More Training Needed but Huge Progress Elsewhere

As I have mentioned many, many times, Gracie is not wild about riding in the car ride. She was not completely thrilled with the long car ride last week. She continues to improve, though. Maybe, by the time she is 15, she will be thrilled with riding in the car.

Our little adventure showed some other areas in need of training. She is becoming less tolerant of other dogs. Our villa had a huge sliding glass door that faced a popular bike path. She growled and barked at every dog on the path. She did the same when she encountered them on the beach or on walkies.

She also pulls way too much on the leash. Fortunately, we worked a lot on this behavior during our walkies. I saw an improvement. I need to continue working so she does not forget the lessons.

The biggest shocker, though, came when she splashed in the ocean. This was our third trip to the beach, and she previously had zero interest in the ocean. She did not even like walking on the beach. However, after several frustrated attempts to find squirrels, Gracie decided that sandpipers would be a nice substitute.

She hesitantly ventured into the water as she chased the birds. The second time, she showed less fear. By the third trip, she pulled on the leash as soon as we hit the sand, anxious to begin the chase. She charged straight into the ocean. At one point, she was up shoulder deep in the water. While she did not like it when the larger waves raced toward her, she still had a blast. We put on quite a show for everyone on the beach.

Gracie is work in progress, like most pets. Moments like the ocean adventure make it easier to laugh and smile when she is tugging on the leash or shaking in the car. If a dog who was previously terrified of the ocean just jumps right in one day, who’s to say other behaviors will not change one day? Be patient. Your hard work will pay off.

Rescue Mommy

Reliable Feeders

I have automatic feeders for the cats. I found them online a couple of years ago. I have used them for prior adventures. This time, though, I made a little mistake. I did not test them in advance of last week’s trip.

As Maddy and Kiki have told you, the feeders stopped working after a couple of days. So, here’s a couple of travel tips for you. About a week before your trip, drag out the feeders and take them for a test drive. It is better to know up front if they are malfunctioning.

My last tip is to always have someone drop by and check on your pets. Even if the feeders are working, you should not rely on them. They are no substitute for having someone check on your pets.

Now, if anyone has a recommendation for a replacement feeder, I would love it. Please post a comment.

Rescue Mommy

Traveling Solo

Unfortunately, Rescue Daddy could not join us on our island adventure until later in the week. This meant that Gracie and I travelled to Kiawah on our own. It is the first time she and I have done that. It was an interesting trip.

After the initial meltdown over being forced in the car, Gracie tucked into the seat and trembled for awhile. She would occasionally peek around if I slowed the car. Otherwise, she was content to bemoan her fate in silence.

At rest area stops, I left the car running and locked her inside. I confess I was a bit worried. Would someone steal the car? Would she flip out?

The first time I stopped, she did not take it well. She had a little meltdown on my return. She was sitting in the driver’s seat, trembling. However, the rest of the stops went well. She figured out that I was coming back for her. She waited for me in the driver’s seat, no more trembling. In fact, she rolled onto her back the last time and wanted a tummy rub for her troubles.

The return trip went smoother. It is almost as if she realized resistance was futile. The only problem we had was a rest stop in South Carolina. One of the workers informed us we should not be walking in a particular area. Oh, it was okay for them to smoke by the picnic tables and flick cigarette butts, but Gracie could not track her “dirty” paws through the pine needles and sand. Yeah, that’s fair.

I think the trip went well because I did a little advance planning. I figured out how to lock the car with the keys in the ignition (hey, those safety features are tricky) so that Gracie did not spend time trapped in a hot car. I planned where we would stop for breaks. And, most importantly, I prepared myself for a few meltdowns from Gracie and stayed patient. With a little planning, you can have a successful trip too.

Rescue Mommy

Gone but Never Forgotten

The passing of our neighbor’s dog certainly brings back a lot of memories. Unfortunately, part of having these wonderful animals in our lives means we must let them go at some point. You never get enough time with them, yet mean people live forever. Where’s the justice in that??

Two years ago tomorrow, we had to let our beloved Dino go. It was the second most difficult thing we have ever had to do. The most difficult was letting go of Perdy, his companion, a year prior to his death.

