Beginning of the Ending

Happy 2012 Everyone!

The Foundation for Service Dog Support has been BUSY at work these past few months preparing the dogs for their upcoming graduation this April! It is amazing how fast these 18 months have gone. These past few weeks the potential recipients have been meeting the dogs during classes as they prepare to take the FSDS Canine CPR and Safety test; ultimately each individual that makes it through the application process will be paired with one of the dogs.

What’s up the the Dogs and their trainers you ask?

• Hip X-Rays- All of the dogs will be undergoing hip exams to check for signs of hip dysplasia which can prevent a dog from having a happy/ healthy working life
• New Tasks are being learned and old ones are being perfected- All of the dogs have been really able to hone in on their skills and perfect certain tasks. Every dog seems to enjoy “FIND” We started to teach them as it was a game of hide-and- seek. This way, the dogs would take an interest in the task as they viewed it as a fun game. Now, each dog is able to SEARCH for whoever they are looking for. This is helpful when a recipient  falls down or needs help from another person in their home.

Nala’s Journey:

Nala rode on an airplane for the very time just before Christmas. This was such an educational experience for Nala and I both! We rode from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport to George Bush Intercontinental/ Houston Airport to see my family over the winter holidays.

Pre-Ride:

 On the Plane:

My Home in Texas. (A little back-story here) I have three older sisters– each one of them has AT LEAST 1 dog. Also, my parents have a dog. Therefore, Nala met 5 dogs while she was home: 1 wired-hair terrier, a labradoodle, a golden retriever, a great dane and a toy poodle. However, Nala did really well adjusting into an environment with other dogs. I think she was a little apprehensive with the great dane at first. However, at the end of the trip I think they both were fond of one another’s company.

(Nala deciding if she likes the Great Dane, Miller)

Nala and Bailey:

Nala and Bailey still see each other on a regular basis through Becky’s and my mutual class, Campus K9 gatherings and social lunches and outings.

(The dogs are in a down stay at PetSmart)

Training Classes, School and Other Pictures:

(Nala and Noah demonstrating “UNDER” while cuddling back to back)

(Nala in one of the Cronkite “Edit Bays” as I was editing a video. It took her awhile to figure out the glass sliding door haha)

Check back soon for more information on the Service Dog Graduation Ceremony.

Campus K9′s (CK9)

So, it’s been awhile since I last updated the blog….

Here’s what’s been going on:

• Arizona State Fall Welcome Week with Nala, Bailey, and the FSDS Demo Dog Missy
• Passport to ASU with Nala and Bailey
• T-Shirts
• School Starting

Arizona State Fall Welcome Week:

August 13th, 14th, and 15th we were able to work  ASU’s fall welcome week. What I found out… Nala LOVES the boys– what a flirt! (haha) Every time a boy would walk up to our table, Nala was up showing off, batting her eyes, wagging her tail. (It was a sight to see)  That said, both Nala and Bailey were REALLY well-behaved. I was so impressed how calm they were with THOUSANDS of students walking by them, saying their names, and making kissy noises at them. This was such great training for Nala and Bailey; they now know how to stay calm in a crowd of THOUSANDS. Boxers are really high energy breeds (any boxer owners can definitely sympathize with me on this.) Nala could run for hours if we had the time (and if it wasn’t 115 degrees outside all the time.) What’s more? She is just now 18 months, so she still has a lot of “puppy in her.” Let’s just summarize it this way: NALA IS A BALL OF ENERGY! However, being at a 6 a.m.-3 p.m. event that required her to stay calm, helped to desensitize Nala to the mass chaos of Arizona State University.

Passport to ASU:

August 18th was “Passport to ASU” event at the Rec Center. Over 10,000 incoming students looking to find clubs, organizations, or societies they can get involved in. Business clubs, “Live Action Role Play Club”, Harry Potter Quidditch Team: there is something for EVERYONE. Becky and I represented the Campus K9′s proudly…. however, we were placed in the back corner of a gym. At this point, we were hoping to get 20 people asking for more information or signing up on our “Make Shift” sign up sheet.

Guess what…

We had over 135 signatures! This was such an accomplishment for us. We thought, if only 10 percent of those people actually become members, we still have a club of almost 20. We were absolutely thrilled to have such success at one of our first events on campus.

T-Shirts

Becky and I designed T-Shirts for the Campus K9′s! They are SO cute… (if I do say so myself.) So, to put it simply, we want EVERYONE to have one. Not just members of the Campus K9 club, but friends, families, strangers, celebrities (haha just kidding.)

If you are interested in a Campus K9 T-Shirt, Email: poppysmic@gmail.com with you t-shirt size and color preference.

 

School Starting

Nala and I (as well as Bailey/Becky & Heather /Noah) all completed our first week of school! Nala has done really well so far,  she mostly sleeps or plays with her new Black Kong. In almost every single class someone comments that they don’t even know she is there because she is SO quite. #WINNING. Teachers, for the most part, have been extremely accepting of Nala. Most have allowed me to introduce ourselves and talk a little about the situation.

