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Book… have this one on hand for emergencies

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First aid for your dog…  something many of us don’t think about until faced with a problem.

Feeling strongly about the importance of this topic, the Bright Spot Therapy Dogs Board of Directors asked Steven M. Ellis, DVM, to be the keynote speaker for our first annual Bright Spot Volunteer Appreciation Event.  Those attending the event learned important information that could save their dog’s life.  During his talk, Dr. Ellis suggested the following book as a good reference to have on hand:  The First Aid Companion for Dogs & Cats by Amy D. Shojai.  Highlights of the book include:   over 150 everyday accidents and emergencies, essential medicine chest, how to prevent accidents, and illustrated clinically proven techniques.

I went right home and ordered a copy of this book and feel better knowing that I have it on hand to refer to in an emergency.

 

Reaping the rewards of perseverance… Success at last!

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I think most people who have had many dogs during their lifetime will agree that some of them are easier to train than others… some even seem to be born trained.  Then, others… challenge every ounce of patience you’ve got.  Well, I suppose since I’ve had a succession of easily trained dogs in the past several years, it was my turn to have my patience and perseverance with a training regime put to the test.  Annie has been quite a test…  I still refer to her as my puppy. Then people ask, How old is your puppy? To which I then reply, Well, she’s four years old – but she still acts like a puppy (in as far as her level of training goes).  We’ve been over and over the basics day-in-and-day-out, but nothing seems to stick.

My goal for 2011 is to get Annie to walk on a loose lead at my side and be able to take a leisurely, pleasant walk with me. We’ve been working with a trainer one-on-one since the start of the year.  I think even she, at times, wondered if Annie would EVER get it.  Each time we’ve met with the trainer, she’s offered a tip or technique to try.  Day after day, week after week, and month after month we’ve been working on loose lead walking.  Always adding the new tips and techniques we’d been taught.  There would be some improvement…  a few steps forward – then, we’d end up taking several giant steps backward.  We just recently started a group agility class.  Annie does LOVE to train – she seems to smile and her eyes twinkle when we’re at work together.  My thought was that the agility class would help strengthen our relationship – and hopefully, help out somehow with my loose lead walking goal.

Well, at first I thought we were just having a couple of really good days…  but those good days have now progressed to TEN great walks in a row! These are real PLEASURE WALKS.  Annie is walking on a loose lead and I truly think she really GETS IT!!!!  She understands the difference and is enjoying every minute of it.  A well trained dog is a happy dog!  TRAINING PAYS OFF – just don’t give up!

Annie and the library… things are getting better… still baby steps

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I’ve been working for several months with Annie on her fear of strange places… our new, beautiful, dog-friendly, town library is one of those places where she feels ill-at-ease.  For the past few months, I’ve been driving Annie over there, walking her over to the front door, pausing and treating her all the way, then turning and walking her back to the car.  Happy, happy, happy.  For the past two weeks, I’ve been opening the big scary front door and taking her into the vestibule…  she’s continued to be happy – accepting her treats and heading back to the car.  Last week, she seemed so happy that I headed her right into the main area of the library and over to the circulation desk where she met two different people.  All the time, she seemed happy, wagging her tail, and accepting treats.  With this brief encounter with the inside of the library, we headed back out to the car.

Yesterday, we made great headway… down the walk way, through the big doors and vestibule, into the main area of the library, and over to the DVD shelves.  All the time, Annie was happy, wagging her tail, and accepting treats.  Since I wasn’t able to find a movie within five minutes, I decided to return her to the car while she was still wagging her tail and accepting treats.  I then returned to finish making my selection.  Definite improvement.  Baby steps are important to take with a shy dog…  and they’re paying off.  I know she’ll get there!

Open House at Berkshire Hills Labradoodles today

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I spent the afternoon at Berkshire Hills Labradoodles in nearby Haydenville, Massachusetts.  It was fun spending  more time with these fun-loving, sociable dogs. Boy do they know how to please a crowd.  Carson went up to everyone giving his usual hug and Kipling behaved like the formidable host – moving from one group of people to another.  The others romped through the lush green grass of the mowed down pasture, stopping for a petting here, and a hug there.  Who could resist such endearing dogs!  I think it was love-at-first-sight for everyone there.

This breed has the makings of some terrific therapy dogs. Several people asked me about training options for their dog to become a therapy dog and about becoming members of Bright Spot Therapy Dogs. We’d love to have some of these super friendly dogs as Bright Spots.

Missing Allan

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When James and I visited the nursing home last week, I noticed a new name on the nameplate at his door… Allan had been bedridden for the past several weeks.  It did seem unusual to me because he never spent time during the day in his room.  Though, several of the residents had been down with a stomach bug this spring and it had taken them quite a while to get back on their feet.  But, no…  when I saw the name change, I knew this wasn’t a good sign.  I’d seen this many times before…  and yes, the nurse confirmed that Allan had passed.  She told me that many of the residents were shaken by his loss – one woman in particular who had been his special friend.

