"Speak"

Deductive Reasoning

2011-05-01T12:40:00.004-05:00

On Friday night, Belle and I were greeters for the Helping Paws spring graduation. As I listened to each graduate talk about what their dog meant to them, heard their gratitude for their dog's foster home trainers, sponsors and the staff of Helping Paws, I marveled again that such good can come from so little. At least as far as government funding is concerned.

The mission is simple, "Furthering the independence of individuals with physical disabilities through the use of service dogs". Helping Paws provides these incredibly trained animals virtually free to their graduates. They are able to meet their mission because of a host of volunteers, guided by a small, but highly capable staff, that do everything from providing office assistance to fostering and training these magnificent creatures. Beautiful dogs that will one day become the hands and feet and dearest friend of the people with whom they will be paired.

The cost of raising and training the dogs is met primarily through fundraising events, dog sponsorships (both individual and corporate) and a plethora of generous contributions by those that believe passionately in the mission of Helping Paws. The only government assistance received, albeit indirectly, is the charitable deduction received by the donors. On the other hand, with the help of their dogs, many of our graduates are able to work (or work more), thus reducing their reliance on services provided through government assistance.

Helping Paws is just one organization of many that quietly meet the needs of society's most challenged members. These organizations achieve their missions on shoestring budgets with a ruthless efficiency that is incomparable in most government programs. More importantly, they provide the human touch, the connection, the caring most needed by their clients but so often lost in the red tape of bureaucracy.

Unfortunately, one indirect source of government funding is being threatened. The tax deduction for charitable gifts is one of the items Congress is looking at to reduce spending. Oh sure, most people will continue to give regardless of the deductibility of the gift, but there's no doubt that the gifts made in anticipation of reducing a tax bill will decline. For some organizations, this drop in donations may mean the difference between life and death. I hope Congress considers the added cost of providing services that were once met by organizations that were forced to close because of a short-term budget fix.

Our system of government is unparalleled in history, but it can't do everything. In the world, the U.S. is unique in its philanthropic activities. If government is really "we the people", it seems to me our current support of local charitable organizations is the best of what "we" really means. A modern day recreation of the miracle of the loaves and fishes - many people sharing their time, their talents and funds on gifts that continue to give over and over again.

Isn't that miracle worth a tax deduction?

A Burr In The Butt-Fluff

2010-08-21T09:30:00.001-05:00

Early this morning I took the dogs and headed down to my favorite state park for a walk around Pike Island. When I arrived, there was only one other car in the parking lot. We headed off in to the fog and were about 1/2 way up one side of the island when Belle sat down and refused to get up. Normally when she does this, it's usually just a burr in her butt-fluff. I checked her over, found she was burr-less, but still she wouldn't budge. Until I turned around and started heading back the other way. Up she popped and happily moved forward - as long as it was opposite the direction we'd been going. After trying to turn her and continue on our original path she immediately sat and refused to budge. By now her behavior was starting to give me the creeps. We turned around again, and again, she happily walked at heel. Not far from where we were there is a cut-thru across the island. I took her down that path and she was her usual self, doing her deer prance and dance every time we passed one of the many that make up the herd in the park. When we got to the other side of the island, I took a right instead of the left that would take us back to the parking lot. We got about a 1/4 of a mile before she sat. No amount of coaxing would get her to move forward. I turned us all around and headed back to the car.

I don't know why Belle sat like that, and refused to move forward. For all I know, she was just hungry and knew that if we continued the way I wanted to go, breakfast would be delayed interminably. But she was clearly trying to tell me something she felt I needed to know. Despite my initial thought, "let's go, here", it also occurred to me she has other senses that are keener than mine. With that in mind it seemed wisest to listen to her "sit" and go home.

Belle's clear communication about where she would and wouldn't go got me thinking. How often do we ignore the stubborn "sits" in our lives because we think we know more or know better which path is right for us?

In Dog We Trust

2010-07-20T19:51:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, my department was granted a visit by the CEO of our company. His purpose in meeting with us was to discuss where he saw the future of our brand new department in the overall strategy of the company. At one point in his presentation, as he was making a point about trust and what it means between an employee and employer, he talked about his daughter's service dog. He mentioned how the dog knows at least 70 commands. He then compared the service dog to a human worker. His words were (paraphrased), "...human workers aren't like service dogs. You don't have to constantly ply them with treats for repeating the same behaviors until they 'get it'".

I disagree. Ever tried to teach a dog to come when called if the dog, just once, has been punished for doing so? All the treats in the world can't fully erase the memory of that penalty. The dog will forever hesitate when called.

The dog may know the cue, the human may know how to complete the tasks included in their job description. But to get either human or canine to offer behaviors, risk trying new skills, there must first be a fundamental trust that a solid swing will be valued as much as a hit. Without that trust, there's few that will take a chance. And that's a cost no company can afford.

Wanna Make A Federal Case Of It?

2009-09-28T17:36:00.002-05:00

Well, yes - Belle and I did!

Last week, Belle and I doggedly manned the Helping Paws table for the Federal Campaign at the Bishop Whipple Federal Building. For three hours (we were a popular table) I answered questions, listened to dog stories (everyone has one), and Belle showed off her awesome skills. The Federal Campaign is the employee fundraising campaign for federal employees. Helping Paws was just one of many organizations that were invited to strut their stuff, hand out brochures and hopefully, convince those that stopped by our booths to put our federal campaign number on their list of organizations they want to support with their employee charitable deduction.

Belle was a terrific ambassador. Her polite greetings were so well done, the woman at the booth next to us just had to take Belle's picture. The picture above was taken while Belle greeted a K9 officer (thank-you, Paula!). She even gave him a snuggle when I gave her permission to do so.

To all who stopped by that day and signed our dance card, thank-you!

Pack-age Deal

2009-08-30T09:35:00.006-05:00

Yesterday was move-in day for my college student. With our arms laden with stuff, and Belle at my side we waited patiently for the very slow elevator in her high rise apartment complex to arrive. Belle, dressed in her pack, put on an awesome display of her best skills based on my voice cues alone as we navigated the crowds of students, parents and gear. As always, her amazing performance captivated those around us.

In situations like this one, Belle and I have a lot of informal opportunities for educating the public on her purpose and her role as a demonstration dog for Helping Paws. Yesterday, we also had a chance to address an issue that is a growing concern for accredited assistance dog training programs; the proclivity of vendors and customers that believe that the presence of the pack and a "registration card" is all that is required for a dog to be granted public access. Googling *service dog vests* results in over 188,000 links - most of which are to vendors that sell the packs.

This is what the first of these vendors had to say about assistance dog public access requirements:

Getting Started is Easy:

We simply require that a Service Dog is registered. Our company requires that you supply:

A doctor's request that this individual has a medical need for a “Service Dog”.
A Veterinarian's signed statement that your service dog is not considered to be vicious or in any way a threat to the general public.
Proof of the shots and vaccinations, etc. that are required to keep the dog in good health.
Simply click on the link below, follow the prompts, and submit the completed forms to us with your payment of $49.95 + 1.50 S/H. Your custom created ID Card Package will be sent out within three (3) business days.

Why is this a problem? The answer lies in what is NOT required in the list above. The training required for a dog to meet the exceptionally high standards essential for dogs working in public places.

A fully trained assistance dog trained through an accredited training program has spent up to three years of increasingly complex training and passed a series of public access tests before they are matched with a partner. They are taught a level of attention skills that are critical to tuning out the sights, smells, and sounds that would distract a family pet or even a dog that had completed basic obedience classes. In addition to phenomenal attention skills, the dogs are taught a wide variety of skills that meet their human partner's every day needs, but also just as important, skills that keep their human partner, themselves, and the general public safe. Once placed with their partners, the dog and their partner are required to retake the public access tests at pre-determined intervals to ensure both dog and partner continue to meet the highest standard of public partnership.

The general public has enough trouble understanding what the access laws allow. Our graduates are challenged too often when they work with their dogs in the ordinary course of their everyday lives. And so, with my arms laden with boxes, having waited a painful amount of time for that elevator, I spent several more minutes explaining to the student who remarked to her friend upon disembarking from the elevator, "oh sweet, a service dog. My boyfriend just bought a pack on line for his puppy and now he can take the puppy with him everywhere" why that statement not only wasn't true, but how harmful that perception could be to those who require these invaluable dogs and have waited and worked hard to meet and complete the highest standards of accredited assistance dog programs.

With any luck, our conversation will be the one lesson she and her friend will retain and pass on to their friends and fellow students. And they didn't even have to hit up their parents to pay for it.

Di-Di Dance

2009-05-25T07:14:00.009-05:00

There's a reason why puppies are so adorable. Our foster homes are discovering that reason as they struggle with the lack of sleep, the mess, and the expense of pups with intestinal issues.

For some reason, there's always a stage with just about every pup where food just starts to go right through them. Whether it has to do with the fact that dogs in general (and retrievers in particular) have rather indiscriminate tastes and will eat almost anything they can swallow, just part of the maturation of their immune systems or something else entirely is hard to say. It just is. And "it" is a mess.

I wish I could do more to help other than meager words (CAUTION: This advice is not meant to counter anything your vet tells you to do), but for what it's worth...

Make buckets of white rice - store it in single serving portions in the freezer;

Keep cans of pumpkin (not pie pumpkin - just pumpkin) in your cupboard and mix with the rice. My vet recommended this as a natural form of fiber. I can't promise it will work for what ails all dogs, but it works well with my dogs. Better yet, it's cheap and it can't hurt them;

The solution to pollution is dilution. Buy the best hose sprayer you can find and flush each poo puddle immediately;

Buy a bag of barn lime at Fleet Farm and treat your yard. It won't hurt your pets, it's a great natural fertilizer, and it will actually kill giardia - a bug that often causes doggie di-di, but is also hard to culture from stool samples.

Keep your dog as far as possible from lakes, ponds, golf courses or other goose poop collection sites (see above about indiscriminate tastes). Goose poop is laden with giardia.

Finally, find ways to laugh at it. It won't stop the flow, but it does help to cope. Check out this link to see what helped me get through it with my second dog.

Gotta run.

.

A Log of Dog Blogs

2009-04-26T07:39:00.023-05:00

For those of you that love puppy fixes, there are some awesome blogs recently begun by foster homes from the newest litter to begin their training for Helping Paws.

Pawl's Paws - About Dempsey, the bruiser of the bunch (size wise that is). Check out the video of this little one already "getting dressed" in his pack!

(Dempsey's photo used by permission)

Four Paws To Serve - The story of a service dog named Izzo. This little one is already melting hearts in her new hometown. (Izzo's photo used by permission)

Boston's Marathon - About Boston and her new life with an

experienced foster home.

(Boston's photo used by permission)

In addition to the great pictures, videos and stories in these blogs is the fact that each foster home has a unique perspective; Dempsey is fostered by a first time foster home, Izzo's foster parents are a first time foster home but are also the parents of one of our Helping Paws graduate pairs, and finally, Boston is the third dog trained and fostered for Helping Paws by one of our most dedicated volunteers and a board member to boot.

Each blog is wonderful. I know from experience how encouraging the on-line community can be in supporting our foster homes in their quest. Your comments and fellowship will mean the world to them as they tell their stories over the next few years.

Juxtapose or Just Suppose?

2009-04-18T06:48:00.004-05:00

In an e-mail this week, our HP instructor for the Monday class gave an excellent explanation of the difference between click and treat and luring the puppy to perform a certain cue. Her point was primarily that treats as a lure are short-term solution that ultimately inhibits our long term goal of encouraging our dogs to offer behaviors to solve problems to earn their reward. In short, to learn how to learn.

