All walks of lives matter

 

“To that which you tame, you owe your life”.
― Stacey O'Brien

 

 

As I give my kitty, Raven Roo, her favorite treat on a saucer while sitting on her pillow throne, I think to myself, in a perfect world everyone would be treated the way I believe my animals should be treated. Oh, to be that cherished!

 

This column is somewhat of a continuation of my last column because it is my whole heart and I believe an important message. All walks of life matter.

 

I try to do my part and raise a few monarchs butterflies every year. This year I raised one, who I knew would never fly. Her beautiful wings were damaged. Others that raise butterflies may euthanize them in this case. If they are not suffering, I feed them and give them a beautiful garden and everything that could make their little hearts smile for the short time they are on this earth. It may be a short life, but it’s THEIR ONLY life. We all only get ONE LIFE, NO DO-OVERS!!

If you take an animal into your life, I believe you are obligated to make a commitment to do the best you can for them.

 

I recently had a client of an unknown name that kept calling her dog ‘stupid.’ She just wanted something magical to happen without putting any effort forth and ended up surrendering the dog to a shelter. Being on the board of Muskegon Humane, I see this happen way too often.

 

We are our pets only connection to absolutely everything. They cannot eat, drink, or go potty without us. Can you imagine what that would be like? Can you imagine spending every day waiting for any crumb of attention to be given to you?  If I were a dog or cat and I was not given the daily stimulation or food I needed to make me feel good, had an imbalance or allergies, I would act out too. There have been numerous studies done on how the imbalance of microflora (gut health) can affect behavior. Can you imagine how you would feel if you always had an upset tummy or were itchy?

 

As Christmas approaches, I often warn against giving pets as gifts or impulse buying a puppy for under the tree. It is so important to research your breed and be ready for lifetime commitment. If you don’t have time for daily LONG walks and enrichment, don’t get a Labrador puppy. If you cannot commit to that, get an older, senior, low energy breed or a kitty. However, they still require love and care.

 

Ultimately, if you cannot commit to give them your all, please don’t get a pet. A pet is not a purchase or a THING, but a LIFE of no less value than your own.

Research what kind of pet, and what age would be best for your lifestyle. Everybody thinks that puppies are the cutest, but what responsibilities come with those pooping, peeing, chewing puppies? What would happen if we didn’t research and couldn’t handle the energy that they require? We are creating a problem for someone else when that pet ends up in a shelter.

 

At any given time, 28,000,000 pets are suffering from cognitive disease because their minds are not engaged, they are not given the walks and the enrichment that is so needed. This being the only life that pet has, who are we to deny them the best?

 

If we choose fast food or unhealthy food, that is our choice.

Our pets don’t get to choose. If we don’t research the fresh whole food that their body craves, we are denying them. When feeding your pet, the inappropriate kibble that advertises omegas, when in all actuality there is barely a pinch, we are essentially allowing them to live on McDonalds. Their body craves what they need and cannot provide for themselves. We need to do our homework!

 

I believe it is our responsibility to read, research, and provide what that animal needs and they are lacking nutritionally, physically, and emotionally. They deserve the best to enhance their all too short of lives.

Watching a dog's brain work

 

“I just love watching a dog’s brain work.” ~ Paula Smith

 

As I tell Olaf, “It say”, he wags his tail and I laugh. I believe I can see the corners of his lips turning up into a smile as he anticipates the next game we will play together. I see confidence and joy in his eyes as a little bit of drool drips out of the corner of his mouth, waiting for whatever reward might come along with the game.

 

Why did I teach my dog the word sit in Pig Latin? As you may know, Olaf is a rescue dog from down south and I have no idea what his past was except that his owners didn't care enough and gave him up when he acquired heartworm. I am happy to say he is now a healthy happy boy. However, a few mental scars were left. When I told him sit, he would sit down, but his ears would sag and he looked like he was cowering. Not the kind of joy I wanted to see in my dog. Someone had most certainly said “sit” to him in a mean way. Why not change the word to something that makes me laugh and his tail wag? The difference between the words “sit” and “it say” is the joy in his eyes. That’s what I strive for, that joy and happiness.

 

I often refer to this analogy I’ve read by Susan Clothier, I could make you sit in a chair with a gun and you would, but you would not have my trust and would not be my friend. I could also make you sit in the same chair by offering you a pile of money and you might start liking me, or at least want to see me again. I do not understand ever wanting to be the gun, yell or use aversive training. 

 

When you were a child did your parents play games with you? Think back to one of your fondest childhood memories. Was it sitting in the middle of the living room with your head down, doing nothing? Well, of course not. We are our dog’s only form of entertainment. A bored dog may also use their energy, that was bred into them, in ways we don’t appreciate such as chewing, jumping etc, if not taught otherwise.

 

 Dog blessed buddies, Eli above , my Olaf below 
enjoying Speedway

Watch your dog's eyes as they follow you, hoping that this moment is the moment to do a job that makes their tail wag. Jane Goodall taught us and scientifically proved animals do have a thinking process and emotions. I have never had a better companion that gives unconditional love!

