April 10th, 2019 Newtown Event

I took a ride up to Newtown last week to photograph  their Paint with a Purpose event. I heard that there were going to be some special guests in attendance that I was very eager to meet. Judy, our founder, was going to be there too, but I had just seen her the night before at our event, so that wasn't it in case you were wondering.  

 At first it seemed like a normal event, but then all of a sudden there was a huge commotion and the entire event had gone to the dogs...the Newtown Therapy Dogs that is!

These amazing animals come in all shapes and sizes and breeds. Big, little, brown, or yellow... they may have their differences but they have one important thing in common, just being around makes everyone smile and turn into a kid again.  It was so much fun to watch people see these dogs, grin from ear to ear, walk up to them and reach out and pet them.  All your troubles and worries seem to disappear when you are petting these perfect creatures. Just look at these faces and I dare you not to smile!

 It's not easy getting a good photo of a black dog. 

This is Yoda. Sadly, Yoda's mom passed away unexpectedly shortly after this event. Terry was an amazing, kind-hearted, generous woman who will be greatly missed by her family and everyone who ever met her.

 Some dogs just LOVE having their pictures takes! 

 Some dogs are shy and need cajoling to look at the camera.

 If you hold a cookie over your head, many dogs will look at you, or perhaps they will stick their tongue out at you. Actually, the tongue sticking out is Pattie's fault, she hypnotized the dog by rubbing its chest. 

And now for the reason everyone gathered here tonight, to paint for the Connecticut Chapter of the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention. Tonight's guest speaker was Michelle Peters from the aforementioned organization.

Michelle gave a very informative talk about suicide and suicide prevention tonight. Did you know that suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States? On average, there are 129 suicides a day. That is one suicide is one too many! 

Here are some facts:

• Globally, every year close to 800 000 people take their own life and there are many more people who attempt suicide. 
• Every suicide is a tragedy that affects families, communities and entire countries and has long-lasting effects on the people left behind. 
• Suicide occurs throughout the lifespan and was the second leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds globally in 2016.
• While the link between suicide and mental disorders (in particular, depression and alcohol use disorders) is well established in high-income countries, many suicides happen impulsively in moments of crisis with a breakdown in the ability to deal with life stresses.
•  Stigma, particularly surrounding mental disorders and suicide, means many people thinking of taking their own life or who have attempted suicide are not seeking help and are therefore not getting the help they need. The prevention of suicide has not been adequately addressed due to a lack of awareness of suicide as a major public health problem and the taboo in many societies to openly discuss it. To date, only a few countries have included suicide prevention among their health priorities and only 38 countries report having a national suicide prevention strategy.
• Raising community awareness and breaking down the taboo is important for countries to make progress in preventing suicide. That is one of the reasons that Newtown is painting tonight... for Suicide Awareness. 

and now back to the photos

It's the Birthday Boy!

 Pattie getting into a little shenanigans with her friends.

 Judy Pedersen and Michelle Peters

Someone is a very gifted artist.

Maybe a hug would help?

I see you! I've got your back!

♫ ♫winter, spring, summer, or fall, all you've got to do is call and I'll be there...

 you've got a friend!♫ ♫