Here is one more cute picture of Nala and Bailey in Puppy Training Class:

More to come soon– so keep checking back!

 

All Good Things Must Come to an End

No, no, no… this is not the end of the blog.

Maybe the title was a LITTLE misleading.

What I really meant, was that my school public relations internship with the Foundation for Service Dog Support officially ended on August 1st. In no way does this mean I am through dedicating time to the foundation.

On the contrary actually.

Have you ever heard this phrase?

“When one door is closed, another one is opened to you”

Well that is EXACTLY what has happened in my life. As my internship commitment comes to a close, I am fully committing myself to something brand new. Fellow trainer Becky Brooks and I are starting an on-campus club dedicated to increasing awareness of service dog issues and raising funds for the Foundation for Service Dog Support.

Campus K9′s

So, if you know anyone on campus looking to get involved… please send them my way. More details to come soon!

On more thing before I go:

Public Access Test #Winning!

Nala and I officially passed our Public Access Test!

(Sorry, I have to play proud Mama for a second… but Nala and I had the minimum score before completing a lot of the test.)  She was a total pro

(This is Nala in a DOWN, STAY) √

(After I walked away she stayed in her down/stay and then I said “Come to me Nala,” and she did)√

(This is Nala, NOT being startled by the noisy shopping cart) √

(This is Nala in an “Under”… soon there was a potato chip put in front of her… and she left it, just like she was told too) √

I am so proud of Nala. Passing this test really means she is on her way to becoming a GREAT service dog for someone in need.

Oh, and look who tagged along?

 

What’s next?

• International Assistance Dog Week- created to recognize of all the devoted, hardworking assistance dogs helping individuals mitigate their disability-related limitations.
• Nala is learning to “FIND”- Really, this means I get to start playing Hide-and-Go-Seek with my Pup! What fun!
• Fellow trainer Becky and I are starting the “Campus K9′s” club at Arizona State University– Stay Tuned. More to come on that soon.

PAWdicure

Everyone loves to be pampered…

…Even your Pup

Proper grooming is important year round; however, it becomes increasingly important during the summer months. Baths, nail-clippings, coat maintenance, and teeth brushing should be routine upkeeps to help you dog stay healthy, fit, and active this summer.

I admit…Sometimes, it’s hard to keep up their grooming.

Today however, my friend and fellow trainer Becky and I went to “Bubbles and Paws Self Serve Pet Wash”

Nala and Bailey both got washed, blow dried, and a nail clipping.

I don’t think either Bailey or Nala enjoyed their bath too much…

…or their nail clipping for that matter

However, like I said, it’s important for your dog.

 

Pawdicures (Nail Clipping): Overgrown nails can break easily; this can be very painful for the dog. Also, long-term overgrowth can cause difficulty with walking, pain and soreness and eventually contribute to the development of arthritis.

Baths: This helps to eliminate germs and dirt that he got from playing outside. Clean dog equals healthy dog.

Teeth Care: Helps to prevent gum disease and tooth decay. That’s right. dogs have the same tooth fears we do. (Warning* Your dog will probably like having their teeth brushed as much as you like making that dreadful trip to the dentist)

 

What I recommend:

Brushing their coat: (daily or every other day) This is up to personal preference. Dogs tend to shed their coat more during the summer… brushing helps to minimize dog hair in your home or out in public.

Brushing their teeth: (weekly or bi-weekly) Help protect your dogs mouth and remember to brush! (Bonus* helps get rid of that wretched dog breath they tend to have every time they give you a big smooch on the face)

Baths: (every 2 weeks-monthly) Over washing them takes the natural oils out of their coats and under-washing them leaves that unpleasant smell/bacteria. Find the perfect balance for you.

Nail Clippings: (every 2 weeks) Helps keep their nails from cracking and your skin from tearing

 

 

Pets vs. Service Dogs in Training

Hey everyone,

So this past week I have been house/dog sitting for a friend. They live in a BEAUTIFUL home in Scottsdale . I mean, really, check it out. It was my own little STAYcation for week.

The family has a precious little pet Cavalier King Charles named Brutus. (Pretty fitting name right?)

This week has been filled with many adventures with/without dogs.

1. Nala finally has a yard! She loves having the space to run leash-less in.
2. They have a wonderful pool (not so much dog related but it did soak up some of my time this week)
3. Also, they have a personalized movie room. It’s designed just like a movie theater, but it’s in the privacy of their own home. Therefore, I took advantage and thought it was pretty good training for Nala to be sitting in the loud/dark/surround-sound filled room…I didn’t mind this training AT ALL

However, something I found really difficult was having a “Pet”and a “Service Dog” coexist for this week.

Although Brutus is a precious little angel (just in case the home owners are reading this ha) He has developed some… unpleasant habits.

