By Creatures and Kids, Instructors and Volunteers.

Creatures and Kids had another successful year for team certification for therapeutic animal interactions/intervention.

Our instructors, volunteers and of course our furry friends have made a tremendous impact at our local hospitals, library reading programs, senior facilities and nursing homes.

A special “THANK YOU” goes out to the staff of PETCO at the N Penn location for providing the venue for our teams to practice and certify their animals.

Drop by and visit their store and let them know that you appreciate the help and support they provide to Creatures and Kids.

Our next certification will be held in 2019 so please check back soon for dates and times. Creatures and Kids, Inc is a non-profit 501-c3

PETCO
14120 N Penn Ave
Oklahoma City, OK 73134

Our pets love summer time just as much as we do! Its a great time to enjoying all that the season has to offer from walking the neighborhood to playing out in the back yard! Here are important safety reminders during this time of the year. A safe pet is a happy pet!

1. Never Never and we mean NEVER leave your pet in a hot vehicle! Most people don’t realize how hot it gets in parked vehicles. On a 80 degree day temperatures in a car can reach 90 degrees in the shade and hit 160 degrees if parked directly in the sun! Do yourself and your pet a favor, leave them home on hot days. If you must bring your pet, have water and a water dish and if possible take your pet with you when you leave the vehicle.

2. Made in the Shade.
Thirsty yet?? Pets get much thirstier than we do when they get hot, and other than panting and drinking, they really have no way to cool themselves down. Keep your pet in the shade as often as possible as extended direct sunlight can overheat them (especially dogs) and cause heat stroke.

3. Hey! Keep your dog’s paws cool..
When the sun is cooking, surfaces like asphalt or metal can get really hot! Not only can hot surfaces burn paws, but it can also increase body temperature and lead to overheating. One cool thing is paw sock or boots! Happy feet can’t be beat!

4. Cool in The Pool ! Give your pup their very own “kiddy pool”
For dogs that love the water the will naturally love it even more during the hot months, and getting wet keeps them cool. Providing a small, kid-sized pool will go over big for your furry friend!

5. Parasites! You don’t want them and neither does your furry friend! 
Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes are way more active during the summer. If not protected, your pet is at risk for heartworm, Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Keep your pet protected and they (and you) will enjoy life during the summer time!

CKOC Therapeutic Evaluation and Certification – by Creatures and Kids

When: Saturday, June 7, 2014, starting at 10:00 a.m.

Where: PETCO, 324 South Bryant, Edmond, OK 73034

Don’t miss out! CKI will evaluate and certify animal therapeutic teams. All evaluation times will be scheduled, so please contact us by filling out our on-line volunteer form; please check the box marked other, in the Comments section, and

Enter:
“June 7, 2014 – Certification”
A special “THANK YOU” goes out to PETCO for providing the venue.

Creatures And Kids, Inc.(CKI) – Living the Dream With Therapeutic Animal’s 

Creatures and Kids comes together with PetSmart Gives Back, to accept their kind donation; and know with their help, CKI teams will be able to reach many others.

PetSmart will provide this charitable donation through their new initiative, PetSmart Gives Back. This initiative focuses on giving back to local communities throughout the nation in support of organizations and programs that enrich people’s lives through the power of pets and foster diversity and inclusion.

Please join us, along with PetSmart Edmond, OK as we recognize the volunteers’ of Creatures and Kids, and thank them for sharing their animals with our community. CKI-TAI teams, (animals and people) will be present to accept this community thanks.

TAI Teams will share information about Therapy Animal Certification and facilities they visit. Stop by our table and put your name into the DOG BOWL, to receive some free personalized information about the training of therapy animals, and requirements for certification. 

