Sunday, August 30, 2009 - Learning to walk.

(My dear friend Noah, an old soul, sharing a bit of well earned affection with me.

Have you ever seen a rottie with a tail? Well, here's Lu's tail,... Noah. Where ever Lu goes,.. there he is.)

This is truly where the joy of rehabilitation comes in. I was just thinking back to the first day Noah arrived. The condition he was in, the pain, the fear, the aggression, oh yea, the red-zone aggression towards humans fueled by the fear they have created in him.

Here we are, 34 days later and Noah is walking with my pack of dogs. He is still having a difficult time moving forward, and by forward I mean not just psychologically, but physically. He gets stuck. Now, please understand that the mind and the body work together so when he gets stuck it comes full circle. He begins to fear and doubt himself, the mind stops moving so the feet stop moving. Once the feet stop moving the mind does not know how restart the feet. This is where the power of the pack comes in.

Currently, I am only able to walk him on my property. Now, don’t feel bad, I have nearly an acre. That’s plenty of room for us to navigate a mini-migration while this guy is learning to be a good follower. We also still have the legal side to keep in mind. If you read from the beginning you will remember that Mr. Greg Beck and the lawyers from the Devore Animal Shelter are very concerned about this vicious dog, and possibly escaping. If he were to be a vicious dog, and if he were to escape my property we could be in for some trouble. So, to keep all things on the safe side for now, I spend time walking him around my home facility where he feels safe, and does not feel the need to flee.

He has been walking my property with the pack for the past 8 days now and doing just fine. Its no surprise that his new best friend is Lucius. Everywhere Lu goes Noah seems to be just inches behind him. This is actually a good thing for now. Noah has no idea how to play, or how to go to the bathroom on a regular basis. Right now, with all that he has gone through, he seems to be a bit removed from his primal instincts. He even waits for Lucius to go to the bathroom before he does. Noah seems to be looking toward Lu for all the cues and reminders of what its like to relax and be a dog. Noah has a great teacher.

It wont be long before Noah is ready to leave the property and go on a pack migration. We just have to be sure we don’t jeopardize his freedom before he is ready. The powers that be have made if very clear that they need to know where this dog is at all times, and if he changes locations they need to be notified. Better safe in this situation!

Sunday, August 23, 2009 - Lori & Claudia's visit!

Today Noah and I enjoyed a nice visit with Lori and Claudia. It was a great opportunity for Noah to do a little bit more work, and perfect for the gals to learn a little bit more about the rehabilitation process. Not much improvement in one day from Noah of course. Well, slightly. I was able to put the training collar on him right away, leash him up, but walking him from the kennel to the training field happened pretty much just as slow as yesterday. The process of teaching a dog to walk on a leash in this situation was new to Lori and Claudia, and learning not to “nurture” weakness in Noah will prove rather challenging I’m sure, but it was a good day!

Many thanks to both Lori and Claudia for all of their efforts with Noah, and all of the other lives they have touched. With many thanks to Cesar Millan and Noah, living in the moment, and loving it!

Saturday, August 22, 2009 - Breakthrough.

This week I have continued to use my pack to help rehabilitate Noah. I wish all of you could truly know just how beautiful this is. Lucius has a wonderful story all his own. Not only has he come back from near death experiences twice so far in his short life, it’s a miracle he is here to begin with. He has overcome amazing obstacles in his life to play the part of my “right hand man” and now it has been his gift to help rehabilitate other dogs.

Most recently would be my blue pit Dharma that came to us 11 months ago. Finding her way to me thin, filthy, and full of puncture wounds from another dog, this scrappy little girl is believed to come from the fighting ring, and has also proven to be quite the lesson for both Lucius and I. She is our dharma, coming from the Sanskrit word meaning of one’s “duty” – religious or otherwise. She is our duty, or responsibility, our lesson. Joining our pack this summer is Sol, a rottie also with a story that spans 4 years. It is their turn to pay it forward with Noah. It is their turn to show Noah the joys of living amongst a pack, of being accepted, and being truly protected by a pack leader.

The past several days Noah has very curiously watched my pack directly outside his kennel run. This is his safety, and his security for now, but he has become ever so curious as I play with the pack just a few feet from him, share affection with the pack, outfit them with their training collars, leashes and back packs. Now as we all walk off for our pack walks in the morning Noah has taken to giving a few barks, and howls. No doubt communicating with the rest of the pack.

No problem my friend; you are welcome to come. You just have to be able to put on a collar and leash.

Video: In this video you will see daily duty of cleaning out his kennel. In the beginning he would hide in his crate, or try to jump out of the kennel-run shaking, submissively urinating, and vocalizing, as the Husky breed is known for. Here you will see how far he has come. He will still hide behind me, and seek protection from me, but no longer will you see him try to escape. His fear of the water hose is diminishing. His expression is gaining more curiosity. He demeanor is becoming more relaxed, and we are able to share much more affection with him at this point. Previously, he was in such a constant nervous state of mind that any talking to him or affection would only nurture his nervousness. Despite being 100% healthy, and the ample amount of clean water available to him daily, currently he is still not drinking enough, or having normal bowel movements. Better, but not good. Lets see what this week holds. It is still a process, but definitely progress.

Thursday, August 13, 2009 - Vet re-check!

Today is the day. The day he must go back to Arlington Animal Hospital for a re-check, remove those bothersome stitches, and a quick bath while he’s in dreamland. I am very happy to tell you all that this vet visit is very uneventful. No drama, no thrashing about, no tantrums, no biting. I know this does not make for a good blog, but it does make for more balance in this dog’s life. Actually, here is the truth; the day before Dr. S gave very direct orders. Give him six Acepromazine. Six. Yes,.. not five, but six Acepromazine. Make sure he absolutely takes all SIX Ace well before you bring him here. Not FIVE. Give him ALL SIX. Ok Dr. S, got it! Six Acepromazine make for one very sleepy, very incoherent dog. Sleepy dogs tend not to bite. Sleepy dog in crate, lift crate into car, and off we go. Easy for us, and more importantly, it’s easy for Cesar dog.

By this time Lori and I realize that although “Cesar” is a great name, there is already a great “Cesar” out there, and this Cesar dog needs a name that is a little bit more fitting for him. He needs a name that is more “his” name. Lori spent the evening looking up names that not only have a meaning for her, but also a meaning for this old soul that has come into our lives. Sitting in the waiting room we go through a list. One after another, as nice of names as they are, they are just not befitting this surviving old soul.

