- Beyond The Paw Print

BTPP March 2019-

Dr. Ellen Laframboise

This Month the founder of Crossroad Veterinary Hospice, Dr. Ellen Laframboise, will be our guest speaker. Dr. Ellen will speak about the history of Crossroads and her unique credentials, which make her one of a few practitioners in Michigan with the advanced certification and training required to provide end of life care for our beloved companions. Another special thing about Dr. Ellen’s practice? As a mobile vet, she travels to you to care for your companion and to support you, calmly and compassionately, every step of the way. Dr. Ellen will also share some of the greatest lessons learned along the way from her clients. I have had the privilege of listening to Dr. Ellen on a variety of occasions, and I can say with certainty you will love her – Dr. Ellen’s knowledge, kindness and compassion will inspire you. Visit her website to learn more: crossroadsvethospice.com Special Start Time:6:30pm. Dr. Ellen plans to be finished with her talk and questions by 7:15pm. We would start our meeting after Dr. Ellen’s presentation is completed. When you rsvp, please note whether you can arrive at 6:30pm for this special talk.

BTPP April 2019- Dr. Micky Golden Moore

April Meeting speaker is Dr Micky Golden Moore. Topic: “The Healing Power of Effective Listening.” With over 30 years of experience in the field of Speech Communication, Micky has integrated these skills in her work as a chaplain and grief support counselor. This presentation will weave poetry, theory and practical guidelines to help attendees and their loved ones better understand the power of effective listening in the healing process. 6:15pm arrival for Special start time of 6:30pm. RSVP required as seating is limited. The btpp support group meeting will begin at 7:15 pm and will conclude at 9:00pm. Please visit our contact page to email or phone your queries and rsvp.

BTPP May 2019- Emily Rose and Tony Merlo- Healing Through Music

Award winning Emily Rose http://www.emilyrosemusic.com will be performing songs with Tony Merlo. Please make sure to RSVP to attend the meeting as space is limited.

BTPP June 2019- Tricia Stehle

Tricia Stehle is a psychotherapist in private practice in Saint Clair Shores . This year (2019) marks her 25th year working in the field. She holds a Bachelors Degree from Eastern Michigan University, and a Masters Degree from the University of Michigan. She specializes in the following issues : Grief and Loss, Eating Disorders, ADHD related concerns, and Bullying . But by no means -is this all that she works with.

In late 2015, Tricia and her husband were faced with the grueling decision to have to put one of their two cats down . Ricky was suffering from kidney disease . 6 weeks later , his sister ( and littermate ) Lucy died essentially it is believed , from a broken heart. These 2 cats had been with Tricia thru graduate school, and so many transitions in her own life over the course of almost 18 years . Having dealt with that grief – a grief that no one really talked about , she met Micky, and made the decision that she wanted to become more versed in pet loss, and the unique grief that it entails .
Since then, she and her husband opened up their hearts to Leia and Sylvester their current fur babies- and Tricia has made it a continuing career goal to continue her own education in the area of pet loss, and has helped many do – just that .
Tricia takes most commercial health insurances , and is available for weekend appointments as well. Her website can be viewed at www.shoresofhopemacomb.com

BTPP July 2019 Ashley Diaz Jackson

Things to know for this coming Monday July 8th…
Special Start Time is at 6:15pm for this month to accommodate our guest speaker. The BTPP support group meeting will begin at 7:15pm and will conclude at our usual end time of 9:00pm For our July session, we are in for a special treat. Our guest speaker for the July meeting is…Ashley Diaz Jackson, Director of Training and Customer Success for Premier Pet Supply stores. I met Ashley by chance when I was recently visiting the West Bloomfield Premier Pet Supply store. I was very impressed with Ashley’s professionalism, knowledge and kindness. After we concluded our conversation, something inspired me to do the following… As she was walking away I said, “Ashley, if you have another minute, I have an invitation that I would like to extend to you.” And the rest is history! Ashley’s presentation will focus on the following:

