News
May 6, 2012 – Dora, one of the 5 Chihuahua puppies, has found a loving forever home.
May 5, 2012 – TPSB has 5 Chihuahua puppies up for adoption. Check out pictures on the adoptable page! Please contact TPSB for further information.
TPSB were invited to visit a group of children that were coming to visit Santa Ynez Therapeutic Riding Center on 4/24. Tracey took Bruce (The Magical Dog) and our Bunny, Raybar both animals were so amazing with these children. The children ranged from ages from 1 to 3years old and are apart of a “Early Start” program that is a guidance for each childs challenge. These children were amazing! They feed Bruce treats and so softly handled Raybar, the bunny. It was wonderful seeing how they interacted with all the animals, horses, dog, and bunny. TPSB is so thankful for being asked to be apart of a really wonderful session with the SYTRC and the Early Start Children and their families.
Board member Dr. Heather Mack and her assistant Lori Ireland work with the TPSB team, doing dental and body work.
6 Chihuahua mix pups that we have just gotten in to foster for the Lompoc shelter. They are about 8 weeks old and will be ready for adoption once they are spayed and neutered.
TPSB has a new litter of 6 adorable Chihuahua puppies. Check back soon for pictures!
TPSB is pleased to announce the adoption of Go Go after only 12 days in our foster program. Joyce will be taking her to Florida where she will have a wonderful home living by a golf course. She and her new mom and dad will be taking her on long luxurious walks in the lovely Florida sun. Congratulations to Go Go and her new family. Big thanks to Tracey Burnett, TPSB president for finding Go Go’s new family for her.
The Dr. Seuss Day Festival held at Santa Ynez Elementary School on March 16th was so kind to invite
Therapeutic Pets of Santa Barbara to participate in celebrating the fun of reading. Skida (the black dog) with her handler Susan and Olivia (the grey and white fluffy dog),with her handler Andrea, did stellar performances for the 120 or so children who arrived in groups of about 30 to be educated and entertained by these little troupers.
The children would read off a trick for one or the other of the dogs and then the dog would perform the trick. The tricks were things like “Can Oli roll over in the clover?” “Can Skida sit up like a pup?” We were wanting to sound as Dr. Seuss as possible. We also shared a wonderful new Cat In The Hat Book called “If I Ran The Dog Show”.The president of TPSB, Tracey Burnett, was on hand to help with the dogs and kids and to cheer us all on.
These two daring little dogs are the most recent fosters for Therapeutic Pets of Santa Barbara. They are available for adoption and are being fostered for the Lompoc Shelter.
Go Go, short for Gopher, is a 7 pound, small, chihuahua-pomeraian female. She is very sweet and mellow. Go Go loves to be held. She is about a year and a half old.
Lulu, short for Lupita, is Go Go’s sister. She is a 6 pound, chihuahua-pomeranian female. Lulu is very energetic, playful, alert, and friendly.
TPSB went on a visit to the Therapeutic Riding Center today and worked with a group of boys from Guadeloupe near Santa Maria, Ca. It was a very heart-warming visit.
Lola and her pups are doing wonderfully. The puppies are already 5 weeks old!
Lola and her 10 day old puppies. Both mommy and pups are doing wonderfully.
This is Billy, now Lucky, with his new forever family.
All of the Boston Terrier Dachshund puppies have wonderful, loving forever home.
Here are some more pictures of Lola and her 9 day old pups.
This is Lola, a very young pup rescued by Christine Evans when she was pregnant with these 5 babies.Lola ended up with a C-section delivery. Soon this mom and pups will come to TPSB. Thanks so much Christine for taking such awesome care of this darling family.
Chloe has been adopted by a loving forever home.
Five adorable Boston Terrier Dachshund puppies are up for adoption. Please contact TPSB is you are interested.
Bella was re-homed with a single elderly woman who had a dachshund of 12 years that passed away in October.The new owner Wanda, and her son and daughter-in-law with a 1 year old goldendoodle were all instantly taken with Bella’s charm and sweetness.We would like to thank everyone who made Bella’s dream come true for a “forever home”. The article (attached) just recently printed, her pic top left – she is a joy that remains in our hearts.
TPSB is fostering this group of 6 Boston Terrier Dachshund mix for the Lompoc Shelter. They are pictured here on their first outing. They are 5 weeks old.Millie, Tillie, Billie, Willie, Jillie and Chillie are all such happy frisky little pups.