While our furry friends may leave us in body, they will always be with us in our hearts. Until we meet again, sweeties.

Rescue Mommy and Daddy

Dino's 2008 Christmas Pic

Perdy, finally looking her age

(She still ran after our neighbor's horses, though.)

Wacky Walkr Leash

Wacky Walkr Leash

Cost around $22, depending upon size

Found at independent pet stores

Website wackywalkr.com

I recently lent someone the Wacky Walkr Leash. She loved it. She said it worked very well with her little rescue, who likes to pull on the leash so much that walks have been a challenge.

I wrote a review last year. I have found it to be very effective. The leash part is made from a rubber that gives a little but restricts the dog if she pulls too much. It provides a nice correction without being too overbearing. The best part is the leash absorbs most of the “pull.”

The leash is definitely worth investigating. Just remember that most of it is made from a rubber material that will degrade over time. Other than that caveat, I would recommend it to anyone in need of a humane “no pull” solution.

Rescue Mommy

Photographer Saves Lives

On yesterday’s “CBS Sunday Morning,” they profiled photographer Theresa Berg. She began volunteering her time to a local shelter after noticing how depressing the photographs were of the animals available for adoption. Since her photos have been used, the adoption rate at the shelter increased 100 percent!

If you would like to see the clip, here is the link:

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7381500n&tag=contentMain;contentBody

This is a fantastic idea. Maybe you have photographer in your area who would be interested in doing the same?

Rescue Mommy

Thunder Shirt Revisited

Gracie and I have tried the Thunder Shirt in the past. A trainer recommended it to us as a way to ease Gracie’s anxiety when riding in the car. Unfortunately, we did not see much success with it.
I took another look at it recently. I bought a larger size because I think the first one was too small. If it is not hitting in the right places, how can it work properly?

My initial approach of soaking the Thunder Shirt in DAP and slapping it on Gracie might not have been correct. According to the company who makes the shirt, slow and steady is the way to go.

I allowed Gracie to give the shirt a good sniff when I introduced her to it. I draped it over her but did not attach it. The next night, I put it in the bed with us so that it could get our scent. Yes, Rescue Daddy shook his head at that one too. Hey, I am desperate!

Over the next few days, I placed the shirt on Gracie for a few minutes here and there. I even presented her with a treat on it, as the website recommended.

When we had a little outing last weekend, I gave the Thunder Shirt a proper test. I placed the shirt on her. She shook for a bit because she knew we were going for a ride. Then, I went about my business, not grabbing the keys or doing any other “let’s go” things. She calmed and bounced around on the bed for awhile. Unfortunately, when I did grab my keys, she began shaking again.

I would love to say the Thunder Shirt did the trick after we got in the car. There is no magic cure for Gracie’s anxiety, though. As the day progressed, I noticed that the car anxiety was still there. However, she seemed to listen more than she normally does. She even lifted her head, looked around, and kept her ears up as we rode in the car. This may not sound like massive progress to you. It is for Gracie.

Was it the Thunder Shirt? Was it more exposure to car rides or the homeopathic remedy I gave her? I am not sure. I will test it more and let you know. The jury is still out.

Rescue Mommy

Say No to Choke Collars

While perusing the collars in PetSmart, I spotted a lady with a beautiful Collie. The dog was bouncing around in the aisle, extremely excited to out and about. I walked over to admire the dog but was dismayed to see the lady was looking at choke collars.
Her dog was a handful so I could understand the desire to get him under control. I tried to sound helpful instead of bossy when I informed her I had great success with the no-pull harness hanging across the aisle. It was not a lie. My Dalmatian was notorious for pulling on walkies. Place a no-pull harness on her, though, and the pulling stopped.

Fortunately, a PetSmart trainer approached us. I left her with the trainer. I really hope she purchased the no-pull harness. I hate choke collars.

If you are using one, please consider other options. In my opinion, choke collars are not humane. Most people do not even know how to properly put on the collar. Do you really want to take a risk of accidentally choking the dog? Other options are available if you look around.

Rescue Mommy

Adoption Fair and Pet Carnaval

As I mentioned, the fall adoption event and pet carnival was this past weekend. Gracie and I dropped by on Saturday. Several adoption groups were there.

