Marion County Commissioners Vote 5 to 0 in Approval of Sit & Stay!

Essentially I’m here to address you, the board, in order to get permission to hang banners to mark the entrance of my flag driveway. Which, as I understand was the basis for that anonymous complaint.



That was the opening of my presentation at the final zoning hearing; read-on to see it in it's entirety.



My “home business“, is exactly that.

I have changed nothing on the property, nor in the house, save some cleaning, painting, and regular upkeep that’s not required by our zoning status.

*I’d also like to point out that I’ve received no opposition to my application by the addressed buffering neighbors. Plus, the classified, and the property posted notices brought forth no objections either.

As I’ve pointed out on the permit application plan, there will be a minimum of traffic impact on the roadway, property, and to the adjacent properties. Intake hours are Mon-Fri from 7am-11am. Pick-up hours are on the same days from 4pm-7pm. The property will be sealed off outside of those times, and both intake, and pick-up will be restricted by an intentional modest capacity. As it is after all a home business, and I have no plan of expanding at this location.

The term “doggie daycare” is used loosely, and is mainly intended to point out that it’s a dog friendly environment to perspective clients. My target clientele are responsible dog owners that want a place to board their wards that is a safe, natural, home setting as to have the least impact on their otherwise happy pups. Many of these folks are looking for an alternative to negative stimuli such as enclosed, and restrictive, high traffic, and jail like kennels. A larger portion of my clients are looking for training, and socialization techniques that they can apply in their own homes.

In addition, I specialize in positive training technique programs, such as our One on One AKC Canine Good Citizenship Prep Course. Often, recipients of the AKC CGC award go on to participate in therapy programs for our ailing, and elderly human residents in rehabilitation facilities.

As a dog trainer, I take great pride in familiarizing myself with any and all of the continuing education on that subject, as well as the newly introduced dog socialization techniques.

*That alone can be considered a full time job, but I choose not stop there.

I feel obligated, but enjoy giving back in the form of helping our local 501(c)(3) dog rescue organizations, such as The DogLiberator, Max’s Pet Connection, and The United Yorkie Rescue to name a few. These organizations make general practice of saving dogs from euthanasia in their eleventh hour.

I take my pro-bono work for these organization as a great source of pride. Their dogs often come to me devoid of social skills, and/or household manners. In addition to the day to day therapy of these pro-bono cases, I also help to facilitate their adoptions, in a meet and greet form, with a 100% success rate for over 12 dogs in the last 12 months.

You see, members of the board, I’ve always been the guy that friends, family, and their friends have come to for advice, and pointers regarding their pets. Just to point out one case: my southern most neighbor, Mrs Dorothy Hull, has been hospitalized twice in the last year for over a month. I’m the guy that took her dog in, feed her cat, and watered her plants…all free of charge.

The fact of the matter is, I was doing exactly what I propose to do, before the anonymous complaint. Whom was incidentally not anonymous to me at any point in time. That person was trying to impose her opinion on me on the July 4th weekend, when one of my client’s dogs fled my property in fear of the a neighbors fireworks.

The complainant found the dog, and returned him complete with a heated lecture that I told her I respectfully did not need, nor appreciate. That was the only thing that’s happened out of the ordinary at my place in over a year. It’s obvious that this person doesn’t live in the zoning departments designated buffering neighbor list, and was for lack of a better explanation, was a personal issue that I could have handled better ,if perhaps, I’d bowed to her.

I was taken back by this persons general attitude, as I’ve never received anything but accolades for my work, before or since. I offer some evidence of this in the form of some testimonials, and references, and one direct letter to the board.

The zoning staff initially recommended the board decline my application, based on my proposed plan. They offered an alternate list of stipulations for approval.

I have no issue with these stipulations, save numbers 9 & 10.

#9 requires I have the driveway apron inspected by the Marion Co Trans Dept, Whom I believe actually built or approved the of already, as it was installed originally as a part of the Hwy 42 expansion project.

#10 refers to a CO on the residence that is not, nor will be altered in any way shape or form. I use free standing crates for nap times, and overnight beds for my personally owned pets. In addition, the only other form of confinement indoors are some spring type baby gates within existing door frames of the 1800 sq ft home, that I reside in alone. My clientele are after all looking for that alternative home setting for their dogs.

