The end of 2011 is quickly approaching and every year at this point, I like to take a moment to reflect on the past year and all that has happened. This past year was filled with many memories good and bad, but more of the former than the latter.
The idea for RRR started with the arrival of Etta in July we have rescued and rehabbed over 50 dogs and pups. Many of these have gone on to new homes, others are still with us waiting for their happily ever after, some will live out the rest of their lives here.
I have learned so much, not only about dogs but also about myself in the time since this started. The journey has at times been hard, frustrating, exhausting and emotionally draining, but every moment has been worth it.
With the new year, we will be changing direction a bit. Heading more toward our original goal of training dogs to be service dogs for those who need them, but we will still take in a limited number of rescues once those here find their happily ever after.Mainly I want to say thank you to all of our wonderful fans and supporters.
First, I want to say thank you to those at PRM and Sasha's Legacy (Anna, Michelle, Jeannean and Rosine) who made it possible for Etta and Wiggles to be a part of our life and who entrusted me with the rehab of Whiskers. Those three dogs inspired us to create RRR and make it what it has become.
Secondly, a very special thank you to Denise and Stacey for all of their help, ideas, input and work to make RRR a success and help us share our stories.
Third, thank you to those in my life who have believed in this crazy journey and who have put up with the countless hours on the road, thousands of dollars spent and the time I have had to take away from my personal life for the dogs.
As we move forward into the new year, I want to assure everyone that in some way, shape or form, we will continue changing lives for the better, one paw at a time.
Thank you!
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Saying 'Goodbye' To Rescue Work
Tonight, I came to a very important decision about the future of RRR. I posted to our FB page and Twitter so I will copy the message here and then further explain.
"I've come to a decision about the future of RRR tonight. I would like every one of you to read this and please be respectful of my decision. A while back I had posted that we weren't going to be accepting new dogs into the Ranch and that we'd close when we finished with training for the last dog here. Then, I started getting requests to take other dogs who desperately needed our help and I felt bad and kept going. Lately, I have been thinking all of this through amidst hours of caring for dogs, training, doing paperwork to register everything in our new location and to submit our 501c3 paperwork and I feel like my decision to 'close up shop' so to speak, was most likely the right one. In our area, I feel like there is not enough demand for what we are doing and by helping so many problem dogs (of which I love every one, please don't misunderstand) I no longer have time for the original purpose of RRR which was to train service dogs and companion animals for Soldiers with TBI and PTSD. However, because I cannot simply just say 'I'm done' and walk away since many dogs rely on me for their well being I will continue what we are currently doing as an individual. RRR will still exist as the name of our ranch but not as a business, organization, non-profit, or otherwise. From here on out I will be an individual who rehabs and rescues dogs and they will be placed up for adoption as their training or rehab is finished. There will be NO more dogs accepted into the program, so please do not ask. I would be happy to direct you to other groups who may be able to assist you. For the dogs that cannot simply be adopted out, like Hope, I will not abandon them and they will remain with me as long as they need even if it is for the rest of their life, because that is the commitment I made to them. Things will continue to run as they are now until every last dog is finished with the things they needed us to do for them but we will no longer be an 'organization'. It's Rob and I doing this work as individuals. I have seen the great side of rescue work and I've seen a lot of bad including the big ego's, the drama, etc and I no longer want to be a part of that. There are other canine avenues I am hoping to explore and I cannot do both. I hope that you all understand, there was no particular incident that caused this, it has been coming for a while but the past few weeks have cemented my decision, for personal reasons. Thank you for your understanding. -N"
That all being said, I feel as if I at least need to get some other things off my chest. I always try to be a pretty positive person when it comes to my 'work' and rescue but often times I feel as if we're hiding our heads in the sand. The reality is, as sad as it may be, we cannot save them all. Not until people understand to spay and neuter their pets, that breeding is best left to those who care about BETTERING THEIR BREED and not making money (when done right there's not a lot of money to be made in breeding), and people start taking responsibility for their animals instead of dumping them in a shelter when things get too hard. Every day, we struggle to save thousands upon thousands of animals lives, and there has been more and more success with venues like Facebook and Twitter, but though the dogs are going to rescue, many rescues are finding themselves having a hard time adopting out these dogs, especially breeds like pit bulls, GSD's, rotties, etc. Some of you may not agree but it is what I see in our area and what I hear from friends in rescue work around the country. A lot of people tell me that they fear there are simply not enough GOOD homes for the dogs they take in, so, these dogs live in rescues, fosters, boarding, etc, sometimes for years because no one will step up to call them their own that is responsible enough to take on all that comes with these dogs. These are the unspoken truths, as I and many others see them, of rescue work. It's the stuff no one wants to say and even less want to hear and it hurts to know that reality every day.
