Regina Helfer's Posts
A "4 Paws Day" for the Helfer Boys
Did you make it to Lollypop Farms Barktoberfest on the 26th!? What a fantastic day for everyone who attended, and especially for Mr. Cooper and Freeport. There was a Pet Assisted Therapy table with lots of PAT teams and we were so thankful to Joette for allowing us to bring Mr. Cooper along as a training exercise for him. The weather was perfect and both Freeport and Mr. Cooper had the opportunity to socialize with a variety people and pets.
We even ran into Paxton - does anyone remember Paxton from Kodak Building 205 and his blogs? He was in training to be a Guide dog and is now a Pet Assisted Therapy dog!
We also ran into Lucy - remember the "I love Lucy" Berner from the Kodak Town Meeting slide show!?
Kristin from Doodiepack was there and she had some Doodiepacks for Freeport and Mr. Cooper to model for the day. With Niles there as well, another Berner, it was good advertisement for Kristin to say that they make sizes to fit any dog! (Notice little Ally in the background with the pink pack!)
Cooper and Freeport were also part of a photo shoot for our special friend from the READ program who gave us a pleasant surprise by coming to visit.
You may be wondering why I am so excited about these 3 situations -
It's just a festival-
It's just a pack-
It's just some people dressed as animals-
What's so exciting about that?
Well, glad you asked, BECAUSE, if you've been following my blogs you'll remember that socialization is critical for therapy dogs - Interacting with strangers, experiencing different stimulus (like the pack and the characters), and being around new places - all play a major part in training.
Not to mention all of the people taking pictures of the two of them! I received links to Kodak Gallery albums from people who where there that knew us. What a fantastic way to stay connected, yes?
By the end of the morning, though, Mr. Cooper was just downright pooped!
Speaking of which - anyone from Fairport, NY reading this? Freeport & Mr. Cooper's photo is supposed to be in the Fairport Messenger with them 'kissing' in the "Kissing Booth"!
Besides Barktoberfest, we attended the Niagara Celtic Festival too! Another great day. Mr. Cooper met his second person "in costume", and never even gave it a second thought.
He also came across his very first piece of equipment that is used for mobility - a motorized scooter! This was so FUNDAMENTAL in his training since he'll be around wheel chairs, walkers, canes and other devices - Tell, me, do you think he was in the least bit nervous around the scooter?
So, anyone notice that fall was in there air!? The leaves are starting to come down and both dogs are enjoying the cooler weather. We did one final walk at Hamlin Beach State Park to swim just before going home to get a bath!
Then it was time to romp in the leaves!
I captured this picture where I think Freeport is telling Mr. Cooper that he loves him, but don't let mama or papa know!
Speaking of love - yes, I really do love them unconditionally, more than words could ever describe - the love from a child is so revealing, to capture it in a picture is priceless:
Have you captured that love in a photo recently? Keep it; Share it; Treasure it forever!
And remember, it's time to SMILE!
Now to a more serious topic - no, really! In level 2 obedience class at Ebb Tide Kennels, Joan - owner and trainer - emphasizes the importance of training in different locations. If a dog only trains at the training building, or at home, they may not do as well in other environments. In the dogs mind they may be thinking that they don't have to obey the commands other than those places. If they are trained in new locations, they will realize that they need to pay attention WHEREVER they are. Distractions are a plus - keeps them focused and thinking. We did some sit, stand, and pay attention commands during the Celtic Festival's parade. It was challenging, but well worth the effort.
On a side note - Agility Training has a lot of advantages, both for the health of your dog and you and as a good way to stay communicated with them. It is also another tool that you can use to train your dog for Pet Therapy. How, you ask? Again, new environments, different obstacles, better control on commands - it all works together to help that bond and communication with your dog. We've given Mr. Cooper some pre-trial experience with agility obstacles - take a look:
OK - that's enough serious stuff - now, to round out this blog, I have to tell you that Bernese Mountain Dogs think they are lap dogs! I know, I know - but I'm not kidding!
Mr. Cooper has become quite the affectionate little one and has taken to leaping into our laps for his daily hugs! Fortunately, he is only 55 lbs now, so we'll have to curtail this soon, but until then, I'M LOVING IT!
We even ran into Paxton - does anyone remember Paxton from Kodak Building 205 and his blogs? He was in training to be a Guide dog and is now a Pet Assisted Therapy dog!
