So I am constantly amazed and proud at the progress my clients make. I also LOVE to hear about it especially when I know the clients are engaged and working hard. I love sharing the moment and I am honoured to be a part of their journeys.
I received this message today and I thought I would share it with you all. At the Pet Expo this summer I was sitting in my booth and had bent over to grab a couple of pamphlets to place on the table when I felt a lick up the side of my face. I immediately smiled and came face to face with this medium sized mix breed stranger. He put both his paws on my lap and began giving me lots of kisses. I fell in love with him. It was only after a period of this that I realized there was something wrong with his eyes. I asked the owner what was going on and she responded that Bowser was born without his eyes. I fell in love even more. Ashley explained that she had three dogs and Bowser was the most recent one. He had some issues she wanted to work through with him including some rude behaviour, with both people and other dogs, some poor listening and his exuberant behaviour. As we discussed this, I was paying attention to Bowser’s expressions and decided this was the most expressive dog I have ever met. He cracked me up. We set up a one on one, Bowser began attending the group walks and class and recently graduated Level One obedience with plans to go to Level Two.
To watch the progress that has been made has been AMAZING.
Today I received this from Ashley and asked her permission to share….
Hey Ken!
I just wanted to share a proud moment I just experienced
Last month I was able to achieve 1 of my goals regarding the dogs; being able to walk all 3 by myself comfortably. Well before we set out on this afternoons walk I thought to myself... "Ken's guidance has helped me get this far, maybe I can try & push things a bit further." I ditched Bowser's training collar & opted for a 3rd EasyWalk harness, & used a dog coupler between Belle & Bowser.... & with my hands free waist lead, the 4 of us went for a RUN together!
It was liberating & felt fantastic! I use to run with Sapphire & Belle all the time back in the summer of 2013, which is the whole reason I had my waist lead & EasyWalk harnesses for them. Once Bowser came into the picture last September though, I thought running together (& many other activities!) was something the 4 of us would never be able to experience.
Your guidance has helped my little family SO much! I'm starting to feel more confident now, & am very eager to start building up our abilities to enjoy longer runs on the various trails around here.... Once I get back into better shape myself that is haha.
Again, I can't thank you enough Ken! Bowser's still going to be a little rascal on the large group walks, but my day to day life is improving immensely.
Cheers
Ashley
All the group members on the walks are familiar with Bowser. He is a very recognizable dog. If you did not know his story, you would be hard pressed to tell that he is blind. He is a happy go lucky, fun loving dog. He enjoys every moment to the fullest and instantly loves everybody. To see his nose up in the air, head cocked to the side as he figures out what he wants to explore next is fascinating. His expressions bring an instant smile to the face of anybody watching him.
Ashley and her hubby have a couple of goals for Bowser and they are well on the way to reaching them. Next goal is Therapy Dog!!! Bowser will be a HUGE hit.
Oh, and this is Bowser at one of the group dog walks…head tilt, nose in the air and smiling in all his glory :)
Dogs NEVER cease to amaze me. Their compassion, their acceptance of us despite our faults, their ability to live in the moment and their capacity to move beyond things continue to astound me. I have been fortunate in my career as a trainer to work with many dogs with “disabilities”…blind, deaf, three legged, two legged….and without exception, none of these dogs would consider themselves disabled. We humans can learn so much from our canine companions.
Ken