Those of you that have read my previous posts know that this topic is near and dear to my heart as well - particularly as it translates to raising our human children. Yesterday's op-ed piece on raising our collective I.Q.'s by Pulitzer Prize winning editorialist, Nicholas D. Kristof illustrates the applicability of the Helping Paws method for all - human or other. Mr. Kristof summarizes the research of Professor Nisbett on how to raise how collective I.Q.'s as follows:

Professor Nisbett provides suggestions for transforming your own urchins into geniuses — praise effort more than achievement, teach delayed gratification, limit reprimands and use praise to stimulate curiosity — but focuses on how to raise America’s collective I.Q. That’s important, because while I.Q. doesn’t measure pure intellect — we’re not certain exactly what it does measure — differences do matter, and a higher I.Q. correlates to greater success in life.

I do disagree with Kristof's conclusion that more intensive early-childhood education programs are the answer as long as the focus of that intent remains on the child. To be truly successful, the intensive education must be directed on the most important teacher any child will ever have - its' parent.

Pass Master

2009-04-05T09:39:00.003-05:00

Belle and I are pleased to announce that Belle successfully completed her public access test yesterday. The test was held at Southdale Mall and is intended to "ensure that dogs who have public access are stable, well-behaved, and unobtrusive to the public". This test is a requirement for all service dogs placed by Helping Paws dogs regardless of whether they are placed with a client or are part of a demonstration team. Belle and I thank all the Helping Paws examiners and volunteers who participated in yesterday's test.

Taking a Page(y)

2009-03-29T08:37:00.004-05:00

A friend of mine sent me a link about the life of a woman, Pagey Elliott who meant the world to the world of golden retriever lovers. She died recently at the age of 96.

She is credited with being one of the first to bring golden retrievers to the U.S. She bred them - raising 50 litters over the course of her lifetime. But more importantly, she was a mentor and an educator for breeders all over the world. Her work is reflected in the breeding program at Helping Paws.

We can all take a page from Pagey's life. What it means to love and learn and share what's been learned with all that are willing to listen. To find what we are passionate about and to give ourselves up to the quest of giving back or passing on the great knowledge we accumulate as a result of our curiosity. Her golden years are over now, but they will continue to gleam in hearts and minds and coats of those she leaves behind.

Anticipation

2009-03-27T06:33:00.002-05:00

This morning, there are ten families waking up for the last time before forever taking on the title of Helping Paws Foster Home.

Of course, the person who wasn't excited for the arrival of a new puppy would be a very odd individual. But after meeting each of the foster families over the course of the last four weeks, and hearing their stories of why they decided to become fosters, I see again what the power of love for others can do. These families are taking on an awesome responsibility. Yet each is enthusiastic, excited, just-can't-wait-to-get-started-anxious for tonight's big delivery of their long-awaited pup.

As the journey begins I have just one piece of advice. Enjoy every minute - fostering this pup will always be one of the best things you will ever do.

Are You A Future Foster Home?

2009-02-22T06:07:00.005-06:00

I went out to Fox9 to try and find the video played on yesterday's 5 PM news on the Hands On Volunteer Expo, but as yet the video is not yet posted. Instead, my search yielded another video on Helping Paws, done the summer of 2007, that demonstrates better than mere words could ever do, the joy, the freedom, and the love that these special dogs provide to everyone blessed with the opportunity to share their life and training.

For those who visited our booth yesterday, or saw our demonstration on the Best Buy Rotunda stage and are considering becoming a foster home for Helping Paws, this video puts paid to the value of what you will do and mean to the life of another - usually a total stranger. Belle and I hope you will join us soon. I can guarantee the experience will be one of the highlights of your life.

Fox9 provided the embed code for the video.

Expo - sing Ourselves

2009-02-21T07:33:00.008-06:00

Belle and I will be strutting our stuff for Helping Paws today out at the Volunteer Expo at the Mall of America. With all the puppies arriving we need to replenish our foster home roster from the fertile sources provided by the Expo.

We will be on the Best Buy Rotunda stage at 12:30 with Molly S talking about the program and delivering our cues, Belle's beautiful (little) sister Skye, and the gorgeous Rio. Come join us!

(Helping Paws dogs from previous Expo's can be seen in the following video @ 1:03 and 1:40)

Cheers' Doggie Bloggie: Ten,X, diez, ti, zehn, deich

2009-02-01T09:22:00.001-06:00

The magic of motherhood - perfectly pictured in every language.

Cheers' Doggie Bloggie: Ten,X, diez, ti, zehn, deich

Miscellany

2009-01-31T09:59:00.004-06:00

Cheers' pups will most likely be born this week-end. Belle and I are hoping that she is the perfect maternity patient and will deliver all her pups; healthy, howling, and hungry between 2 and 3 this afternoon.
Cheers dad, the gorgeous, talented, incredible Robin will be on Animal Planet tonight at 8 PM during the Eukanuba National Championships.
Bringing a fully trained service dog on a casual date can create some awkward moments - I had to do some pretty fast talking when Belle decided the date needed help with removing his socks.
Belle had a great day at work yesterday. She was about 5 for 5 for the short office stays (5 minutes or less), but only 2 for 4 for the longer drop stays. The key to her successful longer drops seemed to be not hearing my voice. The minute she heard my voice, she wanted to come find me.
I'm really looking forward to being the TA for the Perfect Puppy class that will start in April.

A New Puppy Blog!!!

2009-01-18T09:50:00.002-06:00

Three cheers for Cheers! She's started a blog and soon there will new puppy pictures of her pups - Helping Paws Service Dogs To Be!

The gift returned...

2008-12-26T07:10:00.006-06:00

Today, more gifts will be returned than on any other day of the year. The reasons are many; too small, too big, too many, too too. The return of a gift rarely evokes an emotional response. It's simply a transaction. But how does one accept the return of a gift that was crafted with love and time and effort. A gift that brought as much joy to the giver as it did to the receiver, yet still wasn't the right gift?

It is with sorrow that I share the news that Belle has earned a career change within Helping Paws. Her exceptional skills - due largely to her intelligence and playfulness - were outdone by her occasional willful independence. Willfulness is not necessarily a bad thing - but Belle's independent expression put her partner's safety at risk. That is a fatal error for a service dog. With much heartache felt by all, Belle was given a new role; Helping Paws Demonstration Dog. It's a role she has performed with aplomb during her training years and one in which all expect her to excel given her penchant for playing to the crowd.

It is with joy that I also share the news that I will be Belle's new partner in this venture. To answer the question posed earlier in the post, I accept this returned gift with humility, gratitude, and a profound admiration for the courage and love it must have taken for Jesse to return her to a life for which she is better suited. And I pray that Jesse's next partner will be a perfect match.

Insight on Instep

2008-11-25T21:44:00.008-06:00

Last week I started back to class. Not with a dog, but as a gopher. I knock on doors to nowhere, dole out retrievables, and smile nonstop watching these incredible dogs and their selfless trainers.

Some years ago I attended a wedding polka. Not knowing the dance steps, I sat on the sidelines mesmerized by the fluid movement of the dancers to each foreign call. Watching the dogs as Eileen called M & M positions (so-called because the dog's movement from position to position creates an M), the memory was revived. Instead of swirling skirts, swirling tails. But the gracefulness and synchronicity were the same. Each partner in step with the other.

And I marveled again at the beauty and intricacy of the dance.

Happy 3rd Birthday, Belly Boo!

2008-11-18T18:51:00.000-06:00

Happiness is...

2008-11-04T21:00:00.005-06:00

Photo credit: J Michurski - Helping Paws (posted by permission)

Surprised by Joy, Part II

2008-10-19T19:00:00.014-05:00

My thanks to the great comments left on the last post. I'd like to address a thought touched on in each comment - how sad it must be to see Belle move on.

Let me put it this way. If I had a tail it would not have stopped wagging.

At our foster folk celebration luncheon right after we dropped off the dogs for the last time, one of the first questions asked by Bella's (Belle's sister) foster mom, was if anyone else's dog had completely quit working for them. She related how they
First day of Team Training. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . hadn't been able to get Bella to
respond to virtually any request since the previous week-end. A chorus of "me too's" rang out around the table.

As we talked, it became apparent to all of us that as our dogs skill grew they also began to realize that we didn't need their help. Their experience with their new partners cemented that realization. It also underscored what I've increasingly felt about my relationship with Belle - that she had outgrown me.

Seeing her with Jesse, hearing how the day's training went, knowing what it must be like for both to discover the wonder of each other makes me feel pure joy. The tremendous joy that can only come from doing something previously thought undoable.

Belle's skills and enthusiasm will be put to work every day. She will be much loved and will give much love to her new partner. She couldn't have a more wonderful life. And that makes me really happy.

Hope Wrapped Up In Gold

2008-10-15T16:34:00.015-05:00

A winter day like many others
Dawned bright and clear and cold
But in the first blurred thoughts of morn
Was hope wrapped up in gold.

That day began a journey
Of joy and love and fear
For two apprentice partners
Their pathway still unclear.

As time passed on the partners learned
Their unique strengths and skill
And with help from many others
Their destiny fulfilled.

Today one partner will go on . .... ....... ....... ............... Photo credit: N. Hiebert
A new journey will unfold
And give her gift to yet another
Of hope wrapped up in gold.

Of hope wrapped up in gold.

May your partnership be blessed, Jesse and Belle. It's been a privilege to share your path.

2009 Tail Waggin' Dinner

2008-09-14T08:51:00.014-05:00

The evening celebrated the 20th Anniversary of Helping Paws. Jenny Peterson was the keynote speaker. The theme for the night was how Helping Paws dogs touch the lives of others; from the volunteers and foster homes to the graduates who receive them - and as one slide so aptly put, "and everyone in between".

Jenny is in a unique position to tell the story of Helping Paws. Her service resume includes:

First Executive Director of Helping Paws
Co-developer along with Eileen Bohn of the training manual used by all foster homes
Former Board member

Finally, Jenny is the recipient of three Helping Paws service dogs including Alpha (shown above)*, the first dog trained and placed by Helping Paws.

Her warm, touching, and sometimes emotional speech told the story of this incredible dog. As Jenny noted, the hardest part of having a service dog is that they don't live as long as their human partners. Yet Alpha left a legacy of service that continues to touch each and every person with the privilege of witnessing or working with a Helping Paws service dog. Alpha taught Eileen and Jenny how to train the fosters who would work with the service dogs to come. A born ham, his demonstration skills made public outreach a breeze. He, with Jenny and Eileen alongside, paved the way for those who would follow.

Last night, his followers enjoyed a full house, a full stomach, a full heart, and an empty wallet. Like any true Alpha, he's still leading us well on the golden path he first walked.

*Alpha - photo courtesy Jenny Peterson

Webbed Feat

2008-09-12T22:07:00.002-05:00

Helping Paws finally trotted out its new website...

Check it out!

Snuggle

2008-09-04T18:40:00.006-05:00

One of the cues we teach our dogs is "Snuggle". When given the cue, the dog rests its head on your shoulder. For a person with quadriplegia - this cue gives them the chance to feel their dog. It's an incredible cue.

An interesting thing happened during the meet and greet session between State Fair Demonstrations last week-end. A young man and his personal attendant came up to talk with me and to greet Belle. Belle's reaction was both instantaneous and spontaneous - she wanted to greet this man in the worst way. Until then, Belle had been a model of propriety with everyone she met. She politely offered a paw for shake, and if I released her, she would gently step next to them to get a head scritch. With this young man, however, Belle was beside herself. I asked the young man if it would be okay for Belle to do a rise on his lap and when he replied, "oh, yes!", Belle happily rose and then, unexpectedly laid her head right on his shoulder. No cue for snuggle - she just rested her head right next to his cheek and stayed there for a very long moment. Then she kissed him on the cheek. Those that were watching audibly groaned at the touching moment. It was an amazing experience to observe.

