These are actual accounts written by some of the families I have dealt with over the years. It is always a pleasure to meet new people and I feel honored to have been a part of their lives. Enjoy the stories and hopefully you will find some reassurance in them.
This first one is from Holli Corbett. Holly is a more recent member of the walks although I have known Ludo since he was a puppy. Ludo is a large male doggue de bordeaux and he has recently gotten to lunging and being aggressive with other dogs. She and her husband recently went through training and are now in on the walks and are doing wonderful. Ludo is a wuss...just needs to learn to relax around other dogs. It is happening and I see the changes more and more every time I see them. So this from Holli:
We have 2 works in progress, Zoey & Ludo. Zoey is a rescue dog and we've had her for 2 & 1/2 years. She came to us with major anxiety issues & minimal house training. She's come a long way from when we first got her but still has anxiety issues and is a barker. I think its her barking at other dogs that encouraged our other dog Ludo (who we got as a puppy about 5 months after having Zoey) to start lunging at other dogs while walking. Ludo is about 130lbs + and can look kinda mean if you don't know him, or aren't too fond of dogs. So explaining to a stranger that your dog is really a sweet, mushy, timid guy, after he's just hauled you across the street on your now-bloody-knees, makes you look a little insane. Both Ludo and Zoey have been going to daycare since we got them, and Ludo just graduated from the first level of training, and these walks help them both with being around other dogs. Though they were both socialized, and both are really well-behaved dogs at home - they lately often act out on walks around new dogs. And after being literally dragged across the street twice now, I too need a confidence boost - which these walks certainly help with. It also is huge for me to be around people who don't think you're a crazy person with an out-of-control dog when your dog behaves like a jerk. Hopefully in a few months I will be able to report back that I am walking Ludo & Zoey all by myself (as I did every day right up until the first time he dragged me across the street) with no more getting dragged around like a ragdoll! :)
This next one comes from Janine Colbert who is the proud owner of Riley a young Bull-pie with a huge attitude. Mister Riley holds the distinction of being the youngest dog ever to take part in classes at Topsailstar and also the only puppy I have ever met who at 10 weeks old was actually challenging full adult dogs. He was aggressive with people and kicked up a stink when they would approach him. He was (and still is) cute as a button but a walking disaster right from the start but had so much potential. Janine got him and has worked really hard with him. Her efforts show. While he is a work in progress, when I compare where he was to where he is now, it is nothing short of amazing. He went from trying to eat me the first time I met him to now absolutely believing I have been put on this earth to provide him love whenever he is around. Dogs like Riley speak to me and I get huge enjoyment out of working with them. Here is his story:
I will try to keep this to a blurb and not a book.....lol. In a couple of weeks it will be a year since I got Riley and the following day I met Ken and everyone at Topsailstar. When Danny and I got him we knew he had some aggression issues but figured we had previous dogs so we were equipped to handle him.......what a joke that was. The day after I got him I took him to the pet store to get a collar and he tried to bite the guy fitting him, he was most definitely not your average puppy. He didn't want people coming near him, growled at everyone except me and was really protective and possessive. I knew this was more than we could handle ourselves so I called Topsailstar and Barry told me to bring him in, that night I went to the demo for level 1 obedience and saw and heard Ken's stories with his dogs and knew this was the help Riley needed, and he became the youngest puppy to do obedience there. That in itself was an adventure but we worked really hard and you could see the changes in Riley. We went on to have a one on one with Ken to help with in house issues (as I also have 3 more dogs) and we followed the things Ken told us to do and by sticking to that our house became more peaceful and I didn't dread someone saying "I was going to stop by for a visit" whereas before that statement would have been a trigger for panic. I have experienced just about everything on the group walks and in class and have learned ALOT!!! Riley has gone from hating people to loving them, at first he didn't like Ken and look at him now, president of his fan club...hahaha!! He is improving with other dogs, he actually likes some now, and has had some off leash play with no major problems which REALLY made me smile :) I know we still have a way to go yet but Riley has come such a long way I know he can do it!!!