We also ran into Lucy - remember the "I love Lucy" Berner from the Kodak Town Meeting slide show!?
Kristin from Doodiepack was there and she had some Doodiepacks for Freeport and Mr. Cooper to model for the day. With Niles there as well, another Berner, it was good advertisement for Kristin to say that they make sizes to fit any dog! (Notice little Ally in the background with the pink pack!)
Cooper and Freeport were also part of a photo shoot for our special friend from the READ program who gave us a pleasant surprise by coming to visit.
You may be wondering why I am so excited about these 3 situations -
It's just a festival-
It's just a pack-
It's just some people dressed as animals-
What's so exciting about that?
Well, glad you asked, BECAUSE, if you've been following my blogs you'll remember that socialization is critical for therapy dogs - Interacting with strangers, experiencing different stimulus (like the pack and the characters), and being around new places - all play a major part in training.
Not to mention all of the people taking pictures of the two of them! I received links to Kodak Gallery albums from people who where there that knew us. What a fantastic way to stay connected, yes?
By the end of the morning, though, Mr. Cooper was just downright pooped!
Speaking of which - anyone from Fairport, NY reading this? Freeport & Mr. Cooper's photo is supposed to be in the Fairport Messenger with them 'kissing' in the "Kissing Booth"!
Besides Barktoberfest, we attended the Niagara Celtic Festival too! Another great day. Mr. Cooper met his second person "in costume", and never even gave it a second thought.
He also came across his very first piece of equipment that is used for mobility - a motorized scooter! This was so FUNDAMENTAL in his training since he'll be around wheel chairs, walkers, canes and other devices - Tell, me, do you think he was in the least bit nervous around the scooter?
So, anyone notice that fall was in there air!? The leaves are starting to come down and both dogs are enjoying the cooler weather. We did one final walk at Hamlin Beach State Park to swim just before going home to get a bath!
Then it was time to romp in the leaves!
I captured this picture where I think Freeport is telling Mr. Cooper that he loves him, but don't let mama or papa know!
Speaking of love - yes, I really do love them unconditionally, more than words could ever describe - the love from a child is so revealing, to capture it in a picture is priceless:
Have you captured that love in a photo recently? Keep it; Share it; Treasure it forever!
And remember, it's time to SMILE!
Now to a more serious topic - no, really! In level 2 obedience class at Ebb Tide Kennels, Joan - owner and trainer - emphasizes the importance of training in different locations. If a dog only trains at the training building, or at home, they may not do as well in other environments. In the dogs mind they may be thinking that they don't have to obey the commands other than those places. If they are trained in new locations, they will realize that they need to pay attention WHEREVER they are. Distractions are a plus - keeps them focused and thinking. We did some sit, stand, and pay attention commands during the Celtic Festival's parade. It was challenging, but well worth the effort.
On a side note - Agility Training has a lot of advantages, both for the health of your dog and you and as a good way to stay communicated with them. It is also another tool that you can use to train your dog for Pet Therapy. How, you ask? Again, new environments, different obstacles, better control on commands - it all works together to help that bond and communication with your dog. We've given Mr. Cooper some pre-trial experience with agility obstacles - take a look:
OK - that's enough serious stuff - now, to round out this blog, I have to tell you that Bernese Mountain Dogs think they are lap dogs! I know, I know - but I'm not kidding!
Mr. Cooper has become quite the affectionate little one and has taken to leaping into our laps for his daily hugs! Fortunately, he is only 55 lbs now, so we'll have to curtail this soon, but until then, I'M LOVING IT!
What is the Magic of a Dog?
Our Official Family Portrait (well, not really):
FINE, here's one of JUST the dogs:
What do you say to a 9 year old young lady that tells you that she doesn't want Freeport to die? The summer READ student that has been with Freeport and I at Lollypop Farm since the beginning of July, said this to me. Instant flashback to Kunik, Geddy, now Freeport and Mr. Cooper - fighting back tears her innocent statement created, all I could say was, "Death is a part of life. They say our dogs don't live as long so we can love more of them." She then said that she wanted Mr. Cooper to live long enough so that when she is in a nursing home, he can come and visit her! One could only hope, yes?!