Allan was a robust man – friendly with everyone. During the day, he buzzed through the hallways in his motorized wheelchair, and always took part in activities being offered.  He was a man who loved dogs…  the bigger, the better.  Allan became my official assistant evaluator – helping me to decide whether or not a dog being evaluated would make a good therapy dog.  He’d pet the dogs and talk to them.  He’d tell me, Definitely take this one, he’d be a great therapy dog. Or, This one’s a bit shy.  I’m not sure she should pass, but maybe she just needs to get used to the place. He watched for all the dogs coming to visit and remarked on the different breeds.  He missed having his own dog, he told me.  But, seeing the dogs visit, helped fill the void.

I remember one day last year, he took me aside when I was there evaluating a dog and said, You won’t be seeing me anymore after today… My daughters live far away from here and want me to live closer to them.  I’m going to miss this place, but that’s what they want.  I hope they have dogs at my new place. When I returned the following week, much to my surprise, Allan was tooling through the facility in his motorized chair.  I called to him, Hi there, Allan, I didn’t expect to see you here.  When are you leaving? With a huge grin on his immense face he exclaimed, I’m staying!  My daughters understand that I’m happy here where I am – and I’m so glad.  I would have gone for them, but I really want to stay right here.

This was a very happy man.  He made the best of his situation. Everyone loved him, not just his fellow residents, but the staff did, as well.  People do come here and end their days…  sadly, without much notice.  But this was a man with a contagious smile.  He made everyone’s life a lot happier.  His daughters made a wise decision to leave him just where he was.  It is understandable why he is missed by everyone here.  I miss him, too.

Labradoodles as Therapy Dogs

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They seem to be a natural for therapy dog work. The Labradoodle is a combination of a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle (plus a few other breeds mixed in early on in the development of the breed).  They’re a highly trainable breed with a very friendly personality.  I have become intrigued with the breed since having three Labradoodles together in my recent therapy dog training workshop.  Boy, did they catch on quickly to the skills and techniques taught in class!  All of these Labradoodles were related and bred by a local breeder who was participating in the class.  The name of her kennel is Berkshire Hills Labradoodles and I had the pleasure of visiting there yesterday.

Carson, a medium sized doodle, came right over to me when I entered the fenced-in area. He sat down in front of me and placed his head against my legs.  Then, on command, he gave me a hug….  the perfect therapy dog behavior!  Mabel, who had been in my class, came over to say hello, as did all of the adult dogs.  What a joyful bunch…  exhibiting a clownish-type behavior, but never too boisterous.  I didn’t see an aggressive or shy one in the bunch.  

There were puppies, too… a group of 4-month-olds ready to be taken to their new homes.  And, a litter of 4-week-olds that I got to hold and play with in the puppy room.  The breeder holds puppy playtimes every week – so I plan to go back as often as I can to watch them grow.


I would highly recommend this breed to anyone thinking about doing therapy dog work… or just looking for a wonderful companion.

Hospice work is tough… I’m always so proud of James

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I have been making therapy dog visits to a local nursing home for 19 years now. At this point in time, there are still two people alive that I started visiting with in 1992.  I visit each week with one of my dogs – and get to know these folks pretty well.  They are residents – this is their home.  For a 5 year period, I visited patients in the psychiatric unit of an area hospital. It is hard not to be touched by the sadness and mental anguish in their lives.   And, in March of 2009, I started visiting hospice patients with James in a facility 45 minutes from home.

I make this drive – 56 miles round trip – to my hospice patients each week because it’s important. I feel a sense of urgency that I haven’t felt in my other facilities.  These folks, opting to go on hospice (or put on by family members), are on a time clock.  To go on hospice, a doctor must sign off on the patient, indicating that he or she has six months to live.

The visits with James have a powerful impact on the patient. For the time he is there, the patient feels happy – and is somehow removed from sadness and pain – a smile brightening their face as they pet and talk with him.  As each week goes by, though, I can see the ability to interact become more labored.  But, still, the patient’s eyes brighten or the body shows signs of feeling calmed as the dog lies down along side them in their bed. (Over the six month period, they have moved from sitting in their chair, talking to me while petting the dog, to lying in bed – towards the end – motionless.)

Without counting the months, after yesterday’s visit to our patient, I know she is near the end… she was visibly in a lot of pain lying in her bed; she tried to talk – but couldn’t; and I had to place her hand on James’ head – her fingers barely able to move – but still she was able to feel the softness of his fur and the comfort of his body lying along side her in her bed.  When we left, as always, I said, James and I will see you next week. But, instead of her usual response of, OK, I’ll see you next week, then. She took ahold of my wrist, looked up into my face, and barely able to speak, said, Good-bye.

I don’t know whether we will see her again next week… I feel an urgency to make my visits because the clock is ticking.  This is draining work – but, I know how much James’ visits have meant to this patient.  Counting up the months, now, I realize, it’s been seven months – one month beyond…

My ever-growing library of dog books

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My reading pretty much consists of books having to do with dogs – whether they be stories of dogs or books about training dogs.