The third story comes from Laura Fudge. Laura and her doggy family are also more recent members to the group. I met Laura, Greg and their pups and was amazed of the work they had already done. By the time I got to them, they were already doing so much right. I always say that rescue work is so rewarding and I have a huge soft spot for rescues (having four myself). I was honored when Laura and Greg contacted me for help. I showed them what to do, and they are well on the walk to complete rehab. Here is their story:
Lacey and Jay were found off the highway near Holyrood in April of last year. Heavenly Creatures tried to find their owner but after a couple of weeks, nobody claimed them so they went to a foster home while they tried to find a forever home for them. I was interested in one of the dogs, didn't care which one, but was told they couldn't be separated as they were very dependant on each other and very traumatized. So I told them I would take the two of them on a trial basis and see if I could handle it. When I got these two poor girls, they were not house trained, they didn't know how to go up and down a set of stairs, Jay was constantly aggressive towards Lacey, and Lacey was so fearful of everything she didn't walk ... she scuttled on her belly from one place to the next. I spent the first month cleaning up pee and poo all over the house, vomit in the car every time I took them anywhere, almost got pulled off the trail around Signal Hill when I tried to walk them on a leash, got told off by multiple strangers who saw Lacey's fearful walk and thought I should have better sense than to bring her to a public place, and lastly ... being told by all my friends and family that I was crazy to take on two abused dogs when I was working full time and on my own.
Lacey and Jay are now the two most well behaved, happy, beautiful dogs I know. Jay NEVER shows any signs of aggression towards Lacey, they never have accidents in the house, Lacey will on occasion still put her tail between her legs when we are out in a crowded place but walks around our house with her tail up high and wagging back and forth. Every week she gains a little more confidence! Before Christmas, my boyfriend and I had Ken do a one on one session with us as we still found that she was very fearful of men and my boyfriend wanted her to be comfortable with him. Ken gave us a ton of things to work on with her and the improvement has been amazing. She now naps with my boyfriend on the bed when I'm not around.
This is a long story, but I wanted to share it because I think it's especially important for anyone who takes in a rescue animal to know that what they are doing is such an important act of kindness. The people around you may think you're nuts and strangers may tell you off (you can always tell them to mind their own *insert choice word* business like I did), but at the end of the day ... that furball will show you an unconditional love like no human can. When you think about everything that humans take from this world, it's something to be proud of when you are able to give back and make it a better place for other creatures.
The fourth story is Roxanne and Terry who Aspen a sweetheart of a mastiff/rottie mix. They are regulars on the walks and one of the first members of the group. Most people see Aspen today and view her as a calm friendly sweetheart. What most do not realise is that not long ago, Aspen was very dog aggressive, Aspen had a horrible life before she was rescued. Reports were on the news about her found outside half frozen with her puppies. Roxanne and Terry fostered her for the SPCA and she was adopted by another family. This adoption failed because they just could not handle her. Roxanne and Terry took her back and adopted her themselves. First time I met Aspen she came to class and literally pulled Roxanne in through the door to fly into the other dogs. When I say she was very dog aggressive, I mean she was VERY dog aggressive. I actually had to ask Roxanne to leave the first Level Two class Aspen was enrolled in as the rest of the class was too nervous with her in it...they had seen her go after their dogs. Roxanne and Terry took everything we said to heart though, did not give up, continued with the training, socialization and daycare. The first time I grabbed Aspen and walked her with my dogs, I thought Roxanne was going to faint. The first time I took the pack to their house and showed them how Aspen could play in her own backyard with other dogs...I saw Roxanne almost break out in tears of joy...we all stayed that day for a bbq while Roxanne and Terry had Morgan, Tanner, Rigger and Aspen running throughout their house. She is fantastic now. She is a Therapy Dog with St. JOhn Ambulance, is a regular on the walks and in most of the demos we do. She holds a big place in my heart and I always get my knees buckled on the walks as she slams into me to get a head rub. I have had her at my place hanging with my immediate pack. Here is her story:
Terry and I got aspen from the SPCA about 3 years ago. She had aggression issues and was not good around other dogs. Through this group, doggie daycare and obedience training 1 - 3 she is now the dog you see today. Thanks to Ken, Barry, Val and their staff for all their help, encouragement and advice.