Edmond PetSmart

1921 S. Broadway, Edmond, OK

Saturday, November 9th between 11 am – 12 pm

Creatures And Kids, Inc. – Living the Dream With Therapeutic Animals

A life-long vision is finally coming true for Penny Nichols. Nichols and her father always believed, with the right approach, they could make a difference in the lives of children. Although her father has passed away, the vision has become a reality through the efforts of Nichols and many other hard working volunteers. “I thank all of these people for their time and energy to create Creatures and Kids, Inc.,” said Nichols

Creatures and Kids, Inc, a non-profit organization, and was developed by people with a variety of backgrounds and professions. They share the common belief that it is possible to re-direct young people toward positive character qualities through controlled interactions with animals.

While Creatures and Kids’ main focus is youth, they find themselves working with all ages.  “Our future- plan includes continuing our volunteering with schools, medical facilities, libraries and those that can benefit from a smile,” said Nichols.

Creatures and Kids – sums it up this way;

 No. Therapeutic animals don’t guide the blind or return a dropped object to someone in a wheelchair.  They don’t perform at the circus.  Their gift is to guide a mind to learn, turn a frown into a smile, and perform a miracle right before your eyes.

Can you see yourself volunteering with Creatures and Kids, Inc?

PLEASE VISIT US ON THE WEB

www.creaturesandkids.org

405-627-2369

PetSmart, Inc. (NASDAQ: PETM) is the largest specialty pet retailer of services and solutions for the lifetime needs of pets. The company employs approximately 50,000 associates and operates more than 1,241 pet stores in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, over 194 in-store PetSmart® PetsHotel® dog and cat boarding facilities and is a leading online provider of pet supplies and pet care information (http://www.petsmart.com). PetSmart provides a broad range of competitively priced pet food and pet products; and offers dog training, pet grooming, pet boarding, PetSmart Doggie Day CampSM day care services and pet adoption services. Since 1994, PetSmart Charities, Inc., an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit animal welfare organization and the largest funder of animal welfare efforts in North America, has provided more than $165 million in grants and programs benefiting animal welfare organizations. Through its in-store pet adoption partnership with PetSmart Charities®, PetSmart has helped save the lives of nearly 5 million pets. Follow PetSmart on Twitter @PetSmart . Find PetSmart on Facebook www.facebook.com/PetSmart. See PetSmart on YouTube: www.YouTube.com/PetSmart.

In early October Penny Nichols one of the organizers of Creatures and Kids, Inc was pleasantly surprised by Amy Troutman from Spirit Bank and Linda Cavanaugh from News Channel 4 on a Pay it 4ward gift.

Click here to see the full coverage of this store and meet Penny of Creatures and Kids, Inc

CKOC Therapeutic Evaluation and Certification – by Creatures and Kids

When: Saturday, April 6, 2013, starting at 10:00 am
Where: PETCO, 324 South Bryant, Edmond, OK 73034

Don’t miss out! CKI will evaluate and certify animal therapeutic teams. All evaluation times will be scheduled, so please contact us by filling out our on-line volunteer form and enter “April 6, 2013, Certification” in the Comments section.

A special thank you to PETCO for providing the venue.

A little twist on an old Christmas Carol….

Have a holly jolly Christmas
It’s the best time of the year, and when “Bon” walks down the street
he says hello to friends he knows And everyone he meets.
Oh ho, the mistletoe hung where you can see.
When you see this therapeutic dog, pet him once for me!

Holiday wishes from Creatures and Kids!

The holidays have arrived.  It is getting colder outside.  Lots of tinsel, lights, food, friends and family coming and going! Keep in mind, so much activity can be a stressful time for your pets.  Rich food from our tables can quickly result in a trip to the vet.  To learn more about protecting your pet, click on this Fall & Winter Hazards link.

A special thanks to our volunteers and Macy’s Shop For a Cause program.  The donations will be put to good use in the community, and we had a wonderful opportunity to share our therapeutic animals with the public.   These young ladies enjoyed meeting “Joelly”.