At the zoning hearing on August 30th, a board member asked how I proposed to keep up with the waste from the dogs on the large 1.97 acre property. I perhaps didn’t answer to his satisfaction, as he was the only vote against approval.
The backyard area is not so large I can’t keep up, as I spend a large portion of my day out there.

The much larger area, I’ve designated as the fully supervised exercise area on my site plan, is where I practice with my personally owned competitive Frisbee, and agility dog athletes, I police that area for waste on a golf cart that’s outfitted with a waste bucket and scooper. If I see droppings, I pick them up. I’d also like to remind the board that we are in fact on agriculturally zoned land, that’s formally pasture, and in ear shot and sight of existing cow pasture. If your not familiar with a working cow pasture they come along with “dung beetles” that often beat me to the punch. Also, the neighboring cattle rancher has several working dogs in his employ, that I’m very familiar with as well. I bag the waste daily, and take it to the county dump facility along with my household trash weekly.

The fact is that 20 dogs do not have nearly the impact of say 2 cows, some goats, a pig, a rooster, and some chickens would have on that same property.

I sincerely thank the board for your time and consideration here today…if there’re any questions, I’d be very happy to answer them at this time?


My speech lasted 8 minutes, and was followed by 15 minutes of Q&A, then another 15minutes to refine the verb age...

Bottom Line: We're Back in Business!

The Week of Kids and Dogs!

I seriously need a full time assistant! That's not the cry of an overwhelmed man, nor is it bragging, it's the fact that so much is left unshared here at Sit & Stay. This became vividly clear to me this week, when I introduced a Dad and his two Daughters to their new Dog. There's nothing more meaningful than the child and dog relationship! I mean, it ranks up there with "mother and child". I got a full dose last Saturday.

It took me back to the memories of pestering my folks for a puppy when I was around seven; I took this on as some sort of mission and heard things like, "someday", "maybe Santa will bring one", "we need a bigger yard sweetie", "okay, okay, we know, you want a dog!" I was determined to have my own dog, and these answers just fueled my imagination.

"Someday" was a word from fairy tales, that always end well. Santa was never more than 12 months away; I wrote him. We saw houses with huge yards for sale daily; I was quick to point them out. I would not take "no" for an answer! Especially since a pasta company was giving a puppy to the kid that wrote the best letter. Nothing worked!

Fairy tales aren't real; Santa didn't come through; we didn't move, and don't get me started with that pasta company! I was a learning to be a pessimist at age seven. However one night that spring, my Dad was late for dinner, it was storming outside.

He came in from the rain all hunched over something wrapped in his jacket; he was drenched, but wasn't concerned with that.

My Dad sat on the floor, and unfolded his jacket to reveal a 10 week old puppy. I freaked! I finally had my own dog, and didn't care that he didn't look like "Lassie" or "Rin Tin Tin". He had a very familiar sounding bark though, it reminded me of a favorite cartoon. Does anybody remember "Dino the Dinosaur"; hence his name.

It was no time before I had "Dino the Poodle", doing tricks. We had all of the obedience skills down in no time. Soon after, I had him sitting pretty, praying, and eventually walking around on his hind legs. Fetch was his favorite, and he cherished his toys... that's why he bit my sister. It wasn't that bad, who said she could take my dogs bone anyway? Of course I get it now, and he went to a good home, but it was quite a blow to me. Even then I knew that there had to be a better way; "someday I'll do something about it." I've heard many similar stories since.

When I read a dog, named Charlie, was surrendered to a shelter by a young man age sixteen, the memories all came back. I'm sure he was devastated, he'd apparently had Charlie for a good while before she ate one of his folks chickens. I'm pretty sure she just played with it to death. I don't believe she ate it. Many of us have been through something similar, especially we in the dog care community.

Thanks to far too many people to mention Charlie's story continued on a positive note when she was adopted by a great family that "gets it." Alice, Carlos, and their sons lost a Border Collie to a inoperative tumor some months ago. When they saw Charlie on The DogLiberator's Petfinder posting, she stirred up the Border Collie lover in them. Alice and Carlos have already expressed how well they're all getting along. Even the family Shepard, that may have been a concern for some, but not these dog savvy folks. They made all of the right moves.