Fifth story is Krista and Martin who own a beautiful sook of a chocolate lab named River. Again they are newed to the group. First time I met them was just after River was adopted. River's previous owners had given up River because of health reasons. Krista and Martin took River on. They realised they had little dog experience and wanted to start things out right. River was young and large and boisterous. They contacted me for a one on one on recommendation of friends of theirs who had been through class. I met them and River....oh boy did they have their hands full. Again they took everything I recommended to heart, worked hard with Rigger and just graduated Level Two obedience. Krista is a great example of how owners with proper work and patience can turn things around and become the dog people their dog needs them to be. River is a sweetheart of a dog and gives so much love. Here is his story:
My story is a little different because my dealings with Ken were more on my issues, more so then my dogs. River, now the love of my life, was to be put down by his previous owner. He was one when we got him last July, still a puppy. However, I was TERRIFIED of large dogs, and River is an 80lb chocolate lab, so you can imagine my dillema. My boyfriend was leaving to go out of town 4 days after we got River, meaning I would have him....ALONE.. lol. A friend of mine told me about Topsail Star, and thats when I learned about Ken and all his successes. Ken came to our home and did a one on one with us. From that moment on I overcame my fear of dogs. River is a playful pup and the best thing that happend to us. We can not imagine our lives without him! I owe this special bond with River to Ken and the crew at Topsail Star because without their help, I would have never gained the knowledge and skill that it takes to gain your dogs respect. I will forever be greatful for all their help :)
The next one comes from Cindy who is one of the newer members in the group. She and her pup recently found out about us and joined us on the walks. I constantly say this group is filled with very understanding and supportive people. You would not believe the number of people I have contact me who say they want to join in on the walks but are afraid to do so because of how their dog will react around other dogs. I always tell people not to worry as the group is filled with people exactly like this:
I Care, But I Don't Have The Time Or Energy....In my young 20s I thought I was following my passion of animal welfare by going to work in the small animal care field. After many clinics cross coutry, many memorible owners, many sad and happy cases. and most importantly memorable animals, I thought I was making a difference - and I'm sure I was to some - many I still remember. Unfortunately due to economic reasons, I had to choose I different career path, but regretted every day not being able to come to work to see how last night's trama clients were. Don't get me wrong - there were hard days of witnessing animal abuse or owners that were understandablly restricted on the type of care they could offer due to financial restrictions - it was not often due to the restriction of just "not caring". Regardless, I missed it greatly. Then one day a coworker mentioned a rescue foundation needed help caring for a rescue dog and her 8 pups. Honestly, I did have to stop for a moment to think "did I have time", but most importantly I "wanted to make time". So the almost 9 week ordeal began of daily medications, walking Momma, scooping up pee and poo (often with worms), administering medication, leaving my old social life behind........ Each shift I would leave my day job and just want to go home and cuddle with my cats, especially as the Winter long, cold days began. But each day I would drag my pitiful, grumpy ass to the shelter site. And the moment I opened the door......all I could hear was 8 hungry pups happy to see me, Momma's tail tumping on the floor so excited to go for a walk....they were happy to see ME....not anyone...but ME! No coworker, job responsibility, or project deadline has ever given me such satisfaction....even with all the pee and pooh involved! After the pups got healthy, Momma needed a foster home asap. So I reluctantly brought her home....with worries of course....how would she interact with the cats (Kings of the household), how would she interrupt my social life, can I really take time out for a dog as they are alot different than independant cats........and so forth. Well, it's been almost 2 months...I don't have time to jon the work gang for drinks as often after work, I'm up a half an hour earlier each morning to walk her, I spend more money on bones and toys as I tend to spoil every animal in the house, the cats have adjusted although one is still adjusting, I can't go for sleep overs without taking her or arranging babysitters (which I would rather have her), I have to carry a "poop bag" every time we go for a walk, I have dog food and paw prints on my clean floors, etc......the list goes on and on....HOWEVER, I have learned one thing.....although working in a vet clinic is one thing, rescuing is a higher level. Knowing that I am offerring a safe, secure, warm home to an animal that never had one brings joy to my heart.....and the "thump thump thump"of her happiness each morning I wake up or come home brings tears to my eyes each day. After all the "compromising" I thought she would cause to my life, did I only know that I needed her much more than she needed me. She rescued me... I didn't rescue her. As for offerring a foster home.......I finalized the adoption this week....knew I would weeks ago.....just took some time to admit it to myself (and the cats).....and haven't regretted it one moment since. She taught me to take it all in stride.....and to enjoy a daily walk more than completing a long-term work project. Animals bring you down to earth - rescue animals keep you there!