In the days since the Fair, I've related this story several times. Each time I've told it, I've been asked, "why do you think she did that?" I still don't have an answer. Although Belle has worked with several HP graduates, none of our training is specifically designed to teach the dog to single out individuals in wheelchairs for this type of greeting - yet Belle somehow knew just what to do - and how to connect best with this young man. As her foster mom - it was such a proud moment to see what she could sense and then give so freely. I know what you're thinking, "she's a golden retriever - that's what they do". Still, this was different than her typical happy greeting behavior. She really wanted to give that man a snuggle - and she doesn't typically (at least with me) offer snuggle except on cue.

I'll never know what prompted her incredible response. I'm just so glad I could witness it.

"No Tongues!"

2008-09-02T09:07:00.000-05:00

Belle and Cody practicing "See Food" for the next FinnFam Feast. Joe would be proud.

An Af-FAIR to Remember

2008-09-01T19:10:00.013-05:00

***

Belle and I participated in our third State Fair Demonstration yesterday held at the Pet Center. The Perfect Puppies were Trooper, Liberty and Rio . Margie, Belle and Hemi represented the Big Dogs and Kona, Rusty, Pride, Noni and Juni were the Graduate Gurus.

It was a beautiful day for the demonstration and this year, for the first time, it was held outside. Unfortunately, the outside venue was a little rough to negotiate on wheels for the graduates and their partners.

In honor of the event, both Belle and Cody were fluffed and buffed and had puppy pedicures. No grinchy feet for these pups.

Belle even spent some time practicing her parade wave. 'cuz she is a beauty queen after all - even if her clean coat just felt like butta, not carved in it.

***My thanks to the B Man for taking the slideshow photos for me!

Bronze Gods

2008-08-17T17:53:00.009-05:00

Congratulations to my nephew Matt and Team USA! An Olympic Bronze Medal - well done!

To watch Team USA's bronze medal effort click here.

Speaking from the Chair

2008-08-12T20:35:00.005-05:00

Belle and I have been taking the chair up to Macalester the last couple of nights. Helping Paws provided the chair with a right side leash mount for Belle and I to practice the various skills she will need to do from that position. From the first, we foster homes are constantly encouraged to train with every possible permutation of people, places and events. Silly me, I never tried a non-motorized chair on a college campus with lots of dogs and people and squirrels and smells as distractions. So, with less than two months to go before Belle graduates with her person, we're beginning a refresher course in:

a) Loose leash walking - it's amazing how little it takes for Belle to pull the chair off course.
b) Flexi-leads - when it's okay - and when it's not to stop and sniff just because she can.
c) Attention - squirrels really aren't that interesting, seriously!
d) Get it - wow, who knew it was so hard to accomplish such a simple thing when the ground smells so tantalizing.
e) M & M's: Heel, side, front and behind are somehow totally foreign now that I'm in the chair.
f) Finally - door work. Go ahead, around, back - and then back to side.

We can do it - I know we can.

2008 Beijing Summer Olympics - Heat 1

2008-08-10T05:57:00.012-05:00

Sorry, folks. I was hoping to let you know how my nephew Matt and his rowing buddies did this morning in the 1rst Heat of the 2008 Beijing Olympics Men's Eight. The alarm was set for 4:15 AM. I stepped on Belle as I struggled to find my way out of bed. Belle didn't even move. The computer booted up, the website opened, and then, aargh - a rain delay - but only for the 8's. All the other scheduled rowing races had completed their heats.

Here's NBC videos of Matt - after winning the US Trials in the Men's Pair and guaranteeing him a spot on the 2008 team - and a video of the 2004 defending Olympic champions. Go, USA - Go, Matt!

And finally, here's an NBC link that describes the various boats and races in Olympic competition:

Note: Microsoft Silverlight required to view videos. It's a free download, follow the prompts for downloading and then close and reopen Internet Explorer. Oh, and almost two hours after stepping on her, Belle is still curled in circle puppy - sound asleep.

A Tree Falls In Saint Paul

2008-08-01T16:42:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, a large elm was removed from the yard next door. There is a blue hole in the canopy of green that has surrounded our yard since long before any of us were alive. The hole is so new it's hard to see it as anything but a jarring rent in the fabric of our life. It hasn't yet filled with the possibilities that couldn't exist before without the light prevented passage by the dense foliage of the once healthy tree.

Loss is like that blue hole. It takes time for the eyes of the heart to adjust themselves to the blinding light let in when a part of our world is ripped away. Yet while our eyes are adjusting, seeds sown, sometimes long ago, have a chance to grow because of the new light. Their growth dependent on the loss of others. And in that thought lies our best hope for the future; someday we will see beauty again.

Jesse's Girl

2008-07-30T19:35:00.011-05:00

One of the first entries posted to this blog introduced the label "Dog Songs" - songs brought to mind by the antics of Belle. It's fitting then that the news we're about to share brings yet another song to mind.

We are pleased and oh so proud to announce that Belle has met her match. The beautiful Brown-Eyed Girl will soon be Jesse's Girl. How cool is that!

Lions and Tigers and Belle, Oh My

2008-07-13T20:54:00.005-05:00

It was tough, but Belle finally had to say good-bye to her friend, the Bearskin Bear. As always, we leave the North Woods mostly untouched but definitely can't say the same for how the North Woods leaves us.

Eagle Mountain High, Minnesota

2008-07-10T08:18:00.005-05:00

She came, she saw, she charmed one and all on the highest point in Minnesota. 2301 feet above see level.

Creature Feature

2008-07-09T07:01:00.008-05:00

Compared to some foster folk, Belle and I haven't done tons of demonstrations, but we've done enough to be comfortable with each other. Enough to know what to expect from each other. Until Monday night, when we did our first demonstration outdoors.

Let me step back a bit. The resort we're staying at has a "No Dog" policy. A few weeks back, I contacted the owner and explained Belle and her training and asked if it would be alright to bring her with us on our vacation. I also offered to do a demonstration with Belle for the lodge guests if he thought that would be a good idea. He did and we set the date for the Monday Night "Welcome New Guests" Picnic.

This being Belle's first time in real wilderness (as opposed to Ft. Snelling's pseudo-wildness), there are tons of new smells, critters and feelings she's never experienced before. Anticipating this, we headed down to the beach about 45 minutes before the picnic was scheduled to start and practiced "Attention" and the cues she would be performing.

When the guests arrived, we all had a wonderful dinner. Granted, it was simple picnic fare - but it always tastes like the finest gourmet when cooked on a grill, at the beach, and shared with lots of wonderful folk who, like us, are there to enjoy a restful week "up north".

Then, after the welcome speech and thanks to the chefs, came time for our demo. Belle was excited as usual. She's a born ham and loves to show off her stuff. The demo was going swimmingly until the heckling began. In the form of Mr. Chippy (or Ms. as the case may be), the resident woodpile ground squirrel who thought he'd just dash under the picnic table to check on any scraps that might have been dropped. Trouble was, neither Mr. Chippy nor Belle were expecting to see the other. As he sauntered right past her, Belle caught the movement out of the corner of her eye and did a double-take, broke her sit and swung around to get a better look at the rascally rodent. Belle's fast movement startled Mr. Chips and he responded in classic cartoon fashion - springing up and releasing a fearsome squeak - before dashing back to the safety of the woodpile.

The rest of the demo was rough. Try as she might, Belle had a tough time keeping her focus while simultaneously keeping one eye on the woodpile.

The funny thing is, the next day I received our homework e-mail from our awesome HP instructor. Our homework assignment for the week? Working on Attention in lots of different places. I told her we're all over it. Could Mr. Chippy have been an HP spy, perhaps?

A New Puppy Blog!

2008-07-09T05:00:00.004-05:00

Sheba, a Helping Paws breeder dog, had her first litter on 7/1. Her and her puppies adventures are being chronicled in a new blog, Sheba's First Litter. Five new puppies - four black, one yellow, three male, two female - all beautiful!

From Bearskin With Love

2008-07-08T08:06:00.007-05:00

...for Grandpa. We're sending you all the joy and fun of Finnfam up north to speed you on your recovery.

May your surgeons be exceptional cut-ups
May your anesthetist be a gas-passing master
May your nurses be as fabulous as Hotlips Houlihan

but most of all, may you live to share many more wonderful years with your beloved, Norma.

We love you!

The Lion King

2008-07-05T07:00:00.007-05:00

Vote for Logan in Lifetime's Hollywood Tails Photo Contest.

Logan is a service dog in Maine that does a great job for his person, Suzan.

P.O.O.P.-E. Index

2008-07-04T07:41:00.014-05:00

Indexes are used to measure just about everything in this world. The investment world is rank with indices measuring everything from the mystery stocks that make up the Dow Jones to more obscure market indices such as the Russell 2000. The Pioneer Press even has an index that measures the severity of our winters - the P.I.P. Index. (P.I.P. stands for Pain In The Posterior).

With two dogs and two cats, I'd like to borrow this index concept for what I fondly refer to as my Doggy Loggy Poop Patrol duties.

The Factors:

Firmness: This factor is relatively simple. Hard and Dry is good. Very Good.
Soft and Wet is Bad. Very Bad.

Rocklike and nicely grouped: Score 2 points
Cooked Carrots: Score 0
Soup: Score -100 (and take the dog to the vet)

Location: This factor depends to a degree on the Firmness Factor. Soup in
the yard is really bad - soup in the neighbor's yard is off the
charts shameful.

Teed up nicely on a clump of grass - at home: +10
Teed up nicely on a clump of grass - on walk: +15
Aforementioned soup in the neighbor's yard: Place dog bag over your head and slink home. Consider moving.
Everywhere else - outside: -20
Everywhere else - inside: Puppy? -20, Grown Dog? -100 and slap yourself for being a total bozo.

Odor: Ever feel as if you're doing the canine version of the priest wafting the incense through the church as you walk the neighborhood with your dog's doo-doo? (Conveniently eliminated just far enough from home that most of the walk must be completed while holding one's breath).

Can breathe without tears: +20
Can breathe with tears: 0
Requires Olympic swimmer caliber breath-holding: -100

There you have it - the FLO factors. But enough already - by now it's clear to most of you I don't have enough to do(doo). Just one more thing. What does the acronym P.O.O.P.-E. stand for? Pickupability Of Obnoxious Posterior Emissions.

I know, it's a really S*%?@! acronym.

Dew'd, You're Bleeding

2008-07-04T06:45:00.005-05:00

When Helping Paws puppies are very small, their dew claws are removed. Oh how I wish that had been done for Cody.

In a mad dash to beat Belle to the ball, he slipped on the dewy grass and ripped his one dew claw. Most dogs are born with two front dew claws - the dog version of the opposable thumb. Some dogs are also born with two back dew claws. Cody was born with 1 1/2 dew claws - he has just the digit on his right paw. The left dew was also deformed, but with a nail that curved outward. It was only a matter of time before he injured the claw in one fashion or another. Still, this injury was nasty. In concern for the squeamish, I won't provide further description. Suffice it to say amputation of the injured dew just needed completion.

Cap'n Cody Bumphead is now Cap'n Cody Conehead. For two weeks. We may be amputees as well by the time he's heeled.

Access

2008-06-29T16:46:00.005-05:00

Access. Accessibility. Accessing. The word access in all of its forms can mean many things, but underlying them all is the perception of rights. To grant access; to make accessible; to be accessible - all these forms imply permission required. Imply power.

A friend of mine sent me a link to the Safe and Sound Blog maintained by author and guide dog user Beth Finke. The blog post she thought I'd be interested in was titled, "Are Little Kids Old Enough to Use Service Dogs?" As I read the story of how a four year old with autism and his service dog were denied entrance to his school bus and his school, several thoughts came to mind that weren't addressed by the article - but are specifically identified as critical within the ADA access laws for determination of whether the school was justified in barring the dog; would the dog be accompanied at school by a responsible adult? Would the presence of the dog fundamentally alter the activities at the school? Would the dog pose a threat to the health and safety of others?

