Rescue - Medicine for the Soul

The Unsung Hero's of Washington State Rescue and Recovery

This face speaks volumes
A true testament to the essence of dog.
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In this March 27, 2014 photo, a search dog waits to be washed by the feet of Washington National Guardsmen after working the debris field created by the mudslide near Oso, Wash. Some 70 Guardsmen from across Washington have been activated to help with search and recovery efforts in the mudslide's wake.

Presidential Pooches.

President Obama and Bo

It's Presidents Day. A day to commemorate the life and work of our past Presidents.  We thought it was just as important to pay tribute to the four legged ambassadors that have been by their side. Here is a glimpse into the life of their dogs.

Roosevelt and Fala out for a ride.

Herbert Hoover and King Tut

President Warren Harding and Laddie Boy

Lyndon Johnson and his singing partner, Yuki

President Kennedy and his Welsh Terrier Pushinka

The First Family and their pups.

Nixon and the infamous Checkers.

Ronald Regan and his Bouvier Lucky.

Gerald Ford and Liberty.

George Bush Sr. and Millie.

George W. Bush and Barney

President Bill Clinton and Buddy share a moment.

Winnie's Happy Ending

Kate at california pit bull rescue sent this photo taken Saturday 2/02/2013 of Lisa and Winnie.
I hear they are both madly in love with each other (Winnie's expression says it all)! I just love that little girl and am so happy she has found her forever home! A BIG "THANK YOU" to all who followed Winnie's journey. Your love and support made this happen.

Winnie Takes a Test.

Sara Scott, DPTD,owner of What's Up Dog Training, and her assistant Scott, came over to meet with Winnie last Sunday and to perform a temperament test. The goal of the test was to determine Winnies reaction to different "stressors" and to, generally speaking, get a reading on her psyche. Team Winnie (Pat McIntosh my social media expert and dog lover; Karen my lifelong friend; and myself) watched with pride as Sara pulled, prodded, pinched and generally rough housed this sweet little girl. My eyes welled up with tears as I watched Winnie getting confused, but continuing to tolerate these strangers and their actions. As I had hoped, she passed with flying colors!

Touching Winnies ears inside and out.

Sara judges Winnie's reaction as she pinches the pads of her feet mimicking the feeling of someone accidentally stepping on her.

Generally fussing with her mouth.

The next part of the test involved food. Sara placed a disgusting, but apparently delicious, bowl of canned food down for Winnie. Just as Winnie was in full on food nirvana, Sara took it away from her, gave it back to her, and continued to take it away again. Winnie's reaction, of rather lack of reaction, was perfect! YAY Winnie!

The Food Test

Next came the fun part... play! Sara pulled out some toys from her bag of tricks. The goal was to see how Winnie plays, how aroused she gets, and how quickly she can settle down.  Winnie was having a blast! Tail wagging, she was full of fun. She was a bit mouthy, according to Sara, but with a soft mouth. Nothing to be concerned about, but something to fine tune. Sara also felt that someone had teased her with their hands, so I have been given a couple of exercises to help her understand that a fast action towards her face is a good thing and not a slap!

Winnie at play.

I'm ready!!

Ok, I'll tug on this if you want me too!

Testing her tolerance and her bite.

Winnie, happy as can be.

The last part of the test was the most anticipated (for me). Interacting with another dog. Sara brought her dog Mikey a female pit mix. Her assistant, Scott, paraded Mikey around Winnie from a distance, getting closer and closer at a very relaxed pace.  Winnie was very interested and enthusiastic, but to her credit, not confrontational. She just wanted to sniff that butt and Mikey was sweet enough to let her do it! We all let out a collective sigh of relief (I imagine Mikey did too)!

So to wrap this up, it is my understanding that at this point, Winnie would probably be best with an experienced dog owner. Cats and small children would be a challenge, and not because she is mean, but because she gets excited and wants to play play play. Other dogs would probably be fine, but as with any dog, it is important to introduce them properly and to supervise their interaction at all times in the beginning.

These observations are my interpretation of what took place on Sunday. When it was all said and done, Sara simply confirmed what I already knew... Winnie is a love, and if given the chance, will make a house a very happy home!   Sara has promised to send me her evaluation in writing and I will gladly share it with all of you.

A big thank you to Sara and Scott.

Winnie's Tale.

 

On Thursday August 30th this poor creature was abandoned and found her way to my front porch.  It is said that dogs find you, you don't find them. If that is true than this little girl, torn and tattered, must have known that my home was a haven for 4 legged creatures. 

At first glance, and being my optimistic self, my mind and heart were hoping that she had her own people, had become lost, perhaps in a fight or hit by a car. But after a visit to my vet, they saw her wounds for what they were... She had been used as a bait dog. 