• He begs for food
• He barks when not given attention
• He jumps on furniture without ever being asked.
• He snores (not so much a trainable habit, just something that I thought I’d mention)

These habits, unfortunately, confused Nala. I was really hoping the begging would not rub off on Nala. However, since I do not feed the dogs any people food, Nala never caught on to why Brutus was begging.

However, she seemed genuinely disappointed she couldn’t get on the bed and snuggle with me the way Brutus could. It was the one habit she was not able to simply overlook.

It actually made me feel bad… I mean, could you say no to this precious face?

This got me thinking, is it fair to have pets and service dogs to live under the same roof? Do you bend the rules for one, but not the other?

I am not sure what the right answer is, or if there is even a “RIGHT” answer. The week just simply got me thinking.

Finally, I want to say thanks to all of the family and friends who came to support the Foundation for Service Dog Support at our most recent fundraiser at the New York Pizza Department. Me, Becky, Nala and Bailey had a fantastic time!

Happy 4th!

“The key to wisdom is knowing all the right questions.”

A 20 something year old walking with her Service Dog in Training to class is not something people see everyday. So, as to be expected, I get odd stares, subtle confused glances in my direction, and often MANY questions.

• Why do I have a dog on campus?
• What is she in training for?
• Am I allowed to pet her?

These are all NORMAL questions that I expect to answer within my weekly trips to school, the grocery store, and other general errands.

However, there is always a “wild card” question thrown in the mix.

For Example take this casual/somewhat awkward exchange I had in the elevator:

Person: “Why do you bring your dog to school”

Me: “She is a Service Dog in Training…” I am abruptly cut off.

Person: “Do you starve her”

Me: “No, uh, does she looked starved?”

Person: “NO! That’s why I am so confused as to how it’s going to do its job. You have to starve her so she can smell drugs… that is how you train a police dog, you STARVE her.”

If you are staring at your screen confused, then you are probably making the same face I was in the moment.

How/ where do I begin?

1. I was so concerned for any dog he met/knows being trained this way
2. I was dumbfounded as to where this misinformation was picked up
3. I felt as if I should tell him Nala is not training to be a drug dog
4. Honestly, I just felt a little frightened in general

It’s conversations like these that remind me that there is a lot of misinformation that circulates around. I am not sure where it comes from, but this is why it is SO important to ask!

Things not to do:

1. Assume a dog in a vest is actually someones pet. If you have suspicions, just ask what they are in training for, or what services they provide.
2. Without any prior knowledge or questions ask a person and their service dog to leave the area. (Believe me, this happens more than you know)
3. Pet someonea service dog without asking. Some dogs are more relied upon than others. For example, a seeing-eye dog guiding someone needs to focus on their task while they are at work.

These Booties are Made for Walkin’

“But it’s a dry heat,” Every Arizonian explaining to every Non-Arizonian why 100 and SOMETHING degrees is bearable.

I hate to break it to you my fellow Arizonians, a dry 106 is still SCORCHING HOT, especially for your dog!

Along with my internship with the Foundation for Service Dog Support, I am taking a summer class at Arizona State University. If you have never been to the campus, its almost a mile in every direction.

Our Typical Route:

(Trust me, it’s a long way)

At the beginning of the Summer, I began to notice Nala’s unusual walking habits (or should I say “prancing” habits.) She would prance through the sunny spots on the cements while attempting to TUG me to any shaded or grassy area. Nala NEVER tugs me. This is when I started to figure out how much the ground was ALREADY burning her paws… unfortunately this was only the end of May; soon it was going to be MUCH hotter.

The next day I began training Nala in her booties…

Nala was not a big fan of this at first...

Nala hated them to be more exact. She looked at me with the most convincing “PLEASE DON’T DO THIS TO ME” look. She actually JUMPED over me to avoid wearing them. (I am not kidding, she could have won the Olympic Gold for the High Jump Competition.)

Because she hated them, and frankly because I had a terrible time putting them on her, I only made her wear two the first day. This ended up being a learning experience for her. Instead of viewing them as the awful unnatural pests that are consuming her feet, she finally understood the purpose of the booties. The next day, she very calmly, and willingly allowed me to put her booties on her. She many not LOVE them, but at the very least she APPRECIATES them.

According to the Arizona Burn Center, during the summer months the pavement can reach anywhere from 130 to 180 degrees.

So…

Attention dog owners, dog lovers, dog trainers: protect your dogs paws! They are depending on you!

Wild Fires

Hello everyone,

This morning, the Foundation for Service Dog Support was notified that a family close to us  lost a great deal due to the Wild Fires. The fire reached their place this morning, and they are expected to lose everything. Consequently, their service dog has been displaced. 

These fires are devouring homes, animals, and memories– leaving absolutely nothing in their wake. 

(Photo Courtesy of CBS.com)

Therefore, we ask that YOU help our fellow Arizonians. We need funds to help the family replace what they lost in regards to their service dog. Also,  we would like to gather information on any other service dogs who have been affected and may be in need of assistance. 

We send out our thoughts and prayers, and hope you will do the same.