The ADA laws were crafted to insure public access to all who require the assistance of service animals. The exceptions to the law are very narrow precisely to prevent the situation that occurred at the school. Because the original article was silent on the salient facts, the reader is left to use personal opinion to decide either for or against the schools decision. And that's the problem with the original story and the blog post - feelings and personal opinion don't count in these decisions - not when it comes to access rights for service animals. Why? Because the authors of the law know how easy it is for those that serve the public to discriminate against those with special needs. To prevent access to those who can't live safely without assistance, canine or other.

Whether the helper dog user is blind, deaf, physically or developmentally challenged - the question remains the same - do they have the same rights as those that don't have these challenges? The law is clear. They do.

Row, Row, Row Your Boat

2008-06-27T16:23:00.010-05:00

We interrupt our regularly scheduled dog blog to give a star-studded eight

salute to my nephew, Matt. Matt qualified as a US Olympic rower in the Men's Eight and Men's Pair events in Beijing, China but will be rowing in the Men's Eight in August.

Photo's courtesy of US Rowing

On The Ball

2008-06-25T18:05:00.011-05:00

Over the last few months, I've experienced several frustrating and/or expensive dog-related mishaps. Jessie 08-208 ate my new glasses, a library book, and several other miscellaneous items of lesser importance. I no longer own a pair of jeans with intact pockets (never ever put kibble in clothing - the smell survives forever and the dogs will chew until they can chew no more). It's because of my holey state that I began carrying my cell phone in the side pocket of my pants. Unfortunately, I forgot to add the side pocket to my mental list of pockets to empty before laundering. The cell phone, though squeaky clean, no longer functioned.

On top of all this, I've been in one of those periods when I can't seem to keep track of anything. You name it, I've searched for it. Even Belle's pack, which is either on her or in her equipment bag, disappeared. After searching high and low, and going to HP Graduation and several classes with her old pack, I was finally busted by a classmate (thanks, L :P) and had to 'fess up I lost her pack and passport.

HP gave me a new pack for Belle. I got my glasses fixed, purchased a replacement book at Half-Price Books for the library, and gulp, punished myself for washing the cell phone by replacing it with an iPhone. I love that phone! It's made it so easy to keep track of both my work and home schedules. Until Monday night. You guessed it - I lost it.

Molly and I have spent two solid days calling for my phone. We looked everywhere I could have tucked it - didn't find it. We even listened to the dogs fearing that one of them must have eaten it. I called AT & T tonight to see if they could use the neat feature that the L & O detectives always use - triangulating the phone's location by the cell towers receiving its' signals. I think the AT & T clerk was trying not to laugh when he informed me that nifty trick was for "enhanced 911" services only. I guess he just couldn't understand the depth of my emergency here.

The good news is our desperate search uncovered all the items I've lost recently - even Belle's pack. But when nothing we did found the phone, I told Belle "find the phone".

What a perfect ending to this blog if she had found it just by giving her the right cue. No such luck.

She did find it in a kind of sort of way (you know - the way it's the dog's fault that I washed my old phone). She wanted to play ball tonight. Molly searched the yard for a tennis ball, and when she couldn't find one in the open, she went searching in the bushes. (I have to hide the balls from Cody, because if he sees them but can't get to them he barks his fool head off). There, lying neatly beside the ball stash was my phone, with tooth marks in the leather case. I guess it's a good thing that at least this time the dogs are on the ball around here.

ps. Did I mention that whenever I type in HPD (for Helping Paws Dogs), iPhone changes it to "GOD"?

Mindful or Mind Full

2008-06-14T07:54:00.005-05:00

In addition to starting a new job two weeks ago, I'm taking a five day class called TTouch for Companion Animals.

I was introduced to the Tellington Touch method by Helping Paws folks. Some of the basic touches are taught to us as part of our training. About six weeks ago, Helping Paws strongly encouraged the foster homes, the graduates and other volunteers to attend an hour and half demonstration by Linda Tellington-Jones. The Golden Valley Humane Society was hosting Linda and HP staff thought we could learn a lot about the method straight from the horses mouth, as it were. That last phrase was not meant to be flip. Linda herself, learned the method from a horse - specifically, from working around the horse's head and mouth.

The method itself is extremely simple - but the concept behind it, mindfulness and respect, is much more difficult than it seems, at least for me. Identifying what it means to be aware of the animal, what it is feeling, how to connect with the place the animal is in and using touch to gently alter that state. "Being mindful" is a phrase I've heard so often this week. Long after I've learned all the touches; "chimp", "abalone", "python", and "clouded leopard", to name just a few, I have a feeling I'll still be working on just what it means to be "mindful".

Below is YouTube video of Linda demonstrating her method with a horse.

"Wiggle My Waggles Away"

2008-06-11T06:57:00.009-05:00

A couple of classes ago, Eileen gave us a new assignment - get our dogs to wag their tail without using treats. I know what you're thinking; they are retrievers - how hard an assignment could that be?

Sadly, at least for Belle and I, harder than you would think.

For the last two years I've worked so hard to keep inflection out of my voice - Belle treated any enthusiasm on my part as a contest to see who could be most enthusiastic and she always won. Now, the only time my voice gets wild wags is when I've been away for awhile.

I guess I just found another reason to wish that Harry Potter's Invisibility Cloak wasn't just fiction. Heaven help us both if we have to resort to Raffi*.

*The title of this post is a phrase from the song, "Shake Your Sillies Out". To hear a preview of the song, click the link above, click on the Play arrow at the top left of the iTunes page.

About Face

2008-06-07T08:44:00.005-05:00

When Belle was still in Perfect Puppy, our homework sheets included a place to identify all the different kinds of people we met during the past week; their ages, their skin color, their dress were all documented for her public training record. Why was this important to do for her? Because we don't live in an homogeneous society. People come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and smells and a service dog must be comfortable with them all. We had some fun with this in class - wearing funky hats, funny masks, different styles of clothing all with the point of convincing our pups that humans are indeed a strange breed.

This week I attended an in-service that is part of my new employer's initiative, Facing Race. The speaker, a US citizen with latino in his ethnic background, talked about what the demographics of the rise in hispanic/latino ethnicity means for the future of our community. It isn't a new issue. Afterall, Minnesota's short history is a history of immigration - but with each new wave of immigrants comes a new set of fears. As various methods of community coping gestures were discussed; how to welcome, integrate, educate, and heal the newcomers, the speaker expressed a personal opinion that I think is really the answer to it all. He spoke of his years abroad in a South American country and the primary difference he saw between the culture of his native land and the land of his forebears. He summed it up in a simple sentence; "In the US, it is not customary to talk to those outside of our circle". We don't ask personal questions - how are you, where do you work, how many kids do you have. We talk about the weather.

As I listened to the thoughts expressed around me, I thought too about how we try to break down our barriers by focusing on our differences. Can we ever be fully integrated if we continue to identify each other by our skin color or ethnic background than by our common humanity? Our love of our children, our passion (or not) for our work, the welcome and safety of our home. Talking to each other is so simple - but so hard. So fraught with the fear of "strangers" that was instilled in us as children. It's so hard to know what to talk about when personal subjects are taboo.

In the Helping Paws model there is so much to learn about how to reach out to others. To overcome our own visual handicap of seeing only our differences. A service dog's greatest gift is providing the bridge for starting a conversation. For opening the door to share what really matters by starting with what we have in common - our love, our wonder, our awe at the dogs in our lives. In Perfect Puppy, we teach our dogs to see our common humanity despite our visible differences. Why is it still so difficult to teach ourselves?

Working Girl

2008-06-02T05:17:00.003-05:00

A new routine begins today. I'm heading back to work after an 18 month sabbatical. Time will tell if Belle will go to work with me.

Moniker Mind Games

2008-06-01T10:00:00.003-05:00

I guess the new HP foster homes aren't the only ones with dog naming on the mind. Yesterday's Pioneer Press had this to say on the naming of K9 dogs recently graduated from the St. Paul canine training facility. Apparently, Daisy just doesn't cut it for a dog that's taught to use force to catch bad guys.

Another interesting item mentioned in the article is that females are not generally used in the K9 program. Apparently, the K9 trainers feel that females tend to check back with their partner too frequently when they're supposed to be chasing the bad guy. They haven't met Belle. I wish I could get her to check back too frequently.

Vetting Vets

2008-05-30T07:35:00.003-05:00

Belle and I had the privilege of meeting with officials from two separate but related vets organizations yesterday - Dean Ascheman, the Executive Director of the Disabled American Veterans of MN Foundation and Gilbert Acevedo, Deputy Commissioner Veteran Health Care, State of Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs. A good friend of mine, Johnny D had worked with Dean and thought a meeting between us would open doors for both Helping Paws and their organizations. Even better, Johnny D went beyond thought and took the time to arrange the meeting for us.

Minnesota has been at the forefront of developing programs for returning vets to insure their healthy assimilation back into civilian life. Among his responsibilities, Mr. Acevedo is charged with developing a one-stop process to meet veteran's needs. From tax assistance, to healthcare, to housing and everything in between. In the "in between" he sees a place for service dogs (and therapy dogs) for vets.

Prior to coming to Minnesota, Mr. Acevedo was administrator for the California Veterans Home at Chula Vista. On a daily basis, he saw the positive effects for the residents from the therapy and facility dogs that worked and/or lived at the facility. Intrigued with the possibilities, he spent seven years training therapy dogs and was impressed with the skills that Belle demonstrated for him. He also provided a great synopsis for Mr. Ascheman of the difference between service and therapy dogs.

Belle did a great job demonstrating her technical skills, and I talked about her greatest intangible skill - her ability to bridge the gap that opens for an individual when they first find their physical skills compromised. Returning to civilian life is a major adjustment for any vet. For a vet, young or old, that finds him or herself trying to return to civilian life missing a limb(s) or with injuries that compromise their balance and stability, the process is even tougher. Helping Paws dogs have so much to offer these vets. I hope our visit will be the start of an incredible partnership.

Mama Mia!

2008-05-28T10:37:00.020-05:00

Now that the newest HP puppies have gone to their new foster homes and begun their lives as service dogs in training their new foster families have the joy - and angst - of trying to find the perfect name for their pup. Helping Paws has just three simple rules regarding naming:

Sponsorship = Right of Naming
Foster = Can be "sponsor" and thus name the pup
The name chosen cannot have already been given to a Helping Paws dog - either living or dead, in service or retired.

One of the fosters in Belle's Big Dog class is also the new home for
Peanut - the pup from Tiga's litter selected for the breeding program. Little Peanut was at class last night and naturally the talk turned to what her foster family was considering for a name. Peanut's foster mom stated that they wanted a name that related to motherhood - the Peanut's chosen "career" with Helping Paws.

This morning I decided to have some fun and googled "famous mothers", "greek pantheon", "roman pantheon", and "mother goddesses". After a great deal of laughter and yes, some horror at what I read I realized I had the makings of a great blog. Here's just a sampling of what I found:

Famous Mothers:

Marie Curie - Not only was she a Nobel prize winner herself - she also raised a Nobel prize winning daughter, Irene Joliot-Curie. Although we don't expect HP breeding dogs to be Nobel prize winners we do expect our breeding dogs to produce incredible service dogs. Possible name suggested - Curie.
Clara McBride - aka "Mother Hale" who started the Hale House in Harlem to care for infants born to drug addicted moms. On second thought, maybe "drug addiction" and HP Breeding bitch isn't quite the right association I'm looking for here.