What to do for this special young lady (and you are special), to help keep her memory of Freeport alive: I used Kodak Gallery to create a mug with her and Freeport's picture on it, along with a set of stickers. It was a simple gesture meant to invoke memories in the years to come. I waited to write this blog so that we could get a picture of her with her gift.
Little did we know that she had also made Freeport and Mr. Cooper a gift! Can you imagine, a trip to Corning Glass and the thrill of etching your own glass, and who does she make it for? Freeport! Along with a beautiful hand drawn card and a box of biscuits, this gift took a lot of thought. Freeport and I are better for getting to know her.
Mr. Cooper has grown so much since our last blog! He is interacting with several people who are helping him 'understand' what playing nice means - after all he's still a puppy and still has his puppy teeth! He is getting use to water and even went swimming with Freeport on his own! Oh, I'm such a proud 'mama'!
And he's so handsome when he's wet:
My dad was up from New York City for a couple of weeks. He loves dogs as much as I do, and when he comes, Larry and I are forgotten by whichever dog we have at the moment - they know who to hang out with and how to be so attentive at times:
Freeport & Grandpa, Cooper & Grandpa, Kunik & Geddy & Grandpa
He is turning out to be such a good puppy! I call our living room the 'bone yard' with all the toys he has to play with - but it saves on furniture legs:
Our grandchildren range from 3 months to 6 years old. Let me share some photos with Kunik, Geddy, Freeport and now, Mr. Cooper interacting with them:
Bernese Mountain dogs are amazing! How they know that they are just children and are so gentle and protective of them, it still amazes me! Even at 4 months old, Cooper came to the 'aid' of our 18 month old grandson when Larry was playing 'lion' with him. Cooper came into the bedroom and stood between the two of them! Of course, the grandson proceeded to use Cooper as a tunnel and crawled under his legs.
In the last blog on Socialization 101 I spoke about the need to introduce your dogs to different environments and people, including other pets. One thing I realized during this last month is that a dog considers their house as their property and is usually protective of it, especially if other animals enter. We have always had our friends bring their dogs over when they visit. Freeport and Mr. Cooper have been the best of hosts this last month, even having a sleepover:
By having visitors come, it allows the dog to understand that the owner is the leader and puts them in a relaxed frame of mind - which is what you want for a Therapy Dog. Of course, taking them to others houses that have dogs is just as beneficial, but you need to watch the hostess as she may be feeding your dog strawberries:
We took them to on an excursion to the Orvis store in Buffalo, which was his first experience inside a retail store. Not nervous at all, and didn't even want to buy anything. He did meet a stuffed black lab that he thought he should make friends with.
And, what's a couple of more stuffed animals:
Speaking of which, can you tell which ones are Freeport and Cooper:
We also took a trip back to Lollypop Farm to visit our friends and to introduce Mr. Cooper to some of the locals:
I remiss, so let me continue - The proud parents announce that Mr. Cooper graduated from Level 1 Obedience class! He now enters Level 2 at Ebb Tide and at the end of those 8 weeks; he will be certified by the AKC as a Canine Good Citizen - the first official certification needed for a Pet Assisted Therapy dog. He still has a long way to go, but with each passing day, he shows what a good therapy dog he will be.
Mark your calendars: Lollypop Farms Barktoberfest is September 26th! If you want to meet Freeport and Mr. Cooper in person, they'll be there from 9am - 11am! Who knows, maybe I can use your picture with them next! If not, stay tuned for the next blog in October for pictures. Until then, as the saying goes, let sleeping dogs lay:
FINE, here's one of JUST the dogs:
What do you say to a 9 year old young lady that tells you that she doesn't want Freeport to die? The summer READ student that has been with Freeport and I at Lollypop Farm since the beginning of July, said this to me. Instant flashback to Kunik, Geddy, now Freeport and Mr. Cooper - fighting back tears her innocent statement created, all I could say was, "Death is a part of life. They say our dogs don't live as long so we can love more of them." She then said that she wanted Mr. Cooper to live long enough so that when she is in a nursing home, he can come and visit her! One could only hope, yes?!
What to do for this special young lady (and you are special), to help keep her memory of Freeport alive: I used Kodak Gallery to create a mug with her and Freeport's picture on it, along with a set of stickers. It was a simple gesture meant to invoke memories in the years to come. I waited to write this blog so that we could get a picture of her with her gift.
