Camper of the Week!

Byson, this young Pekingese has been with us for about ten days, and fits in with our residents and campers alike. He and another little fellow ,Dargo, love to sit on the sidelines to watch Titans "Frisbee" practice.

-I've done all I can to seal the gates in the backyard but they always find a way out! The funny part is they get crazy exited until they get out to the foul line, but then they just sit near me and quietly watch our routine. Sometimes Titan brings the disc back to them instead of me...it's a rip when they pick it up 'cause it's as big as them!

-Byson belongs to my office manager Amanda. He's here because he and his Dad ,Gabriel, were fighting due to them both being intact, and ti's the season for "heat". He's been the perfect little gentelman here as everyone else is "fixed". Gabriel was neutered last week, and Byson is next up on the "hit parade". We'll be re-uniting them this weekend; Amanda, and her/Gabe's Mom, Carol really miss this little guy. I totally get it- I'll miss him when he leaves too!

Quotation of the Week

I like them all-pointers, setters, retrievers, spaniels-what have you. I've had good ones and bad of several kinds. Most of the bad ones were my fault and most of the good ones would have been good under any circumstances.

-Gene Hill

Campers of the Week

We had lots of pups through Sit & Stay last week, but Louie and Brutus made the biggest impression. They kept me laughing, and on my toes.

Louie, the fawn colored 15 year old Terrier mix has special needs and takes some medication, but what a great attitude. He looked like he was in heaven, constantly smiling, when given free roam time on our acreage. Louie's legs, eyes, and ears don't work so well, but he always did his best to keep up with his little brother.

Brutus is a light silver colored, 2 year old Yorkie-Poo that loves to run, jump and play- always checking on his older "states-dog" brother. I love his Moms sense of humor shown in his ironic name.

Many of you know I always play "name-games" with our guests, campers, and fosters; these guys were no exception. I was referring to them as "Abbott and Costello", Lou and Bud, "Hey Abbott!", Louie-Louie-Louie Lou-I, Screwy Louie, Bluto, "Brutus the Beefcake Barber"...etc. The list grows larger as their time here builds.

These great little campers left on Saturday, and on Sunday morning I felt the void campers often leave behind. That afternoon their Mom called and thanked us again for taking such good care of her babies. I really love what I do, the dogs, and the people I'm privileged to encounter here at Sit & Stay!

Do you guys have any funny dog name stories?

Quotation of the Week

The dogs in our lives, the dogs we come to love and who (we fervently believe) love us in return, offer more than fidelity, consolation, and companion-ship. They offer comedy, irony, wit, and a wealth of anecdotes, the "shaggy dog stories" and "stupid pet tricks" that are commonplace pleasures of life. They offer, if we are wise enough or simple enough to take it, a model for what it means to give your heart with little thought of return.

Both powerfully imaginary and comfortingly real, dogs act as mirrors for our own beliefs about what would constitute a truly humane society. Perhaps it is not too late for them to teach us some new tricks.

Marjorie Garber

Campers of the Week

This gentle giant is Bruno, a three year old, 105lb German Shepard. He's a super high energy boy that's been dragging his people around since he's been able to do so. We evaluated, and cleared him for our open style day camp last week. He's very bright and responded well to leash work, but he does need more structure; Bruno's way too large to be left to his own devices.
Yesterday we got confirmation on his enrollment into our Basic Obedience Program; Bruno and his folks start next week. It's a six week program that is backed up with a written intro designed to help owners build a strong foundation on which to build a healthy working relationship with their often "spoiled pets".
All too often we meet folks that have completed group classes, that can be helpful, but in my opinion can't have nearly as much impact as "one on one" instruction. There are also far too many distractions in a group setting; outside stimuli should be slowly introduced after owner and pet have a better understanding of what success feels, and looks like.
Homework is essential to succeeding in building this working relationship, and we allow more Q&A than any group class has time for. At Sit & Stay we can also set owners up for success by using a full day of exercise before they get here to work with the dogs. Focus is much easier to obtain in a calm dog.
Bruno's folks are very sincere, and I'm sure they'll do well, and they'll all be much happier when they have a daily routine; dogs thrive on structure and routine, they're born followers.

Quotation of the Week

If you would understand this secret, you must first understand the distinction between training an animal and educating one. Trained animals are relatively easy to turn out. All that is required is a book of instructions, a certain amount of bluff and bluster, something to use for threatening and punishing purposes, and of course the animal. Educating an animal, on the other hand, demands keen intelligence, integrity, imagination, and the gentle touch, mentally, vocally, and physically.

J. Allen Boone

Camper of the Week!

This weeks choice was a "no brainer", this little girl was a real short term foster, but had a huge impact on the usual campers and staff. We referred to her as "Puppy" while she was here as if that would keep us from getting too close- fat chance! Lil' Sheila, as she's now known, had a few piddle accidents the fist day, but we did no correction. The fact that she did stinky's outside everytime gave me the perfect opportunity to praise her, she caught on very quickly and soon after the "accidents" stopped.

Like most puppies Sheila's full of energy and loves to play with the big kids. Her favorite game is "keep away" and Titan surprised me when he allowed her to have his favorite toys. As soon as they went outside he'd find a ball to give the little girl, and the game was on!

Another activity Sheila has a real love for is launching off the top step of the deck here. I'd love to see if she likes water, she's definitely got the makings to be a great swimmer: toy drive + launching + love of water = "dock jumper"

I've no doubt that The DogLiberator will quickly find a "forever home" for this fun filled little girl, another success story in the making. I'm looking foward to following her progress- the true joy of fostering! You're all welcome to follow Lil' Shiela with me at http://thedogliberator.blogspot.com

Just What the Therapist Ordered!

I'm very fortunate and proud to help rescue organizations like "The DogLiberator" in their efforts to help unseemingly unwanted puppies like this beautiful Aussie-Border Collie mix. She's being called Julie, but I'm sure that will change; she's got a huge personality for a little girl and needs a name to match. On this Easter Sunday morning I got the call about my Dad's passing, but Titan and "Julie" replaced my grief with laughter! It's the cheapest, and best therapy I could have ever have received. This is just one of the awesome moments they gifted me today...Thank you my four legged counselors!