Mother Goddesses:

Juno - a Roman goddess with an epithet that means "she who brings children into the light". Juno is also known as the "Queen of Sex" - hmmm, maybe not such a good choice for a home that has human teenagers as well as HP breeding dogs.
Nona - a Roman goddess known as the guardian of gestation.
Holda - a germanic goddess tasked with bringing children to expectant mothers. She has a dark side, however, and her full story makes her sound like the witch in Hansel and Gretel.
Nanshe - a Sumerian goddess that healed her fathers paralysis brought on by her mothers curse. She is symbolized by both the fish and the pelican. The fish represents the love of water and the pelican the role of protector and caregiver. The pelican has another skill - upchucking food for the young ones. Given that Peanut is a daughter of Tiga, this trait sounds familiar!

There were a host of other possibles, but in the interest of keeping this blog brief, that's all, folks - at least for today.

One more thing. I was absolutely shocked to find that my name wasn't listed first (or anywhere for that matter) under Mother Goddesses. I've just got to get cracking on those kids of mine.

Deer Me!

2008-05-26T15:11:00.004-05:00

A walk with Belle at Ft. Snelling State Park is always an adventure. Today, Memorial Day, we actually had a great opportunity for training.

The waters of the Mississippi have receded leaving large fragrant mudholes behind on Pike Island. The deer, sensing there were a few too many humans about, also receded to a less traveled part of the Island. Luckily for us, we chose the road less traveled and were rewarded with lots of animal tracks and finally, the motherlode - a herd of deer. Just as we spotted the herd, two dogs off leash spotted us. As the one dog approached at a trot, I walked out to greet the dog (and provide a barrier if need be from Cody - who suffers from leash anxiety). The dog's owner hurried to catch up, shouting at the dog to "come", "stay", "sit" none of which the dog heard or obeyed. Fortunately for her, Belle's quiet interest in the dog kept the dog from moving further away from the owner until she arrived to releash the errant pooch. As she leashed the dog, she told me the dog was her daughter's and not very well trained. I hope the cartoon bubble above my head wasn't shouting my thoughts at her. Thoughts that ran along the line, "then why the h*&! is the animal off-leash in a state park posted with Pets Must Be Leashed At All Times , you bumpkin"! With the noisy human so close, the deer receded further into the afternoon shadows ending our moment of peace in the woods.

In reflecting on what was lost I instead recognized what was gained. By moving toward the loose dog and allowing Belle to invite the dog to sniff and greet her we most likely prevented the dog from spotting and potentially chasing the deer - an activity dangerous to both dog and deer and an expensive fine if observed by a ranger. Even more interesting was Belle's invitation. Somehow she knew this was a serious situation. She was as calm as I've ever seen her with a dog approach. There was no bouncing invite to play - she simply stayed in her heel position at my request and gently sniffed noses with the other dog. I doubt the woman will thank us or even recognize what we did - but Belle acted as a true partner with me today. I'll take that as recompense for missing the deer any day.

Success Is Measured Many Ways

2008-05-14T08:08:00.004-05:00

Belle and I went back to class last night after a three week hiatus for Team Training. From the excellent work Belle did, I could tell she missed class as much as I did.

I felt a cornucopia of emotions as I looked around the class; joy at seeing old friends again, bittersweet grief at missing our classmates who graduated last Friday, and finally anticipation of the fun to be had with the new members of Big Dog Class.

Surprisingly, I felt one more emotion - a very strong sense of accomplishment.

That statement might sound odd given that Belle should have been one of the graduates last week. Yet if there was ever any doubt that the decision to have Belle graduate in the fall was in error, Belle put them immediately to rest when she demonstrated her greetings skills upon arrival at graduation.

Despite the overly enthusiastic greetings, Belle has come so far since December. For example, her really, reliable recall. Three times these past few weeks, I accidently left the inside door open. Belle took advantage and immediately let herself outside (she knows how to open the storm door in her sleep). In the past, this would have meant the start of the game, "Nah, nah, na boo-boo, I'm outside and you can't catch me". I hate that game. Except this time she didn't play it - not once! When I told her "Belle, Come"! She immediately came to me - all three times! She's even coming to me at the tennis courts even when she knows that this time "come" means go - leaving her favorite playground in the whole world.

Her really, reliable recall success tells me we can conquer her other foibles; the aforementioned greetings, perfect stays both in drop and sit (so hard when you're a fidgeter), great household behavior (no counter surfing, doorbell spazzing, or racing through doorways ahead of her person).

Fostering and training Belle will always be one of the top five highlights of my life - and one of the things for which I am most proud. As far as graduating in the fall goes, as my husband used to say, "it's just a timing difference".

A New Golden Rule?

2008-05-07T08:10:00.005-05:00

An article in the Chicago Tribune this week extols the benefits and importance of schooling from birth for human infants. I've often wondered why we humans struggle so with this concept.

For the past week, I've lived with and cared for four golden retrievers. Two of the goldens were handled lovingly and taught various skills virtually since birth. They are happy, well adjusted, smart, people loving, incredible dogs. Two of the goldens are puppy mill products. One had virtually no human interaction the first eight weeks of his life. Both lived in small kennels with little or no stimulation. Both react with shyness and fear to new situations. Both will be affectionate with humans, but only after time and interaction has shown they can trust the human.

So what does this have to do with human children?

I've often said I have had more training as Belle's foster mom, than I ever had as a human mom. The Helping Paws method of training fosters to raise confident, competent service dogs is simple:

a) Provide a safe, clean environment with adequate nutrition for both mom and pups during the critical infancy stage.
b) Add developmentally appropriate stimulants as the pups grow to encourage mental growth.
c) Provide class training and mentoring for new fosters as the pup's needs continue to expand.
d) Surround the pup with love at each and every stage.

Sounds a lot like the perfect method for raising a human child, doesn't it? The problem is, too many human parents are "puppy millers". They lack one or more of the basics outlined above.

The Chicago Tribune article proposes public education for children from birth. I think a better use of our pre-kindergarten education dollars would be to focus on the parents. Teach them the parenting skills they need to provide the best learning environment for their child. Make Early Childhood Family Education - from pregnancy onward - a requirement for all families. Because as good as our schools can be, they can't provide all the love a child will need to become a confident, capable adult. That has to come from home.

Random Thoughts

2008-04-26T20:34:00.003-05:00

Cold, rain, mud: Three things that really put a damper on enjoying spring with your dog. The dog doesn't care, but I do.
Three posts in one day on the puppy blog: Really helped the bum-out from cold, rain, mud. Thanks Judy, Tiga, Tori, Charlie and pups!
Training talk with neighbors when you finally get to get out and take the dogs for a walk - wonderful!
People that respond to e-mails; priceless.

(I did say the thoughts were random.)

Great Expectations

2008-04-24T08:01:00.006-05:00

On Tuesday, I spent time with Team Training at Helping Paws. Team Training is the period just before graduation where the graduating dogs and their new partners learn how to become a partnership.

It being the first week of Team Training, there is a lot of "lecture" as well as lab (and golden) time. Listening to the instructors describe the methods used to train the dogs, I found myself wishing I could audit the class. Just sit and listen and reabsorb all the lessons learned and shared with our upcoming graduates.

I've been thinking about "expectation" - something that each of the instructors touched on during the course of their presentations. Specifically, how to communicate the expected performance of a cue given to the dog. For example, one of the hardest things I've had to train myself NOT to do, is repeat a cue when Belle doesn't immediately respond. The reasons behind her delay in responding may vary - the cue was given in a confusing manner, i.e. sitdrop. The dog, reasonably enough, is probably asking, "which is it - sit or drop"? Sometimes, she's distracted. Sometimes, either she or me is just on our "C" game. Whatever the reason, it's easy to repeat the cue. The problem is, the dog begins to expect that repetition - and yes, dogs can count. Before you know it, the dog doesn't even think about performing the cue until you've gotten to the third or fourth or whatever repetition it is where your voice now means business.

Lowering the binoculars and looking at "expectation" from a macro perspective is even more intriguing. What is my overall expectation of my partnership with my dog? Is it an expectation of trust? Of uncertainty? Does it vary depending on our location or activity?

The answer to the last question is key to understanding the struggles Belle and I are having with her behavior at home - specifically, when visitors arrive. In public, I've always had the highest expectations for Belle's behavior. I'm focused on her and our partnership together. At home, I'm much more distracted. More focused on "doing my thing". Belle has responded accordingly - and true to her exuberant personality, with pure Tigger enthusiasm. Unfortunately, most people are like Rabbit and just don't appreciate the "bouncy, pouncy, full of fun, fun, fun" result.

The answer is the easy part, however. The real work is in figuring out how to change my expectations and communicate the new world order to her. Any suggestions?

What Did I Learn At School Today? "Chairing"

2008-04-16T10:15:00.006-05:00

Speaker wishes to apologize for being so remiss in her blog updates. It's really hard to find time for updates when there's a puppy whirlwind underfoot. The Whirlwind blew out with the April snow late Monday, and life is almost back to normal.

But enough of the pup, this blog is supposed to be about me!

Yesterday, Lu celebrated her new found freedom by taking me with her while she went stool shopping with her friend (no, not that kind of stool - I give her those for free!). We went to this great place shaped like a giant pool table and tried out lots and lots of chairs. I was on my very best behavior - I practiced "step", both up and down, on the circular staircase. I sat for greeting, and even offered shake without leaving my seat or wiggling my butt around for a scritch. I picked up Lu's keys for the gazillionth time - honestly, Lu should really look into getting a collar on which she can clip those things. I practiced "back" through the aisles and aisles of chairs and learned that it's best to do back while keeping my tail still. I was so happy to be working again, my tail never stopped wagging. Unfortunately, it kept getting stuck in the rungs of the chairs I was passing. I guess I proved the adage "one step forward, two steps 'back'".

After the fun we had with the chairs, Lu and Lisa took me to lunch at Potbellies. Whoa, did I put on an awesome display of Super Duper Service Dog Skills! The restaurant was jammed. While we waited in line to order sandwiches, I practiced "across" and Lu even tried to teach me to tuck my tail in because it was in danger of getting stepped on by the starved masses ahead of us in line. But I really showed my moxie when Lu and Lisa sat down to eat. The table was so small that there was no place for me to "under". I had to drop/stay right in the aisle. During lunch, at least five people stepped over me - and I never even raised my head. Impressive, if I do say so myself.

After lunch, I made my first trip to Costco and met my first official non-Helping Paws service dog. Wow, was he awesome! He was a beautiful yellow lab and his mom asked if I could greet him. I was so excited, I started to do my happy wiggle, but Lu told me to watch how he was waiting so still and calm. I so wanted to be like him that I managed to calm myself enough that Lu allowed me to touch noses with him! Oh, rapture! (Doze, if you're reading this, don't worry. I still love you best of all!) I really liked his mom, too. She said some really nice things to Lu about how grateful she is for what Lu is doing with me.

Finally, this party girl topped off her perfect day by going to the Wine and Cheese party at Helping Paws and celebrating Dozer, Titus, Thor, Rocky and Laker's upcoming graduations. It was so much fun to see all my pals. Eileen even let me give her a snuggle! Whoo, what a perfect day!

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Helping Paws Hits YouTube

2008-04-04T09:20:00.003-05:00

Helping Paws uploaded its mission video to YouTube recently. It's a wonderful video that was shown for the first time publicly at the Tail Waggin' Dinner last fall. I see the wonders of these dogs each day, but I can't watch this video without being totally awed.

Puppy See, Puppy Do

2008-03-28T10:11:00.011-05:00

Readers of this blog know of the varied success I've had in teaching Belle how to "get your dish". She now knows the cue most reliably - and will offer it just about any time of day, just in case I forget to cue her. It turns out the student is a much better teacher than the teacher. I've been fostering a puppy for a few days for RAGOM and in just two short days of watching Belle's dinner routine - the puppy has it down cold!