Bella is the best! Pretty Chihuahua (long tail, tall ears, beautiful blonde)-5 years old. Very sociable with people and other nice dogs no matter the size. Clean bill of health from the vet last Thursday. Her owner has a new work schedule, which now includes extensive traveling. We feel the best thing is to find Bella new forever home. Please let us know if you know the PERFECT situation for her.
Chloe’s litter will be going to the Montecito Pet Shop for adoption on December 20, 2011.
December 18, 2011, Palos Verdes was adopted by a very loving, forever home.
Yesterday Chloe’s puppies visited the Solvang Friendship House. One of the residents called the puppies a “wonderful miracle.” It was incredibly touching to see the bond between the residents and the puppies. It is a great way to carry on the holiday spirit.
Here are Chloe’s puppies learning how to walk on the leash. They will be spayed and neutered this week.
Palos Verdes and her puppies went into town for an outing today. Peaches and Gallager got to meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
Tiny and Babette went on a visit to the Solvang Friendship House.
Recently three of Palos Verdes puppies went to visit the Santa Ynez Elementary School. Next week, Palos Verdes and the litter will be spayed and neutered. After they heal, TPSB will start to find new, wonderful, happy homes for the group.
Tango is doing wonderfully at his new home. Recently, he went on a visit to a local church for a senior lunch and to visit the preschoolers. Everyone had a great time!
Liz Currie has adopted these wonderful minis!
Babette, a 10 week old mini lop, is the newest bunny on the block at TPSB. She has already gone for a visit to the Solvang Friendship House.
November 1, 2011 – TPSB visited Solvang Friendship House. The residents had fun playing with Tiny, Bruce, and our new baby bunny, Babette!
Here is P.V and one of her puppies, who is recieving Early Neural Stimulation.
Meet Chloe and her new puppies! Her puppies have began our Early Neural Stimulation program.
Tara’s puppies are almost ready to be adopted. Here they are getting a little training to be great canine citizens. The three boys will be neutered soon, and then, they will be ready to go to wonderful homes.
This is Chloe. She was found on the streets of Bakersfield and brought to us by a generous rescuer. She will be having 3 puppies very soon. She is very friendly and sweet. She will be here until her babies are weaned, and she is spayed. Chloe and her puppies will all be put up for adoption.
This is the most recent mom to join our foster dogs. She was found in a backyard in Palos Verdes; thus she is named Palos Verdes, for now. She had 5 puppies while she was in a backyard, all are fat and healthy. The very kind Lori, who has a rescue group, brought her to us. She and her pups will stay with us until they are all adopted. Palos Verdes will be spayed and get some training. In about 8 weeks, she will be ready for a great new home.
Our friends at SB Cattle Dog Rescue, who work to rescue and rehabilitate, have some dogs who are in need of good homes. Currently, they have a 3-4 year old Cattle dog/Border Collie mix, named Oreo. She is great with dogs and cats, but needs someone to help her learn to trust humans. She is active and loves to swim, play fetch, and hike. Take a look at their website: www.sbcattledogs.com. You can see a little more about them on our links page, as well.
Tiny, our five-pound chihuahua, had his first outing to the Solvang Friendship House recently. He was a real hit and has been invited back to visit the residence again. In fact, he was so popular, there was an inquiry as to his availability for adoption. We had to say he has his forever home with us. Although, we were very pleased that he made such a good impression.
October 9, 2011 – Tara pictured here, with Susan, a volunteer, has been adopted by a wonderful family who are just thrilled to have her. Tara, who is now named Pepper, is the mom of three pups, who will be ready for adoption soon. The three boys will be neutered as soon as they get over their last bit of kennel cough, and then they will go to the Montecito Pet Shop, where they will find new loving families.
October 8, 2011 – TPSB shared a booth with K9s Behave at the Dogtoberfest. It was wonderful to see all the dogs and their owners having such a peaceful and loving day in the park. Tracey and Parker, pictured below, did a great job getting the booth set up, and of course, Bruce, in Tracey’s arms, was a huge hit. People kept wanting to know if he was available for adoption.
September 26, 2011 – Tara and her pups have been at TPSB for 2 weeks. After being treated for Kennel Cough, Giardia, and Coccidia, they are healthy and doing fabulously. They will all be ready for adoption by the middle of October.
September 25, 2011 – TPSB went to the Bunny Festival,which was held in the sunken gardens at the Santa Barbara court house. Andrea brought super bunny, Rupert, an English Angora. Rupert was quite the attraction friendly to everyone who wanted to meet him.