Did you know July 3 through August 11 is known as the “Dog Days of Summer” because of an ancient belief that Sirius, also called the Dog Star, was responsible for the hot weather?  It is a good time to remind everyone about the hazards of summer heat to your pet.  Learn how to protect your pet by clicking on this Spring & Summer Hazards link.

CKOC Therapeutic Evaluation and Certification – by Creatures and Kids

Due to recent damaging weather, our certification event has been rescheduled for June 23th.

When: Saturday, June 23, 2012, starting at 10:00 am
Where: PETCO, 324 South Bryant, Edmond, OK 73034

Don’t miss out! CKI will evaluate and certify animal therapeutic teams. All evaluation times will be scheduled, so please contact us by filling out our on-line volunteer form and enter “June 23, 2012 Certification” in the Comments section.

A special thank you to PETCO for providing the venue.

May is International Dog Bite Prevention Month and a good time to learn about bite prevention.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year and those at greatest risk are children.  It is important to learn about bite prevention and to teach children how to avoid being bitten.  Creatures and Kids conducts on site bite prevention education upon request and is proud to partner with Doggone Safe, an organization dedicated to dog bite prevention.  To Learn more click on the link Bite Prevention.

Donna & Suzy Snowflake

As Memorial Day approaches, I would like to remember Donna Price.  It was just last June, 2011 when Creatures and Kids lost one of our volunteers to cancer.  I am just now able to write about my friend without tears falling on my keyboard.  Donna was one of the those people who was always ready to volunteer to help, whether it was taking her therapy dog Suzy Snowflake on visits or helping at events, such as evaluations / certifications for other new teams.  She was proud to wear her Creatures and Kids logo wear and often told anyone who would listen about our organization.  She never failed to flash a big smile and say, “Thank you for letting me volunteer with you today!”  But I would like to say, “Thank you, Donna, for being part of Creatures and Kids and letting us be a part of your life.”  —  Loretta

What is a volunteer?  You will find many definitions, but essentially it is a person who does charitable or helpful work without pay.  Sounds simple doesn’t it.  But our volunteers are anything but simple.  They are the heart of our organization.  No one receives a salary, which means all donations go toward our good works in the community.  And our volunteers certainly do good works!  They visit children and adults at schools, libraries, hospitals and much more. We appreciate everything they do for us and others in our community.  Creatures and Kids say “Thank YOU to all our volunteers!”

CKOC Therapeutic Evaluation and Certification – by Creatures and Kids

When: Saturday, October 22, 2011, starting at 10:00 am
Where: PETCO, 324 South Bryant, Edmond, OK 73034

Don’t miss out! CKI will evaluate and certify animal therapeutic teams. All evaluation times will be scheduled, so please contact us by filling out our on-line volunteer form and enter “October 22, 2011 Certification” in the Comments section.

A special thank you to PETCO for providing the venue.

Creatures and Kids, Inc. has united with the Psychiatric Service Dog Society and Integris Health to present a workshop connecting clinicians, professors, teachers, and students to experts with research and resources in the use and impact of animals in the therapeutic world.

Learn the many ways to incorporate animals toward improving human quality of life.  Nursing CME hours are being applied for by Integris Health.  To learn more, click on the links below.

• Workshop flyer
• Registration form
• Integris Press Release

Dr. Mosca has been making a big impact in Oklahoma with his therapy animals.

First was “Boz” — a beautiful boxer from Tulsa Boxer Rescue. Sadly, Boz passed away in July, 2009.

Still grieving over the loss of his much-loved Boz, Dr. Mosca relented and welcomed a new Boxer named “Spike” into his home. Spike comes from Red Dirt Boxer Rescue. They quickly became fast friends.

Dr. Mosca immediately started Spike’s training and together they passed their therapy team certification on November 7th. Spike goes to Dr Mosca’s office each day and the team visits patients three days a week at Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation.

Most Tuesdays
6:30 – 7:30 pm

The first and third Tuesday evening each month is a special time at the Edmond Library.  Children enhance their reading skills by reading to certified therapy dogs.  The program is fun for both children and animals!