Old soul. Survivor. Wait,.. there is one that is very fitting. Noah. Hebrew in origin, and has meanings that range from “peaceful”, “long-lived”, “comforter”, and “wanderer.” The Biblical patriarch survivor of the Great Flood whom drifted for 40 days. Ahhh, yes. This is our Noah. Our Noah is an old soul, a wanderer, a drifter, a survivor, and a future comforter to other canine companions in need. This I can see clearly. Well-done Lori!

Welcome to the first day of the rest of your brand new life Noah.

Video (Big “thank you” to Craig Cirelli.): Here you will see Lucius, Noah’s guardian and protector, welcoming his new friend home. Since Noah arrived Lucius has had to be content with keeping watch over his new pack member from the outside of the kennel. He’s expressed his concern and need to enter the kennel many times, but has had to be patient while Noah was quarantined and healing. This is the first time Lucius was granted his wish of entering the kennel to meet his friend. Well-done Lucius!

Saturday, August 8, 2009

It’s been a week of healing for our dear friend Cesar dog. Its clear in his eyes that he is still unsure of many things, and most certainly spends his time in the present moment. We have spent the past week sitting in his kennel with him, allowing him to take his time approaching us, and eating out of our hands. He is learning to work very hard at trust in order to get his daily meal. He will most certainly eat out of a bowl if I leave food for him, but that wont teach him to trust me, or any other humans. In general, nervous dogs will not accept food, or treats. If I were to go in his kennel and try to “bait” him with food in order to get him to work for me he would shy away, retreat and hide in his crate.

This is where patience comes in. As I sit in his kennel run with him, I allow him to take his time, and approach me – the pack leader. I hold his bowl of food, put a bit of his Blue Buffalo dry dog food in hand, along with a few hot dog pieces, and allow Cesar dog to approach me, and when he relaxes into a calm submissive state of mind this is when I allow him to have a few nibbles. He is learning to remain very calm around me, and learning that he only gets something when he remains in that calm submissive state of mind with me. This is a perfect scenario for him to be fed by others as well. Each person that assists me with this rehabilitation follows the same formula for success.

Cesar dog is still quarantined, and on lots of medication. As his body begins to rid itself of all of the parasites, and toxic energy he must remain in his kennel when cleaned. This presents a rather big problem, and further demonstrates what truly appears to have been harsh treatment with a powerful hose, or simply no socialization or experiences previous to being with me. Scooping is not too much trouble at all as he takes to hiding in his crate. As its time for hosing out, his fears rear their ugly head. The shaking begins, the submissive urination, the panic, and frenzy to jump out of the kennel run and flee for safety. Projecting calm assertive energy I silently promise him; this will get easier. Life will get easier.

I am grateful to spend my time relaxing with him in the present moment as well. Most of the time, as dogs come into my life, the lesson they are going to teach me is not always obvious. This time is different. This time I know he is going to teach me patience. He is going to teach me to live in the present moment with him, and wipe clean all of the plans and goals I have for him. He is going to teach me to be here, in the now.

Video (Thank you to Craig Cirelli for edits.):

In this video you will see Cesar dog getting a little closer look at two of his new friends. Safely, on the outside of his kennel my blue pit Dharma, and Laila spend a little bit of time sharing energy. This is a fantastic opportunity for Laila who suffers from extreme anxiety. As you see Dharma relax you will see Laila continue to pant heavily, and lick her lips nervously as she struggles to lay still. Laila also spends much time here for rehabilitation. Dharma does her best to remain calm and act as pit bull role model! (She wants to be just like Junior when she grows up!)

Monday, August 3, 2009

[Lucius, standing watch as usual. I'm very lucky, he is my equivalent to Cesar's dog "Daddy." I can take him anywhere and introduce him to anyone and he is a perfect Ambassador for the Rottie Breed. He very much wants to be friends with this rescue, but has not had the opportunity yet as this dog is not anywhere near being healed, and ready to socializing.]

Yesterday was such a fantastic day for Buddy, er, I mean Cesar dog, that I can hardly wait for today. It’s a beautiful day out, and my assistant Angela Morin is coming over to meet our new friend and do a little bit of work with me.

Our first plan is to just have Angela go in his kennel and feed him. It went so well with my dad yesterday, and there is not a doubt in my mind, I know he will do great with Angela. This is nothing new for her either; she has worked in rescue for many years specializing in large/giant breed dogs. She is also a certified dog trainer and has been my student/assistant for over two years now. I have every bit of confidence in her!

On this video you will see the very first meeting between Cesar dog and Angela. It goes very well! He eats only the hot dogs and lunchmeat; Angela gets to keep all of her fingers! This is good for Angela. Good for Cesar dog as well.

You will hear Lucius barking in the background. This would be his personal commentary and protest. He obviously wants in the kennel run and some of those hot dogs. Normally I would give him a “ssht!” to curb that demand for food and attention, but not knowing where we stand on dog aggression I chose to use that moment to see if Cesar dog reacts aggressively in any way. Lucky for Angela he doesn’t!

A huge "thank you" to Angela Morin, Owner of Enlightened Canines Rescue and Rehabilitation Sanctuary.

Information & Assistance...

Would you like to know how it all began?

Would you like a different perspective on Buddy's journey?

For further information on the days leading up to Buddy's journey from the streets, to the shelter, and then to me, please read Lori's blog, Saving #88!

www.Saving88.blogspot.com

Since the Devore Shelter was unable to treat the numerous injuries "Buddy" came in with while he was there, this has left Claudia and Lori with medical bills that have now surpassed $3000.00.

If you, or anyone else would like to donate to Buddy's care while we work diligently behind the scenes on his rehabilitation please contact Claudia at ClancyLab@msn.com.

Buddy thanks you, and sends you all positive energy!

Sunday, August 2, 2009

Wow! These pictures speak louder than words!

Here it is, only 7 days since "Cesar" had arrived, and he is already taking food from someone other than me, someone who is not only a stranger, but a man. MY DAD!

My dad spent bout 5 minutes sitting outside of the kennel run, all the while Cesar gave a low guttural growl. He definitely seems to be very uneasy around men. After about 5 minutes my dad got up and came inside. We chatted inside the house for a short time, then we both went back out to the kennel equipped with yummy lunchmeat!

