:ghug:

What a wonderful goal, Betsi! I knew you were going to train the pup as a therapy dog - but didn't know why.

You are so right, animals are wonderful morale boosters - it is just incredible to see what they can accomplish with people who are sick, lonely, tired or just needing a boost!

You are so wonderful to engage in such an important endeavor Betsi. Just like your kids who are also doing wonderful things to help others, so are you! How synchronous. It's like it was meant to be! :)

Well said! I am so sorry for all you're going through now Betsi, but you'll get through it and everyone will be stronger for it in the end. Have you used Skype? I know their internet connection might not be really reliable, but for times that it is it would be a great way to talk to each other "face to face"!

Betsi, I didn't know that that was why you were getting a new dog!! That's awesome!!! I've read about therapy dogs but have never been around anyone who trained them. That's so cool!!

We have a therapy dog that wanders around the middle school. Her name is Bliss and she's a Golden retriever and very beautiful. All the kids love on her but she is used in counseling the kids. The principal takes her home with her at night and during the summer. They say that the kids are more likely to talk and communicate when she is with them. I think that it's pretty cool!!!

Here's a group hug from me too!! :ghug:

Thanks everybody! My kids are safely in Lapu Lapu, Philippines as of about 10:00 am today. The kids did well on the trip. The time difference is 13 hours ahead of us.

Happy to read they all made it safely. Lindsey's right...if you have skype then you could talk face to face....how cool is that? Wow...what a time difference...it's already tomorrow there...that sounds so weird. I know they will be helping alot of people and so will you. What a great thing you're doing.

It's actually tomorrow night there. They crossed the international date line. I do have Skype, and practiced it yesterday with my dil in Seattle. It was a lot of fun :)

My puppy was born last Thursday. They weren't due until tomorrow, but they came early, and she had 14:eek: Only 10 made it, but that's still a lot to choose from, lol! All are chocolate or cafe au lait.

So glad to hear that your kids had a safe trip Betsi!! Keep us updated on how they are doing. Had they visited there before moving? Wow......it must be so different than the U.S.

Congrats on the birth of your new baby:p Can't wait to see pix of he/she!! Are you getting a boy or a girl? It is such a wonderful thing you are doing Betsi!:)

I'm glad that the kids all made it safe and sound to their new destination. You'll find that chatting with your kids and grandkids over the internet will help with some......not all....of the homesickness for you.

I saw where Tink now has your puppy!!! How exciting for you!!! It will be exciting to just go and get it......and of course......stopping by here!!! I can't wait!!! I've been telling everyone!!!!

Thanks everybody!

Diana, I might have the puppy with me when I come to see you since it was born early:eek: I will definitely need to get a motel room that takes pets, lol!! I haven't worked out my schedule yet, but I'll be at your house on the 21st:D