When I first started RRR, our purpose was very different from what we are doing now, while I love the direction we've gone in and the lives we've been able to save, we never set out to be a 'rescue' group. It just so happens I have a soft heart for dogs who need rescuing and we've had great success rehabbing dogs that needed some help they couldn't get elsewhere for one reason or another.
Along with this, I was introduced to the big, wide world of animal rescue, and I will honestly say, I don't always like what I see. Behind the scenes of the happy 'SAVED!!!' posts are rescues (not all but quite a few) struggling to make ends meet, overwhelmed and overworked because people forget most times that even after a dog is 'safe' someone is still investing a lot of time and money and love into that dogs care. Not only is there that worry but then there is the constant infighting, broken 'save' promises that leave people scrambling for solutions to a problem they didn't know they had and don't have time to fix, catty attitudes, big egos that do this work because they want people to talk about how great they are (and yes there are plenty out there), jealousy between groups because so and so raised more funds or adopted more dogs or gets more attention than they do, people wasting time squabbling over the tiniest details or worrying about telling the world what so and so is doing wrong just because THEY have nothing better to do, like actually saving more animals in one capacity or another. Then take all of that stress and add in the piles of paperwork, e-mails to answer, and posts about the dogs that all of you, despite your best efforts, 'failed'. AND add to that the HOURS upon HOURS of care and training and special needs required daily by the dogs, the thousands of dollars spent (often times from rescuers own pockets which are already half empty) in vet care, food, repairs, equipment, etc. Even for the strongest person, it is physically and mentally draining and sometimes when you sit down at the end of the day, though you know you shouldn't you sometimes wonder, what is it all for? Then you look around at the dogs and realize what it's for, it's to save these innocent souls who never asked to be brought into this world and abused or neglected or abandoned, fought, forgotten, and left to die. But sometimes, when all of the above has taken it's toll on your mind and body, you just have to say, 'No more'.
In giving so much of myself to rescue I have taken a lot of myself away from other areas of my life that need me just as much. I don't believe in doing anything 'half assed' (sorry if the expression offends) so when I started doing this I threw all of myself into it and gave it 150%, I just am not programmed to do less at my 'job'. However, with all of that focused in one place I have had less time for my son, who hasn't been to a real park with me in months (Thank God for his dad taking him lol) because the only park I have 'time' for is a dog park. I haven't gotten to sit and watch a movie with him in WAY too long because by the time I'm done with what I need to do enough to be able to sit down for the day, he's already been in bed for three hours. Rob gets 50% of my attention 100% of the time. I struggle to recall the last conversation we had for more than 15 minutes that wasn't rescue or dog related. I don't even know if we know what else to talk about anymore. I haven't gone out with my friends in months, I don't even know if I've talked to some of my friends in months, most days I don't even know what day it is. Time is slipping by and I haven't even noticed and it's time for me to say, 'No more'.
I love my 'work', I love every dog here, I love to see the transformation from what they were to what they become but myself and my family are paying a high price and I had to make a choice. The rescue work we do is not simple. It is not in and out cases. These are dogs that require either extensive health care or rehabilitation training, I don't assume any dog will be here for less than 6 months best case scenario. If things go otherwise that's great, but they rarely do. We've had fosters continually back out, adopters are scarce (why pay when you can get it free on craigslist!) and the only thing we have been blessed with are the dogs and the AMAZING people in our 'RRR family' who pull through to help us help these dogs whenever they can.