Carrie 08-164 is available for adoption to approved applicants of RAGOM.
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Easter Belle - Take 2

2008-03-23T16:59:00.002-05:00

Happy Easter, Everyone!

Mud, Sweat And Tears

2008-03-18T11:04:00.004-05:00

We interrupt our normally scheduled service dog updates to bring you an adorably fierce muddy puppy.

Graduate Guru

2008-03-15T07:17:00.006-05:00

HP Dogs seem to be a favorite topic these days for the local newspapers. HP graduates, Terry and Yuki, were the subject of a feature by Paul Dols of the Forest Lake News. He even included a video of Terry and Yuki working together.

In the video, Yuki is shown doing many of the cues that Belle is learning. The neatest thing of all though, is the enthusiasm she shows as she's working for Terry. Occasionally, Belle and I will encounter folks that have the notion that service dogs never get to play. The thing is, Yuki and other service dogs still get their regular "play" time, at least in the sense that these humans mean. What they don't comprehend and what the video shows perfectly is how Yuki makes her work her play as well. Can you imagine what we humans could accomplish if we performed our jobs with as much joy and enthusiasm as Yuki?
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Planes, Trains And Automobiles

2008-03-12T09:16:00.010-05:00

Last night, the Helping Paws Big Dogs made the Tuesday night commuters feel as if they'd stepped into a canine version of the Steve Martin spoof, "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles". Sixteen dogs and twenty or so humans gathered at the Fort Snelling train platform to give the dogs experience riding a different form of public transit - light rail.

Charlie and Judy . . . . . . . . . . . . Bill and Thor, Sue and Mischa

On the train, the dogs got a great chance to practice their "unders", experience the motion of the moving train, and hear the soft "whoosh" of the automatic doors. Once we arrived at the airport, we took the airport tram to the terminal to practice various cues in the airport baggage and ticketing areas. We rode elevators, took stairs (practicing "step"), retrieved objects, loose leash walked, and as a special bonus, put smiles on many a weary travelers face.

Sue/Mischa, Marie and Dozer ... Brio and Sue, Hemi and Cathy

We even had time for a group photo on the stairs in the airport tram boarding area. A big thanks to Lynn and Judy!

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Nose Print Blues?

2008-03-06T08:22:00.004-06:00

Can't keep your monitor clean? Have I got the solution for you!

. . . .

I Am A Foster Home

2008-03-02T07:59:00.011-06:00

Since Belle came in to my life, I've learned many things, experienced many things that I never could have predicted. Four years ago I was a middle aged wife with an incredible husband. Our children were on the brink of starting out on their own. Than the unexpected happened. My husband lost his fight with Crohn's disease and suddenly I no longer knew who I was, or where I fit in this world. Oh sure, I was still middle aged (though feeling very, very old). I still had kids that loved and needed me. But now the partnership that had defined who I was for almost 25 years was over. I was adrift. Unanchored in a sea of grief so vast I despaired of ever finding the shore. And then Molly asked if we could get a dog.

A life-saving question and she doesn't remember asking it - particularly when one of the beasts has been up to no good.

Today, not only is Belle a part of our household, but Cody (a golden retriever rescued by RAGOM) and Ole (a kitten rescued by Cans for Sam) have joined our family as well. I volunteer for RAGOM, doing transports of dogs surrendered or found as strays.

So why all this history you ask?

This morning I realized that I have found a new identity. That I've started to figure out where I fit in this world. The revelation came in the form of an e-mail from RAGOM which contained an essay written by a RAGOM volunteer and board member, Sarah Bright Braverman. The essay was written as advice for those who foster rescued dogs, love them, and then somehow find the way to let them go. To find loving homes that can give this homeless pet the permanence and love they need and deserve. But as is often the case, well-written words have more to offer than the immediate purpose for which they were written. For me, they were metaphorical resonating on three levels; my life with Belle, my life with RAGOM, and my life with my human family.

Be it fostering a dog, raising a child, saying goodbye to a beloved spouse, our time with one another is temporary. We just like to fool ourselves that those we love will be with us always. By remembering we are all foster homes - well, that allows us to dare to love again.

Sarah writes:

And, thus, I will let him go. On to a new life, where he will be cherished, adored, loved and protected. I have done my job, I gave him wings, now I must kiss him and let him fly away.

I am a foster home. I do this because it’s a way for me to say thank you to the dogs who have shared my life – they have brought so much happiness and love to me and my family. I want to pass that on to needy dogs, dogs that haven’t been as lucky as mine.

I am a foster home. I am a temporary safe place. I dream of a time where we are out of a job, when no shelter or rescue can exist because there are no homeless dogs, a time when people make a lifetime commitment to a four-legged family member. But for now, I’ll keep doing what I can, one dog at a time. The best gift I can give them is a temporary foster home, a road to a new life, and a new family that will love them and keep them forever.

I am a foster home. My tears are for me, not for my foster dog. I may regret not keeping him, but it’s my regret, for me, not for him. I can handle that. The regret I can’t handle is if I had to say “no” to fostering a needy dog because I chose to adopt so many that there is no more room at the Inn.

I am a foster home. There are more dogs waiting right now – needing me.

I am a foster home. My foster dog is safe now. He doesn’t need me anymore.

I am a foster home. I love them, guide them, protect them, teach them and LET THEM GO.

I am a foster home. He will be in my heart and mind forever.

I am a foster home.

May each of you find the courage to fall in love over and over again, and the strength to say good-bye and good luck. Remember, there is another dog waiting…another dog that needs you just like this one did.

Celebrity Club Hudson

2008-03-01T06:02:00.007-06:00

Wow - no sooner had I posted about Skye, than EB threw me another bone (bohn?). This time it was Belle's Club Hudson friends Dozer and Hemi in the news. I was shocked, however, that there was no mention of Doze's Cloonyesq visage.

More news! Dozer has found his forever friend and will graduate in May. Doze will be the second HP dog for Angie. Her first dog, Sage, died earlier this year. Sage was the service dog that first made Helping Paws known to me. Sage and Angie would sometimes share an elevator with me at the IDS Center downtown. I was so impressed with what Sage could do, that I did a google search for Helping Paws to find out more about the dogs. The rest is history. Congratulations, Angie, Doze, and Marie!

The Skye's The Limit

2008-02-29T13:09:00.005-06:00

Meet Skye*, another of Belle's siblings making news in the metro!

I wonder if Irving Berlin was thinking about Skye when he wrote this classic refrain...

Blue Skyes
Smiling at me
Nothing but blue Skyes
Do I see

*Thanks to EB for throwing me a bone for the blog!

Do(g)h!

2008-02-27T14:34:00.004-06:00

If there's anything that proves the arrogance of the human species it's our ability to dismiss the astounding capabilities of animals as simply stimulus/response.

The March, 2008 National Geographic cover article "Inside Animal Minds" recaps recent scientific research with birds, dogs, apes, and even sheep demonstrating that diverse animal groups have significant cognitive abilities hitherto considered exclusive to human intelligence. The ability to understand and use language and symbols to communicate has been well documented in the research yet too often the results are dismissed outright, labeled anecdotal, or my personal favorite - results in a revised definition of what constitutes communication.

Anyone with a dog knows how well they can communicate with us. Anyone with a dog knows how they can problem solve to get what they want or need. Anyone with a dog knows their capacity for love and affection. But knowing it and proving it are vastly different things in the scientific community. I contend they are trying to prove the wrong premise. The question is not whether intelligence is an exclusively human trait, or even whether human intelligence is superior to nonhuman intelligence. The real question is how can we use these creatures unique skills and intelligence to enhance our own in a mutually beneficial arrangement. The proof? Belle and the countless service and guide dogs that each day perform big and little miracles for the humans they love and serve.

Fostering Future Fosters

2008-02-25T08:57:00.005-06:00

Belle and I headed off to the Mall of America on Saturday to participate in the Helping Paws booth at the Volunteer Expo. Our hope is that we have recruited enough new foster homes to house and train the new puppies to be born to Tiga (yes, that Tiga!) and Peaches in late March and April.

Belle and Shannon were also the demo dogs that showed off their skills on the MOA stage while Lynn G. did a fabulous presentation about Helping Paws, who we are, and what we do. Belle did a fabulous job showing off her skills. At one point during the demo, I looked up and saw some familiar faces grinning at me across the crowd. Uncle J and Aunt J were shopping - noticed the show - and stopped to watch. They were as surprised as I to recognize someone they knew.

Overall, I give Belle a "C" for her work. She had one not so shining moment when a dad with a small toddler in his arms stooped to greet Belle. Belle came over and very gently said hello. Unfortunately, I didn't notice the stuffed animal (a little golden retriever pup, believe it or not) clutched loosely in the little girl's hand. Even more unfortunate, Belle did notice. As the little girl reached out to pet Belle, Belle took the pup right out of the little girl's hand. I immediately returned the pup to the little girl, but not before she burst into the most broken-hearted toddler tears. I desperately hope we didn't traumatize her for life.

Back to the drawing board. I guess I'll have to find some folks with toddlers and toys to practice "leave it" with so this won't ever happen again.

Pickle In The Middle

2008-02-19T06:26:00.002-06:00

We had a puppy play date this week. Belle finally met a pup willing to play Tug and Keep Away as long as she does. Meet little Zoe! (also known as Chaos!)

Speechless

2008-02-17T08:29:00.001-06:00

A day like Friday with its news of yet another tragic shooting makes me wish the world really would go to the dogs.

Knock, Knock

2008-02-15T08:57:00.004-06:00

...who's there?

Belle, barking her fool head off every time the doorbell rings.

A new cue that Belle and I are working on is "Go To The Rug". This cue is used when someone knocks or rings the door bell. The trouble is, how does someone who receives as few visitors as I do, practice this cue in real time?

I asked Mr. Postman to help.

Every day when he delivers the mail he rings the doorbell. On or about his usual time, I practice the new cue with Belle. When the doorbell rings, I tell her to "Go To The Rug". Yesterday, I completely lost track of time and when the doorbell rang taking us all by surprise, not one dog noticed! Hey, it would have been really cool if she had gone to the rug, but baby steps, right? Not going postal at the sound was huge, really huge!

And isn't there something about "odd requests from postal customers" somewhere in the postal motto, "neither rain, nor snow, nor odd requests, shall keep the carrier from their appointed rounds?" If not, there should be. After all, how else can we teach these dogs to be a carrier's best friend?

Happy Valentine's Day

2008-02-14T06:36:00.006-06:00

The differences between dogs and cats are many. A few adjectives that have been used to describe the spirit of a dog include faithful, true, loving, and loyal. Cat adjectives have a different tone. Mysterious, whimsical, eccentric or just odd.

Both Belle and at least one of the cats expressed their innate canine/feline spirits with their valentines to me.

From Belle - A more traditional wish for a rosy day.

From the cats - a "litter"al beauty

Happy Valentine's Day "Speak" readers. May you all be as well-loved as I.

Leader Of The Pack

2008-02-09T06:39:00.000-06:00

Lu here, I've decided to wrest the keyboard from Belle's paws for today.

I recently returned from a trip to Miami courtesy of the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation. There were a lot of special moments in the brief four day trip, but one of the real highlights, for me at least, was it was a true vacation. I wasn't responsible for anything but getting myself to the designated spot at the appointed time. Alex from CCFA took care of our flight, our food, our hotel, and our transportation. The team nature of the trip took care of our cameraderie. Without any logistical worries to bog us down, it was easy to bond with each other.

Life is so much easier when someone else is in charge - and performs their role perfectly.