Starting back at step one my dad sits outside Cesar’s kennel and just talks to him. There is a little lip curl, so I go in first, having already established a relationship with him now, and begin feeding him. My dad comes in after me, I hand over the goods, and Cesar allows my dad to feed him! Woohoo!

Now, please keep in mind, that just 7 days ago this dog was deemed so aggressive that no one could get near him. I was told that he was too aggressive even for the vet to give him treatment. If you haven't read the first three posts, now is a good time to go back and review. In just 7 days my dad is feeding him. I had planned on beginning with a variety of women feeding him, but the opportunity presented itself, and look what we have accomplished.

At the end of the video you will see my dad reach his hand towards "Cesar" and allow him to sniff. Cesar didn't offer any kisses, but just simply turned his head and avoided any further contact. No further lip curls, or growls, and my dad still has all 9 fingers,.. I mean 10, yea 10 fingers.

Please forgive me for the very amateur video footage. My professional cameraman was off today.

Saturday, August 1, 2009

[Just look at that face!]

Day 6. Cesar is doing well, and showing us a calm submissive smile almost consistently. Nobody has lost any fingers or toes, and there has been no bloodshed! Now the real question is, what are all of those people going to do when this dog is rehabilitated? Remember all of those people that were dead set on euthanizing this dog because he was too aggressive? Ok, I give, it is still early on, and we shouldn’t count our chickens before they hatch!

Moving on now. “Cesar” is still fearful of the hose when I clean the kennel, and still hides in his crate. I’m not surprised, and plan for this to be a work in progress. He’s still eating out of my hands just fine several times a day, and actually seems to look forward to my company. I’m sure this is something he is not used to at all. As I walk dogs by his kennel run, he comes up to the side looking for a bit of attention now. Progress.

I attempted to try and wipe down his face today, it was a no go. A warm washcloth coming towards his face was not high on his list of priorities. Fair enough. We will try again tomorrow!

What a wonderful story for this dog. He goes from the streets where kids are throwing things at him and he is exposed to all of Mother Nature’s harsh elements and no food, to the shelter where he cannot be treated for his massive wounds and is set to be euthanized, to a Dog Training and Rehabilitation Center for Complete Canine Wellness. Here he gets a very quiet country atmosphere, his own private quarters with a pool, breezy shelter, Organic dog food, and soft voices and friendly canine faces that greet him everyday. Wow! How lucky is this dog?

May an abundance of all good things find come to all of you; it has to this sweet rescue dog!

Jen, and the pack!

Friday, July 31 2009

[Here you see Lucius standing on the back steps watching over "Cesar." He does this often.]

Another day, another pack walk. “Cesar” has shown more interest in other dogs as I prepare them with backpacks, and leave for our pack migration walks. He seems to have a curious look as if to say, “I wonder where they get to go every morning?” One thing we do know is that he has been migrating by himself for quite some time. I am eager to take him along on our morning pack migrations, but that will have to wait at least two weeks until all of his many sutures come out.

Cesar is still not nearly as strong and able as I had hoped, but he is moving around a bit more. I look forward to watching his strength and health grow as the days go by. “What you think about, you bring about!”

Today is a fairly busy day around my facility, cleaning, working, and dogs checking in for boarding. I’m proud to share that there was no lip curling at all while hand feeding Cesar today. He actually greeted me respectfully, head lowered, and tail slightly wagging. Its good to see him moving forward, and trusting me more.

His mouth still looks to be slightly swollen, and fairly painful to me. As per the doctors’ orders, we are to keep him on soft food for at least the first 7 days. Hot dogs, lunchmeat, and high quality canned food: Cesar Millan’s brand, Blue Buffalo, and Wellness. He seems to be having difficulty navigating the food bowls with the Elizabethan collar on, so it actually gives me more time to sit with him several times a day and hand feed him. Here he will get the opportunity to be fed by the pack leader, very symbolic for him, and a great trust building exercise for he and I.

Today is a typical routine for Cesar. Keep him quiet and comfortable. No extra added stress while he is healing, and work on building trust. Today is a good day!

Blessings to all of you,

Jen and the pack!

Thursday, July 30 2009

[Here, in this pic, you can notice the incontinence. He is just standing there dripping.]

Rise and shine! Another pack walk, and more social time with our friend Buddy, er, uh, Cesar. Sorry, he is Cesar now.

Today he is a slightly more alert, but still not sure on his feet. I’m also taking into consideration the condition of his teeth and mouth and assuming that he has not eaten very well at all in weeks? Maybe longer? Lack of good nutrition, and underdeveloped muscles are obvious. He certainly has a way to go before he can have a clean bill of health!

Although he is still incontinent, he has spent more time outside of his crate watching all the activity today. I have purposely spent even more time outside with my pack working obedience, and playing. I want to lead by example. I want him to see what it is like to be apart of a pack, and what the pack looks like when they are sharing good energy and having a great time. Today Cesar gets a chance to watch a pack of dogs share plenty of affection, interact with me, and get rewarded with treats for performing basic and advanced obedience commands. The power of the pack.

Of course we still have the kennel run to hose out rather often. He is still not happy about this, and he still hides in his crate, but today he didn’t shake. This is forward movement. Excellent.

Feeding went much better today. At 5 different times today I sat in his kennel with him and fed him hot dogs and lunchmeat. My pack lined up next to the fence of the training field observing ever moment!

It was a good day.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Its 6:00 am, and as I let the other dogs out on the training field Buddy is still fast asleep in his crate. Feeling safe and secure, resting, and healing. Just what the doctor ordered. Kim and I prepare all the dogs for a pack walk, backpacks on, and off we go. Be back in an hour or so Buddy!

As we return back from the walk we notice Buddy has come out of his crate to join the world, congratulations little doggie! We also notice Buddy is experiencing a good bit of Urinary Incontinence. He’s lying there, sleeping, and peeing all at the same time. Lovely. So now our Buddy gets to be sore, recover from surgery and lay in pee.