September 17, 2011 – TPSB had its first fundraiser, An Afternoon Among the Animals! We want to thank everyone for coming out and supporting us! Check out our Facebook page for more pictures.
September 8, 2011 – TPSB, now, has two darling goats added to our program. Rosie, the try-colored one, and Winston, the the carmel color one, will be joining in on visits to schools and assisted living residents soon!
September 1, 2011 – Bruce worked on crate training with Andrea and Parker.
August 31, 2011 – Snowball continues to work on her leash training with Avery. She is doing wonderfully!
August 27, 2011 – Bruce had his first big outing in Solvang, Ca at the Wheels and Windmills Carshow. He loved it!
August 12, 2011 – Demetra Canning of D Cups Saving Tea Cups delivers a pregnant chihuahua mix rescued by D Cups from a Southern California shelter to Susan Hopmans, a TPSB Volunteer. TPSB will foster the newly named Miss Bliss and her puppies and prepare them for adoption. TPSB will use elements of the Puppy Prodigy program to enhance the development of the puppies.
Demetra and Miss Bliss
Susan and Miss Bliss
August 12, 2011 – Miniature therapy horse in training, Moe, visits Santa Ynez. He loved the window display at Lady Bug Boutique and tried to convince the Winthers that they should give up gas powered horse power and go back to real horse power.
August 4, 2011- Kiki, Skye, and Bruce went on a fun visit to Bethania Preschool. It was Kiki and Skye’s first outing and they did wonderfully. The children loved seeing the siblings play together.
August 1, 2011 – GOOD NEWS
Krinkle was adopted by a local couple. They took him even though Krinkle needed another surgery on his leg. They have another Chihuahua who is getting on a bit in years and really are enjoying having a young dog around. The two dogs get along famously and Krinkle has a big yard and a very nice home plus two humans who will love him to pieces forever. So, the Krinkle story has a happy ending. It took a village with this little guy. CAPA, who was willing to sponsor the little guy and his surgery; the veterinarian who did the work at cost; generous donors from all over who helped raise the money; Rachel who loved and nursed him back to health (mentally and physically); volunteers who never ever gave up, financially and emotionally supporting his rehabilitation; and of course the people who stepped forward to adopt him. There are many deserving dogs out there who need love and just as much of a chance at life. Among them, Krinkle was extra special.
July 29, 2011 – It was our rooster Doodle again at the Solvang Friendship House. He made many new friends today!
July 28, 2011 – TPSB and Doodle, our rooster, made many children smile today at the Bethania Preschool in Solvang!!
July 22, 2011 – This was a big day for TPSB as we had a special visitor who came to the ranch to meet the animals. Eddie and his parents visited with our goats and other animals on Friday, July 22nd. Eddie is autistic and he has a passion for animals. We were thrilled to have him come and spend time with our animals. Thanks to Matt Perko Photography for this darling photo.
July 22, 2011 – TPSB also visited with Lisa who adopted Blue Eyes and Blondie for the residents at Solvang Friendship House. Both puppies are doing very well in their new home with their new owner and both have new names. Blue Eyes is now Chloe and Blondie is now Bailey. They are growing up to be the nicest dogs!!
July 22, 2011 – TPSB visited Solvang Friendship House today. Sapphire was the star of the show once again!! She gave and received many hugs and lots of love.
July 21, 2011 – Avery helping Russell get ready for his Good Citizen certification.
July 21, 2011 – TPSB visited Bethania Preschool in Solvang this morning. Today Skida, Russell and Bruce attended school and entertained the children with all of their amazing tricks and loving personalities.
July 19, 2011 – ATTENTION ANIMAL LOVERS!! FUN EVENT!!
On September 17, 2011 …. Our first annual fundraiser!!
*Meet our Therapy Animals *Meet our Rescues *Music *Food *Raffle *Demonstrations *Sponsorship Opportunities *Meet Freckles, our rescued mom and her pups *
*Therapeutic Pets of Santa Barbara (Based in Santa Ynez) is a 501(c)3 Organization devoted to helping people of all ages experience the joy of relating to animals and to rescuing animals in need.
*All Donations Are Tax Deductible
Please join us for great food and music but most of all let us introduce you to our fabulous program. Saturday September 17, from 4-7 pm, Los Olivos. Tickets go on sale August 7. 805-688-5131 $25.00 12 and under are free We only have 50 tickets available.
