderful side dish or a substantial main dish as the lentils provide protein.
***
Other recipes can be found by Nirali Patel, creator of the Indian Food Blog called VerucaSpice.com! Follow her on Facebook.com/VerucaSpiceBlog as well for daily information on Indian cooking and culture. For business queries, please call her at (561) 628-0305.
November, 2015 – Hounds & Heroes Program, Celebrating Veteran’s Day
Paws-itive Press
Hounds & Heroes Program, Celebrating Veteran’s Day
By Barbara Masi
Veteran’s Day is a public holiday held on the anniversary of the end of World War I (November 11) to honor US veterans and victims of all wars. It replaced Armistice Day in 1954. We now memorialize the contributions of veterans from all wars this day – an honor they deserve for their part in keeping our country free.
There are many organizations that devote themselves to helping our veterans – but the ones that fit this column on animals are those that provide them with service dogs. Locally we have a very unique group training and donating the fully trained dogs to veterans. Awesome Greyhound Adoptions created their Hounds and Heroes program specifically for the purpose of training the retired racers as service dogs and donating them to veterans in need. This is an all-volunteer group, where the donations received go to the care of the dogs – not to salaries of employees.
Check out the video about Hounds & Heroes.
“For 23 years I have walked with a cane” said Frank as he practiced with Buff during Buff’s transition period from trainer to veteran. “Now I have Buff, and no longer need the cane.”
“The changes in the lifestyle of the veteran AND his family is truly amazing” states Carolee Ellison, head trainer. “AGA’s Hounds and Heroes train for those with MS, Parkinson’s, Traumatic Brain Injury, PTSD, and those in need of mobility assistance.”
It would take a book to record all the comments from the veterans and their family members as an endorsement of the program. The dogs are selected carefully for the program – they must be young and uninjured and eager to learn. They are born as athletes – working dogs – and although many are 45 mile per hour couch potatoes, some do like to work. And as a working dog they are with their veteran owner 24/7 and not left at home alone. It is a win/win situation for veteran and greyhound alike.
“Training is a six month process,” said Ellison. “The dogs live with the trainer and go with them to work / shopping / restaurants while training. They usually are matched with a veteran during that time and the last one or two months of the training process is with the trainer, the dog and the veteran together. We also provide ongoing training should the dog need to learn a new discipline to assist the veteran.”
From the wife of one of our veterans who received his dog a few months ago: ‘I can’t possibly put into words how unbelievably thankful I am. In the past two months I have slowly watched my husband evolve back into the confident, independent man that I married. This amazing dog hasn’t just changed my husband’s life but our entire family. I have not gone anywhere without my husband in over 4 years. My husband was a tanker in the army. He was one of the first men to be sent to Iraq after 9/11 and was in an active war zone for over a year and a half. It is heart breaking to watch such a strong, selfless man come back from war – broken. Most people will never understand the battles that he faces daily. For the past several years he has only occasionally gone out into public for fear of crowds or something startling him. He has missed out on birthday parties, school functions and numerous events that he would have normally loved.
“From the moment he was handed the leash for his dog you could see a noticeable difference in his demeanor. It was the first time I had ever seen him able to sit and just hold a conversation in public. I cried the whole way home. He didn’t walk with him the first day, but hey – he was in a mall! The next time we went, we walked into the mall as usual and sat with the group. I was talking with the others and heard my husband say “Stormy, let’s go” and he walked off all by himself with Stormy glued to his side! I burst into tears! As long as I live I will never be able to ever forget that moment. Something like this might seem so simple to someone else, but I saw my strong brave husband take back his freedom.”
There is so much more I could write about this program – but I don’t believe it would surpass the comments above. For further information visit AwesomeGreyhoundAdoptions.org and see the story of the Hounds and Heroes program.
© Barbara Masi 2015
***
Barbara Masi has been a resident of Boynton Beach for 35 years and an animal advocate all her life. Although having many breeds of dogs in the past, she has devoted the last 15 years to the re-homing of retired racing greyhounds and is the founder of a group that trains them as service dogs and donates them to veterans. Barbara works with local school children in educating them about animal kindness and anti-bullying through PBSO’s Animal Kindness Unit. Through her employment, she has the opportunity to interact with a variety of local animal groups and businesses, allowing her to share their knowledge of all animals to us at AroundWellington.com.