The life and loss of her beloved dog Heidi,
Volunteer work which led to her ten year career as a surgical vet tech,
Euthanasia from the veterinary staff perspective,
Career change from surgical vet tech to Premier Pet Supply
The many ways Premier Pet Supply serves the greater Detroit community

A request:
If you cannot arrive by 6:00pm for the 6:15pm start time, please advise and let me know if you plan to arrive at 7:15pm for our regular Btpp support group meeting. As usual, please be sure to RSVP via email mgmoore@beyondthepawprint.com or phone 248-752-7795

BTPP-August 2019

Guest Speaker Information:For our August session, we are in for a special treat. Please allow me to introduce our guest speaker and performer for Monday’s meeting. I met this month’s special guest when we were colleagues at the same hospital system. I have long admired this talented woman and the gentle gifts she brings to every patient with whom she encounters. Read on to learn more about our special guest:Our guest performer had a successful career as a project manager for a software technology company. Following a cancer diagnosis and recovery, she followed a call and a path to ministry, which led to a career in hospital chaplaincy. Her approach to ministry is to be a non-anxious healing presence. She truly feels honored to be with each person on their journey of life. As part of her interest in healing and spirituality, our guest discovered the Native American flute (NAF). As you will see from her presentation and performance, performing the NAF is unique, mystical and magical. Many believe that sound and music can be healing – physically, emotionally, spiritually; and the NAF may be part of the healing. Self-taught, our guest has played the NAF for several years and has found each flute brings unique and interesting sounds. She looks forward to sharing unique sounds from a handful of her favorite NAF on Monday. Our guest has experienced many losses throughout her life including their family cat, many years ago. Our guest is looking forward to meeting you and hopes that you will find a bit of healing and comfort through the music of the NAF. I look forward to listening to the haunting melodies of the Native American flute and I hope you will join us for this special presentation. Please read all the notes below for special start times.

Arrival time for the August meeting: anytime between 5:45pm – 6:00pm.

Guest Speaker will begin at 6:15pm

BTPP support group meeting will begin at 7:15pm and will conclude at our usual end time of 9:00pm

Please RSVP for the Monday August 12th meeting at your earliest convenience via email at mgmoore@beyondthepawprint.com or 248.701.2345
Seats are limited to 12 attendees, so please rsvp at your earliest convenience
MeetingROOM: Directly opposite the Sanctuary, you will see the parlor, a room full of comfortable sofas and chairs.

