Ken’s Comments:
My life as a dog trainer meant I have had many dogs come into my life from a variety of backgrounds with a variety of dispositions. The rescue dogs are always a favorite of mine…they really tug on the heart strings and it is amazing to see these dogs be so good despite where they came from.
Meeko totally embodies why I love rescue work.
At a young age Meeko was dumped way back in the woods, made his way to the nearest community, lived on the streets until he was picked up, was transported across Newfoundland to his new home, and was recommended to be put down by another professional. Despite all of this, or because of the love of his mom, he is thriving and is a happy, healthy member of his family. He has lots of friends now, both human and dog, is a regular on the walks and in daycare and has graduated level one, two and three obedience. Have I mentioned, this all happened in less than a year?
I remember first meeting Meeko and Sheila. As we talked, I saw the emotion in Sheila’s face, heard it in her voice. She wanted help, she was prepared to work with Meeko but needed somebody to show her how. It was a gradual thing. Slowly but surely Meeko started coming around and making progress. Sheila is to be commended for her hard work and her resolve. Sticking to the plan, working through Meeko’s issues and allowing him the time and effort to grow both in confidence and ability was not an easy task. Sheila was determined though and the results speak for themselves
I still smile when I see Meeko, Bear and Ringo playing with one another…they love it. Three dogs you would never dream of enjoying each other yet they trust each other implicitly. Things like this are one of the main reasons the group was established in the first place and also one of the reasons I am so proud of it.
Here is Meeko’s story from Sheila
During a hunting trip to my hometown in October of 2013, my brother & sister-in-law constantly spoke about a sweet 2 year old pup, they had met when walking their dog and that I should adopt him. Apparently during August month Meeko had been abandoned in the woods by a group of men from Nova Scotia working in the West Bay area; eventually he made his way to the small town, roaming around until a lady began feeding him. Later SCAPA was contacted, as there were talks of shooting Meeko to get rid of him, as some didn’t want him around. Meeko then found his way into foster care. I listened to their reasons why I should adopt again and how they would be only too happy to drive him across the island. As silly as it may sound to some, truth be told it had just been a year since I had to make the hardest decision ever & let my previous rescue cross the Rainbow Bridge; I wasn’t ready for another dog. Finally I gave in to my sister-in-law on the last day of my trip, and off I went to meet this pup, named Meeko. Of course, I had no intentions of adopting him & was hoping he had already found his forever home. Needless to say my intentions had failed….it was love at first sight; mid-November his adoption was official and I began making plans for Obedience Training, as I wanted to start him off on the right track. Meeko finally arrived on Dec 1st and our journey began!!
At first I was concerned Meeko might have difficulty settling in due to being fostered with another dog & possibly missing him; but that wasn’t the case, he settled in like he had always lived here. However, several days later walking him became extremely difficult; especially when he saw a dog approaching, across the street or in a window. He would begin panting very hard as soon as he caught a glimpse of a dog & lose his mind. He would lunge, growl, bark and try his best to get out of his collar; I would try distracting him, but it didn’t work. When walking Meeko, I would spend most of my time being knocked down by him or having my hand & arm painfully yanked; I knew this behavior couldn’t continue and there was no way he would be able to attend obedience classes….Meeko & I needed help!!
We met with a trainer (recommended by a friend); went for a walk & after witnessing Meeko’s worst outburst ever, he told me I needed to put him down, as he was aggressive and would never be trainable. Needless to say, I had a few choice words for this person and didn’t believe his assessment of Meeko.
I decided to do some checking and found out his foster dad had the same issue when Meeko was on leash; therefore, he would drive Meeko to an area where he could be off leash. Even though some had suggested I return him, there was no way that was happening; I had committed to this boy & that’s what I was going to do. I began walking Meeko early in the mornings, late at night and tried avoiding anywhere we would encounter dogs. One day, Meeko yanked so hard he managed to get out of his collar, knocking me to the ground, bolting towards a family & their dog; my heart sank, I could picture the damage and having to put him down. However, when Meeko reached the dog, he was no longer barking, he was calm; sniffing, licking and just sat there next to this dog looking so happy. I apologized to the family, to who were very understanding & stated he just wanted to play. As I put his collar on, (scolding him at the same time) he looked up with the biggest smile ever, bringing tears to my eyes. By now I was at my wits end; grooming and vet appointments were extremely stressful if there was a dog in sight. But I refused to believe this very gentle, happy, loving dog, with a stubborn streak (lol) couldn’t be trained.
