December 5, 2003
These pictures are just too cute not to share. They show Polar and his new little friend, Munchie. Munchie has been at the clinic for four weeks, and he is looking for a home. I am pretty sure that we have people that are interested in him, so maybe next week he will find his new home. Polar will miss his new fun and silly friend.

This is Polar with the class that he visits on Monday's with his Nanna. They are reading to him.

Here I am with Polar as he helps his Friday kids practice their reading skills. And, don't you just love the look on Karlie's face below as she is involved in this now fun activity (since Polar is around).

Take Me Back for More

November 20, 2003
Polar went to visit Lancaster Generations Adult Day care center a few months ago. We went again this morning for a visit and the day care children were there, they just loved Polar, and had so many questions! It was a fun visit and of course Polar had a blast. He got to show all the neat tricks he is learning in his freestyle class. He just loves to show off!!

And, we are so excited. Polar got invited to participate in the Holiday feast on Monday, November 24th. The students at Octorara Elementary school are having a feast and a play, which they have invited Polar to attend. I am not sure if he will have a part or not, but I sure he will have a GReat time. I am probably going to take a one-half personal day so I can watch the activities! This is the class that my mother takes Polar too. I will be sure to keep everyone updated on the details.

Take Me Back for More

November 16, 2003
Polar recently made a visit to a new school. Here is what he had to say about this new experience:

     "HI! It’s me, Polar. On Monday, November 10, I went with my Nana to visit Mrs. Hake’s class at Octorara Elementary School. The children are participating in a reading motivational project where they are recording the minutes they read to reach a goal and move to the next station. This is my third visit to this classroom this year. I help by listening to the stories as the children read. The first time I was there I could hardly hear what they were reading. Their reading voices were very quiet but you should hear them now.
     I was so excited to be with the children on this day because I had had my surgery and I hadn’t been allowed to run and play for a few days. Emily met me at the door and as usual she made me feel special by being excited to see me. As soon as I entered the classroom Tina filled my dish with water. I think she just knows how thirsty I am when I walk in the door. Then I heard the good news. We were going to the gym to read the stories and play a game. I had an awful time walking to the gym because of the slippery floors. You know the feeling of walking on a frozen pond without ice skates. That’s how I feel walking down the hall.
     When we got to the gym I was glad to see a special kind of floor covering that made it easier for me to walk or should I say run. I had a hard time holding still to listen to the stories. I wanted to play the game. I also wanted to put my head into the book as well as on the lap of the student who was reading. I was so proud of Tina because today I could hear every word of her story. All the children are reading so well I heard the teacher say it is time to get harder books. Way to go kids.
     After everyone had read to me we all played a game in the gym. On this day we played Duck, Duck, Goose, my favorite game. After everyone had a chance to be it, including the teachers, we went back to the room so the students could wash up for lunch. Everyone wanted to help me get out to the car so I am sure the class was a little bit late for lunch. I didn’t mind the help especially because everyone gave me a good-by treat of yummy doggie biscuits."

Take Me Back for More

A note from Golden Mom Rochelle
Polar recently needed surgery on November 6, 2003. He had an injury to his leg in August that still months later refused to heal, swelling still continuing to be a problem. Well, all the tests came back and the biopsy thankfully showed nothing, But the cultures and sensitivity test showed more specific information regarding the types of infections. So, now the doctors know what medications to use to treat the problem. Pam has now switched medicines and she sure is hoping that the new combo will kick this stubborn infection out. She is still wrapping Polar's leg twice a day and it is still swollen, but she's very hopeful that with these new medications there will be some improvement soon.  Luckily for Polar it doesn't seem to bother him in the least! He is always happy and seems more upset about having to sit still for a few minutes twice a day during his wrapping sessions.