BTPP- September 2019 Elizabeth Cobb

Dear All, Thank you for your interest in attending the Beyond the Paw Print Meeting on Monday September the 9th.In commemoration of BTPP’s ten year anniversary there will be special events throughout the year – all created with you in mind.
Things to know for Monday September 9th…
Special Start Time is earlier than listed on BTPP flyers or on the Support group page of the BTPP website.  1. Arrival time for the September meeting: anytime between 5:45pm – 6:00pm. 2. Guest Speaker will begin at 6:15pm3. BTPP support group meeting will begin at 7:20pm and will conclude at our usual end time of 9:00pmGuest Speaker Information:For our September 9th session, we are in for a special treat. Please allow me to introduce Elizabeth Cobb. I have long admired Elizabeth and the gentle gifts she brings to every encounter and yoga session. Read on to learn more about Elizabeth and the special presentation she has planned:Elizabeth discovered yoga in 2000, when she was seeking a healthy modality that might help heal her wounded heart and body. Elizabeth has been practicing Ashtanga yoga since 2002 and found that she was able to transform her life through her daily practice.  Through relationship losses – both human and animal, the practice of yoga has helped her process these goodbyes and rediscover hope, light and the beauty of life. Elizabeth regularly leads yoga classes at a local studio in Royal Oak; and has a diverse roster of clients with whom she teaches in the privacy of their homes. In addition to her yoga practice, Elizabeth is in her 22^ndyear working as a full-time medical assistant for a highly regarded neurologist in the greater Detroit area. She finds her work very rewarding and feels privileged to serve their diverse patient population with a variety of neurological disorders including Alzheimer’s disease, Muscular Sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, seizures, and migraine headaches.  Outside of yoga and her role as a medical assistant, Elizabeth enjoys pet sitting where she can freely bestow her love and affection on her animal clients – both canine and feline. Elizabeth’s presentation will cover the following:Elizabeth will share her story –  and the events that led her to yoga We will learn about two of her beloved animal companions, Barnum and Lucas and how, after their deaths, yoga helped her process her grief.  We will learn about the practice of Ashtanga yoga; and watch as Elizabeth demonstrates and explain some basic poses. And, yes, Elizabeth will then lead our group through a few introductory poses in seated and standing positions.  Finally, Elizabeth will lead us through a five minute guided meditation – guaranteed to help us connect to our breath and relax both our bodies and our minds.
I look forward to this presentation with great anticipation and hope you will give a warm welcome to Elizabeth on Monday!
Please rsvp/reply at your earliest convenience to help me keep track of your responses. Seats are limited to 12 attendees, so please rsvp at your earliest convenience Meeting ROOM: Directly opposite the Sanctuary, you will see the parlor, a room full of comfortable sofas and chairs.If you have any questions, phone BTPP at 248.701.2345 (NO TEXTS) and I will return your call as soon as I am able.    Please Note : Parking…Please read carefully: Park in the UPPER lot of the church and enter through the large glass double doors. Our meeting room is located in the upper level of the church. NEWCOMERS: Please arrive between 5:45pm – 6:00pm to allow time to get settled, peruse the resources/handouts and allow me to have the opportunity to personally greet you – before the meeting begins. If you are unable to arrive to attend the guest speaker portion of the evening, our actual support group session will begin between 7:00pm – 7:15pm. Please enter as quietly as possible or wait outside the classroom till there is a break between speakers.
Be sure to bring a photo (s) of your beloved companion animal or any other memento.
Important…Please notethat BTPP meetings are NOT affiliated with any religious or political organization, neither are the meetings a substitute for counseling. BTPP was created with one central purpose: to offer support for those grieving the anticipated or actual loss of a beloved animal companion/furry baby. If a participant might unintentionally wander off that subject into topics of religion or politics, the facilitator has the responsibility of gently guiding the attendee(s) back on course. May we come together, gently, in kindness and kinship. I look forward to seeing you on Monday. In the meantime, please be gentle with your tender hearts…   Church  Location:     Orchard United Methodist Church
30450 Farmington Road,   Farmington Hills, MI 48334Room 200

BTPP- OCTOBER 2019 Dr. Kayla Stomak

Our guest speaker for the October 14 meeting is Dr. Kayla Stomack. Educated at MSU – from undergraduate through her DVM degree, Kayla works as an Associate Veterinarian at Advanced Animal Emergency, in Clinton Township. In December of 2018, Kayla joined Lap of Love, a nationwide team of mobile veterinarians dedicated to end of life care, hospice, in home euthanasia and consultations for terminally ill or elderly pets. Kayla’s presentation will cover the following:

Her journey to a career in veterinary medicine

A day in the life of an Emergency Veterinarian

Overseas veterinary work

Luke’s Story and the events that led to an interest in veterinary hospice care

Background and details about Lap of Love

The benefits of Lap of Love for both animal companions and their guardians

When might it be time to reach out to Lap of Love and other Frequently asked Questions

Things to know for Monday October 14th…

***Special Start Time***

1. Arrival time for the October meeting: anytime between 5:45 pm – 6:00 pm.

2. Guest Speaker: 6:15 pm – 7:10 pm

3. BTPP support group meeting: begins at 7:15 pm and will conclude at 9:00 pm

BTPP- NOVEMBER 2019 Eric Keller (Postponed due to inclement weather!)

THE MEETING HAS BEEN POSTPONED DUE TO THE HEAVY SNOW THAT WE ARE RECEIVING TODAY. MORE INFORMATION WILL BE POSTED SOON!