The next success comes from Liz Walsh who is the proud owner of a beautiful chocolate newf named Kalua. Lou is a recent addition on the dog walks but I have known Liz for a while as I used to see her and Lou walking through Cowan Height all the time and I had to say hello. I remember my first real dealings with Lou came when Liz emailed me about having problems getting Lou in the car...Lou just would not get in the car PERIOD. It was not a thing she did her whole life, just one day she refused. On one of the walks, I told Liz to stop into the house and I would show her how to get Lou over her problem. Lou kicked and screamed jumping into the back of my Xterra then. She did it though and was more comfortable with my dogs in the back already. I brought Lou into my house to get another collar for her and she literally peed and pooped all over the front entry way when I attempted to get her up my stairs (and for those who don't know...Newfs can hold a lot of pee and poop).Fast forward a year later, Liz contacted me saying Lou had recently gotten antsy around other dogs, was still refusing to walk up stairs and cross bridges. I encouraged her to join in on the walks...she did and with the help of the group and a little bit of know how, Liz saw how to get Lou over the stairs and the bridges. Now she takes both like a trooper and the big ham she is, I see her looking around after crossing the big gratted bridge in bowering park still looking for the cheers and praise she got from the group when she did it the first time. Here is her story:
Lou's Successessesssssss :) Sorry, but she has had so many since meeting Ken and the gang, I can't even begin to say how proud I am of her! And of me! The biggest of the accomplishments, as so many of you have been there to witness, would be getting over her fear of stairs and bridges! The day we began with the group, we reached the staircase that leads up to the grated bridge on the Southbrook trail. Well, thank GOD for Ken and for the patience and empathy of the group, because if Lou could have had it her way, she would have run the trail right back to the car. But I didn't give up, and neither did she. Walk by walk she was able to face her fear a little more, a little less shaky, and ALOT less vocal...poor girl. She now walks up those stairs (well, ok, maybe runs to get them over with..and sorry to anyone who might be in her way, she is a STRONG girl) and goes across that bridge without looking back!!! I am so so proud of her!!!! THANK YOU EVERYONE!!!! YAY LOUIE!!!
This eighth story comes from Melissa Stevens who is the proud momma of Reno and Rocky. Rocky is an older boxer with an attitude. Reno is a younger boxer/mastiff mix. I remember first time I met Melissa out on a group walk, she was walking Reno behind the group...wayyyy behind and was having a lot of issues with him. He was full of himself. Not really good around some people, did not listen to Melissa at all. I remember walking back, asking her if she needed a hand and her looking at me like I was crazy for even offering to take Reno up with me. Reno came into class, went through level one and two. He gets so excited when I talk to him he pees (sometimes on me). My first meeting with Rocky came on a group walk when I convinced Melissa to bring him. She kept him in the car until I got there and was able to put the leash on him. She again looked at me like I was crazy for saying I was going to walk him with Morgan and Tanner. He had a few grabs at them but by half way through the walk, he was enjoying himself. I still have pics of the three of them sitting on a bench together suring one of the poop breaks. Melissa went from not being able to walk one of her dogs around other dogs to regularly walking both together on the group walks. A couple of months ago I dropped into Melissa's house...last thing she said on the phone was "watch out for the dogs when you get here"...I walked in through the door, they came tearing out ready to eat me until they saw it was me...immediately I got butt wiggles and licks from both. So here is their story:
My first story i will start with Reno... Reno, now 2, is a boxer mix, we got him as a puppy and of course it was 8 years since we had one! i can't even count the things that he has destroyed! and he would NOT listen to us at all! i had had enough and twice i looked for another home for him. Then finally i decided to do training at Topsailstar. I can't even begin to thank Ken Reid and Barry Reid enough for what they taught ME! now Reno is doing much better (even though he still has some issues we need to work on) but i can't even imagine it without him lol! My second story is my now 10 year old Boxer Rocky... he was attacked by another dog when he was younger and ever since he has been savage around other large dogs. i used to dread bringing him for walks because i couldn't control him when he saw another dog. Seeing all the other dogs on the group walks, i finally built up my confidence and brought Rocky. Well of course Ken, the miracle worker had him walking side by side with his pack with no issues at all! now i can walk Rocky with more confidence and he gets to be around other dogs again:) Thank you so much Ken!!!!!