Sessions last approximately 15-20 minutes.

In the photo, Bailey enjoys his time with Elexis.

Click here to learn more.

Two Spot.  The little horse that could… perform Pet Assisted Therapy (PAT).  Two Spot is a miniature horse.  Not a pony, but a miniature horse.  She stands only 26 inches tall, weighs only 130 lbs, and is the apple of Debbie’s eye.

Debbie knew Two Spot when she was only a baby and often held her in her lap the first 6 months of her life.

Two Spot’s size and Debbie’s gentle guidance made her a natural for PAT.  Debbie routinely takes the little horse to local nursing homes – to the delight of their residents.  Two Spot has special permission to walk right in and visit with those who come out of their rooms to see her.

We all know that laughter is good medicine, but did you know the simple act of reaching out to stroke soft fur or using a brush to groom an animal can lower blood pressure, improve range of motion and strengthen weak muscles.

Sometimes it even helps sooth a child who is sad or helps teach the importance of humane treatment toward animals.

It gives us great pleasure to announce that Debbie and Two Spot will be volunteering their time and services on behalf of Creatures And Kids.  They bring another dimension to the CKI therapy teams and prove therapy animals don’t have to be dogs!  They can even be horses!

“As a child, I spent many hours in the barn laying on my horse’s back while my dad milked our cow and did other chores. It was our special time together.

Dad has been gone for years and I have missed him like crazy.  Since Two Spot has come into my life, I feel a calm security that Dad and I are spending time together again.  It is a joy that I thought had been lost.

Now, if Two Spot can help other people feel any kind of joy, it will add to my pleasure in life.”

– Debbie L

Dogtopia & Creatures and Kids, Inc sponsored two great workshops by Kathy Cascade, International TTouch Instructor. Kathy demonstrated various TTouch techniques, how to use the right tools to gently train your pet and the importance of buiilding confidence in your animal. Thank you Kathy!

Creatures And Kids attended the annual Septemberfest at the Oklahoma Governor’s Mansion.  We had a tent and the opportunity to meet a lot of wonderful people.  And, of course, some of our therapy dogs were there.

Creatures And Kids, Inc.  participated in the Bethany Balloon Fest – summer 2003 .  AARP invited CKI to demonstrate dog obedience.

Cindy and her therapy dog, Jake showed everyone how well an obedient dog behaves.  Jake greeted many of the Balloon Fest attendees, especially the children!

When:     August 8th, 7:00 pm Demo by CKI

Where:    Wiley Post airport, NW 50th & Council

G.R.E.A.T. Summer Camp!

Once again Creatures And Kids, Inc. participated in the G.R.E.A.T. (Gang Resistance Education and Training) Summer Camp.

The Beckham County 4-H Kids were helpers, and the Elk City Fire Dept. shared this day with us.

Last year’s partnership with G.R.E.A.T. proved to be successful and rewarding.

Information about G.R.E.A.T. can be found at their website www.atf.treas.gov/great

When:     June 25th, CKI will do a full day

Where:    Lincoln Teen Center, Elk City

June 7, 2003 – Home Depot’s Child Safety Day

Creatures and Kids participated in this safety event for children.  Home Depot had several activities available.

CKI handed out free coloring books, teaching about safely interacting with dogs, and pamphlets titled “Saving the whole family; disaster preparedness series.”  Cindy displayed the emergency kit she assembled based on the pamphlet.

Therapy dogs, Jake and Bailey, came to interact with the crowd.  They stayed busy greeting the crowd, especially the children.

Home Depot had a booth for parents to photograph and fingerprint their child for identification records.

Tables were set up for the children to assemble wooden boxes, have their face painted, and a cake walk for the sweet tooth of both children and adults.

The fire department brought a fire truck – always exciting for the youngsters in the crowd.

The OKC Mounted Patrol was a big hit, too!  Seems all the kids wanted to pet the horse.