Ok, time to go in the kennel run and clean up. This does not make for a happy dog, so we start on the outside of the kennel run with hose on a gentle flow, not full blast, and we start to rinse. Keep in mind at this point Buddy is still not very coherent at all. He is still coming out of his Acepromazine coma from the day before (125 mg is a very large dose!), and he was under anesthetic. Just the sight of the hose, and the gentle flow of water sends Buddy into a bit of a frightened frenzy. Wobbling, nearly losing his balance at every step, he stumbles and scurries back to his crate, dives in, and hides in the back. Ok, so this tells us that at some point he has had some very bad experiences with a hose. Buddy’s behavior is very consistent with a dog that has been hosed down crudely, and often. Some use the hose as a way to punish a dog, hose him into a corner, or correct them from barking. I’m sure we can all agree this is definitely not a responsible, or moral method. A hose should not incite fear, but perhaps a little well earned play. Just as Lucius, Dharma, and Laila can hardly wait for me to initiate a game of play-in-the-hose while I water. What’s more fun then three dogs running around, jumping, and play biting the water as it showers them, and my grass?

Future goal: see if I can teach Buddy to enjoy the water, and hose during a warm summer day.

Today’s goal however, not so demanding on Buddy. Our focus for the week is to allow him to recover. This is a time for healing, and a time to build trust. After all, doesn’t Buddy deserve it? Goodness, just thinking back through Buddy’s journey thus far is nearly unimaginable.

No worries Buddy; be happy. Throughout the day, about every hour I just walked in the kennel and fed him a hot dog. Each time I got a bit of a lip curl as he tried to pull his head backwards, and away from me. After the first bite from this hungry boy the lip curls stop and he eats rather gently from my fingers. Excellent. Lather, rinse, and repeat every hour. Get a lip curl every hour, and then he eats gently. Could be worse, I’m a happy camper.

Unfortunately, due to the incontinence, I have to hose out the kennel often. This does not make for a happy dog, and each time I go in he scurries fearfully into his crate.

Lori and Claudia come for a visit, and chat about our new friend Buddy. Or should I say Cesar? Lori contemplates changing his name to “Cesar” in honor of the man that has made all of this possible. Ok, so we will call him Cesar and see if that name resonates with our rescue. Time to call it a day. A very long day, but a good day! Off to relax my hand, soak it, and enjoy a good nights sleep!

Positive thoughts for tomorrow…

Jen and the pack!

Good Morning Tuesday! (July 28, 2009)

It’s bright and early 5:45 am (actually it’s dark and early at that time!), taking care of my pack, and waiting for Lori to arrive with the goods. Buddy’s Acepromazine is on the way, and soon he will be sleepy and ready to go for another ride! Or so I think.

Lori arrives about 9:00 am, and we give Buddy the first 25 mg Ace. Wait 30 minutes. Since Lori has spent the past 10 days feeding him and building a bond we opt to let her go in the kennel and see if he will let her loop a small chain leash around his neck (he snaps through any other material). As he slowly walks back wards snarling, growling, baring teeth Lori says, “I don’t think one is enough. Shall we go for two?”

Agreed! A second Ace is given, and we wait 20 more minutes. Lori is sitting in the kennel run with him, renewing her bond. He is most certainly not happy with me, and the sight of me coming near him does not arouse good feelings. I hang back outside the kennel run, hand rather stiff, sore, and a bit swollen, playing cheerleader from the outside. No skirt and pom poms today! We’ll save that for another day when I don’t have a dog dead set on putting me in my place!

So long as Lori has nothing in her hands but hot dogs Buddy is great. Calm. Relaxed. Not stressed. As soon as she picks up the leash we see another dog. The growling, snarling, snapping, fighting, “Don’t even think you are putting that round my neck!” dog comes back. Lori backs off a bit and gives me a look that clearly says, “What did we get ourselves into? Did we bite off more than we can chew?” Nah! You just have to take a little longer to chew the big pieces slowly, that’s all. [Insert giggles and wink here.]

Ace #3 in hot dog and down the hatch. One for Buddy, one for us, one for Buddy, one for us – just kidding Dr. Saldanha! Ok, so we wait another 15 minutes. 75 mg of Ace should knock this guy out! What is wrong with him? Clearly its fight or flight mode; adrenalin is kicking in and he is fighting for his life (in his mind). He has no idea we are here to help him, not hurt him. Waiting.

Ok, one more try for Lori. Buddy is standing and looking at her, very clear communication coming from him... Lori walks in slowly, approaches Buddy, and in one swift movement he lunges teeth bared, growling, snarling, snapping, then he jumps strait up in the air about 12 inches from her face and snaps those teeth together loudly, clearly getting his message across!

Stunned, Lori stands there looking at me in disbelief. I’m sitting on my back porch steps, with a “what’s wrong?” look on my face, she clearly has never had a dog bare teeth, growl, lunge and snap at her – especially all at the same time, in the same morning, more than once!

I giggle to diffuse the nervous tension for Lori hoping it will make her feel better, and say something like, “Nah, don’t worry about that, if he really wanted to get ya he would have. He’s just reminding us he is not comfortable with this situation at all.” Lori backs out of the kennel run, with the old, “ok, your turn” look on her face. This is definitely a first for Lori. Welcome to the world of dog training and rehabilitation. Keep your arms and legs inside the train ‘cause this here’s gonna be a wild ride! Hang on to your hats and glasses folks!

I think this is about the time Lori discovers a quiet, contemplative moment to express a minor concern; she has something to tell me. Uh oh. Can you hear the ominous music in the background? My heart sinks. I’m thinking, “Ok, this is gonna be good, I can feel it!” She proceeds to tell me that Claudia on some level thinks that possibly, this just may have been a little more than she expected? Just maybe? Perhaps that this Buddy dog just may be a little more than she originally thought she would be working with. She is questioning herself at this point and pondering many things. I think this is a good time in her life for self-reflection perhaps? Ok, so WHO IS going to take this dog? [Insert Jeopardy theme song here.] And the winner is Lori! Whew! I was a little bit worried there for a moment. You know that feeling when your heart is either going to sink, or jump right out of your chest like a scene from the movie “Aliens?” Little sigh of relief, and then a little conversation about what Lori is in for, now that she has be snarled, snapped and growled at. No problem she assures me. She is ready, willing, and able. She is dedicated, and this is her path… this is Buddy’s path. This is my path.

With a quick phone call to the vets office to confirm we “can” give him all 5 tablets (125 mg!) of Ace, we pull out another hot dog and down the hatch it goes! We wait another 15-20 minutes while we create the next plan of action and hope that these two pills send him snoozing!

