Thursday, March 23, 2017

Our Staff on a Day Off in Ramla

Ramla is a Jewish - Arab city only a half hour's drive from the Center, but it's one of those places in Israel that many people overlook.  On Wednesday the entire center staff took the day off for a guided tour of Ramla.  We soon learned that Ramla is a colorful multi - ethnic city with a fascinating history.
 We began the tour at the Great Mosque where our guide gave us a short history of the building, which was originally built as a Basilica.  We then continued into the marketplace where we tasted samples of some of the local cuisine.  From there we walked to the White Tower and then descended into an underground cavern where we rowed about in small boats beneath the arched ceiling.  By that time we were all hungry and so we made our way to a Bukharin restaurant to end the day with lunch.
Thanks to Efrat for organizing the fun day!  



Tuesday, March 14, 2017

Purim Celebration at the Center

Each year at Purim the staff takes a couple of hours to dress up, goof off, and have fun.  This year's celebration began with a festive holiday meal prepared by Ruthi that was enjoyed by everyone.  After that the trainers stopped training, the kennel staff left the dogs to take an afternoon nap in their kennels, the office staff stopped answering phones and typing, and we all gathered in the auditorium as each member of the staff made an entrance in costume. 
Much of the party – which was meticulously planned and conducted by Efrat - was spent attempting to solve a mystery quiz that pitted our logic and mental stamina! 
The staff was transformed into clowns, Lego bricks, a pregnant nun, a bottle of ketchup, and other elaborate costumes. 

The three winners in the costume contest were the Community Service workers dressed as Dalmatians, Rafi dressed as Efrat, and Zipi dressed as Noach.   Many thanks to Ruthi and Efrat for planning and arranging a wonderful Purim celebration! 








Wednesday, March 1, 2017

Ofer and Daria Volunteer their Hugs and Love

ELIYA (The Israel Organization for Blind Children) operates several kindergartens in Israel for children with blindness or visual impairments that have been cooperating with the Center for several years.  Volunteers from the Center visit the kindergartens each week with guide dog puppies, retired guide dogs, or career change dogs.  The children have the opportunity to pet the dogs and experience the companionship that dogs offer.  We believe that developing a trusting relationship with dogs at a young age will prepare these children for a relationship with a companion dog at home, and encourage them to adopt a guide dog in the distant future.
A new ELIYA kindergarten opened in Rehovot two weeks ago, and Brig. Gen. (ret) Moti Regev, a long-time volunteer at the Center and founder of the Canvelo cycling club, and his son Ofer volunteered to visit the kindergarten.  Ofer visits the kindergarten each week with Daria, a retired breeding dog who lives with the Regev family and is Ofer's companion.  Volunteering at the ELIYA kindergarten is Daria's second career, and she does the job happily.  Ofer gives the children warm hugs and a ride in his wheelchair, while Daria does her part by offering children the cuddly love and warmth that dogs have to give!

Ofer and Daria in the ELIYA Kindergarten