Having
been involved in countless dog activities for many years, and
welcoming a variety of rescued dogs into our family, I am often asked
questions about proper care of dogs, spaying/neutering, training, dog
problems, dogs biting, puppymills, and how to find a responsible breeder.
I
decided in 2000 to start "keepers" a not-for-profit
educational program. The aim of "keepers" is to teach
responsible pet ownership, including child/dog safety, spaying and
neutering your pet, training, merits of adopting rescued dogs,
finding an ethical breeder, how to recognize backyard breeders and puppymills.
Teaching
children how to safely approach a strange dog, what is and is not,
acceptable and safe behaviour with dogs is especially rewarding.
It is gratifying to see a young child then turn, and teach the
parent what they should and shouldn't do around dogs. Most
parents seem to be amazed at this. I'm often surprised that we
don't hear of more dog bites. Many people, and many parents,
assume a dog or puppy should tolerate conduct that is inappropriate
and unacceptable for the dog or puppy.
We
have visited numerous schools, scouts, brownies, libraries, etc. in
the past few years and would love to visit many more. Please
contact me to discuss arranging one of these educational visits for
your group.
My
comments and viewpoints have often been in the local newspapers,
regarding responsible pet ownership, and breed banning issues.
I have also been invited to discuss these views, along with training
and puppymill issues on MCTV (North Bay), and Sudbury CBC radio. Two
articles I wrote, one about Maggie-Mae, and the other about Jess,
were published in dog magazines.
I'm
always astonished to talk to someone that still does not know what a
puppymill is. It is estimated that there are over 400 in
Ontario, and over 1200 in Quebec. This does not include
backyard breeders.
Two
of our dogs, black german shepherds, came from the Sault Ste. Marie
puppymill closure in March, 2000.
There
were seventy-seven german shepherds in this house. This was one
of the rare cases where the owner was taken to court and
convicted. Bear and Jewel had lived in a cage for over four
years, from the time they were eight weeks old, until they were
rescued at almost five years of age. Their legs are deformed
but they slowly became strong and healthy, learned their new names
and learned how to play. They are sweet, loving dogs, and
strictly CPX'S (couch potato excellent title). They are now
10. Jess, a shetland sheepdog, came to us when she was 9 ½
from a backyard breeder. She served no further purpose for the
owners as they could no longer get her pregnant. She knew no
name. She had served a purpose for them - to make money.
It's all about greed. We were told that these people had stated
that they never really liked her anyway. Jess is now a happy
and much-loved weekly pet therapy dog and also helps with my puppy
classes. Jess is now 12. Maggie-Mae, is our special GSD
who was considered useless by the "breeder", and discarded
at 13 months. Maggie became my "spokesdog" for
"keepers". She was so fearful it took many
months for her not to run when she saw David move quickly, or pick
something up. She had obviously been traumatized.
Maggie-Mae became a confident girl through TRACKING and earned a TDX
title at 4 years of age. Maggie-Mae is now 7.
"keepers"
is available to attend any public function, within a reasonable
distance for us to travel, to speak to adults or
children. I have an interesting display booth full
of pet-related topics, 100's of free educational handouts, and love
to talk to people about dogs! The child/dog safety program is
geared towards the age(s) of the children . When I have been in
schools, the children are usually divided by grades; very young
children do not have a very long attention span, and some topics may
best suit the older ones. Usually the shelties are my assistants!
There
is no charge for "keepers" to attend any event or group,
but a small donation is always appreciated.
"keepers"
is very pleased to be partially sponsored by Rahn Plastics Inc.,
North Bay.
PET
THERAPY DOGS
Dogs
are often "the reason for living" for many people, often
the elderly. Our canine citizens are assisting with the
disabled, with troubled youth, visiting in nursing homes and hospitals.
I
first began visiting with Spook in nursing homes, and the local
hospital, while we lived near Orillia. It is so rewarding to
see how much these dogs are loved, and how some residents are
obviously so pleased to see us walk into their rooms. I often
say, they may not know my name, but they always remember the dogs'
names! Sometimes the dogs "bring out" the stories
from the past of some clients, often something they had
forgotten. Many times I have seen great joy on their
faces in talking about a dog they used to own.
Four
of our dogs are Pet Therapy dogs, and we visit weekly in a nearby
nursing home. One, or two dogs, accompany me, with the two
shelties together, being the favorites. There is a great need
for more people with well-mannered dogs to visit in many nursing
homes, and the commitment need not be weekly.
You
receive no remuneration for this time and work with your dogs
visiting the elderly or sick, just the great satisfaction knowing
what joy your dogs are giving to others. Some you know have few
relatives or friends, and the pet therapy dogs mean so much to them,
often they think of them as family.
BREED BANNING
I am
completely against breed banning. I am FOR responsible pet ownership.
NEWS FLASH!
Our
local Mayor and I are purchasing Pet Oxygen Masks in three sizes to
donate to our Volunteer Fire Dept. The Fire Chief will carry these on
all emergencies. We are very pleased, if ever required, that they
might help to save the life of a beloved pet.
