Wish I May-Wish I Might-A New Year's Wish Tonight - Coming to a computer near you

I don't make New Years resolutions.  However, I do have a New Year wish to share.  I wish the shelters would never have to euthanize for space.  I wish for a home for every adoptable animal.  I wish for Peace on Earth, or at least in the shelters on Earth. 

I have a theory, that if each person adopted one dog from their local shelter; if each person with a dog, or cat would spay or neuter their pets, if each person treated their pets with loving kindness and formed a bond with their pet, we just might make the wish of millions of animals come true. 

õComing to a computer near youõ

We are pleased to announce the launch of a special BowWow-WIN™ Series, which readers can share with children to help them learn basic tenets of the values of responsible ownership of pets. Each episode in the series includes a word of the month that readers can explore along with a humane education point, a follow-up activity, and story discussion tips.

In this series, a puppy named Captain Jack is the main character. Captain Jack will bring a learning experience regarding character traits each month throughout this year.

We selected January 2018 to introduce this series and invite you to join us each month to experience The Adventures of Captain Jack—Explorator™ as he learns how to live in the world of humans. This is a win-win for children as they learn how to have fun reading and experience the valuable skills that will help them navigate life and increase their abilities to succeed at school, their chosen extracurricular activities, and their eventual careers.

Enjoy BowWow-WIN™ for books with The Adventures of Captain Jack—Explorator™ as you meet his friends and people who help him along the way. (Although these stories are geared toward children, they are beneficial for adults as well.)

In addition, if you would like Captain Jack to visit your classroom or library, please go to the Paws and Claws Publishing website. Click on “Our Books” and then on Hero to the Rescue—The Memoir of an Unlikely Hero by Heddie Wittlin-Leger. Click on the Speaking Engagement Request Form, and you can place your request for a visit online. Enough about us and now…

Here is a little tidbit to share before the launch on January 15th.....

Captain Jack sat—wet and shivering—in the dark box, not knowing where he was. His MawMaw had taught him not to bark since it made most humans mad. He always listened to his MawMaw because the others in the barn called her the “Wise One.” Who was he to doubt the “Wise One”? He and his brothers and sisters never really had lived in a home, but did have a nice barn that was warm and smelled sweet from hay. He loved the smell of the horses and cows. But now all he could smell were things he didn’t even know how to describe. 

“Where am I?” Captain Jack asked himself, curling up in a little ball to keep warm. “Where is my MawMaw, and why didn’t she come back?” he wondered to himself. 

Paws and Claws Publishing, LLC does its part in supporting and publishing quality books that focus on quality of life for all species.  I invite you to check out their webpage and start the New Year out right, by sharing the page with others, purchasing any of the books on the site for a gift, or even for yourself, or your local library or place of worship.  You will find topics of inspiration that are quality publications for all ages.   www.pawsandclawspublishing.com

 We encourage you this year, if you received a pet for a gift, to find a positive force free bond based trainer to help you.  Please do not drop off your pet in the country, please do not leave at the door of a shelter, please do not post for free on Craigslist or offer for free as dog fighters often look for these dogs for bait to train their fighting dogs. 

Please do call your local shelter and find a way to work with them if you cannot keep the pet.  The local veterinarian often will also help.  Please look for help and do not abandon or neglect the pet.  It is a living thing that wants to survive just like me and you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 We wish you a very safe and Happy New Year

www.pawsandclawspublishing.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ThanksMas - A Moment in Time

A Story of Thanksgiving and a Christmas  Join forces in the following ThanksMas message.

 

Have you ever had a sense of urgency about the necessity of being at a certain place in time?
Have you ever had that gut feeling that you are meant to and supposed to do something?
Have you ever had those intuitive feelings become reality?

Once upon a time when a Pet Partner Team visited the Ronald McDonald House, a dream was planted, sprouted and bloomed during visits with my therapy dog, Hero.  We ventured through the doors not knowing what to expect.  We were told to wait as we had a request visit for a special patient.  She missed her dog and had been under treatment for months.  It was the holiday season, and a dog was what the doctor ordered.  Since she lived a great distance from the Ronald McDonald House, we were called in, as her dog could not come and visit at the time.  The Universe took over from there and God's plan began to unfold.  The first visit became one, then two, then three, until we lost count over the period of time she was under treatment.  Her mom was there with her and the four of us became fast friends. 

This is the true saga of a young lady named Chelsea; her mom, Julia and their beloved pup "Socrates."  During our visits, years ago, they would ask can our pup become a service dog for Chelsea, as she is going to need one as time goes on.  It was unclear how her condition might progress after treatment.   Our conversations would cover temperament necessary to be a service dog, careful attention to proper socialization, and impeccable training skills.  Owning a service dog is a privilege and heavy responsibility, especially for a young person.  With her mom's help, Chelsea was able to successfully train Socrates.  He did in fact have the proper temperament, and their bond was so strong, it was a perfect match.  A match made in heaven would be an understatement. 

Through the years, we have stayed in touch, but for some reason even more frequently in recent months.  Perhaps due to the wonders of facebook and blogging, etc.  Julia and Chelsea shared their account of their journey to date with Socrates as he accompanies her to college.   He has indeed become a valuable asset to her ability to succeed at the college level and is a welcome face in the halls of education.