Time has escaped us, and we realize we have to get this dog to the vets quickly. It has to happen soon. It’s now approaching a bit after 11:00 am, and they close for lunch at 12:00 noon. As I begin to explain to Lori how to use the tennis racquet to protect herself, the look on her face says it all. I am doing the rest of this. Ok, no problem. I thought perhaps that since she has already built a bond with him that it would be less stressful for him to have her lead him out and to her car. Not the case. He was not happy with either one of us on this day, so as the professional, it’s now my turn to teach!

Tennis racquet in my very sore and stiff hand, simple chain leash in the other. I walk into the kennel run, Buddy automatically backs into the corner, lips curled – he is not having anything to do with me in his kennel or coming near me. He comes at me, I feed him the tennis racquet, and biting at it furiously he clamps down and refuses to let go. Realizing that he has to let go at some point, I wait. He finally lets go, and tries to dart away from me. He moves towards the child’s pool in the kennel run, I follow, racquet pressed up against him. He turns to bite again, and again. Buddy decides that choosing flight into the pool is not an option he wants to explore. He steps back and leans into the kennel run choosing avoidance. Ok, that’s better. Fight didn’t work. Flight didn’t work, and we are not ready for submission yet, so we choose avoidance. Chain leash in my left hand, tennis racquet in my right hand; right hand feeling a bit like it would prefer to freeze up and drop the racquet than have to continue holding on. Ouch.

Buddy is pressed up against the chain link kennel run, his head leaning firmly against it. My right hand and trusted tennis racquet preventing him from lunging forward or making contact with me, left hand works on sliding the leash over his head. Now, he is not about to make this easy for me. He does not want this leash around his neck and he figures as long as he keeps his head pressed against that fence I can’t get it on. He’s right. I realize that if I move the tennis racquet out of position he now has a clear shot at me, but also realizing I need to use this racquet to push and slide the leash between his head and the fence, all the while prying his head away from the fence and towards me. Can you picture that? So, as I pry his head away and push the chain leash around his head and neck I am actually pushing his head in the direction of me, the one he wants to bite, giving him a clear shot. Out of time and options, have to get him to the vets.

Leash slides down around his neck, tennis racquet has time to come back around and protect me, and we are now moving our way out of the kennel run. Using a tug-release-tug-release motion all the way out of the run, across the patio, down the walkway, and to the car directly in the driveway Buddy puts up an extremely good fight, lashing out at the chain leash and my fancy protective Cesar Millan Tennis Racquet. Thank goodness for both! He can’t cut him self loose, and I am protected.

Now, here we are at Lori’s car. Her beautiful car. Plan is to open both doors, attach an extra leash to the current one to give us more to work with, get him close to the door opening, throw the leash through the back seat so Lori could catch it and while I use the racquet to protect my self and herd him in the back seat, she pulls. He gets in and we close both doors and there you go. Not so much.

Let’s call this a disagreement which ensues next to the car, under the car (took both of us and a lot of strength to get this wedged doggie out from under her car!), behind the car, and then again next to the car. With all of this sedative in him where the heck is he getting the energy to fight? Yikes!

About 20 minutes goes by, Buddy is putting up a good fight but wearing down slowly. Goodness, he has 125 mg of Acepromazine running through him, he should be zonked out by now! He is biting at the leash less furiously now, but there is a bit more damage to the loyal and dedicated tennis racquet. Lori’s beautiful light tan leather seats now have blood splattered about along with the inside of the back door. The back door also took one for the team; two bloody punctures later.

Right about now Lori is getting really worried that he may never give up and we have about 20 minutes to get him over to Arlington Animal Hospital. I see he is getting weary and remind her that he can’t fight forever. At some point he will submit and see the back of the car as a safe haven. Buddy sits propped up against the car door, we wait, and wait, and wait, I want him to do this on his own. A few minutes go by, he looks at me and his archenemy the tennis racquet, and then looking at the back seat he slowly climbs in, lies down and submits. Oh good job Buddy! Perfect, and not a moment to spare!

Doors closed, Lori gets in, I run to open gate and call AAH; She’s on her way! Don’t lock the doors! She’s on her way! The receptionists are fabulous there, and thankfully with Dr. Saldanha, they wait as Lori high tails it down Van Buren Blvd! Sigh of relief. Did I mention just how incredibly fantastic everyone is at Arlington Animal Hospital? I love them!

Buddy, our lost soul is finally on his way to recovery. The one thing he really needs is immediate veterinary care. I only wish he knew just how much we want to help him. He is on his way to a place that will take very good care of him, give him the very best medical attention, and make sure he wakes up in a much healthier state physically. I will take care of him emotionally.

It is very sad this poor guy has had to go through so much in such a short amount of time, but one step leads to another, and finally I feel so much better knowing that he will be taken care of, and his pain will end.

Perfect timing. AT&T advertising rep arrives as I am opening gate for Lori. Time to go in the house, sign contracts, get a bottle of water and wipe the dripping sweat off of my face. Whew. Good to be back in the air conditioning. Also good to have a very understanding AT&T rep who loves dogs, and a good story!

Lori calls 30 minutes later to inform me they (AAH) would like us to bring them a crate so they can put him in it after surgery. Easier for him to wake up in this, than for us to now try to get him back in crate and then get him back home. No problem. I was still finishing up with AT&T, so she had plenty of time to get back to my place and then we’d take my Honda Element and run to get a giant crate real quick for this guy and drive it back down to them.

Lori back at my house, I finish up business, Petco 1 mile from me and on the same path to AAH. Easy trip; walk in, point, I want that one! They help us get it down and load it up along with a nice big bag of Blue Buffalo dog food for Buddy when he’s able to eat. On the road again, I just can’t wait to get on the road again… ok, can you tell it’s been a long week? Back at AAH; drop off super giant crate to fit 65-pound Husky/Shepherd mix and plastic cone lampshade Buddy will be wearing.

By the time we finally get there they are almost done with his full tune up, and are just now washing him. Good. All is nearly complete for this guy to heal. We drop off crate and dash out of there so they can do what they do best!

On the road again, I just can’t wait to get on the road again… ok, I promise I wont do that again. Couldn’t resist. By this time its got to be about 3:00 pm. I look at Lori, “You hungry?” I think we had a very weary conversation that went something like, “Oh food? Yea, starving! Must get food. Need energy. Can’t go on much longerrrr….” Thank goodness we were just about to reach a Subway! Make mine a 6-inch veggie on Italian Herb & Cheese with extra provolone, add avocado! Yum! So ready for food! Thank you so much for lunch Lori! Oh to actually sit in the air conditioning and eat super yummy food. Wow, can I just tell you how good that felt? Heaven.