Now I'm home and I'm the one this team of mine looks to to be in charge. They want to believe that they will always have adequate food, a warm place to sleep, and yes, the joy of knowing that they are loved. They want the freedom that comes from knowing and trusting that someone else is in charge. In return, if I do my job right, they willingly do all that I ask. If I don't do it right, Belle at least, will take matters in to her own hands.

This morning's walk had me thinking about my leadership with Belle. I asked myself if I'm her "Alex". I had to honestly answer, no. I don't always give her the sense that I'm in control.

Belle has always had phenomenal skills. She is a quick learner and will work hard to figure out a new problem. Behavior is a different matter. Some days, she'll be calm and on task. At other times, she's willful, disobedient, and obnoxious. Yesterday, was one of the willful days.

We were playing the Alien game described below, but Belle simply refused to bring the ball back to me. In the past, this behavior has really frustrated me. Yesterday, I did something different. I went inside, got a high value treat and Belle's leash, and called her to me. She came because the lure of the peanut butter was too much for her to resist. She also brought Alien - bonus points for me.

After her gentle leader was in place, I returned to playing Alien with Cody. At first, I had her sit at heel next to me while Cody demonstrated to her how the game was played. After several Cody retrieves, I asked her to "Get" and "Bring" Alien to me after Cody had dropped it at my feet. Of course, the first couple of times I asked her to do this, she tried to ignore me. The leash made it possible for me to remind her I was in charge. We played this game for another half hour or so, and then in the house we went. I never let her off lead once she made it clear that she didn't want to play the game by my rules. Today, we'll repeat the game, but with one important change - she will start out on lead. I'll make it easy for her to know where and when she needs to be and do.

On Lead

2008-02-07T17:09:00.000-06:00

...I could do that! I bet Lu would need help, though. She always claims to be rhythmically challenged.

Note: If video won't play, try the direct YouTube link

Alien Games

2008-02-03T10:26:00.000-06:00

I love it when it's warm out! Wimpy Lu will come outside and play with us. Our new favorite game is Alien Attack. Lu gave us this great globular green one-eyed alien for Christmas. It has feet! That means it bounces kinda funny and Cody and I never know where it's going to go.

Here's the rules:

1) Lu flings Alien
2) Cody and I race each other to see who can get to it first (that's easier said than done. Lu may not have flooded a real ice rink, but Cody and I have done a great job of making one of our own. See, all the running around we do has packed the snow pretty good. With all the freeze/thaw we've had, the yard is really slick!)
3) Whoever gets the Alien has to bring it back to Lu to get a treat.

Sounds easy, right? Wrong. After a retrieve or two, the Alien gets kind of slobbery and hard to hold. In addition, I've patented the Kamikaze Cody Ka-blam. That's where I come out of nowhere and knock the Alien out of Cody's snout as he's trying to bring it to Lu. Before it finally gets to Lu, sometimes Cody and I have retrieved the darn thing a half a dozen times. We could play the game forever!

Unfortunately, Wimpy Lu always gets cold, or tired before we do. She pretends the game is going to go on all day and then, and then, instead of flinging Alien for us, she yells, "humans win", and goes in the house. With Alien!! Talk about your spoil sport - she makes Michael Vick look like a model of fair play.

Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice?

2008-01-24T21:32:00.002-06:00

Geesh, if I have to wear the get-up on the dog above when I graduate, I think I'll flunk.

Big Mac Attack

2008-01-22T21:25:00.000-06:00

I'm pretty proud of my brother, Mac. He's famous now! The Eden Prairie Sun did a special feature on him in December. Of course, anything he can do I can do, too!

True Blue Beauty Queens

2008-01-21T10:48:00.000-06:00

Now just because Lu's been too lazy to write about my travels I don't want you thinking that I've been sitting on my paws, too.

I made an appearance at the 2008 Land O' Lakes Kennel Club Dog Show with my dog mom and a few of her friends, including Calvin whom I haven't seen in ever so long. In addition to giving those dog show beauty queens a run for their money, I also showed off the beauty of my service dog skills.

_________ Me (Belle), Jessica, Calvin, Jeanine, Laker, Maisie (Mom!), and Nancy

Crate-ure Comforts

2008-01-19T06:50:00.000-06:00

I guess I'll keep my snout shut about the crate. As soon as Lu read yesterday's post, she made me go downstairs to practice "kennel". At first, I let that doofus Cody run in and out, and in and out, and in and out, and so on (did I mention he's OCD?). Then I noticed he was getting treats - lots of treats! I stayed strong, though. I wasn't going to act like some Belle in the Box, waiting for the mindless tune to end until I popped out.

After hours of that dumb game, Lu finally gave up and left the room. I breathed a sigh of relief - I won the Crate War once again. Then, this incredible aroma wafted through my nostrils - the bouquet of salami so tantalizing I just couldn't help myself. Before I knew what was happening, there I was in that stupid crate. Acting just like Cody (don't be surprised if you look up "doofus" in the dictionary and see the above picture of Cody next to the description). Oh, but the salami was really good, and I can always win the Crate War tomorrow.

Sssh, don't tell anyone, but the salami was so good, I even let Cody do "kennel" with me. I know, I know, sharing a kennel is pretty lame, but hey, I got more salami, more often, and Cody really is my very favorite. After salami.

Poster Pup

2008-01-18T13:17:00.001-06:00

As you all well know, I'm a photogenic gal. What you may not know is I'm officially a Pin-Up Pup. Yep, I'm Miss December in the 2008 RAGOM calendar. Apparently, they let me be in their calendar because I'm such a great mentor to my foster brother, Cody. Cody was rescued by RAGOM and he's the puppy in the picture.

Shape Up or Ship Out

2008-01-18T09:06:00.000-06:00

I'm tired of waiting for Lu to have time to enter my stories into cyberspace, so I'm going to take matters into my own paws. After all, I am a wonder dog.

Where to begin, hmmmm? I think I'll start with my evaluation. Way back in December, I went to stay with N., the foster home coordinator for Helping Paws. I was supposed to be evaluated, but I thought it was a vacation! I met her gorgeous black labs, and her great cats, and I thought I'd died and gone to doggy heaven! All these great playmates, new smells, new people (I love new people best!). And then, horror of horrors, a crate! And I had to go in it, and stay, and not whine, or bark, or chase cats, or walk up to any human for scritches. How humiliating. I let everyone know how abused I felt - and they weren't pleased. See, service dogs are supposed to have great crate behavior. I say, how can I be of service if I'm in the crate?

The good news is (as everyone would expect), I'm fabulous at my service dog skills. I just have a TINY issue with a few LITTLE things. I have a really great really reliable recall - when I want to. I can be calm when people come to the door, but it's just so much more fun to show them how much I really love them. N. told me barreling in to folks isn't fun for the people - and could even be dangerous. Needless to say, Lu has a lot to answer for. She better find a way to make this crate and barrel stuff palatable or I may be looking at a career change. She better shape up or ship out, I say. There's no way that I'm gonna have a career change. That's HP's nice way of phrasing Service Dog Flunkie!

Belle Amie

2007-12-16T06:54:00.000-06:00

My Belle is back and there's going to be trouble...
Hey La, hey la, my Belle is back.

Belle's evaluation was completed and she was delivered as promised yesterday morning. Cody was so glad to see her - the two had some serious playtime to catch up on.

As for Belle and her skills, we have lots to work on; crate behavior and socially acceptable greetings being right at the top of the list.

Gotta go, we better get started!

Changes

2007-12-15T07:11:00.000-06:00

Rally goes on to John today. John is currently between HP foster dogs as Cooper, his last foster, graduated this fall. I will really miss Rally - she has one of the sweetest temperaments - and that's saying something given that Goldens are known for sweet temperaments.

Rally has an unquenchable desire to work. When I'd bring out the clicker her whole demeanor would change. She loves to bring me her dish both before and after she eats. She is a really fast learner, and seldom shows a "do I feel like it" approach to training. Unless she has something really good (read contraband) in her mouth. I have yet to get her to give it up unless I have an equally good treat for trade.

Rally was also a really nice house guest. The few times I had to intercede in an indoor wrestling match (not allowed in this house), one "enough" was all it took for her to cease and desist - despite Cody badgering her to continue. She is protective, and for some reason decided Kris, my next door neighbor, was someone she needed to protect me from. Every time Kris came out his back door, Rally warned me with a fearsome bark and growl that he was on the loose again. She also has her doubts about that alley in back - strange things are always blowing through and she felt it necessary to investigate each and every one.

With the cold, there was one Rally strength I really appreciated. Without a fence, I have to take Rally out on leash to do her business. That girl was extremely efficient. She never made me stand outside for more than 5 minutes - and usually took care of both chores in that short time. Totally awesome!

About the only thing that Rally couldn't do was reach the counter at the vet when it came time to pay our bill. She's such a petite golden - she even tried jumping up to try and get the credit card to the vet tech. It was so cute to see how hard she tried. Why were we at the vet? She had an ear infection in her left ear.

The person she's matched with will be getting a very special dog.

"What A Dream I (he) Had"

2007-12-14T08:26:00.000-06:00

With Belle off being evaluated, I thought I would share a Bulletin Board item from today's Pioneer Press that I really liked (The Mighty Wickard is the submitter of the piece). I hope you will, too.

The Mighty Wickard of "Cottage Grove - city motto: 'Come for our hundreds of pizza parlors; stay for our awful round-about experience'):

"A year or two ago, right after we found out my beautiful boxer dog Moose had a brain tumor, there was the usual grief and misery people experience when they find out they are facing an impending loss of a beloved pet.

"And as is often the case, the stress of the day makes its way into our sleeping thoughts and causes dreams about those matters.

"I slept, and suddenly I realized I was in the presence of God. I couldn't see Him, so I can't tell you if he looked more like ... say, Rodney Dangerfield, the Skipper from 'Gilligan's Island,' or Jane Fonda, but I knew it was God.

"I wept and told him that I would do anything, pay anything, to just have more time with my dog.

"God didn't answer to me directly, but instead put a couple of very large bowls on the table. One bowl contained a bunch of deep purplish/blue marbles about the size of walnuts. God told me that these marbles represented all the months of my life, from birth to death. The other bowl was empty, and He said that this bowl represented my dog's remaining time with us. Then God invited me to move as many of the marbles from MY bowl to Moose's bowl as I wanted to.

"The dilemma was, like all of us, I didn't know how many marbles I had in my bowl. How much time do I have to spare? Would I so eagerly exchange my time if it meant losing time with my family, just to change the plan He had already put in place? I declined, and God brought out several more bowls with marbles. These, He explained, were the time for people I loved. Would I want to take marbles from THEIR bowls to put into my dog's bowl?

"Now, my lesson was becoming clearer. When it would impact people I love, would I be so quick to remove their time just to soothe my own sadness?

"Again, I had to say no. I awoke, not feeling any better about my dog, but the dream did give me a bit of insight into my own selfishness. Sometimes, we have to play the hand we are dealt, and this game doesn't allow you to ask the dealer for a few replacement cards for those we want to discard.

"Next time I talk to God, I'm going to have to ask him if there was some trick to the test, like one of my marbles was worth seven dog marbles, but I have a sneaking suspicion that He is a straight shooter and wasn't trying to pull anything over on me."

Reindeer Rally

2007-12-13T15:10:00.000-06:00

We had a reindeer audition - and Rally and Cody won!

Why Can't We Be Friends

2007-12-12T17:06:00.001-06:00

The course of pet history is littered with epic tales of the battles of cat v. dog. There's Tom and Jerry, Frump and Gomer, and scads of other pairings that make the battles of man seem like "pussy-footing" around.

Not in this house. Not while Ole lives.

