Furry friends need future leaders

 

Lexy Piehl from Critter Sitter in Gaylord MI

One of my heroes in life

My soul dog, Odin J., now at the rainbow bridge was my greatest teacher!

 

Odin was very afraid of children. He taught me much more than any other teacher I have had over the years. I believe he wanted me to continue to help others like him, live their best lives and educate in his honor. One of my biggest passions is to help children understand more about humane education and bite prevention. If more children and adults took the time to understand dogs like Odin, and approach with patience and kindness, more dogs would live happier lives and less children would be bitten.

 

Statistically over one million dogs are euthanized a year because of a biting incident.  Over 50% of those bites are face-to-face. What does that tell us?

 #1 We need to kindly educate, educate adults and children alike.

# 2 We especially need to educate children that are at face level.

Let’s save some lives by prevention!

 

I don't believe a pe should lose its life because we, as adults, have not talked with children about running up and shoving their face in the dog or cat’s face. I have heard many times, from people, “My dog would never do that”, or “Oh that dog better not bite, no matter what my child does, it shouldn't bite.”   I disagree, pets cannot verbalize when they are uncomfortable. What about the children? Shouldn't there be rules for them also? It is not fair to a dog to just let a child do as they wish. I believe, even the mildest of dogs, should not be left alone with small unpredictable children, that may fall or pull hair in sensitive areas and set our dog up to fail.

 

We should teach our kids, that every dog should be treated as a service dog. You, or your dog, do not, approach that dog without asking and then use our manners. Do not ride dogs like ponies, or do not use them as foot stools. It hurts my heart to see a photo of a child having their face right in a dog's face, when you can clearly see the dog is uncomfortable. I think it's important we tell the kids; stop running, but just like dogs, we also need to tell them what we would like them to do instead. Redirection is key. For example, instead of “Don't run when he the dog nips your pants”. Instead say, “Stop, hands up and ‘be a tree’.” Both dogs and children like to be told what they can do instead of constantly hearing Charlie Brown's teacher's voice no no no no.

I want to ensure our future leaders learn the respect they should have of the magnificent animals we are graced to have in our lives. I want them to experience the magic of working together with a dog, as team, with mutual respect and love and joy, playing fun sports or tricks and sharing the camaraderie with other dog parents, instead of always on their computer devices. I admire my friend Lexy at 17 (at the time this was written). She is not only competing but teaching agility. You can see the joy and the fun her and her dogs are having together. I hope our younger generation can experience the confidence and joy I believe goes hand and hand.  She takes in rescue kitties and bunnies and is supported by her family. Her dad built her, her own rescue room. I think the message her parents instilled in her of philanthropy should be taught to more of the younger generation. I would be happy to come share my message at local schools or through video to your schools. I also would be happy to chat with teachers or anyone else that wants to share that message around the world. One by one, we can make a difference. I urge you, in honor of Odin and all precious creatures of this earth to instill the magic, the compassion, and joy of working and caring for another living being. I hope we can bring awareness to look up from their devices and into the eyes of an animal.