I am very excited about Monday’s meeting as we will have two special guests! Read on…my cousin, Eric Keller joins us Monday evening, along with his therapy dog, Jake. Married to my cousin Laurie, I have been acquainted with Eric for several years. In addition to his work with Jake, cousin Eric is a talented graphic designer, art director, and has published a book, entitled Dogs I have Known. Eric will talk with us about the events that led him to explore dog therapy training, the certification process, a day in the life of a therapy dog, the various hospitals and schools they visit, and the powerful impact that Jake has made on those he encounters. We will also learn the many ways that Eric has been personally impacted by Jake and their work together. You can learn more about Eric by visiting his website, erickellerdesign.com Friends, I look forward to this presentation with great anticipation and hope you will give a warm welcome to Eric and his therapy dog, Jake!

Things to know for Monday November 11th…
Special Start Time is earlier than listed on BTPP flyers or on the Support group page of the BTPP website. 1. Arrival time for the November meeting: anytime between 5:45pm – 6:00pm. 2. Guest Speaker will begin at 6:15pm3. BTPP support group meeting will begin at 7:20pm and will conclude at our usual end time of 9:00pm

BTPP-December 2019 Lori Doepke

ALERT: Room change for December 9, 2019, Lower Level, Room 100. Please park in the lower parking area and enter either set of double glass doors. Special Start Time…please read on…

Greetings to all New and Returning BTPP Attendees! Well, it’s that time of year again…December, the holidays and a time of giving… Past and present Beyond the Paw Print attendees come together every December to provide donations to a specific animal rescue organization. I refer to this annual activity as the “Beyond the Paw Print Gathering to Give,” event. The annual holiday meeting is very special, as we make donations in memory of our beloved animal companions. This year, based on recommendation from one of our attendees, I have selected Top Dog Rescue Group from Troy https://www.topdogfoundation.org/. Don’t let the name of the rescue confuse you...Top Dog rescues a variety of animals in need – which include dogs, cats, rabbits, birds and more. One of our past attendees, Jake, recommended the group and has adopted several companions from them over the years. Jake has found the owner, Lori Doepke, and her team to be very caring, professional and compassionate. Per my request, I have received the group’s wish list, which I have included below. No gift is too small.

Top Dog founder, Lori Doepke, will make a brief presentation at the beginning of our meeting on Monday. We will learn about the good work of this rescue group and then we will present Lori with our donations. Our meeting will begin immediately after the presentation. Lori Doepke is the founder and director of Top Dog Rescue, and her commitment to animal welfare is remarkable. Lori founded this rescue group over 30 years ago, when she became frustrated with the lack of commitment toward homeless pets at shelters and the existing rescues at that time. Top Dog Rescue is one of the oldest non-profit rescues in Michigan. Lori grew up in Michigan, completed a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Oakland University, and has four (adult) children. Lori and her team believe every homeless pet has a story to tell, and that story should have a happy ending. They have rescued over 8,000 homeless pets, providing all necessary vet care and proper screening for a suitable new home. While Top Dog primarily works with cats and dogs, they have rescued the occasional bunny, ferret, hamster, bird and guinea pigs! If you would like to learn more, please visit the Top Dog Rescue Website. So sorry that I was unable to provide the link to Lori’s website. When I attached the link here, all the emails bounced back. If you would like to learn more about Top Dog Rescue of Troy, google the group to find the link. Please see their wish list below:
Wish List
Cats-Scoopable/clumping cat litterIams or Authority Dry Kitten FoodAuthority Dry Cat Food ( indoor or adult) (PetsMart brand)Sheba Pate’ wet cat foodFancy Feast Kitten or Adult CannedToys
Dogs-Dog Treats – Milkbones (small and medium) and soft treats
Canned dog foodToys: Nylabones Rope Bones Kongs Balls Durable ToysLori stated that if you prefer, cash is always accepted to help with the large vet bills.