 

Recently Olaf I completed a specialty title; The Alphabet Challenge: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onEOa1xUnoE&t=14s

I can honestly say, I laughed while completing every single one of these activities for each letter. Both our hearts smiled, and our bond increased. I encourage you to seek out ways to find that joy with your dog. There are so many new fun sports out there, Speedway, C-wags ARF, and more. Check them out. Contact me, via the info below, I would be happy to encourage and suggest.

 

I recently earned my degree to teach Pet First Aid and CPR, to add to my certified professional dog training degree. I want to help dogs and pets live as long as they can, and I want to share my knowledge, encouraging others to seek out knowledge and reach out to people like me for more information. I encourage you to read, take classes, and just go out and laugh with your dog. Try to adjust your mindset that training can be FUN. Take the time with your dog to go jump in the lake together and teach them something new. You will be surprised the next time you tell your dog to “it say” how much their tail wags in anticipation of what adventure will come next.

Olaf's first Speedway ribbons

Odin J. (now at the rainbow bridge) Champion trick title we had a blast completing 

Olaf A. Snowman official Pet Safety Crusader assistant 

 

This is my mission in life, to pass on my Odin J.’s (now at the rainbow bridge) legacy to help all dogs and animals live their best life and to encourage others to find ways to create that spark of joy in their dog’s eyes!

 

Second Chance created with love

 

Sarah Dobbrastine from Second Chance Mushers with her rescue team 

"Most important is that you are out there with your 12, 16, 20 best friends—the dogs." ~Susan Butcher  (Iditarod racer who was the first to win three consecutive champions from 1986-1988)

In my eyes there is NOTHING better than spending time in nature with your furry friends accompanying you!

As the approaching 2021 Iditarod is getting ready to commence ,  sled dogs start racing through my head. (not that dog’s aren’t ALWAYS on this canine addicts mind) However, this year is the First time I can say I know what it's like to be the passenger on a dog sled. I did not race, of course, but the experience was still quite exhilarating.

My first sled dog ride 

I thought to myself a few months back, "What am I going to do on New Year's Eve during a pandemic?" 
I am going to keep looking up, smile and do something I've always wanted to do! I am going to go on a dog sled ride and support a rescue at the same time!  What could be better than that? The cherry on top of the sundae, was I invited a couple of my friends to do the same and they also ventured out  to support Second Chance Mushers.

I have followed and admired this amazing rescue for quite some time. They are located near Traverse City Michigan. They take working sled dogs that need homes and give them a second chance. These dog stay in the house with Sarah, the founder of this rescue, until the time they are rescued out or end up living with her. She helps to offset the costs of the rescue by teaching the rescues to pull sleds and provide the opportunity to educate and allow people like myself to experience  being on a dogsled.  I believe this idea is just ingenious. These dogs are so excited to do this! You can see the happiness and drive, in their beautiful eyes.

In a past interview I had with a great musher and Iditarod competitor Wade Marrs,  he affirmed what you can observe by watching them, they love to race. "You can't push a rope, they have to want to do what they are doing. I do it because I love to spend time with my dogs, the sport is just a bonus."

From a certified professional dog trainers point of view I can also affirm what a innovative idea this is. The huskies and northern breed dogs have so much energy, stamina and drive. If they are not given the proper outlet, such as mushing , for this energy, they can find other destructive ways to release it.  

National Geographic published an article in June 2020, by Jason Bittel that talked about findings that affirmed, “Humans and dogs have been sledding together for nearly 10,000 years.”
Sarah, the founder of Second Chance Mushers has taken that love the dogs have to race and made miracles happen. When I was fortunate enough to go on my ride on the last day of January 2020 in the afternoon  I asked the woman behind this amazing rescue if I could share some of her words and I am very thankful to pass them on to you.

Sarah Dobbrastine wrote,  “Why do I rescue? I rescue because the amount of unwanted northern breed dogs continues to rise.  They are a demanding breed that many do not realize when they get them.  What they are missing out on is their amazing personalities, their ability to love, and their drive for life.  Northern breed dogs are not for everyone.  They are independent, strong, and clever but there is a side to them that makes them irresistible.  When you share a bond with one of them it is magical.  They become so in tuned with you, it builds so much trust.”

Sarah also share her wishes, “My dreams for Second Chance Mushers Rescue are to grow, evolve, and to help more northern breed dogs find a home.  I hope to one day have property to allow dog sledding, hikes, swimming, and a building that could help promote education on the breed along with rescuing.  One day, I will get there, and I will be able to help more dogs in need.”

As I said, I have followed this rescue for awhile. I have seen them stay diversified. fun and happy, especially over the past year. You can see the true joy in the fun Christmas Grinch videos, the renovated school bus with comfy dog beds, and the love shared in photos. This rescue is phenomenal and should be commended and appreciated!

To see more about Second Chance Mushers. their sled rides or to donate go to :
https://www.secondchancemushersrescue.com/  

https://www.facebook.com/Second-Chance-Mushers-158638287630412