Did You Catch the Teleseminar?

Man oh man! One of the things I learned when I was a VISTA is the importance of knowing and understanding that when you're trying to learn something new, things are going to go wrong - so plan for it, have a backup plan when possible, but be prepared to just deal with the problem and go on...

And that's exactly what happened! There was a glitch with the technology that we were using - and while you could hear us (Thank Goodness!) We couldn't hear you! (Which meant that we couldn't share the case studies with you - the people we'd been able to work with and do one-on-one In-Kind donation training...and we didn't get to open it up for your questions and answers.

So, okay - I'm still technologically challenged.

But - we had a great time, your feedback comments and suggestions have been terrific - keep them coming please! And most of all, you told us you liked the training and want more!

So we're putting together a complete plan - and we'll keep you updated on what's happening.

However - SAVE THE DATE:
November 7, 2007 - at 10:00 a.m. CDT.

November's teleseminar/Webinar is titled: "How to Organize the Perfect Event in Less Time, With Fewer Hassles and Without Losing Your Sanity or Your Volunteers"

So stay tuned because more details will be coming!

Thought for the Day

A girlfriend of mine sent this to me, and I thought it was good enough I wanted to share! (Thanks Deb!)

A Dog's Purpose (from a 6-year-old.)

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their little boy, Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on.

Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why."

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation.

He said, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?" The six-year-old continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."



Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!