Restrained and helpless, her mouth taped shut to render her unable to bite her attacker, she was a living tool used as bait in order to train the fighter dogs how to fight...and kill.

In the early stages of fight training, bait dogs become the prey. With every defense mechanism stripped away, they're rendered completely helpless. Their mouths are taped shut, their legs are bound, and their bodies are restrained. Then, they're thrown into a ring with another dog... who has been trained to kill them. 

I was sick to my stomach. Like all of us, and especially being in the business I'm in, I have seen the news,read the stories, and been appalled by the plight of the Pitt Bull. But nothing prepares you for the harsh reality of golden eyes looking into your soul and reaching out for help. Despite her wounds, broken scapula, and tire tracks on her back,  there she was licking my face and showing a human creature, the very species who betrayed her, pure love. 

With her wounds tended to, a bright new collar, a new name, and a warm bed to sleep in, I started spreading the word.  Having a menagerie of my own, and boarding my four legged clients, I was only in a position to keep her for a short time. She would need time to heal, and I was determined to keep her out of a shelter where I was certain her will to survive would be for naught. My campaign was fast and furious, Social Media spread the word in my small community and donations started coming in. After being so shattered by the dark side of our species, my heart filled with gratitude for those who came to the rescue. Donations are allowing her return visits to the vet, an upcoming appointment to be spayed,the necessary shots, and a temperament evaluation by a trained behaviorist. I want to give her the best chance possible to start a new life in her forever home. 

 I have managed to find foster care for a couple of weeks, but the campaign for her adoption continues. Sadly, simply by the predetermined prejudiced of her breed, finding her a permanent home is a daunting task. All the right adjectives describe her perfectly: loving, sweet, quite, gentle, playful, and with a strong desire to please. If these were attached to a photo of a Golden Retriever or Labrador, the phone would be ringing off the hook. But mention Pitt Bull, and her plight becomes a strong one. 

Please help me in finding Winnie the love she so deserves in return for the heart she is willing to open and sound of her wagging tail. Pass this on to everyone you know and reach out where you can. You can read more about Winnie's updates on my Facebook Page

You can also contact me, Coleen, at 510-908-1680

Winnie and Greg, her foster Uncle.

Good night kiss.

What am I supposed to do with it now?

Please, just shoot my good side!

Every girl needs a bit of bling.

Is that biscuit for me?

It's Just a Dog.

Based on a quote by Richard Biby via A Place to Love Dogs

The Rockets Red Glare.

 Fourth of July. For us humans this day is filled with everything Americana. Corn on the cob, burgers, pie, ice cream, beer, parades, and to finish it all off, the glory and sparkle of fireworks crackling from the sky. Unfortunately for our four legged friends, nothing can be more harrowing than the sound and site of "The rockets red glare". If your pup suffers from the anxiety of this summertime holiday here are some tips for getting him or her ready for all the crazy that happens once the lights go down.

First thing first. 

• Check your pets collar and ID make sure the tags are legible and are secured on their collars. Isabella's insurance provider, VPI, suggested using a clear coat of nail polish over tags to keep them bright and legible. If your animal has not been micro-chipped consider making an appointment with your vet to make that happen. Pets can sometime run off in flight when caught up in the noise and in the confusion it can cause. It's always better to be safe than sorry. 
•  Set up a safe haven area inside your home. If your dog is comfortable in a crate get it ready. You can chose to leave the door open or not, but keep their area small and in the quietest room in the house. Curtains/blinds closed and low lights. 
• Have a couple of Kongs with kibble and cream cheese in the freezer to give them when you leave. Have music playing.  Leeds and Wagner developed music specifically to calm dogs. It is very helpful and can be found at this link, Through a Dogs Ear.  
• I have heard some very positive feedback from using the Thundershirt. Animal behaviorist, Patricia McConnell PhD writes, "The theory with wraps (originally developed by Linda Tellington of Tellington Touch) is that in a general sense, swaddling provides a sense of comfort and safety. More specificaally the speculation is that the continuous neuronal stimulation of the wrap on the dog's body at minimum distracts him from his fear (a process often called "overshadowing," in which one stimulus modality dominates an animal's nervous system) or at best, creates the production of endorphins that de-activate the amygdala and create a sense of calm". It stands to prove that we all feel better after a hug.
• Rescue Remedy is another good tool. It is the trademarked name of a combination of five Bach flower essences intended for use in emotional or psychological emergencies. It contains the essences of star of Bethlehem, rock rose, inpatients, cherry plum, and clematis. It is by far the most popular of the Bach preparations, and is available as a cream as well as in liquid form for internal use. A few drops an hour or two before the fireworks start can work wonders to keep your furry friend calm.
• If your dog enjoys the company of another dog make arrangements for that dog to come over and hang out. Studies show that dogs derive more comfort from their own kind in stressful situations. Things are always better when you have someone to share them with.
• Remember to never leave your dog outside on the night of fireworks!
• In extreme cases check with your vet for medication. The most important thing is safety, so do what you have to do to keep your dog safe.  