I have one last 'vent' if you will and I hope that by reading this, some will take a closer look at their actions. While I haven't been on the receiving end of much of this, I've seen some people that have been torn apart and it saddens me. There are so many 'caring' people out there who are the first to tear others down, criticize them, want to slander and hurt their rescues for no reason other than greed, jealousy or the need to feed their too large egos, and quite frankly sometimes just stir the pot and for lack of better words, start shit. There is in fact, so much drama in much of the rescue community, that I don't even bother turning on the cable because I see it so much all the time. Unless you are out there doing what the folks you're tearing down are doing then the nicest advice I have for you is to just close your mouth. There are people who give their whole lives to rescue and I watch them get threatened, slandered, talked to like crap and more, some even to the point of having their own dogs poisoned at the hands of people who don't like them or were jealous! Yes, I have SEEN it happen to people. It disgusts me. We are all supposed to be in this for the dogs, not to sit around and make someone elses life hell. If you see someone doing a good job, don't be jealous, aim to do what they are and model yourself after that. Don't go around seeking to start problems for those who have enough already. Just some words of wisdom.
That all being said, I have loved every moment of this journey and I will continue to work with all of the dogs here until they are adopted. If they cannot be adopted because of severe behavioral issues then they will stay with us until they are either better or can move on to another sanctuary or rescue that can provide similar handling and training without a 'kennel living' type of environment.
I hope all of you understand my decision and why I have made it but if you don't, that is okay too. I'm not trying to ask for approval, I'm doing what's best for my family even if it may seem selfish on the outside.
*Nicole
"I've come to a decision about the future of RRR tonight. I would like every one of you to read this and please be respectful of my decision. A while back I had posted that we weren't going to be accepting new dogs into the Ranch and that we'd close when we finished with training for the last dog here. Then, I started getting requests to take other dogs who desperately needed our help and I felt bad and kept going. Lately, I have been thinking all of this through amidst hours of caring for dogs, training, doing paperwork to register everything in our new location and to submit our 501c3 paperwork and I feel like my decision to 'close up shop' so to speak, was most likely the right one. In our area, I feel like there is not enough demand for what we are doing and by helping so many problem dogs (of which I love every one, please don't misunderstand) I no longer have time for the original purpose of RRR which was to train service dogs and companion animals for Soldiers with TBI and PTSD. However, because I cannot simply just say 'I'm done' and walk away since many dogs rely on me for their well being I will continue what we are currently doing as an individual. RRR will still exist as the name of our ranch but not as a business, organization, non-profit, or otherwise. From here on out I will be an individual who rehabs and rescues dogs and they will be placed up for adoption as their training or rehab is finished. There will be NO more dogs accepted into the program, so please do not ask. I would be happy to direct you to other groups who may be able to assist you. For the dogs that cannot simply be adopted out, like Hope, I will not abandon them and they will remain with me as long as they need even if it is for the rest of their life, because that is the commitment I made to them. Things will continue to run as they are now until every last dog is finished with the things they needed us to do for them but we will no longer be an 'organization'. It's Rob and I doing this work as individuals. I have seen the great side of rescue work and I've seen a lot of bad including the big ego's, the drama, etc and I no longer want to be a part of that. There are other canine avenues I am hoping to explore and I cannot do both. I hope that you all understand, there was no particular incident that caused this, it has been coming for a while but the past few weeks have cemented my decision, for personal reasons. Thank you for your understanding. -N"
That all being said, I feel as if I at least need to get some other things off my chest. I always try to be a pretty positive person when it comes to my 'work' and rescue but often times I feel as if we're hiding our heads in the sand. The reality is, as sad as it may be, we cannot save them all. Not until people understand to spay and neuter their pets, that breeding is best left to those who care about BETTERING THEIR BREED and not making money (when done right there's not a lot of money to be made in breeding), and people start taking responsibility for their animals instead of dumping them in a shelter when things get too hard. Every day, we struggle to save thousands upon thousands of animals lives, and there has been more and more success with venues like Facebook and Twitter, but though the dogs are going to rescue, many rescues are finding themselves having a hard time adopting out these dogs, especially breeds like pit bulls, GSD's, rotties, etc. Some of you may not agree but it is what I see in our area and what I hear from friends in rescue work around the country. A lot of people tell me that they fear there are simply not enough GOOD homes for the dogs they take in, so, these dogs live in rescues, fosters, boarding, etc, sometimes for years because no one will step up to call them their own that is responsible enough to take on all that comes with these dogs. These are the unspoken truths, as I and many others see them, of rescue work. It's the stuff no one wants to say and even less want to hear and it hurts to know that reality every day.