The next success comes from Brenda "Rockstar" Kitchen who is the proud momma of Abey "Superstar" Kitchen. Why Rockstar and Superstar tags you might ask. Well, if you have ever met Brenda and Abey you would know. Brenda is one of the absolutely most genuine and sweetest individuals you could ever meet. We are talking teeth hurt sweet. She is so positive and full of love, it is hard not to be the same when around her. The first time I met Brenda was at the Pet Expo when she came to me telling me how her Jack Russell was aggressive around other dogs and people. She explained the situation to me and wanted to know why. I simply told her that Abey was not happy. Brenda almost cried :). The following year, she came to us for training...Abey was everything Brenda described. I saw a nervous and scared dog who was not at all confident and as a result, the problem behaviors were showing. Brenda took everything we said and ran with it. She graduated multiple obedience and is a regular on the dog walks...you will see Abey's little legs moving just to keep up with the other dogs while wearing her very fashionable sweaters and jackets (the skull one is my fav)...while Brenda's little legs do the same to keep up with the group...have I mentioned Brenda is about 5 feet tall on good days :p Anyway..total changes on both counts. Here is their story:
Everything was going great with Abby (my JRT) until after one winter when she just changed (it seemed like it happened that way). Anyhoo, it was so embarassing to walk her.I used to walk her I thought there wouldn't be many people around. Early in the morning. She is a little dog, only 13 lbs, and people would want to come over to see her cause they would say she is so cute and I would say, well, she might be cute but....and then Abby would lose her shit. It was so embarassing!!! Other dogs would pass us all cool and she would bark, lunge and pull like she was crazy! I would feel horrible and like I was the worst mom ever. I tried my best and finally brought her (back) to trg when ken said to me that if she is acting that way she isn't happy. I really want her to be happy.Things are much better now and we even walk off leash sometimes on the back trails. I loves her! Thanks Ken! And everyone else for all your patience:)
This story comes from Carla Barnes who is the proud momma of Freshie. I met Carla and her family a couple of years ago. She called me up very frustrated because she could not walk Freshie and Freshie was being agressive. I went into her home and immediately saw a great example of a dog that completely ruled the roost but was just as totally unhappy doing so. We set up a behavior mod plan and I showed Carla how to take charge. Freshie immediately released that knot in his belly and became a much happier dog. Here is her story:
We got our beagle Freshie from Humane Services. He was kept in a kennel and had never lived inside with his previous owners. In fact they never named him. Freshie was his shelter name, that wanted him to have a fresh start. They told us that he would be a lot of work but we were willing to bring him home. We brought him home and house trained him just fine. He would pull us when we were walking, was aggressive towards other dogs, and men. We were at our wits end and didn't know what to do with him. We called Ken and he taught us that Freshie thought he was in charge at our house. He showed us how to keep him off the bed and furniture unless he was invited. He showed us how to introduce him to other dogs, that was really the turning point. I was always afraid to take Freshie out because we might see other dogs but with Ken's help I was more confident. After our lessons with Ken, people would come to our house and say how much calmer and more secure Freshie seemed. That would not have happened without Ken's help. He really helped Freshie become part of our family.