July 14, 2011 – Today TPSB visited the Bethania Preschool in Solvang once again. Their summer program is in full swing and we made our way there with Sapphire (miniature horse) and Bruce (puppy). Both are so good with the children. There were a lot of hugs and kisses given by the children, Sapphire and Bruce.
July 13, 2011- Dr. Heather Mack, holistic veterinarian and TPSB board member gives TPSB miniature horse, Jazz, a soothing wellness treatment. During Dr. Mack’s recent visit to the ranch she demonstrated many interesting ways to give the deserving TPSB pets some special TLC to keep them in good health and good spirits.
Jazz and Dr Mack
July 10,2011 – Here is Russell having a lesson from Avery for walking on the leash.
July 9, 2011 – This is a new photo of “Kiki” our rescued now therapy puppy.
July 7, 2011 – TPofSB has a new arrival. ”Cinnabun”, a miniature horse colt, was born tonight @9:40.
July 6, 2011
“THE MAGICAL CLASSROOM”
By Donna Friess
I had the pleasure of accompanying my daughter, as she picked up
her three children from Olivenhein Pioneer Elementary School in San
Diego County. The energetic enthusiasm of the children, freed after
seven hours in the classroom, was contagious. I could not help but
smile as the children of all ages raced past us, some playfully
pushing at one another, glad to be free.
After meeting two of my grandchildren and their classmates and
teachers, my oldest grandson, Jake, still had not come out of
his room, so we set out to find him. As a 40-year veteran of the
public school classroom, I felt comfortable on the elementary school
campus. As a grandmother, I was enjoying being able to share in
my grandkids’ world if only for a short while.
Upon opening Jake’s classroom door, an electric wave of excitement
spilled over the threshold. I was stunned to find that the room
was still full of sixth graders happily working at their desks. By
now about 15 to 20 minutes had elapsed since the dismissal bell,
and yet the students were not leaving or apparently even thinking
about leaving.
The culture of the classroom engulfed me in its warm, supportive
embrace. It seemed absolutely magical. I mentioned to Jake how late
it was and yet the children were not leaving. He said, “Oh Mimi,
we never do. We like it here. We always stay after.”
Before I knew it, I was meeting a key element of the class: Tank. I
was introduced to a big yellow service dog the students support
and clearly love. Why would the children want to leave?
Tank is their philanthropic project. They support him and one other
service dog, Foster, through their non-profit business. They make
and sell dog biscuits, grow and sell plants, as well as build and
sell doghouses. All of this to help support the service dogs who
assist in their reading-buddy project with the younger children of
the school. They also donate money to the local animal shelter.
I thought, “We have come a long way in education.” Clearly the
opportunity to know Tank and Foster, to support them, to have a
business and a business plan had brought out the imagination and
enthusiasm of the children. These projects are teaching them life
skills to say nothing of fostering an interest in their own teaching
and concern for younger children.
Jake showed me the cubby area where the service dogs, the first and
second-graders and the sixth graders work on the younger children’s
reading skills. The young children get to read to the dog under
the supervision of the older student. Jake explained to me that
research evidence reveals a gain in confidence on the part of the
young reader when the child reads to the dog.
Clearly there is confidence to be gained by the sixth-graders as
well. I also know that in addition there is solid science behind
the positive effects pets have on human beings. Talk about a
win-win situation!
It seems to me that if more teachers like Jake’s Mrs. Benowitz
could understand, as she does, how to truly rivet the students and
to turn learning into magic, more students would be better prepared
in the future. I applaud Olivenhein Pioneer Elementary School for
its imagination and success and particularly Mrs. Benowitz of the
sixth grade. She truly is making a difference.
BIO:
Donna Friess, Ph.D., is continuing her 44-year-long career as a full
time professor at Cypress College. She has authored five books and
is a consultant for the Office of Victims of Crime (US Justice Dept)
TTAC coalition. Donna was named Teacher of the Year in 2009 at her
college. She welcomed her eleventh grandchild in the summer of 2009.
July 1, 2011 – This is Krinkle. He was found abandoned with a broken leg. He has been rescued and has had his leg in a cast for some time. Because the bone is not healing properly he needs surgery. Therapeutic Pets of Santa Barbara is so happy to be able to contribute to this little darlings recovery. Once he is healed he will be looking for his forever home. We will keep you updated on Krinkles progress.
- Krinkle
June 30, 2011 – This is Rupert, an angora rabbit who is a new addition to the Therapeutic Pets menagerie. He will be educated and presented by Andrea Bratt Frick, a board member who specializes in clicker training.
