off topic

I notice when I'm incredibly sad or moved...I have to write! So, my apologies to anyone that has clicked and thought that this was just a dog trainer writing about trainery things. Not today. My thoughts and love goes out to the Dimmack family of Washington, PA who just lost their oldest son, Richie, husband a father of three. His death has brought together a lot of hearts and thoughts- messages posted here and there from high school and family friends and "summer" friends from the pool and such. I will remember Richie fondly as a curly headed cutie with a smile that lit up a room- every room. Peace and love to his family.

boys, dogs, scarcity and hope

I got a call today from a local mental health counselor who has a client that is a little boy, (14 years) that is hitting his dog (a pit bull). She has been working with the family for a few months and routinely asks about animals in the home to get a sense of the overall "history" and dynamic of the household. The dog is living in a fence yard and chained near a dog house. He or she is jumping, biting and likely pent up and under exercised- a recipe for avoidance because the dog is probably unpleasant to be around.

This universal "neat-o" factor is that she immediately saw an opportunity for this little guy (the boy, that is). Despite the fact that he hits his dog, he also said, "we keep the dog outside, and I wish he could sleep in my bed."

Bingo, flashing lights, and an "in".

She got on the phone and started calling local dog folks.

Perhaps I'm the only one naive enough, nah, I don't think it's naivete, because trust me I've fire and I've seen rain, as Sir James Taylor would say, especially in the realm of animal welfare.

But, the possibility that we could change something, even if it's just teaching this boy and family how to properly care for their dog, how to help him or her burn energy, to chew on something appropriate, to learn some manners, well it lit me up. It's been a long while since I've felt pulled toward something... but this grabbed me. She'll be giving them my number and we'll see!
Stay tuned.

do your homework (and trust the process)

Whew, it's been a while since I've posted, more a lurker than a writer lately, and with things a swirling around in Philadelphia- the animal welfare ups and downs, the never ending puppy mill seizures and a Mr. Vick riding into town, the dog folks have been tense. I, in the meantime, have just buttoned up and continued on with my work. More and more these days, I'm working with challenging cases (i.e.- not your run of the mill 5 mo. old puppy with a jumping problem, if you catch my drift). Lots of stress, anxiety, reactive behavior, controlling behavior and the like. And I wonder- is it the dogs, the people, a fateful combo?

I'd say both. And what I'm finding is that whatever may have "worked" in the past with other owned dogs, isn't working with the current dog. Worse are the novice dog owners with hearts bursting at the seams ready to hunker down and enjoy dogdom, and a few days into dog ownership, they have rescued a dog that isn't a good fit, is often a training project at best and seldom has been temperament tested (surprise). Grrrr....

That actual scenario has happened more than I care to remember and the latest victims in the "adopt this dog or it's going to die" game were an amazing family, with a young son that were absolutely committed to this dog in every way. Within a week of having adopted her, she needed cruciate surgery and they didn't blink. Within two weeks of adopting her, they noticed that she was scared to take walks, reactive towards people and other dogs, biting dog walkers, shadow chasing, protecting/defending the house and though she was amazing with the family, was often anxious and unpredictable around new folks in the house. She had snapped previously...then she bit. And they (understandably) we're done. They examined their options, got several opinions and ultimately decided to humanely euthanize.

The odds of her being successful in many homes, were slim, and the option to return her to the shelter (with a bite history) and place her were...dreadful.

These adopters wanted a companion. And our shelter system failed them.

And it happens again and again. While we're yelling, "ADOPT!" from the rooftops. If there is no quality control, it's no different than selling a car with no warranty that is suddenly bursts into flames when you pull it off the lot. There is no integrity and it doesn't work. And it's the people that get burned. And when they get burned, they often never adopt again (and why would they?)

"Excuse me Waitress, can I have an order of completely smitten followed by conflict, heartbreak and total devastation?"

In the wake of all the emotional roller coaster, there was a miracle.

The miracle was that this family was willing and open to adopting again.

And there was a happy ending.

They were willing for a second roll of the dice. This time on a 2 year old, temperament tested pit mix that was being fostered by Philly's finest- Portia Palko.

After her first day in the house I got an email update...


"I'm sitting on the couch with her big head in my lap. I love this dog.

Thanks so much for putting us in touch with Portia and telling us about Betty.

We've gone for a walk, destroyed a soccer ball. Met some people and been very calm, including people coming into the house, kids, people on the street. Met some very large dogs -- two St. Bernards, two big Dobermans, a Great Dane -- and did great. She kept getting up on a bench, I think to meet them eye to eye. She's been great in the car, she's nibbled my chin a bit. I am so glad she's here. We're working on sitting. She's doing very well.

Love. Her. Thanks again."


Cheers to Betty and her new life with an amazing family who's hearts are as big as her pittie head.

Cheers to the shelters and rescuers that are doing the work with integrity.

Cheers to many more happy endings.