Ok, refueled and on the way back to my place. On the road again… ok I’ll get over that song soon enough. Back home on the range, get my pack out for bit, relax for a short moment, and have a bit of good dog psychology & behavior conversation. Ok, times up. Less than an hour later we are on the road again…(how many of you are going to be singing that song all day now? Haha!)

It’s about 4:30 pm and we are now back at Arlington Animal Hospital, chatting with the girls at the front desk, and getting ready to go back to a room and hear all about our new friend, Buddy. Doesn’t take long at all and we are ushered into a room, and then Emma appears like magic to give us the run down.

Now, remember when I talked about things turning out the way they do for a reason? Remember me being so thankful that Greg at the Devore Shelter brought Buddy out to me? As Emma is telling us all about this rescue, all I could think of was, “Thank you Greg! Thank you Animal Control Officer! Thank you Devore Shelter! Thank you for transporting this doggy out to me! Thank you!” Here’s why:

Short and sweet, here is what you need to know about Buddy medically. He was neutered. This is almost a given, but thought I would mention it to you. He most likely has internal parasites, as well as external parasites. We are talking highly contagious Ring Worm, in addition to Fleas, and Ticks and whatever else is brewing inside. He also has three cracked teeth that seem to be old injury. He also has holes in his lips that go from the inside to the outside, and some that go from the outside to the inside. He has infection, puss, abscesses… no wonder this dog is so thin and miserable! No wonder his mouth is bleeding! He’s an absolute mess! Now, just for a moment, imagine you have all of that AND you are furiously attacking a snare pole repeatedly and a tennis racquet! Can you imagine the pain? So, the three teeth come out, and the holes are sutured. I’m sitting here thinking about the misery of us having a toothache, or one tooth pulled. I’m having a real hard time trying to understand the amount of pain this dog has been in since these are old wounds. He went a very long time without any medical attention at all. No animal should ever have to suffer for any reason. We would never allow a human to suffer in those conditions.

I am however still very grateful that he was transported to me. As a business owner I have to consider that the safety, health, and well being of my dogs and my clients’ dogs have to come first. My clients trust me to keep their dogs safe when they are boarding here. Their dogs become part of my pack, and as pack leader it is my responsibility to protect them in all ways. Had I picked up and transported Buddy myself I would have had a car full of Blood and ooze, Fleas, Ticks and Ringworm. This is not good to subject my own dogs to, or my clients’ dogs. I would have had to completely sterilize the inside of my car. Let me say this again,.. Thank You Greg Beck! Here is my reminder to everyone: Be careful about judging a situation too soon. The Universe may foresee a better way. Trust that everything happens for a really good reason!

Alright, we get the rundown on Buddy, go back out to the front desk and because Lori and Claudia just wanted to save this poor dogs life, they are the lucky winners of a $2,637.42 vet bill. Does anyone out there know of organizations that help with these types of bills? One of the gals at the front desk asked us, but I don’t personally know.

If you would like to help Claudia with Buddy's vet bills, or know someone who can, please contact Claudia at ClancyLab@msn.com.

Buddy is loaded up, sound a sleep, and here we are, on the road again…

We are gonna need help getting this guy out of the Element, and into the kennel run. Quick phone call to dad and brother, help is on the way. We pull out a giant crate with sleeping dog in it, carry it inside the kennel run and remove the door from it. It’s about 5:30/6:00 pm and no doubt Buddy will be out until tomorrow. Perfect. This poor guy needs lots of rest; it’s the best way to heal!

Now that Buddy will be in a peaceful, drug induced deep sleep until tomorrow, it gives us girls a chance to sit and talk about a plan for this sweet soul, and let my pack play for a while before dinner. As Lucius lays watch next to Buddy’s kennel, darkness begins to fall, and it’s time to call it a night. Time to feed my very hungry pack.

By this time I am thinking about a hot bubble bath and a glass of wine, then slipping into a deep slumber myself. May an abundance of all good things find you!

Namaskar.

Excuses Be Gone - Dr. Wayne Dyer...

There is an older woman who lives by the side of a river up in the mountains, the Himalayas. She was a divine soul. She carried with her bread in a sack.

One day she was sitting by the edge of the river where she lived, and as she was looking at the river bed she noticed a precious stone. Now, not just any precious stone, but a precious stone as big as her hand. She picked it up and realized that with this precious stone and its value, she would have a lock on abundance and prosperity for the rest of her life. Such was its value. And as she was sitting there she put the stone back in her bag.

And a man, a traveler came along and noticed her sitting by the edge of the river. And he asked her, he said, "I'm hungry, I've had nothing to eat, could I have something to eat?"

And she said, "Of course and she reached into her bag and she took out a crust of bread and handed it to him."

As she did this the traveler noticed the precious stone gleaming, and he said to her, "I'd like to have that. Could I have that please?"

And she said, "Of course", and she reached into the bag and she handed it to him.

Now, he knew, being poor that this was the answer to his success he had always wanted, and the abundance and prosperity, and he left.

And the next day he came back. He talked to the woman, and he said, "I'm giving you this stone back, but I would like you to give me something even more precious than this stone."

And she said, "What would that be?"

He said, "I would like you to give me what you have inside of you that allowed you to give me that stone."

Monday, July 27, 2009 - Part 4, The day is over.

Reminder: Earlier I talked about “red tape” and a whole lot of other stuff that may have been right, or wrong, may have been done purposely, or not; things that may or may not have been fair, etc. Let me just lead by example and say, “Thank you Greg Beck! Thank you Devore Shelter! Thank you Lawyers representing the shelter!” First, it truly did not matter what this dog looked like, I had already agreed to take him on. It was just my curiosity to see him, but had no bearing on my decision to help. It simply would have been a courtesy, and good gesture on their behalf to allow me a quick peek. Second, I am so grateful that I did not have to try and get this dog in my car, or anyone else’s, as he would have bled and oozed, and peed every where! Yuck! What a mess and what a struggle that would have been! I am so grateful that was in their truck and not mine! Lesson: No matter how bad things look or seem, that is just what you are seeing on the surface. I am truly grateful that Greg Beck was able to hand deliver with the Officer, this dog to me in their own truck! The already very long, and hot day would have been far longer if I would have had to do this on my own! I am very grateful for their assistance! Can you imagine if I would have had to do that by myself? Possible, but yikes! Never judge a book, or a situation by what you see on the surface. Things have a way of working out sometimes!

