Throughout our shared history, dogs and humans have co-evolved to become true partners. Because of my relationships with the dogs in my life, I am better equipped to adapt proactively in a changing world. Having committed to the canine-inspired lifestyle, dogs help me stay active, fit, happy and healthy! As one who trains service dogs, runs with dogs, and has survived devastating grief with dogs by my side, my life's work it to progress this healing movement!
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Bringing Joy ❤
Today, we visited a lovely assisted living facility, where we had the dogs demonstrate some of their best commands for a small audience. Elyse fetched the newspaper and brought it to me (though not before trying to chew a corner off first ;) She also delighted the residents when she took my sock off with a good TUG! Elaine and Eldridge turned on lights, Ellie pushed the "Easy Button", the dogs "went to bed" on a series of towels we had line up on the floor. Farmer really stole the show. She fetched a set of plastic keys, then a giant, funny looking hat, and brought them to Mollie. And for the big closing act, she took a bouquet of pink plastic flowers to a very delighted lady in the crowd!
After the demonstration, we spent some time visiting with the residents, while the dogs settled in by their sides, or with heads or paws in their laps, bringing love and joy to their drizzly Tuesday morning.
Elyse was especially fond of a precious lady named Ann, shown in the pictures below. Elyse put her paw up on Ann's lap, and stayed that way for about five minutes while Ann stroked her soft head and looked into her big, deep chocolate brown eyes, and said over and over again, "Well aren't you pretty? Yes you are...yes you are."
After the demonstration, we spent some time visiting with the residents, while the dogs settled in by their sides, or with heads or paws in their laps, bringing love and joy to their drizzly Tuesday morning.
Elyse was especially fond of a precious lady named Ann, shown in the pictures below. Elyse put her paw up on Ann's lap, and stayed that way for about five minutes while Ann stroked her soft head and looked into her big, deep chocolate brown eyes, and said over and over again, "Well aren't you pretty? Yes you are...yes you are."
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
What Gives Things Value?
Just something I'm pondering as I attempt to desensitize Elyse to her obsession with tennis balls.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
A Bergin University Friday Morning
This past Friday, we took our second trip to the elementary school where we've each been paired up with kids that read "to the dogs" for 30 minutes at a time. This will be an ongoing appointment, every Friday throughout the semester. Elyse and I have been paired with two different girls, one whom I will refer to as R. and the other as A.
R. is nine years old, a third grader. Her reading level is perfectly acceptable, if not advanced for her age. She just seems a little shy, which is why I imagine they've chosen to involve her in the dog program. She mostly just answered my questions, didn't talk too much otherwise. Though she does seem interested in Elyse. And, within ten minutes of our first meeting, while stroking Elyse's fur and gazing down at her paws, she revealed to me that her father died less than a year ago. Her mother has not told her how or why.
A. is twelve Years old, a sixth-grader. Hers is another case in which reading is no problem. In fact, I was pretty impressed when she pulled out The Hunger Games and read aloud with perfect pronunciation and comprehension. I get the feeling that A. is very smart, possibly to the point of social detriment. Her school counselor said she's been acting up lately, and that they want to help build her self-esteem by having her interact with Elyse in the reading program.
*****
Next, we took the adult dogs to the fire station in Rohnert Park so that they could become desensitized to the unusual sights and sounds there. A fire woman, dressed in all her garb, met each dog one at a time, offering treats and kindness. None of the dogs seemed bothered by the strange clothing, even the gas mask. Elyse in particular just loved this woman; didn't even care about the treats, just wanted to nuzzle her and lean into her legs.
After that, we led the dogs to the far corner of the parking lot and offered them treats while the firemen sounded the sirens. The dogs all did great!
R. is nine years old, a third grader. Her reading level is perfectly acceptable, if not advanced for her age. She just seems a little shy, which is why I imagine they've chosen to involve her in the dog program. She mostly just answered my questions, didn't talk too much otherwise. Though she does seem interested in Elyse. And, within ten minutes of our first meeting, while stroking Elyse's fur and gazing down at her paws, she revealed to me that her father died less than a year ago. Her mother has not told her how or why.
A. is twelve Years old, a sixth-grader. Hers is another case in which reading is no problem. In fact, I was pretty impressed when she pulled out The Hunger Games and read aloud with perfect pronunciation and comprehension. I get the feeling that A. is very smart, possibly to the point of social detriment. Her school counselor said she's been acting up lately, and that they want to help build her self-esteem by having her interact with Elyse in the reading program.
*****
Next, we took the adult dogs to the fire station in Rohnert Park so that they could become desensitized to the unusual sights and sounds there. A fire woman, dressed in all her garb, met each dog one at a time, offering treats and kindness. None of the dogs seemed bothered by the strange clothing, even the gas mask. Elyse in particular just loved this woman; didn't even care about the treats, just wanted to nuzzle her and lean into her legs.
After that, we led the dogs to the far corner of the parking lot and offered them treats while the firemen sounded the sirens. The dogs all did great!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)