Little did we know that she had also made Freeport and Mr. Cooper a gift! Can you imagine, a trip to Corning Glass and the thrill of etching your own glass, and who does she make it for? Freeport! Along with a beautiful hand drawn card and a box of biscuits, this gift took a lot of thought. Freeport and I are better for getting to know her.
Mr. Cooper has grown so much since our last blog! He is interacting with several people who are helping him 'understand' what playing nice means - after all he's still a puppy and still has his puppy teeth! He is getting use to water and even went swimming with Freeport on his own! Oh, I'm such a proud 'mama'!
And he's so handsome when he's wet:
My dad was up from New York City for a couple of weeks. He loves dogs as much as I do, and when he comes, Larry and I are forgotten by whichever dog we have at the moment - they know who to hang out with and how to be so attentive at times:
Freeport & Grandpa, Cooper & Grandpa, Kunik & Geddy & Grandpa
He is turning out to be such a good puppy! I call our living room the 'bone yard' with all the toys he has to play with - but it saves on furniture legs:
Our grandchildren range from 3 months to 6 years old. Let me share some photos with Kunik, Geddy, Freeport and now, Mr. Cooper interacting with them:
Bernese Mountain dogs are amazing! How they know that they are just children and are so gentle and protective of them, it still amazes me! Even at 4 months old, Cooper came to the 'aid' of our 18 month old grandson when Larry was playing 'lion' with him. Cooper came into the bedroom and stood between the two of them! Of course, the grandson proceeded to use Cooper as a tunnel and crawled under his legs.
In the last blog on Socialization 101 I spoke about the need to introduce your dogs to different environments and people, including other pets. One thing I realized during this last month is that a dog considers their house as their property and is usually protective of it, especially if other animals enter. We have always had our friends bring their dogs over when they visit. Freeport and Mr. Cooper have been the best of hosts this last month, even having a sleepover:
By having visitors come, it allows the dog to understand that the owner is the leader and puts them in a relaxed frame of mind - which is what you want for a Therapy Dog. Of course, taking them to others houses that have dogs is just as beneficial, but you need to watch the hostess as she may be feeding your dog strawberries:
We took them to on an excursion to the Orvis store in Buffalo, which was his first experience inside a retail store. Not nervous at all, and didn't even want to buy anything. He did meet a stuffed black lab that he thought he should make friends with.
And, what's a couple of more stuffed animals:
Speaking of which, can you tell which ones are Freeport and Cooper:
We also took a trip back to Lollypop Farm to visit our friends and to introduce Mr. Cooper to some of the locals:
I remiss, so let me continue - The proud parents announce that Mr. Cooper graduated from Level 1 Obedience class! He now enters Level 2 at Ebb Tide and at the end of those 8 weeks; he will be certified by the AKC as a Canine Good Citizen - the first official certification needed for a Pet Assisted Therapy dog. He still has a long way to go, but with each passing day, he shows what a good therapy dog he will be.
Mark your calendars: Lollypop Farms Barktoberfest is September 26th! If you want to meet Freeport and Mr. Cooper in person, they'll be there from 9am - 11am! Who knows, maybe I can use your picture with them next! If not, stay tuned for the next blog in October for pictures. Until then, as the saying goes, let sleeping dogs lay:
Socialization 101
THANK YOU all for your wonderful comments and support.
Here is the history on how the names of our dogs came about - a story in itself:
Avi's Kunik Bisitik - named for the 2 polar bears at the Toronto Zoo. It means 'Gentle Kiss Protector'. Kunik LOVED Maine, Freeport, and staying at the Harraseeket Inn. When he got sick in May of 2005, the front staff went out of their way to help us get him to a vet and take care of his needs.
Ebb Tide's Geddy Duex Spot - named for a tavern in Bar Harbor, Maine. Her picture is still up on their wall!
Clearwater's Freeport Seeket- "memory of a kiss" - named in memory of Kunik and because of the bond we formed with the staff at the Harraseeket.
Avi's Harraseeket's Mr. Cooper - named for the Inn. Mr. Cooper is a 92 year old gentleman that volunteers everyday at the Harraseeket's afternoon tea. Such a gentleman! What better role model for Cooper (or so we hope!)