In the words of Chelsea, here is Socrates' story. 

"We got Socrates from a ChowChow rescue in Texas after weeks of looking.  My mom found a website and saw that a ChowChow had been rescued and had puppies.  Surprise!!!!  There were nine puppies.  Socrates was the chubbiest one and wore a red collar.  At first, we thought he was already taken, but when my mom called, lucky for me, she was told the original potential adopter had backed out, they never came to pick him up AND HE WAS MINE !!!!!

Socrates came to us on a plane.  He was so, so very sweet.  He was as sweet as I thought he would be.  I was 12 at the time I got him.  The first few days I began his training.  He was such a smart puppy.  He learned and picked up on everything immediately.  I am so proud that I was able to train him to be so obedient and such a good boy.  Now many years later, he is my emotional support dog and goes with me to the university.  He is doing so well.  He listens very well, and is very good at staying focused on his job, which is to stay with me.  It is very important for a service dog to stay focused on his main responsibility.   He keeps me grounded and keeps me focused to make sure his needs are met.  He helps me be able to feel safe and secure, and not just center on myself.  When I have to stay late at school, he keeps me safe.  He is very watchful and would protect me in any situation.  I could not imagine what my life would be like without him."

Chelsea's dream and goal is to become a veterinarian.  She is well on her way to reaching her goal and is an exemplary student.  Those many years ago it was hard to hold on to that dream and hope in the face of overwhelming odds, but Chelsea and Julia did, along with their family. 

This holiday season we wish each and every one of you a Christmas miracle.  We urge you to be thankful for every little blessing in your life, even during challenging times it is important to remember there is always hope.  When life whispers, its too difficult, give up.....do not listen.....keep the image in your heart and mind of the possibilities of good things happening.   They do. 

Thank you to Chelsea and Julia for sharing your story about Socrates.  We look forward to hearing more as you continue pursuing your goals and dreams.  We are very thankful for you.

If you have a dog and think you would like to train your dog to become your service dog, please contact a certified professional force free teacher/trainer.  Please have your dog evaluated and make sure the job you want to give your dog matches his or her abilities and inherent skills.  Most importantly, like Chelsea, make sure you have a very strong bond with your dog.  You can learn more about Bond Based Teaching by looking up Force Free Teachers/Trainers.    Reward based and force free teachers/trainers are available to help you develop the skillsets you need to have in order for your dog to help you in public.  It is very important to work with a teacher/trainer, and imperative that you make sure your dog meets all the criteria for your safety, the dogs safety and public safety.   For more information, please respond to kyndeness4k9s@gmail.com  with your contact information and we will get back with  you immediately. 

Happy Trails and Tails, 

Heddie

Behavior is more than meets the eye

Each and every canine is born with inherent abilities that wait to be discovered.  One of the maladies that plagues the rescue sheltering world, is the owner surrender that gives up on a dog, before trying to understand what their animal is able to do mentally and physically.  One of the major complaints of the owner is the dog has too much energy and is destructive.  More often than not, this situation is the result of boredom.  The solution is often within reach if the owner can find assistance.  This blog is intended to offer that assistance.  Please feel free to email: kyndeness4k9s@gmail.com with any questions you may have.  It is not always a training issue, but one of basic behavior.  An understanding of what causes a certain behavior and what you can do break the cycle of destruction can be very helpful and help keep your dog in your home.

If your dog came from a puppy mill or pet store that receives dogs from puppy mills, there could be genetic, temperament or health issues due to irresponsible breeding practices.  It is very important to have a veterinarian conduct a thorough health check including checking for thyroid function and any pain the dog may be experiencing that can create adverse behavior.   Please contact your local veterinarian before making decisions regarding relinquishing your pet, if possible.

Here are a few suggestions:

* Something as simple as providing your dog a Kong toy filled with peanut butter and put in the    freezer overnight; give the toy to your dog before you leave and this will keep your friend busy for hours while you are gone.  This activity will also keep their mind busy trying to get the peanut butter out of the Kong toy.    It can actually tire them out enough, they will take a long nap. 

* There are also many puzzle toys on the market where the dog must figure out how to get the treat.  It is amazing how long a dog will be entertained by this activity. 

*  Some dogs are entertained by having the television left on for them.  While others like to listen to music.

*  If your dog is more active and you have a pet sitter or dog walker in your area, you can have them come by and take the dog out for exercise at mid day.

*  It is simply a matter of looking to see what type of mental and physical energy your dog possesses and finding creative ways of keeping them busy while you are gone. 

A local organization Legend Acres offers many of these items in addition to behavior and training assistance.  You can reach Legend Acres at www.legendacresboarding.com   They also offer board and trains, private and group lessons. 

Rather than relinquish your dog to a shelter take a look around, there is always help, closer than you think.  Doing things with your dog can be fun and provide much needed exercise for both of you.

Happy trails and tails to you,

Heddie Leger, ABCDT-L2, ADT, CDT, CHES, CPDT-KA
Canines with Careers Trainer
Pet Partners Instructor/Evaluator
Canine Good Citizen Instructor/Evaluator