Buddy is now resting comfortably, and quietly in the kennel run. My pack is taken care of and sleeping.

Time to take care of me. I remember from my own First Aid & CPR/First Responder class that it is good to use both ice and heat on an injury such as mine. Reduces swelling and loosens up all of the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that have been damaged. Promotes healing. So, heat = nice hot bubble bath by candlelight! Ice = a glass of wine with ice cubes in it! HA! I have just the formula: Soak hand in hot tub for 5 minutes, then place icy cold glass of wine in hand, sip, repeat every 5 minutes!

With a glass of wine in my good hand I head off to a long, hot bubble bath. With nothing but gratitude and positive thoughts swimming through my tired head, my sore, swollen and bruised hand loosening in the hot water, and the soft sound of Lucius sleeping next to the tub I begin to drift off to a very peaceful place.

Monday is done, and Tuesday is sure to bring a whole new level of excitement to our story. Sweet Dreams my friends! Look for more of Buddy’s story later today, or tomorrow.

Namaskar,

Jen and the pack, Lucius, Dharma, and Solomon!

Monday, July 27, 2009 - Part 2

Lets review.

Claudia and Lori have bonded with this lost soul, Buddy. They believe he is non-aggressive, and simply afraid. They want him out of here at all costs, and want to give him a fair chance at life.

Vikki also wants the best for Buddy; wants him out.

Greg Beck would like to see Buddy have a fulfilled life, but obviously has many valid concerns.

Here is the sticky part. Buddy has been deemed unadoptable, and aggressive. The Devore Shelter has lawyers. They are put in place to protect the shelter. No harm done there. In fact, we can all understand, and appreciate this concept. Shoot, everyone has lawyers. Even I have lawyers. It is their job to protect their clients. We are grateful for this.

According to the lawyers that protect the shelter, if they are to release this dangerous dog into the public, there must be rules, boundaries, and limitations. Sound familiar? Ok. I’m good with this. So what are they?

Vikki has to sign a release to the shelter. Claudia has to sign Vikki’s contracts/release. Claudia and Lori have to sign my contracts/release. Ok. Legal documents signed. Easy.

Now, here is the fun part. Allegedly,.. yea, I do like that word! Allegedly. Thank you Kathy Griffin. “Allegedly” Buddy is so aggressive that I am not even permitted to see him while he is locked away in cage number 88. He’s behind steel, but like Hannibal Lechter, I am not allowed to even see this dog that I am agreeing to help release, and give life to. Interesting, eh? Nope. I asked. They said no. Yes, you heard correctly. I am agreeing, sight unseen, to take on the responsibility of rescuing, rehabilitating, and saving a life, but I am not even allowed to walk back there and see him through the kennel. Really? Oh yea. Does that make any sense? NO! What is this dog going to do to me through a steel kennel door? Can we say “red tape”? This makes no sense at all, and is one of the silliest things I have ever heard; but lets go with it. This is one of the rules the lawyers (?) came up with, and it wont hurt me one bit not to see the dog, so we just let that one go. I know that it doesn’t matter what this dog looks like, I’m taking him out of here anyway. Perhaps they were just concerned that once I saw him I would change my mind? Perhaps they were just concerned for my safety? No matter. Let’s stay positive and choose to believe that their hearts are in fact in the right place, and safety was their first concern. They are just doing their job; don’t shoot the messenger right?

According to lawyers (allegedly), this dog MUST be released to a qualified Trainer/Behaviorist. If no qualified Trainer/Behaviorist will accept responsibility for this dog, then he cannot be released to the rescue, and to me. Oh yea. He can ONLY be released to a rescue, and then to me. I get to play the part of the qualified Trainer/Behaviorist.

But can I just see what kind of trouble I’m getting myself into? Pretty please? Nope. Can’t see the dog. Not allowed. Lawyers Rules, Boundaries, and Limitations. This is what I do, this is what I specialize in, no big deal, I’m taking him on no matter what, just thought it would be a nice gesture.

So, when can I take him? Oh, I can’t. Allegedly, he can only be released to a rescue so long as there is a qualified trainer/behaviorist that is willing to take him on. Ok, here I am. I am willing to take on Cujo. Bring it. Wait, he must be “delivered” to me? Ok. So here is my creative mind going to the scene where Hannibal Lechter is being transported; I have to giggle for a moment. Ok, so I’m not allowed to put him in my car and bring him home; he MUST be delivered. My daddy told me there would be days like this. I think his exact words were, “life is not always fair.”

Again, there is no judgment here on my behalf. Remember when I talked a bit about “red tape” and not passing judgment, sometimes these things seem to work out? So, in my mind I think, this is strange, but ok. Lets go with the flow. When can you deliver him to my property? They don’t know. Approximately? Nope. They have to wait for an Animal Control Truck to come in, load him up, and then drive out there. Sigh. Ok, so I will just cancel my day, rearrange my clients, and drive around the Inland Empire all day. Fantastic. Are ya feelin’ the love and respect?

I just wanted to do a good thing and help this dog and these lovely people out. If we are going to make things difficult, please, don’t make them difficult for the only person that is volunteering to do the right thing sight unseen. What’s that saying, about shooting the messenger? So off to home I go. Stop and get dog food on the way, get home and take care of dogs, etc. Wait for Buddy, he will be here sometime today, when a truck is available, and Greg can assist an Officer to bring him to me. Sigh.

Reminder: Not all things that seem to be bad really are. No sense in being negative and judging. It did give me time to stop and get dog food right? Put gas in the car; take care of my dogs, etc. It worked out just fine.

I think it must have been about 3:00 pm, or a bit after when they finally arrived. Open gate, Animal Control Truck drives in, close gate, say hellos, lets see this dog. It was sort of like Christmas! Yes, that is how I choose to remember it! Like Christmas; you get to open a package and you have no idea what you are going to get! Sort of like the toys in the Fruity Pebbles box. (Oh yea, you are never too old for Fruity Pebbles. Don’t judge me, I’m sure you eat them to!)

Truck opens [drum roll please]…. That’s Buddy? Really? Him? Boy did he look bad. Bloody mouth, growling, mangy, tangled and matted, backed in a corner, scared for his life. Ok. So finally, this is Buddy! Ha! Merry Christmas to me! Under all this mess he is actually a pretty cute dog. Not a happy one, but not bad looking – I’m thinking positive here. Sure he needs a tune up, and a fresh coat of paint, but he has possibilities!

