Puppies visit Amy's Class

Playing with kids at daycare

A visit to the Nursing Home

Visiting the Nursing Home

Neighboring farm for girls club

Easter Morning at Church

Easter morning at Church

My granddaughters not willing to share Easter treats

All wore out from a busy Easter day

Easter week was extra special at Rolling Oaks. Jasmines 11 puppies went on a visit every day and finished the week by going to church and being held by over 100 children! It was a busy day Easter morning getting  Amy to church on time to participate in the drum line. I am always proud of my kids when they are participating in something they are good at and have a passion for. Amy loves playing the drums and has a snare drum in her room that she plays along to every song! She has never played at church until this Sunday. It is hard to describe the emotions we felt as she marched in. I thought about all we have been through, how frail and weak she was battling leukemia and how many times we were told what Amy would and would not do because of Down syndrome. No matter what you are up against in your life, don’t give up! Keep your eyes on things above. God is in control. Trust Him! Run to Him. Easter morning was glorious, not only because Amy played the drums but because of all the joy 11 puppies brought to hundreds of kids. Easter is about giving. Jesus gave his life for us. I felt like I was doing what He wanted me to do this Easter and it felt great!

Ruby is eight years old and is not going to have any more puppies. She is so sweet, calm and gentle. Some of you may know that Ivy was living at the nursing home, got sick and had to be put to sleep. It was such a struggle for me as I saw the residence and staff saying good-bye. I wondered if I had done the right thing, letting her become such a part of their lives, only for them to have to let her go. But people in the nursing home have seen a lot of life. They have loved and been loved. They have seen death and tragedy, triumphs and victory. Knowing this, we decided to donate Ruby to the same facility. I have gotten to know some of the people because of Ivy, and Grandpa John living there. The staff is wonderful, and they see the joy that a dog brings to the residence, so they are willing to care for the dog, above and beyond their normal duties. Ruby has been there for one week, and is doing very well. Everyone loves her! She is very sensitive to people and their emotions. Sometimes I felt like she understood every word I said. It is such a blessing to be a part of bringing joy to the elderly. When they see Ruby, their face lights up! They talk to her and she almost talks back with her deep brown eyes. Ruby and the nursing home are a great match, and it reminds me why I am a Golden Retriever breeder. It’s time like this that make my job one of the best in the world!

Today we brought Delilah’s puppies to the nursing home. It is an assisted living facility, and my father in law is living there. These photos capture the joy a puppy brings to an elderly person. Even though it is always a lot of work to bring the puppies to all these places, it is so rewarding to see the reaction people have towards a pup.

This is a busy week taking Maddie’s litter out and about every day. We went to the nursing home on Saturday and this lady loved the puppies.