If this still proves to be a stressful time for you and your dog, consider doing some counter classical conditioning to get ready for next year. You can find out more about this training on Patricia McConnell's  site.

Okay now that we have all of that out of the way. Let's have some fun!

Get started early to wear your dog out! If you have the ability to spend the day doing fun and different things, perfect! The more senses you can engage the better. If you are unable to do that, hire a professional dog walker or find a reputable doggie day care. The idea is to have mental as well as physical stimulation throughout the day so by the time night falls and those fireworks start cracking your dog is just too tired out to care. A perfect day (so Isabella tells me) is picking up a couple of friends and heading out to the park or beach. Run, play, play, run. Repeat! Head out to your favorite spot and grab a  Frosty Paw for Fido and a cappuccino for yourself, you'll need the extra boost, then off to the parade. Go to another park, more run, more play. Go to the pet supply store get a bath (Isabella doesn't like that part) and get some bones with the marrow in it, or a chewy. Go for a leash walk in a new (safe) neighborhood. Nothing like lots of new smells to get that brain engaged and tired. Home in time for dinner, into the safe room with treat filled Kongs, bones, music and a nice soft bed.  If another dog is coming over, best not to leave food out unless they will be crated. We don't want any arguments over that nasty meaty bone!

A quick shower for you and your ready to head out for the evening festivities. That is if your not too tired out as well!

just melting butter

Ode to Nicki

With Valentines Day around the corner, I started thinking about how some of us fall in love with our pets. It's a weird thing but I think this chemistry exists. One of my clients who recently lost her dog has been looking at some of the homeless pet websites. She even went to a shelter to meet some puppies. She said they were adorable, and sweet but she just didn't feel that any one of them "spoke" to her. She left and didn't feel bad that she didn't take one home. That conversation got me thinking. There IS something that happens when you meet "the one". Most of the animals I have shared my life with have either just shown up or had some urgent problem and ended up mine. The one dog that I did go out and purposely get only had a short list of requirements. Under 20 lbs. (check) healthy (check) cute (double check). Nicki had been found wandering the streets. She was picked up and brought to the Friends of Fairmont Animal Shelter. I was told that I would need to wait the required 7 days before she could be placed. It turned out, I wasn't the only one that was smitten with that little terrier face. There was a list of 10 people before me that wanted her. I added my name never thinking it would happen. I shopped for treats, beds, collars without buying anything because I just knew that the first person on her list of admirers would be the lucky new "parent". Imagine my surprise when I got the call! All 10 of the previous people flaked. Nicki was to be mine! I was so excited. I raced over to get her. We went shopping, we went to Pt Isabel we had a great "welcome to your new home" party. She seemed happy at first but after a couple of weeks, I realized something was wrong. She didn't connect with me! The problem was, she LOVED men. Believe me when I say she had no discretionary taste. She just loved men. Ted Bundy, Charles Manson - it didn't matter . She just had a thing for the guys. Don't get me wrong, she liked me - but she LOVED men. I had a hard time with it for a while but I finally accepted it and learned to be second to whatever guy happened to be in a 5 mile radius. I guess that unrequited love made me want her heart all the more. We had a long and happy life together but even in her final days she found comfort in my brothers arms. I was so thankful he was there for her. It feels sad to write this but I know in my heart of hearts that it was a good life for us both. So no matter what fur ball you are sharing your life with right now, Give them an extra treat and love this Valentines Day. It may not be perfect but it is true and you gotta love them for that!

Success!

This is Jackie aka Jackie O (as in oh no) or Yakity Jackity.

She was adopted from the Oakland Animal Shelter about a year or so ago. She has no impulse control. She jumps ALOT and barks nonstop while playing in the group. She does not have a mean bone in her body and her recall is excellent but that barking......