Socialization 101
Socialization, socialization, socialization! That is the key to start getting your puppy heading for a future as a Pet Assisted Therapy and R.E.A.D. dog! One of the Berner clubs we belong to is the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Nashoba Valley. In a recent issue of Bernerblatt newsletter they published a list of 12 experiences that a puppy should have within the first 12 weeks - visiting different places, being handled by different people, eating in different locations, walking on different surfaces, etc.
We started Mr. Cooper out right away meeting a variety of
people and dogs.
Molly, our neighbor, helps out by watching Mr. Cooper, but her and Freeport are fast becoming good friends too:
Next came the visit to the Vet's
And, the 'piece de resistance' (drum roll please!) a trip to Freeport, Maine to meet his namesake and the staff at the Harraseeket Inn. When we got to Maine, he acted like he had been there before and was in love with it all over again. Unfortunately Mr. Cooper was out ill, so he didn't get to meet his namesake. Thanks to Kodak Gallery and their photo cards, he will be kept abreast of Cooper's early life until we go back up at Christmas!
Daily walks to town turned out to be great socialization for both of them! We felt a little bad for Freeport since people thought he was the mother L. I think we'll get him a t-shirt that says 'I'm not the mom, I'm the big brother!"
Always having my camera at the ready, great shots were captured of "The Helfer Boys"- the title we gave to Freeport and Mr. Cooper. I really like the digital camera because I can keep taking pictures and know that my chances of getting that perfect shot will be in one of them. What do you think of my photographic prowness?
We are working to get Mr. Cooper and Freeport comfortable eating together so there will be no rivalry. Isn't a picture worth a 1,000 words?
Same shot, 4 different dogs (priceless):
Kunik and Geddy:
Geddy and Freeport
Freeport and Mr. Cooper:
And, when he gets bigger, Larry and I are going to have a heck of a time trying to use our bathroom!
Cooper is already into his 4th week in Level 1 Obedience class at Ebb Tide Kennels and Stables. There are 11 other dogs in his class, including 4 Rottweiler puppies. Freeport's Level 4 Obedience class is immediately after and I think he's a little jealous of the puppy having my undivided attention for an hour! Both are doing so good, and it's not just my bias showing through, honest! They are making friends and learning at the same time!
He's also becoming quite the mechanic, even checking the oil and tire pressure:
And, speaking of Freeport, you must always make sure that you make time for your other dog. He and I did a special nursing home visit to a friend. I think he liked it because he got to have the cap of the ice cream that Gloria was having!
Freeport also start doing the READ program at Lollypop Farm
for July and August and he so enjoys those sessions!
We even brought Mr. Cooper out the last time so he could
have some more socialization and he got to meet the staff at Lollypop Farm, who
absolutely adored him!
As I close out this Blog, I want to let you know that in putting this together, I have viewed hundreds of photos of all of our dogs - prints (scanned from my ESP-7 AiO printer) CD's, Kodak Gallery and files on my computer. Each photo brings back such vivid memories. Still makes me cry, laugh, and smile reminiscing! Thank you for allowing me to share with you!
Until the next Blog - The End (literally!)
Looking back to move Forward
Sometimes in life you need to look back and remember in order for you to move forward. Let me introduce myself. My name is Regina and I am a dog lover!
Those of you that are dog lovers too know the impact that these animals have in our lives. You also know capturing these memories on photos keeps them in our hearts forever!
I want to share with you the life and times of our current Bernese Mountain Dog, Freeport, and our new Bernese Mountain Dog, "Mr. Cooper". Before I can bring smiles and laughter to your faces with the antics of these 2, I have to bring you back to where it all started. I thank Kodak every day for the memories that they have allowed me to capture and re-live! Remember when the 'Scan Van' was in Rochester? I have thousands of photos now on Kodak Gallery to do with as I wish.
1996 - Kunik - our first Berner - Larry and my first dog together - my first pure breed dog - my little 25 pound puppy! He came into our lives full tilt! He loved life, loved children, and loved snow! And I really think he loved us.
His picture is all over the world from tourists asking to pose with him, especially in Niagara on the Lake. His impact on the casual bystander was mystical! I remember a time when he helped a child get over his fear of large dogs. It took Kunik 30 minutes of lying down and allowing this little boy to hesitantly touch at first then crawl and finally hug him in the end. It brought tears to all who took the time to watch this miracle. He would have made a great Therapy Dog.