I decided to try another trainer and contacted Ken Reid to schedule a one on one, (which I should have done from the start); he gave us a plan to follow & suggested group walks, day care and obedience classes, never once saying Meeko was beyond help. After our meeting I was very happy and hopeful; I immediately contacted Topsailstar to enroll Meeko in Level 1 and began working on our plan. However, I was nervous about attending the group walks & putting Meeko in day care. His first day at day care I was a nervous wreck; I told the staff, if there was any issue I would pick him up immediately; of course, I called a few times (maybe more..lol) to check on him, probably driving the staff crazy; I was so afraid he hurt another dog. When I picked him up from day care, I was waiting to be told Meeko couldn’t return; instead I was shocked to learn he did so well…of course I was on Cloud 9 and so very proud & happy for him. Meeko continued to attend day care (as often as my work schedule permitted); he would get so excited about day care I couldn’t mention it until I was ready to go thru the door.
Then came our first group walk on January 19/14, the worst part was the parking lot & waiting to start; at the end of every walk I was holding back tears; how could I return to this group with Meeko acting like a savage around the other pups; but we kept returning, always keeping to the back of the pack. I began having doubts if he would ever improve, but Ken and other members kept reassuring me he would. Before I knew it Obedience Class was starting, well that was another stressor; however, once Ken walked in the room and spoke, Meeko became quiet; Ken even used him to do a stay demo…I was so proud of my boy at that moment, while trying to keep my excitement under control. We continued with the group walks, day care and classes; along with a lot of practice. One day in April during a walk with 90+ dogs, he definitely shocked & surprised me, we had progressed from the rear to the middle of the pack and to top this walk off he very calmly walked next to Daisy Butler & Ringo Linegar. I couldn’t believe it; I was definitely a proud doggy momma that day!!
Shortly after that Meeko began a bromance (as Ken called it) with Bear Rodgers; I never thought the day would come that he would have not one but two BFF’s (Bear & Ringo) and many more furry friends. It hasn’t been an easy road; Ken told me at the beginning…it doesn’t happen overnight. Yes, there were times I felt like, we weren’t getting anywhere, or I was doing things wrong & afraid I was setting him up to fail. Many times during classes I would be stressed to the point of no return & wondered why I was continuing with it; at home he would carry out every command, but some nights in class it was another story. Meeko would be more interested in what everyone else was doing and wanted to meet or play with the other dogs; I soon came to realize my boy was nosey & distractions were very high on his list. I have always enjoyed a challenge & I’m not quitter, so after a few months I think Meeko realized I wasn’t going to give up or give in to his stubborn antics.
Meeko was a challenge; he was fearful of sudden movements (especially if man’s hand went to pet his head), children playing street hockey or running towards him, skateboards, bicycles, and walking in the dark. However, his issues, along with the pinched nerve in my leg, and a work schedule that became super hectic at times, didn’t stop us…we still pushed forward! I’m extremely proud of my boy; he graduated from Levels 1, 2 & 3 and attended the Pet Expo. He has come so very far in a very short period of time, with the help of Ken & his group, obedience classes and of course the Rodgers’ boys (Bear & Barrett). There has been numerous occasions when Meeko has made me very proud & brought tears of joy to my eyes. Of course he still has an occasional moment or two; however, I now have the tools to correct his behavior. He may not be perfect to some and always a work in progress; but to me he is my very special, goofy, loving, happy boy. My journey with Meeko has been an experience, to say the least; our journey has been nothing short of a labor of love, patience, and fun times. Meeko & I are so very grateful to Ken & his group; and of course Barry & his staff at Topsailstar, they are amazing with Meeko. We have both made very good friends, human & furry; and I tell everyone, without Ken & this group, I know we wouldn’t be where we are today; we’re very lucky & proud to be a part of FTLOD! Many thanks Ken for starting this group for dogs like my boy. ☺☺☺