June 8, 2005

 

Animal Statues for the garden.      When I saw this in my garden collection, boy did it bring back loving memories.    Funny what triggers these memories!
 
When we first took our golden retriever up north to the cottage she loved it.  Of course she would, she was a golden after all, and goldens love cottage, the outdoors and water!!
 
Now, my golden was running lose, and we were sitting outside talking with our friends, who had a house beside the cottage. 
 
All of a sudden my golden comes running to us, all exited, happy, WOW, she had gone hunting, and she was proud of it.
 
There in her mouth, was a rabbit!! 
 
I started to freak, of course, but then on closer inspection (from my husband) we saw  it was a "plastic rabbit" from the garden.  It was one of those golden moments.  My Katie Bear is gone now, I still miss her, and I will always miss her.   I have a new golden, and I love her, but she does not replace my Katie Bear....
 
So when I saw this rabbit in my "garden collection" I couldn't help but remember that time, and shed a few tears of sadness for missing my bear.
 
Thanks for letting me share my memories.  And as always, please please, train your dog.  Your dog must obey.  Simple commands like:  come, sit, stay, STOP!  It is so important for the safety and enjoyment of your special dog.
 
Ruth
http://www.happypetstop.com

 

Nikki and Benny Short Intro

 

March 22, 2005 The importance of dog training. A thought for spring.

Today I just want to say how very, very important it is to have a well trained dog.  There are many training methods available. A trained dog is a happy and safe dog.

You need to find the method that will work for you and your dog. ( A humane method, of cours).  I was thinking about this as I was taking my 2 dogs out for a walk today. Just as we were getting into the jeep (I drive to where I walk :), a lady and a stroller came past my house.

Now, you need to understand, that my golden, Nikki,  seems to think the whole world is out  to play with her. She is only 1 1/2 years old.  I thought to myself...WOW!   what if she had decided to take off and  play with the lady and her stroller? Would she have come back to me instantly when called?  Stopped instantly on command?  I am not sure. This gave me reason to think seriously about the obedience training .  Now, you may be thinking that because she is a therapy dog, she is a well behaved trained dog.  And yes, she is.  But these special moments?  Well, I am not sure, I will have to test her, under controlled conditions of course.

A dog must,  for their own safety and security, and I will repeat myself here, a dog  MUST stop and come on demand. This can never be an option. Wether a therapy dog, like mine, or a house pet. Same rule applies.

There is especially one Dog Training Program recommended to me, and that is the program from "Tucker" the well behaved golden.
http://www.mimfreedom.com/adamstraining.htm .

Also check out my dog therapy page.   www.mimfreedom.com/dogtherapy .

 

March 18, 2005:  My two therapy dogs, Nikki and Benny, bring joy to our friends.  Here is short report of our visit. 

 

First, let me tell you just a little bit about my two dogs, a short little Bio on each. There are pictures on my dog therapy page.  www.mimfreedom.com/dogtherapy.htm

 

Benny, my black lab, is about 6 years old now.  Benny is a wonderful dog (even though he likes to steal my pillows).  He loves going to visit our friends in the home.  His tail is like a rotator as soon as we come near our first “friend”. Clearly, this is where he loves to be.  Actually, this is where he belongs.  He is gentle, good natured and full of love and affection.  And, he is always hungry….yup, a true lab, he is always hungry. Our friends at the home love him to death, so to speak.  He truly makes their day brighter and better.

Then there is Nikki, my 1 ˝ year golden puppy.  Nikki is a typical 1 ˝ year golden.  She is full of life.  She keeps me hopping.  And, just like Benny, she brings pure gold to our friends.

Both my dogs love to go visiting.  They know as soon as we get close to the home where we are going and why we are there.  This is such a wonderful work. 

I encourage anyone who has a dog that loves people, is well mannered to investigate the possibility of dog therapy visiting.  The nice aspect about this is, the dogs do NOT have to be obedience trained, just obedient.  Big difference! 

A few weeks ago, when I brought my golden to the home, one of the directors noticed that one of the residents was watching the dog.  The director said why don’t you go over and see what she will do.  This lady we were going to see was in one of those high backed chairs that also serves as a bed.  She was not able to sit, or move up.  But, she was able to move her head sideways, drop her arm, and pet my dog.  WOW!  She was thrilled.  She gently talked to Nikki, and when I asked her a few questions about dogs, she answered me.  Now, the director came over to me, and told me this lady never speaks to anyone, except to tell them where to…., well you know what, right?  This lady was unhappy, and other then telling everyone off, she never talked to anyone conversationally.  The director was thrilled to see her react this way.  These experiences make visiting worth while.  And let me tell you, it IS worth while.