Unfortunately not all adoption stories go as well. We at Sit & Stay pride ourselves in rehabbing "problem dogs." We're aware of some TV popularized techniques, that require a dog surrendering, but who wants a "zombie-dog" that's more inclined to cower than play. I must admit, I've tried these techniques, and I'm here to tell you all "there is a better way." It requires we be smarter than a dog; we can handle that, can't we?

Many people expect a trainer to "fix" a dog, and they expect to pick it up all repaired, as though a dog is a car, or a computer. It doesn't work that way! Dog owners need to invest some time in that relationship, and real education is key. It doesn't have to be a drudgery, but rather, it should be fun. We can't allow ourselves to be discouraged, but rather, learn from our mistakes. We're supposed to be these evolved beings, yet cave men understood their dogs better than many modern humans ever will. There is no animal more in tune with we humans on the planet! This is why it burns me deeply to continually hear a human's blamed a dog for anything "bad!" It's ironic that much like a computer, bad in bad out, is what we get with dogs.

When I hear an adult gets a dog for a kid, and that the dog connects with him immediately, I love it! When I hear that same dog has been returned to rescue due to a bad interaction with an adult, I question the adult human. What have you done to prompt that dog to "act-out?" The kid had no problem. Of course, the kid didn't put that dog in an uncomfortable position. If so, a growl or warning wouldn't make a loving kid retaliate! It's we adults that take failure as something that we must push our way through.

I had that same dog here for weeks, and in that time, saw no issue that couldn't be turned around, by just ignoring, or distracting him by crying into my hands. That's right, even a so called "red-zone aggressive case" will want to see what happened to you if you're crying, or hurt! I've seen one "bad dog" after another show up here to act as perfect ladies and gentlemen. It's not that hard, just treat them with the respect they deserve! They have a mouthful of weapons #1, and #2 if they're a rescue who knows what they've been through? I would never assume a dog can tolerate a prodding, poking kind of kid, before I expose them to a kid in a controlled situation. But,...

Kids meet dogs with no expectations, they don't need to be told much more than be nice, and don't hug the dog, let it love on you first. It's hardwired into our DNA to interact with them on a respectful level. We humans learn abusive behavior, and dogs learn to be "mean" or afraid in the same way. I've never heard anyone tell a kid, "don't play with the puppy, he can hurt you."

Of course, some dogs come through ready to rock a kids world. Often, we see dogs that are surrendered due to economics. Some folks have to move, or get too old to handle the walks, or the vigor of a dog. Maybe they just got too much dog for their lifestyle. Such was the case with Kansas the beautiful red Aussie. His folks did the right thing and surrendered him to The DogLiberator rescue. He came here as a foster, mostly because we have tons of room to run. Kansas was a pleasure, but he wasn't here long.

Less than a week after his arrival, I got a call from Tony who was super interested in Kansas. He was well qualified, and the active sort that lives near the beach- perfect! We scheduled a weekend meet.

When I saw the two little girls get out of the car I thought, this couldn't be better. The look in the girl's, their dad's, and Kansas's eyes made me melt inside. After they left together, I wiped away my tears...holy dog crap! I got so caught up in the moment that I forgot to take pictures. I could have kicked myself! Surely I had just missed capturing an incredible, and instant bond that's second to none- that of a child and dog.

I stole the photo,'cause I clearly need a hat cam or something!!!! Luckily, I can always draw a picture for you with words.

AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Program

Carson and Joan, demonstrating how to react to another dog with the assistance of Charlie "G", and our own Nina "Beans"!

What are the judges looking for?

The test is broken down to ten parts, and is basically meant to show how well they behave on leash in a typical social environment. Your dog needs to allow a friendly stranger to approach and speak to you in an everyday situation. They need to allow that stranger to pet them, while remaining calm, and polite; no jumping or pawing. Then, the dog needs to allow that stranger to brush, examine their teeth, paws, ears..etc.

The fourth skill you'll need to demonstrate a short controlled walk on a loose leash. Next, the handler and dog must show that they can pass three or more people, a simulated pedestrian and public situation, in a controlled manner.

Responding well to commands is required as well. Sit, Down, and then Staying in place. Followed by coming when called, the proctors will ask you to drop the leash, take ten steps from your "pup" while in the Stay; they will have you pause, and now use the Come command. That sets you guys up for the next segment; reaction to another dog.