1999 - Geddy - our Landseer Newfoundland - a playmate for Kunik - a Father's Day gift for Larry. She was our little princess, our snuggler, a lady's lady!
She loved Kunik, loved life and loved snow, and I'm pretty sure she loved us too. She would have made another great Therapy Dog.
We lost Kunik in 2005 to cancer; we lost Geddy in 2008 to cancer - devastating on both losses. Unspeakable heartache. So much we learned from them; so much we didn't get to do - Pet Therapy was one of them.
2006 - enter Freeport.
Geddy was lost without Kunik, but I don't think a new puppy in the house was in her plans.
I can't say she loved Freeport, but she protected him and taught him well. He grew up with her his first 2 years then she was gone. I think he still looks for her when he sees another Landseer Newf!
The opportunity arose to train as a Pet Assisted Therapy Team through the Humane Society's Lollypop Farm. I jumped at the chance to do with Freeport what I should have done with Kunik and Geddy.
We passed and are now registered as a Therapy Team and a Reading Education Assistance Dog Team, where students actually read to the dogs! What a great program. The children love him!
2009 - moving into the present: On June 16th, our newest addition to our family has come into our lives - Harraseeket's Mr. Cooper! At 8 weeks old he's a puff ball! Another puppy for Father's day - go figure!
Follow along with me as I share the antics of raising Cooper with Freeport and preparing him to become another Therapy and READ dog.
If nothing else, it will make you smile, laugh, shed a tear for those we have loved before and love now, and maybe, JUST maybe, want to bring out those memories, in whatever format you have them in - photographs, digital images, videos - and remember!
Those of you that are dog lovers too know the impact that these animals have in our lives. You also know capturing these memories on photos keeps them in our hearts forever!
I want to share with you the life and times of our current Bernese Mountain Dog, Freeport, and our new Bernese Mountain Dog, "Mr. Cooper". Before I can bring smiles and laughter to your faces with the antics of these 2, I have to bring you back to where it all started. I thank Kodak every day for the memories that they have allowed me to capture and re-live! Remember when the 'Scan Van' was in Rochester? I have thousands of photos now on Kodak Gallery to do with as I wish.
1996 - Kunik - our first Berner - Larry and my first dog together - my first pure breed dog - my little 25 pound puppy! He came into our lives full tilt! He loved life, loved children, and loved snow! And I really think he loved us.
His picture is all over the world from tourists asking to pose with him, especially in Niagara on the Lake. His impact on the casual bystander was mystical! I remember a time when he helped a child get over his fear of large dogs. It took Kunik 30 minutes of lying down and allowing this little boy to hesitantly touch at first then crawl and finally hug him in the end. It brought tears to all who took the time to watch this miracle. He would have made a great Therapy Dog.
1999 - Geddy - our Landseer Newfoundland - a playmate for Kunik - a Father's Day gift for Larry. She was our little princess, our snuggler, a lady's lady!
She loved Kunik, loved life and loved snow, and I'm pretty sure she loved us too. She would have made another great Therapy Dog.
We lost Kunik in 2005 to cancer; we lost Geddy in 2008 to cancer - devastating on both losses. Unspeakable heartache. So much we learned from them; so much we didn't get to do - Pet Therapy was one of them.
2006 - enter Freeport.
Geddy was lost without Kunik, but I don't think a new puppy in the house was in her plans.
I can't say she loved Freeport, but she protected him and taught him well. He grew up with her his first 2 years then she was gone. I think he still looks for her when he sees another Landseer Newf!
The opportunity arose to train as a Pet Assisted Therapy Team through the Humane Society's Lollypop Farm. I jumped at the chance to do with Freeport what I should have done with Kunik and Geddy.
We passed and are now registered as a Therapy Team and a Reading Education Assistance Dog Team, where students actually read to the dogs! What a great program. The children love him!
2009 - moving into the present: On June 16th, our newest addition to our family has come into our lives - Harraseeket's Mr. Cooper! At 8 weeks old he's a puff ball! Another puppy for Father's day - go figure!
Follow along with me as I share the antics of raising Cooper with Freeport and preparing him to become another Therapy and READ dog.
If nothing else, it will make you smile, laugh, shed a tear for those we have loved before and love now, and maybe, JUST maybe, want to bring out those memories, in whatever format you have them in - photographs, digital images, videos - and remember!