Step 2: Get snarling, growling, fearful, ticked off dog out of Animal Control Truck. Ok. I have my trusted nylon slip lead that you commonly find in vet offices and grooming facilities. No problem.

By the way, Mr. Millan, where are you getting them for .35 cents? I have looked and cannot find them that cheap. Can you share please; I need a new lot of them!

Animal Control Officer sitting in air-conditioned truck. Just so all of you know, she was very sweet. Truly a very lovely person, and extremely helpful. I can’t seem to remember her name right now, but she had good energy, and a great sense of humor.

Greg Beck standing a few feet behind me in the shade; I guess that’s what you call “having someone’s back?”

I open door to Buddy, he displays his, “touch me and I break your face” smile. Fair enough. I lower my eyes, not challenging him, slide myself in between the door, and the truck so he can’t rocket himself out and take off. I have leash in my hand, and I slowly take my time getting my hand closer to him as the minutes go by. And the minutes do go by. Greg and I have conversations in between. A waiting game ensues. Buddy is not happy, does not care whom I say I am, and wants nothing to do with me, and he has no problem getting his point across as I cross his line in the sand. Here comes the first set of piranha like bites to my hand. Ouch. Fair. If I were he, and had been on his journey, I would have done the same thing. The good news is he only used his front teeth and did not use his canines or back teeth. Bad news is he used an awful lot of force and it hurt. Score - Buddy 1: Jen 0.

My hand stays in the same position. If I had pulled my hand back he would have won that space, and possibly tore the flesh. My hand stays in the same place and lets him have at it. He realizes I’m not backing off, and he can’t win. Let’s stay positive. I’m (my hand) maybe 12 inches from his face. He’s not happy and I’m not backing off. I’m not challenging, but I hold my position and I visualize what must happen. He must come out of that truck with me on my terms. If he were dominant, and confident those bites would have been full mouth bites and I would have had stitches. The fact that he was insecure, and fearful was a plus. I am grateful.

Ok, onward and upward with the leash attempt. I get a little closer and here comes round two of several lightening fast piranha bites to my already sore hand. Double ouch. That’s gonna leave a mark. That’s also gonna leave a bruise, and some swelling. At this point I’m smiling because again, lots of pressure, but no canines involved, no back teeth, no full mouth bites. No ripped flesh, no punctures, just lots of pressure with front teeth and bruises. Clearly, if he really wanted to rip into me he would have. He was merely expressing his displeasure with this whole situation. Can you blame him? Score - Buddy 2 : Jen 0

Round 3. As Greg and I have idle chat about the situation, he says, “Awe, just through the leash around his neck.” Or maybe he said, “Can you get the leash around his neck?” Or, something to that effect. Don’t quote me, but you get the idea. I jokingly make a comment about not being able to throw well at all, but since I’m about two feet in front of him lets give it a shot. Score! The slip leash is around his neck and I pull just a bit tight so it wont slip off, but not tight enough so that he can’t breath of course. Time for a little victory dance! Ha! Score - Buddy 2 : Jen 1!

As I go to give him a light tug in my direction, my come hither doggy look, Buddy turns to the leash, chew, chew, snap. Victory dance is over. Leash is snapped clean and we are back at square one. Sigh. Score - Buddy 3 : Jen 1.

Yep, it is certainly that time. He can and will easily snap through nylon and leather, so we must go to the snare pole. Keep in mind that he has had some horrific experiences on this thing, but lets also keep in mind that it was invented for dogs just like Buddy. Safety first. By this time we have also been standing out here in the direct sunlight for sometime between 30-45 minutes, the Animal Control truck running, I’m inhaling fumes, Buddy is inhaling fumes, and Greg and the Officer don’t have all day to hang out. I’m sure I could have whipped up something for dinner, but I’d bet they would prefer to get home at some point and see their families.

The snare pole it is. This was my first experience actually using one. I have seen them, I have held them, I have played just a bit with them, but I have never actually put one on a dog and hauled his frightened and fighting self out of a truck. The Officer was kind enough to give me a lesson, and awesome enough to assist me on my first try! Thank you! Goodness, I wish I could remember her name.

So here he comes, fighting, biting, kicking and bleeding out of the truck. Alligator rolls, and all. Ok, so we can’t get Buddy to walk on his own, and I can’t blame him. There is no doubt he was under quite a bit of stress to say the least, but we had to get him out of that truck eventually, and into my kennel run. A little pull, a little waiting, a little fighting, a little dragging (as safe as one can be) we finally get him back into my kennel run which is directly under my kitchen window and just a few feet out of my back door.

Interjecting again here for a moment. I know there may be some lovely people out there that will say something to the effect of, “if you just would have been more patient you would not have had to drag him, or if you would have offered treats, he would have followed you, you should have taken your time with him.” Fair enough questions to ask. Here is what you need to know. We already tried treats. Nervous, fearful dogs wont take food. Especially not from someone they do not trust. We were in the direct sunlight, it was hot, and there is no shade from my driveway to my back patio, and it is a long driveway. Had I taken more time Buddy could have been overcome by the heat, and he could have burned his paws badly on my driveway. We needed to get him back to the kennel run where it is shaded and he has a kiddie’s pool to lounge in and lots of fresh water! Had the weather been perfect I would have ordered up some pizzas for Greg, the Animal Control Officer, Lori and Claudia, pulled up a few chairs, and offered Buddy a beer. That was not an option. Enough said. [wink, wink]

End result; there is smeared, splattered, and dropped blood all the way down my very long driveway, into my back yard, down the walkway, through the patio, and into the kennel run. My cute pink shirt is splattered with blood and now becomes a rag, and my hand is beginning to tighten, swell and bruise. Fun. Staying positive, the hard part is over, and Buddy is now in my back yard in his safe haven!

We all celebrate a slight victory dance! Claudia is now the proud owner of a brand new rescue dog, Buddy’s life has been officially saved, I am now the proud owner of a brand new rehabilitation case, my first blog, and Greg was able to assist in the rescue, re-homing, and transportation of one less dog his shelter has to euthanize. Whew. We all thank each other, shake hands, give good-luck wishes, lets keep in touch, and the rest of all that good stuff.