When Carla wrote this up, I had to respond: Aw thanks Carla...you guys put the work in..I just nudged you in the right direction and Freshie was a wuss really. He wanted attention from people (even men) he just did not know how to accept it. I saw that in him right from the start...he was not happy being boss and gave up that role so easily when I walked into the house. And for those reading this...Carla went from not being able to walk Freshie because of the pulling to recently starting a running program with him :p..love that
The next story comes from Krista Bursey who is the momma of three Valley Bulls: Jack, Angus and Popeye. When I met Krista she had already owned Angus and Popeye and had recently aquired Jack to her pack. Krista had been to training with another trainer with Angus and Popeye. They had done well but Jack was a little different. Jack is a great example of a dog that I love to refer to as "just is not all there". Like many of the dogs that I do one on ones with, typical methodology did not work. He was aggressive with other dogs and some people. He was a handful. Also like many other dogs that I deal with, I met Jack and immmediately fell in love. I get a big kick out of dealing with this type of dog....they seem to understand me and I them. I do not know why this is the case and have never questioned it but it just happens. We set up a behavior mod plan and took Jack out for a walk. I remember getting back to Krista's house, her husband met us at the door and immediately said "Krista, that is the first time I have seen a smile on your face after walking Jack, we are seeing Ken from now on". Jack went on to graduate Level One, Two and Three obedience. I love grabbing Jack and demoing with him because he will literally stand on his head for me if I ask him to. He is a work in progress for sure and may always have issues but Krista has the tools to allow him to be a loved and treasured member of her family. Here is their story:
Although my boy Jack is and probably always will be a work in progress, he definitely is a success story. Jack came to us from someone who "no longer had the time for him". He would aggressively bark, growl and lunge at everything that move...d. Already having two dogs I thought I could turn him around. But after three weeks with little to no improvement and an incident where he had bitten a very understanding construction worker, I knew I needed HELP! A close friend involved with Therapy Dogs recommended Ken. After one home visit I could see so much improvement, it was amazing! After a couple of months working with Jack on my own, using the techniques Ken had shown me, I gained the confidence to start obedience classes at Topsailstar and to join the group walks. It's a little over a year later and we are regulars on the group walks and have completed all three levels of obedience classes at Topsailstar. Jack is a different dog than he was when we first got him. Thank-you, Ken and Barry for teaching me the skills I needed to know, to keep Jack as a loving member of our family
This next comes from Nichole Beverley. Doing this dog training gig, I meet all kinds of people. Many that I meet have little experience. Nichole however came from a dog background. She had worked rehabilitating dogs in the past with some organizations and had a lot of basis down. She was the proud owner of Oz and Holly. Holly however had reduced her to tears. Things that typically worked, would not work with Holly. Nichole's confidence was so shaken that she brought in two other trainers. They shook her confidence even more. See, Holli was dog aggressive, to the point she had done serious damage to another dog belonged to Nichole's family. In the training business, I NEVER work in absolutes and always remind myself to be careful what I say to clients as what a trainer says carries a lot of weight. You can destroy a person's confidence so fast. This happened to Nichole with the other trainers. By the time she contacted me, I could hear it in her voice that she was ready to give up. I told her not only would I meet with her but if all went well, we would be walking Holly next to mine by the end of the visit. She seriously doubted it. However, that is exactly what happened. Holly was so afraid of other dogs she immediately went on the offensive and lashed out. I showed Nichole how to do proper introductions, set up a behavior mod plan and then proceeded to show her just how calm and good Holli could be by bringing in my dogs. I have been back a handful of times over the last couple of years to help her out with things, the most recent bringing a small one eyed kitten into her home. I always bring my pack with me and they are always invited in with open arms...there has never been an issue since that first day. Oz and Holly just look at Morgan, Tanner and Rigger...amazed they would and could be running around off leash in their house. Here is her story:
