A Million Acts of Kindness – Toby’s Global Mission
On February 14, 2012 we will be launching Toby’s global kindness mission. During his life, Toby and his story left pawprints on thousands of hearts around the world. Toby presented to more than 10,000 students across North America, engaged 7,000 children in his random act of kindness mission, volunteered for almost four years at a hospital and raised thousands for charity. In his legacy, we will launch A Million Acts of Kindness – Toby’s Global Mission.
This mission will be ongoing. The goal is to bring kindness to the forefront in our family, community, workplace, and ultimately, the world. We know from Toby that every act of kindness that is extended, leaves a PAWsitive impact and inspires another. Join us and PAW it Forward!
We encourage you to “friend” Toby on face book at Tobytales and OnTobysTerms pages and post your comments, quotes and examples of kindness. As well, follow Toby and Charmaine on Twitter and tweet about kindness, your favorite kindness quotes, examples of where kindness made a difference. You can follow them on Twitter at @hammondgroupbiz and @ontobysterms. Let’s make a PAWsitive Difference, together!
In the coming week you will start to see videos, kindness activities, resources, and other fun ways to get involved.
Until then, be kind to one another.
Toby’s Kindness Mission Team
On Toby’s Terms is a wonderful book and Charmaine Hammond has done an amazing job sharing their story of Toby. I completely admire what they have done with Toby – you’ll laugh, you’ll cry and you’ll walk away with some great life lessons. I highly recommend this read!’
‘Jen Panteluk Director of Development Ronald McDonald House® Northern Alberta
The amazon best selling dog book (Kid's dog book just released) is about our Chesapeake Bay Retriever dog is soon to become a major motion picture.
Our dog, Toby, is closing in on $11,000 raised for pet charities and SPCA, appeared before 7000 elementary school children and 1500 adults in companys, government agencies and corporations!
Hear Jack Canfield's thoughts on "On Toby's Terms (4 minutes into TV interview)"
"Simply a beautiful book about life, love and purpose. " -Jack Canfield, Co-author of Chicken Soup for the Soul
The best dog book, makes a great Christmas gift!
We adopted our dog from NASAP, a local rescue agency when he was five-and-a-half years old; he is now ten. His original owners loved him and must have struggled when the time came to surrender him for adoption due to tragic circumstances within the family. We understand from the foster parents that Toby was about 40 pounds overweight when he entered foster care and when we adopted him several months later he was at a healthy weight for his size. The foster parents did an amazing job at helping Toby’s health and social issues.
Several months after welcoming Toby to our family, little quirks, odd habits and strange behaviours began to surface. He began to exhibit extreme separation anxiety, even if left alone for short periods of time. When we would leave for work he would empty the front hall closet contents into the middle of the entrance way, knock things over and try and lock himself in rooms. He also closes himself in the bathroom and when unable to escape he crashes the toilet tank lid to the floor (we have replaced six tank lids to date).
At meal time, Toby either goes outside to bark, or goes into the bathroom and bangs the shower doors with his nose three times and frequently knocks the shampoo bottle into the bathtub. While frustrating at first, these behaviours and odd habits have now become somewhat amusing for our family. They are our daily reminders of Toby’s individuality and personality. When Toby’s routine is changed or if he is upset with us for some reason he retaliates by emptying closets, knocking things over and emptying the book shelves.
We sought help to deal with Toby’s behaviours. Maggie, from Capable Canines (http://www.capablek9s.com/Site/Welcome.html)
, provided us with a range of suggestions and helpful strategies. Maggie suggested that that Toby was uncertain of his role in our family - Toby needed a purpose.
We were introduced to the CHIMO Project, a well-respected Pet Assisted Therapy Program in Edmonton, Alberta. After Toby passed his tests we were accepted as volunteers with CHIMO and were soon placed with Alberta Hospital Edmonton. Wednesday afternoons are clearly the highlight of Toby’s world. The drive from our home to the hospital typically consists of Toby smiling, barking and panting with excitement.
Toby seems to understand his purpose and proves that by interacting with each individual in the appropriate manner needed at the time. He is intuitive enough to recognize that around some people, he must be quiet, and respectful of their need for space and distance. Sometimes patients take him for a walk or to play fetch outside. On other visits he performs tricks and shows off. Patients also help him with his obedience class homework. When it comes to people, Toby connects through the heart.
We are happy to say that as a result of his volunteer job, his behavior has improved a great deal. Charmaine and Toby have now volunteered for four years at the hospital!
Fabulous review by Dr. Marcus
   
Dear Toby...I just read Charmaine's beautiful book of your life and adventures... and was moved to tears several times... the love that you so generously share is making the world even more beautiful!
Joe Noonan, http://planetarypartners.com
Toby The Pet Therapy Dog & His Hospital Friends: A heartwarming and inspiring book. Working in ‘a home away from home’ for families who have come to Edmonton seeking treatment for their sick child, many of our families can relate to the story and understand how important pet therapy can be in the healing process. A must have on our library shelf for all to read.’ --
Jen Panteluk Director of Developmen tRonald McDonald House® Northern Alberta
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