While Woobs follows the more traditional feline fetish of taunting the dogs into chasing him, high-tailing it to the highest ground and immediately turning and delivering a one-two pawnch worthy of Ali, Ole just wants to be friends. The other night I caught him spooning with Rally on the dog bed - Rally's paw affectionately draped over him. An endearing, heart-wrenching snuggle that would have made my husband gag. (He thought the end of the world arrived when PC took over on the latter day Tom and Jerry cartoons).

But snuggling up to Rally just wasn't enough for our boy, Ole. No, he wanted to cement the friendship over a fine dinner. The fact he couldn't cook was no problem. The lu-py human in the house had actually left a large (18" diameter) tupperware container on the counter filled with freshly killed Eukanuba. The fact the container was sealed wasn't a problem either. Our boy, Ole, simply pushed the entire container off the counter letting gravity do the heavy lifting so to speak. A feast was had by all.

Now the only thing that's littered is the yard. Doggy loggy poop patrol has never been so nasty.

Christmas Wishes

2007-12-11T08:46:00.000-06:00

Dear Santa:

All I want for Christmas is:

1) A Really, Reliable, Recall.
2) Dignity and calm when greeting people.
3) A person who really needs me to do all the things that I've
been learning to do over the last two years.

Thanks, Santa!

Love, Belle

ps. I've been a very good dog! Honest, just read my blog.

Lies, Damn Lies and Statistics

2007-12-07T10:56:00.000-06:00

On December 2nd, "Speak" had its first birthday. Belle has provided many stories - 244 to be exact - of her training experiences. There's been lots of photos, new tricks for me (slideshows and videos, oh my!), great comments from readers, and even a poem or two.

If anyone should doubt the power of the internet, consider these usage statistics tracked by Google Analytics (tracking began March 23):

Total # of visits: 6220
# of continents: 6 (they must be too cold in Antarctica)
# of countries: 61
# of US territories/states: 51 (only New Hampshire has no visits)
# of languages used: 26

Amazing, isn't it? Belle the Wonder Dog has shared her wonder throughout the world, not just mine.

Thank-you for sharing our training journey with us.

Guts and Grooming

2007-12-06T10:38:00.001-06:00

Rally has been here a whole week now. My how time flies when you're recovering from the worst cold ever. (Can you see the sarcasm dripping off that last sentence?)

Rally and Cody continue to get along great. Rally's strengths are her terrific recall and wonderful eagerness to help. She's a closet snarfer, though, and I've learned I really have to pay attention on our walks. Yesterday, I failed to note a half-eaten apple and before I could stop her she had it locked in her jaws. She wouldn't give, drop it, or any other cue I could think of to tell her and my two hands were no match for the strength of her two jaws. Finally, I desperately searched my pockets for a treat she'd trade for the apple and thankfully, found a fuzzy liver bit that may have actually gone through the wash a few times. I'm not quite sure, but I think the apple may have actually been better for her to have - it was definitely fresher.

She especially loves pop bottles and has been cheerfully throwing up, and yuck, re-eating if I'm not fast enough, bits of plastic from a previous soda pop bottle snack along with her latest meal. She has mastered "the look". Cody dares not tread near when she gives him that look. Their play is often parallel since both are prone to toy guarding. Cody has even taken to stockpiling his nylabones and laying on them - something I've never seen him do with Belle.

Last night, I discovered she loves to be groomed. She couldn't get enough of the brushing and when we were done, she snuggled in to me with the greatest dog hug I've ever received. What a great way she chose to groom me to brush up on my dog care.

Frosted Flakes

2007-12-03T12:34:00.000-06:00

Rally (left) and Cody enjoy a romp in the new snow.

She's Hip!

2007-11-30T10:06:00.000-06:00

Good news! There's no bones about it, Belle passed her hip exam on Wednesday with flying colors. Now that she has certified hips, she just has to get hip with perfecting the rest of her skills. That accomplishment will sit well with everyone!

Rally Around

2007-11-30T09:50:00.000-06:00

Well, I was one dog down for just a few days. Eileen was kind enough to lend me another delightful pooch - Rally. Rally is Dozer's sister. Like Dozer, Rally has the sweetest temperament. Like Belle, she is extremely enthusiastic. Like Cody, she likes to put her paw on you when you're just sitting around.

I get a kick out of the picture at left because it is so not Rally. She always has a grin, is hardly ever still unless you ask her to drop, and is so darn puppy like she's just adorable! Her photo at right is much more her - with a grin to light up the world.

Go ahead. I double dog dare ya'. Try to look at her at not grin back.

Evaluation - Part II

2007-11-28T07:00:00.000-06:00

In anticipation of pre-matching with potential partners, Belle left Monday for her second evaluation. The house is so quiet without her.

It's hard to believe that eight months have passed since Belle strutted her stuff for Lori - her first evaluator. I feel like we've made both great progress and none at all. Greetings and people are still Belle's greatest challenge. When Nancy arrived to pick her up for her evaluation, she wriggled and barked and spazzed and acted just like she did as a two month old puppy. Holding her back from a full out assault on Nancy took more strength than it should have.

I know Nancy will find her highly skilled. I know she will see some definite improvement in Belle's recall. But Thanksgiving taught me that I need to give Belle many more opportunities to meet and greet people on her home turf. We had a house full of people on Thanksgiving. Both Belle and Cody did great with all the hoopla and food, but while Cody was allowed free roam, I kept Belle tethered to me or to Molly the whole day. It was the only way I could be sure that she wouldn't make mistakes - either in her enthusiasm to give kisses, or in passing the hors d'oeuvre trays without helping herself.

I know what Belle needs - practice. But that means I will have to step out of my introvert ways and invite more people, more often to come and visit us. I can do it.

Anticipation

2007-11-25T05:41:00.001-06:00

An article in this morning's paper talks about a "new" phenomena in child rearing; no diapers on infants. Families that follow this practice routinely hold their infants over a bowl or potty chair and make a "suush" sound. The baby will usually respond by eliminating on cue.

Hmmm. Sounds a lot like the method we use to teach Helping Paws puppies to go when and where we want them to go.

I expect the article will get a lot of feedback about the sanitation (sanity?) of the parents following this method. But(t) the method makes sense. It's always easier to train a new skill than to try an untrain an old habit. As the article mentioned, it seems counterintuitive to teach a kid to go in their diaper then at some arbitrary age, tell them they can't do that anymore. Some kids can and do, balk at the change.

When Molly was a wee one, her red hair and fair skin made her prone to skin rashes. Diaper rash was the worst. At times, the only thing I could do was hold her under the tub spout to rinse off her little behind. Wiping was just too painful. At nine months she had a bout with diarrhea that was so bad the skin on her little cheeks would bleed with each bowel movement. Soon, she started to fuss before she had to go. Desperate to help her, I trained myself to listen and watch for her cues and she was totally trained by age 1. But more importantly, her little bottom healed for the first time in her life.

I hope the method described in the article catches on. Our infants deserve not having to sit in their own waste. Like puppies, their elimination schedules are very predictable - when something goes in, something else comes out. If we adults can train ourselves to pay attention to a puppy, how hard is it to anticipate the eliminate of a human child? Trust me, it won't be a long wait - despite what Carole King had to say about it.

It's Not Just Me!

2007-11-20T15:29:00.000-06:00

Cash Advance Loans

An independent blogosphere rater thinks Belle's a genius!

Oak Apples

2007-11-18T08:37:00.000-06:00

Charlie Brown had his kite-eating tree. Belle, Cody and I have our Squeaker Ball eating tree.

This morning, I noticed that squeaker balls aren't the only thing this tree likes. Somehow, this oak tree is growing apples as well!

Can you find two apples and a blue squeaker ball?

A Terrific Two

2007-11-06T10:01:00.000-06:00

Belle has a birthday coming up! On November 17, she will be two. I often compare the experience of living with Belle with that of living with a delightfully mischievous two year old.

Recently, she's taken on a particularly adorable human two year old trait - the "oh mommy, don't leave - I'll be so cute!" skill.

It starts when I ask Cody to kennel up - and I don't ask her to get her pack. She'll tilt her head and watch. When she sees me get my coat and shoes, she starts wagging her tail wildly; her cue for "great, it will be just you and me now". As soon as I sit down to put my shoes on, she starts with plan A; she comes to me and snuggles - resting her head on my shoulder. After I give her a hug and shoo her away so I can tie my shoes, she goes to plan B; sit on said shoes. With her butt on my shoes and her back against my shins, she leans her head back and gives my cheek soft kisses. This always makes me giggle which prompts her to go in to the full body wriggle that asks - "yes, you will take me with you?" When I tell her no, she'll either go back to plan A - snuggle, or drop on her rug, chin between her front paws, and give me pathetic eyebrows. If she really wants to lay on the guilt she'll do her best grine - a cross between a growl and a whine. It's truly a sound that can make mush out of the strongest resolve.

I'm just glad she hasn't added as plan C the most feared trick in the two-year-old arsenal. I'm referring of course, to the dreaded toddler tantrum.

A Rose By Any Other Name...

2007-11-02T09:53:00.000-05:00

Would be called Belle?

A Class Act And An Update On A Classic

2007-10-31T10:13:00.001-05:00

We had class last night!

That might sound like a strange sentiment coming from someone who had a less than stunning academic career, but it's true. Belle and I were ecstatic about going back to class after a three week lay-off necessitated by Team Training. I mentioned my feelings to Marie, (my Tuesday night carpool pal) and she felt the same way. When we got to the Training Center, it was clear all of us in the Tuesday Night Big Dogs shared our enthusiasm for being together again. If we'd had tails they would have been wagging faster than the tails of our dogs.

Speaking of tail wagging, I woke up this morning actually chuckling over the memory of Bella's tail wagging the night before. At the end of class, we had our usual Q & A. Rachel, Bella's mom, related how Bella was a bit "spooked" by all the Halloween creatures they were encountering on their daily romps. Her question of how we should handle our dog's reactions was timely - and Eileen gave us several options. Bella, however, hearing her name mentioned, decided to demonstrate to the whole class how "tense" this whole Halloween business was making her. She rolled over and lay flat on her back, modestly covering her privates with her gorgeous tail. Of course, as soon as we noticed this, we all started laughing. That prompted Bella to start wagging her tail - upside down! Talk about your Halloween Tricks!

On another note; Rachel also gave me the background of a song I had mentioned in a previous post, "Red And Yellow And Pink And Green... . She told me that it was a song her parents had sung to her as a child and that it came from one of their favorite movies. I googled the lyrics today to find out more and discovered that the song was written by Arthur Hamilton for the movie "Pete Kelly's Blues". In the movie, the song was sung by Peggy Lee. And now, I guess I know "the rest of the story".

"Giving Is Receiving"

2007-10-30T08:57:00.000-05:00

(Slideshow courtesy of MN National Guard)

It's been a big week for Belle and I. On Friday night we attended the Fall 2007 Graduation and celebrated as Claudia and Koda, Sammi and Maddy, Janice and Kona, Starr and Cooper, and Deb and Trixie launched their new lives together.

The graduation speeches given by the human partners are always so eloquent, so heartfelt. But one thought in particular has stuck with me all week. So much so, that I used it in a demonstration Belle and I did yesterday for the National Guard Federal Campaign kick-off. The theme of the graduation speech was that giving is receiving.

The purpose of my demonstration yesterday was to give members of our National Guard examples of how the funds that they contribute to the Federal Campaign will be used. As I looked out at the faces of the men and women who give the ultimate in personal service, I wondered how I could ask more of those who give so much already. And so I didn't ask. I let the beautiful video that Helping Paws recently produced tell our story. I asked Belle to do what she does so well; entertain, enthrall, educate and charm. I thanked the group for all they do to keep us safe - at home and abroad. I also told them about Claudia's graduation comments. How for me, as a Helping Paws foster home for Belle, giving really is receiving.