Now, you're asked to demonstrate that you can approach other handlers and their dogs in a polite manner, allowing you to greet and then shake hands with the other handler(s). If you can do all of that, you only need to work on two more skills.

If you regularly work with your dog in public, you're all to familiar with dealing with distractions; the slamming of a car door, kids screaming, a bird or squirrel in the dogs line of vision...etc. The proctors will most likely drop something or create a loud sound, and then evaluate your dogs reaction, and your control. Almost done!

The last requirement can be the most difficult. While we want to build a strong bond with our dog, we need to encourage them to be secure with others too. You'll approach a stranger with your dog once more, but this time you need to ask that person: "will you watch my dog?" Hand over the leash and get out of sight for three minutes. The proctors will look for them to be comfortable and calm: no excessive whining or tugging on leash...this can be tough, but you can do it!

Practice, patience, and consistency are key. Even if you have no plan to get involved with volunteer, or therapy work, it's a good idea to work with your dog on these skills. Everyone knows their dogs need physical exercise, in order to keep healthy; it's equally important to exercise, and stimulate your pups mind. A working dog is a happy dog; they need to know they're earning their keep.

I'm certain you can find a qualified local trainer that will help you to communicate your and the public requirements of them. I've been fortunate to meet tons of great, dedicated, and caring positive dog trainers in person and online...you can too. There's an incredible trend of responsible dog owners, handlers, and trainers today. Training should be fun, and above all positive; dogs, like us, learn quickly when they're having fun. Your good dog, should, and can be great!

Our star students, Joan and Carson, are coming by for a play-date today! They're two of three supervised visits away from completing the pre-requisites required by "Caring Canines." At that point the only thing left to make them "official" is the convented AKC CGC award.

We're doing one more mock-up of the CGC test here on the 25th, then they're going for it on the 29th. As Joan reminded me, I said "Carson will do great" in these pre-rec's; "the best" of the current group moving through that program. I'm very proud to have been a part of this teams success. Get'em, calmly, guys!

Quotation/Poem of the Week

Why own a dog? There's a danger you know,
You can't own just one, for the craving will grow.
There's no doubt they're addictive, wherein lies the danger.
While living with lots, you'll grow poorer and stranger.

One dog is no trouble, and two are so funny.
The third one is easy, the fourth one's a honey.
The fifth one's delightful, the sixth one's a breeze,
You find you can live with a houseful of ease.

So how 'bout another? Would you really dare?
They're really quite easy but, oh, Lord the hair!
With dogs on the sofa and dogs on the bed,
And crates in the kitchen, it's no bother, you've said.

They're really no trouble, their manners are great.
What's one more dog and just one more crate?
The sofa is hairy, the windows are crusty,
The floor is all footprints, the furniture dusty.

The housekeeping suffers, but what do you care?
Who minds a few noseprints and a little more hair?
So let's keep a puppy, you can always find room,
And a little more time for the dust cloth and broom.

There's hardly a limit to the dogs you can add,
The thought of a cutback sure makes you sad.
Each one is so special, so useful, so funny.
The vet and food bills grows larger, you owe BIG money.

Your folks never visit, few friends come to stay,
Except other "dog folks" who live the same way.
Your lawn has now died, and your shrubs are dead too,
But your weekends are busy, you're off with your crew.

There's dog food and vitamins, training and shots.
And entries and travel and motels which cost lots.
Is it worth it you wonder? Are you caught in a trap?
Then that favorite one comes and climbs in your lap.

His look says you're special and you know that you will
Keep all of the critters in spite of the bill.
Some just for showing and some just to breed.
And some just for loving, they all fill a need.

God, winter's a hassle, the dogs hate it too.
But they must have their walks though they're numb and your blue.
Late evening is awful, you scream and you shout
At the dogs on the sofa who refuse to go out.

The dogs and the dog shows, the travel, the thrills,
The work and the worry, the pressure, the bills.
The whole thing seems worth it, the dogs are your life.
They're charming and funny and offset the strife.

Your life-style has changed. Things won't be the same.
Yes, those dogs are addictive and so is the dog game.

Unknown Poet