I was struck by the variety of breeds available. I suspect some people think only mutts are available for adoption. While you could certainly find plenty of them, I also spotted several distinct breeds: boxers, Yorkshire terriers, Shih tzu, Jack Russell terrier, et cetera. You could take your pick.

I know some people may want a specific breed. I strongly encourage you to consider a visit to a shelter or rescue group if you are one of those people. Also, go to petfinder.com. You can enter the name of any breed, and the search engine will give you results for available pets in your area.

That is what I did with Gracie. I knew I wanted a Jack Russell. The search generated three in the area. Two had already been adopted, but Gracie was still available.

Please consider adoption as an option for adding a new friend to your family.

Rescue Mommy

Pet Carnival and Mega Adoption Event This Weekend

Visit PetSmart on Bleachery Boulevard in Asheville on Saturday, September 10 and Sunday, September 11, for the big fall adoption event.  Over 100 dogs, cats, kittens, and puppies will be available for adoption from various rescue groups such as Brother Wolf, Asheville Humane Society, Animal Compassion Network, and several county shelters.  A few breed rescue groups will be there too.

The event offers something for everyone.  You can have your pet microchipped for $10, courtesy of Banfield.  The American Red Cross will offer pet first aid demonstrations.  Raffles will be held.  Several informational booths will be available.

The event hours are 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day.  The event is sponsored by Brother Wolf Animal Rescue and PetSmart Charities.  See Brother Wolf's website at bwar.org for more information.

Rescue Mommy

Puppies Behind Bars

In Wednesday’s post, I told you about a program the NC Department of Corrections’ has established for training shelter dogs. Another program, called Puppies Behind Bars, also works with inmates. In this program, inmates train service dogs and explosive detection dogs. Here is the link:  http://www.puppiesbehindbars.com/

I first learned about the organization a few years ago. A dog from the program was given to a veteran who had severe post-traumatic stress disorder. The dog gave him back his life. It was truly inspiring.

If you go to the “In the News” section on their website, you can watch videos and read stories about the program. It is well worth perusing; the organization is doing great things.

Rescue Mommy

New Leash on Life

The North Carolina Department of Corrections allows animal shelters and rescue groups to partner with selected minimum and medium security facilities in a program called “New Leash on Life.” The program helps both the inmate and the dog. The dog learns basic obedience skills. As the organization’s website states, the inmate “gets the chance to serve the community” by helping the dog acquire these skills.

I think this program is just wonderful. Here is a link to the website if you would like more information:

http://www.doc.state.nc.us/dop/program/leash.htm

According to the site, the adoption rate is 92.3 percent. How fantastic is that?

Rescue Mommy

National Disaster Search Dog Foundation

Search-and-rescue dogs work tirelessly to help us humans. They search for a lost child or find survivors after a disaster. These dogs are as dedicated as the heroic police officers, firefighters, and other first responders.

I first learned of the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation last week while surfing CNN’s website. Here is the link:

http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/09/01/cnnheroes.melville.search.dogs/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

Ms. Wilma Melville founded the organization after the terrible tragedy in Oklahoma City. According to the Foundation’s website, she wanted to find a better way to train more disaster response teams. The approach at the time was costly in both time and money.

Ninety percent of the foundations dogs come from shelters. How fantastic is that?

If you would like more information besides the CNN story, here is the organization’s link: http://www.searchdogfoundation.org/.

Rescue Mommy

Wiggle Butt 5K

The WNC Boxer Rescue group is having its first Wiggle Butt 5K run and 1 mile fun run/dog walk on Sunday, October 2, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. The event will be held at Fletcher Community Park.

According to their website, they have found homes for 100 Boxers since they founded the group two years ago. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the event will benefit the group.

The first 150 people to register get a doggy bag that includes a t-shirt. It is worth the fee just for a t-shirt that says “Wiggle Butt” in my opinion. Here is a link if you would like more information:

http://www.wncboxerrescue.org/events/wiggle-butt-5k/

By the way, if you are curious about the “wiggle butt,” just meet a Boxer. Every Boxer I have ever met has “wiggle butt.” Since their tails are usually docked, they wiggle their butts instead whenever they are excited or happy. It is really very, very cute.

Rescue Mommy