Rupert
June 30, 2011 – All of the TPSB Therapy dogs are doing so well with their training. Today we started on crate training with the puppies Snowball, Kiki, Skye and Bruce. They are all such good dogs.
Kiki
Bruce
Skye
Snowball
June 29, 2011 – Polly and Freckles go to town. We took these two Rescued/Foster Moms to town today to start their Canine Good Citizens training. These are wonderful girls.
Polly and Freckles
Freckles and Polly
June 20, 2011 - Training has started for the Therapy dogs of TPSB to get their AKC Canine Good Citizen Certificate. Skidda, Russell, Freckles, Polly, Snowball, Lily, Kiki, Skye and Bruce will all be attending classes at TPSB.
June 18, 2011 – Carl and Chuck have new forever homes! All of Freckles litter have now been adopted!
June 14, 2011 – Jazz, our miniature therapy horse, goes on a visit to Valle Verde in Santa Barbara. He walked in to the meeting room surrounded by 20 people and loved it. Jazz was shown and is handled by our TPSB board member Kriss Colao.
June 3, 2011 – Doodle, our therapy rooster, goes to school for his first visit and is a Great Hit with all the children and the adults. Doodle is a Serama rooster, the smallest breed of chickens. Doodle is very friendly and loves meeting everyone.
Doodle goes to school
June 3, 2011 – Bruce has a new owner!! Bruce is one of our rescue/foster puppies. He has a new owner, Parker, and will be coming with us as a Therapy Dog when we visit with our other animals.
Bruce is one of our rescue puppies.
June 3, 2011 – TPSB was off to Solvang Friendship House for another visit with 2 of our rescue puppies, Blondie and her sister Blue eyes, that we foster, Mr. B and Doodle our Serama Rooster. The residents loved our presentation with our animals. Friendship House is considering adopting these sisters to be permanent residents at their facility.
Blondie - Rescue/Foster puppy
Blue eyes - Rescued/Foster puppy female
Mr. B
May 26, 2011 – Tango, a miniature horse that was being trained to be a Therapy horse, has a wonderful new home in Southern California where he will be a great therapy pet ambassador for the community.
“He is doing so well.We took him into the back yard through the gate & around the side out a small gate & he is the perfect little gentleman.He walked over concrete driveway & down the street without batting an eye. We did more with him today & the wind is blowing like a gale & still he did fine! Such fun. Thanks so much. Kathy“
Tango jumps for joy in his new home.
Tango and Kathy
May 19, 2011 – TPSB visited with the children at the Solvang School this time bringing 2 of our rescue puppies that we are fostering.
Bruce(Black) and Spot visit Solvang School
May 13, 2011 – TPSB is back at the Solvang School with Skidda(Black) and Russell(red/white) to show off their adorable tricks and shower their love on the children.
Skidda and Russell visit Solvang School for the first time.
May 10, 2011 - TPSB headed North to San Luis Obispo for a visit at Judsen Terrace. We had about 30 people on the lawn, some in wheelchairs and walkers, to visit with Sapphire and Ava. 
So many questions were answered regarding care and feeding of the animals, lifespan and if they live in the house or not. A beautiful sunny day spent in the company of some wonderful new friends.
April 29, 2011 - Our first visit to the Solvang Schools Special Needs Class. The children in this class were so wonderful with Snowball and Ava.
We have also added this school onto our Monthly schedule. We will be taking Skidda and Russell for our next visit.
April 9, 2011 – TPSB went to Las Vegas. We had a booth at the American Miniature
Horse Show where we spread the word about Therapeutic Pets and the wonderful impact they
have made on the children and adults that we have met thus far.
March 26, 2011 – TPSB visited for the first time at the Solvang Friendship House. On this visit we brought with us Snowball, Ava and Inky. We were in the living room area
with a beautiful fireplace and just about all the residents came to visit with us. The ones that could not come to the living room we visited with in their own rooms. Another great
visit. We have added Solvang Friendship House as one of our regular visits several times monthly.
March 14, 2011 – We began with our first Official TPSB visit to the Valle Verde Health Center in Santa Barbara California. We took Sapphire, our 28″ miniature horse mare,
to visit the residents who live there. Sapphire walked into the facility as if she had been there many times. What a nice time with so many wonderful people. Sapphire made many friends this day. Kriss and Tracey are TPSB board members.