I first approached Ken in the summer of 2011 because Holly (my 2 year old mixed breed rescue) had become very aggressive towards other dogs. She had nearly taken one dog's eye out, and almost always went right for the stomach or throat when she attacked. She meant business and there seemed to be no reason or warning for what she was doing. My dog had become someone that people didn't want to be around and most certainly didn't want their animal companions around. I had gone to two other trainers before Ken. They both informed me that Holly would never be able to be around other animals without constant supervision and that she should never have other animals enter the house without her being on a leash. None of the training methods that they advised seem to work for Holly. She and I became increasingly frustratrated and I lived in constant fear that she would seriously injure my other dog, Oz. I came to Ken as a very upset and desperate person. I'm pretty sure that I seemed border line insane, to be honest, but he came for an assessment anyway. He was only here for one hour and I was already crying like a baby. Holly got introduced to Morgan and Tanner (two dogs from Ken's pack) and went for a walk with them. When they returned from the walk, Ken sat down with me in my living room and actually did a little photoshoot with Holly sandwiched between Morgan and Tanner. Everything that I wanted for Holly was happening right in front of my very blurry and tear filled eyes. That afternoon I took Holly on the walk that Ken organizes. My aggressive dog (who would never be comfortable around other animals) did an entire hours walk with about 20 other dogs and she loved it. Since that day I have continued working with Holly and trying to go on walks with Ken's group. When she sees other dogs now she gets excited and curious. People come over to my house and bring their pets; I've even adopted a kitten, who Holly spends all of her time grooming and following around like a duckling. To say that I have had success with Ken's training would be a huge understatement. Holly is healthier and happier than ever and I don't have to worry about the safety of Oz or Harvey (my kitten) when I'm not looking (though my sandwiches will never be safe).
The next story is one that is near and dear to my heart. I do a lot of work with Heavenly Creatures and Beagle Paws. Every now and again I get called about a dog that is in rough shape and really cannot be fostered out because they are either too afraid, too aggressive, too...something...and I take them. I first met Jacob when he was at the local pound. He was curled into the corner of the run and not letting anybody near him. Immediately my heart went out to him, I contacted Jessica Randell (head of Heavenly Creatures) saying that I was bringing him home. I brought him home, introduced him to the pack and he immediately started to come around. He went from not letting anybody touch him to in a month, taking part in the Santa Claus parade and having half of St. John's pet him. When Kendra and Steve contacted me saying they were interested in adopting him, I was so happy. I had met them the year before with Penny, their young black lab, in training and knew they would be a perfect fit and be able to continue with his rehab. They were a couple who I instantly liked and just knew Jacob would get the forever home he so deserved. Years later, he is definitely a very much loved member of their home. Last year he even graduated Level Two obedience without ever doing the Level One course. What a dog. Here is his story:
I was browsing Heavenly Creature’s website (which is what people like us tend to do) on December 30, 2009 when I saw Jacob. There wasn’t a whole lot of information there about him. It said he was a stray and was in bad shape and was consequently in the hands of a trainer. Knowing Ken and his affiliations with HC, I emailed him immediately to see if he knew anything about Jacob. I wasn’t even looking for a second dog at the time, with a handful of an 8 month old black lab (Penny) at home. I know it sounds ridiculous, but I just took one look at him and knew he was going to be part of our family. Ken was ecstatic that we were interested in Jacob and indicated he had come a long way in the short time he had him, but still had a long road ahead of him. I went the very next day to meet him. He was shy, just skin and bones, and had a coat comparable to steel wool. But I loved him! After a meeting with Penny and a couple of group walks, he was ours! Ken can speak more to what those first two months with him were like – let’s just say that he was going to be put down for aggression and being petrified of people – but I can speak to the absolutely wonderful dog he is now. He’s been with us for over two years and he is nothing short of a dream dog. He is near perfect. He is calm, and happy, and confident. He loves people, children, and other dogs. He passed Level II obedience with flying colors. He pretty much loves everything about life. Thanks to Ken - for giving him that second chance; and to Penny - for sharing her overflowing confidence and"enthusiasm" for life. Jacob continues to bring smiles to the faces of everyone he meets :)