Last year I completed a couple of courses at the Marin Humane Society under the instruction of Trish King. It was $1,500. well spent. One of the many things I learned was about correction. When there is a behavior that is undesirable, DO NOT MARK IT! At first that didn't make sense to me but I was willing to give it a try. I always keep 6 foot skinny leads on the dogs that need help. When bad behavior happens, I am not to say anything. I just remove the dog from the activity. Jackie gets overwhelmed with excitement during play and starts that *%## barking. Instead of yelling her name 1,000 times and getting frustrated with her for not listening, I am to just pull her out of play and give her a time out. I started doing this about 2 months ago. Her schedule has been irregular with me but in January she has been on a daily schedule. 10 days ago my helper and I realized something was missing. JACKIE'S BARKING! I was elated. It worked! Every once in a while she forgets and barks and I forget and yell but we both check ourselves and do the desirable behavior. It has made such a difference for all of us. Now for that jumping.......

DEUTSCHER SHAFERHUND - 110 YEARS OF EVOLUTION-BY EDUARDO DURAN HAEDO -

Lengthy but a very interesting documentation of what man has done to this once healthy, beautiful breed.

Have a stinking fun weekend

Yipee It's Friday...

Why do dogs roll? Why do dogs roll in smelly stuff? I like to think it's because they are happy and have an itch for life but that's not what the experts say. Some say it is the same as humans putting on perfume or cologne. Other experts say it is a technique to camouflage their scent for hunting. I am going to stick with my theory that it is just plain fun. I take care of one dog in particular that just cannot wait to share with me the latest most disgusting thing he has rolled in. He runs like a mad man with pure joy in his eyes and jumps up on me. Doesn't matter how much I fuss or complain he just acts as though I am really missing out. Maybe I am but he hasn't convinced me yet - but who knows.....there is still plenty of mud out on the trails. Whatever your weekend brings I hope you find the joy of a good old fashioned roll in the mud....

The walls have eyes, ears and a nose!

	ALL IN ALL, IT'S JUST ANOTHER BARK IN THE WALL HAMPSHIRE (UK)—So you think you've got troubles? A 6-month-old Husky named "Keano" somehow got his entire face stuck in an ornamental wall. A neighbor alerted the pup's guardian who called Hampshire Fire Service. Rescuers arrived and were able to chisel away the wall, freeing the dog without any injuries. (Photo

Week of March 16 2010

Happy St Patricks Day

St. Patrick's Day dog

AP/paddyjokes.com

When you think of St. Patrick's Day, visions of leprechauns and clovers probably pop into your head. Yet, these fanciful images don't really signify the contributions into modern day society made by the Irish. People from Ireland have given us everything from Celtic art (including tattoos) to music, movies, dance and language. They've even given us several great dog breeds. The American Kennel Club recognizes eight Irish dog breeds. They are the Glen of Imaal Terrier, Irish Red and White Setter, Irish Setter, Irish Terrier, Irish Water Spaniel,Irish Wolfhound, Kerry Blue Terrier andSoft-Coated Wheaten Terrier. What makes these canines stand out are their unique coats, gallant postures, alertness and endurance. Most dogs with Irish lineage were hunters or guardians. However, today, they largely serve as domesticated companions. The most common Irish dog breeds are the terrier and setter. They are beloved by people worldwide. However, the particular Irish dog breed that makes natives of Ireland gush is the Kerry Blue Terrier. This dog symbolizes the regal nature, loyalty and determination many Irish people like to attribute to themselves. To find out more about Irish breeds of dogs, visit the American Kennel Club. There, you can get more details about the appearance and temperament of these dogs. Also, you can find out if one of them is right for your home

Irish dog breeds

Irish dog breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club. Photos: AP, Wikimedia

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Week of March 8 2010

Humility

Ever notice that no matter who you think you are, dogs just have a way of putting things in perspective? I think of President Bush and his dog Barney. As if the President didn't have enough problems with his public persona, Barney the Scottish Terrier would act up in a most public way. He would routinely show a complete disregard for the President. It used to make me laugh out loud to watch Barney duck and dodge as the President tried to grab him. Barney even bit a reporter and was captured on film doing it! Take that!

One of my personal moments happened at La Taza restaurant. I was feeling very special.

It was my birthday brunch celebration and fundraiser for Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. The owners of the restaurant allowed us to bring our dogs. Everybody was having a great time when Bentley showed up. We were all very excited to see him and made quite a fuss at his arrival. Bentley walked to the middle of the patio, squatted and left a very nasty stinky pile. In a flash, the range of emotions went from happy, disbelief, disgust, acceptance and finally humor. Voila - a memory made. Some people turned away like it didn't happen, others left the patio and pretended to have urgent business inside but most of us just groaned "Bentley" and laughed while he tried to steal some food off of one of the plates left unattended.

A friend once said babies and dogs bring out the best and worst in people. I have to agree. Lucky me. I am surrounded by people that love their dogs, have a sense of humor and know how to forgive - maybe not forget - but certainly forgive!

Hello March

Kleenex worthy