I love to read books by Jon Katz. My daughter started me out one Christmas with his book titled Good Dog.  I was hooked.  I love the way he writes about his dogs – and thinks about his dogs – and lives with his dogs.  My personal library now contains every book he has written on dogs thus far.  Loved every one of them!

For training, I really enjoy reading Patricia McConnell’s books. Again, have read and own everyone of her books.  She has very practical, good advice about training dogs.  I read and reread them.  It’s great to have them on the shelf for reference.  At our last lesson, Annie’s instructor suggested that I read her book The Cautious Canine.  I, of course, have the book on my shelf and have read it – but now have reread it.  Each time I reread one of her books, more points sink in and it helps me with my training.

After reading Turid Rugaas’ book titled On Talking Terms with Dogs:  Calming Signals, I ordered a copy to have on hand and noticed that she had written another book titled My Dog Pulls.  What Do I Do? Since this is a common problem for most dog owners, I ordered this book, as well.

I suppose – just every so often – I should read a novel about people!

The first dog I took to training class… I was 10 years old

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Teach children at an early age the responsibilities involved with owning a dog… Talley (Talleyrand), a handsome black Standard Poodle, was my dog, so I should be the one participating in the class, my mother had told me.  This wasn’t put to me as a chore– nor did I feel like it was my punishment for wanting a dog.  My mother had taught me at an early age to love all animals – and that having a dog in my life meant caring for and training it.

Talley with my dad. Talley was his favorite dog...

Children learn by the examples we set … Growing up, we had a house full of animals… at one point in time, we had 2 dogs, 3 cats, 1 large white rabbit, 2 birds – a canary and a parakeet, and 2 white mice.  For a family living in the suburbs, this was considered a small zoo.  As a very young child, I’d watch my mother feeding and caring for this troop.  She’d have me assist with the care – and I loved every minute of it.  Not considered work – just part of what it meant to have these animals with us to love and enjoy.  And, of course, with a dog, training is involved – and I just couldn’t wait to get to class.  Eventually, when we got our second dog, Cy (Cyrano de Bergerac), my mother handled one dog in class and I the other.  What fun we all had together.  And – that meant practicing between classes….  all part of Living and Working with animals.

Through my mother’s example, I developed a lifelong love for dogs.  If you – and your child – want a dog, don’t miss out on the wonderful opportunities this presents.

Getting a puppy: Why do people do this?

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People decide they want to get a puppy. They feel the time is right – they’ve been planning this for a long time.  They research breeds and zero in on one that sounds like a good match for their lifestyle.  All sounds good – you’re thinking…  Yes, so far so good.

Problem is: they’ve spent all this time working on making the right decision about when? and what? – and now with those two parts of the equation settled, they want their puppy immediately!  And, where do they end up getting this puppy that they so carefully thought about getting?  Are you beginning to see where I’m headed?  Who’s always breeding and ready with a puppy?  Yes – a puppy mill.  A place that continuouly breeds their brood bitches everytime they come into season with no regard whatsoever to genetics and in poor sanitary conditions.

Because I always get my dogs from breeders that I know personally and because I’m surrounded by dog people who do the same, I often forget that such unscrupulous establishments exist.  They were, however, brought to mind this week.  In the space of just 3 days, I ran into 2 people (asking me about training issues) that had bought their new, adorable, much-loved puppies at such a “kennel.”

Inevitably, when I ask folks like this what breeder they got their puppy from, they answer me in an apologetic tone, I’m afraid it was a puppy mill – but they had just what I wanted and she’s very sweet.  And, I wanted to get her right now. Sometimes, without my asking, they’ll even tell me how much they payed for the puppy, which is always much more then they would have payed had they purchased their puppy from a reputable breeder.

Why, I ask, do people who have carefully waited for the right time to get a dog and researched breeds to find the perfect lifestyle match, not expend the same amount of energy to select a breeder?

No – the breeder may not have a puppy right now, or even in the next 3 or 4 months for you to take home.  That’s because this breeder doesn’t breed one litter after another; that’s because this breeder carefully plans a genetically sound litter.  This breeder does not charge an outrageous price for this well-bred puppy because she is not in the business of mass-producing dogs.  She may breed only 1 or 2 litters a year.  And – those puppies, most likely, will already have homes before they are born because people who have carefully researched breeders have called her and asked her many questions about her breeding practices and have put their name on her waitiing list.  If her list is very long, ask her to recommend a fellow breeder who might be expecting a litter in the near future.  I can guarantee that she will set you in the right direction.

Bringing a puppy into your home is a lifelong committment. Chances are, if your dog is healthy, you will have a wonderful companion for 12+ years.  Please, do your homework.  Puppymills are able to stay in business only because there are people out there purchasing dogs from them.  They need to be stopped – and will be stopped – if people carefully do their homework.  Start by visiting the breeder directory on the American Kennel Club web site:  www.akc.org.  The site contains a wealth of information about dogs.