When I first started RRR, our purpose was very different from what we are doing now, while I love the direction we've gone in and the lives we've been able to save, we never set out to be a 'rescue' group. It just so happens I have a soft heart for dogs who need rescuing and we've had great success rehabbing dogs that needed some help they couldn't get elsewhere for one reason or another.
Along with this, I was introduced to the big, wide world of animal rescue, and I will honestly say, I don't always like what I see. Behind the scenes of the happy 'SAVED!!!' posts are rescues (not all but quite a few) struggling to make ends meet, overwhelmed and overworked because people forget most times that even after a dog is 'safe' someone is still investing a lot of time and money and love into that dogs care. Not only is there that worry but then there is the constant infighting, broken 'save' promises that leave people scrambling for solutions to a problem they didn't know they had and don't have time to fix, catty attitudes, big egos that do this work because they want people to talk about how great they are (and yes there are plenty out there), jealousy between groups because so and so raised more funds or adopted more dogs or gets more attention than they do, people wasting time squabbling over the tiniest details or worrying about telling the world what so and so is doing wrong just because THEY have nothing better to do, like actually saving more animals in one capacity or another. Then take all of that stress and add in the piles of paperwork, e-mails to answer, and posts about the dogs that all of you, despite your best efforts, 'failed'. AND add to that the HOURS upon HOURS of care and training and special needs required daily by the dogs, the thousands of dollars spent (often times from rescuers own pockets which are already half empty) in vet care, food, repairs, equipment, etc. Even for the strongest person, it is physically and mentally draining and sometimes when you sit down at the end of the day, though you know you shouldn't you sometimes wonder, what is it all for? Then you look around at the dogs and realize what it's for, it's to save these innocent souls who never asked to be brought into this world and abused or neglected or abandoned, fought, forgotten, and left to die. But sometimes, when all of the above has taken it's toll on your mind and body, you just have to say, 'No more'.
In giving so much of myself to rescue I have taken a lot of myself away from other areas of my life that need me just as much. I don't believe in doing anything 'half assed' (sorry if the expression offends) so when I started doing this I threw all of myself into it and gave it 150%, I just am not programmed to do less at my 'job'. However, with all of that focused in one place I have had less time for my son, who hasn't been to a real park with me in months (Thank God for his dad taking him lol) because the only park I have 'time' for is a dog park. I haven't gotten to sit and watch a movie with him in WAY too long because by the time I'm done with what I need to do enough to be able to sit down for the day, he's already been in bed for three hours. Rob gets 50% of my attention 100% of the time. I struggle to recall the last conversation we had for more than 15 minutes that wasn't rescue or dog related. I don't even know if we know what else to talk about anymore. I haven't gone out with my friends in months, I don't even know if I've talked to some of my friends in months, most days I don't even know what day it is. Time is slipping by and I haven't even noticed and it's time for me to say, 'No more'.
I love my 'work', I love every dog here, I love to see the transformation from what they were to what they become but myself and my family are paying a high price and I had to make a choice. The rescue work we do is not simple. It is not in and out cases. These are dogs that require either extensive health care or rehabilitation training, I don't assume any dog will be here for less than 6 months best case scenario. If things go otherwise that's great, but they rarely do. We've had fosters continually back out, adopters are scarce (why pay when you can get it free on craigslist!) and the only thing we have been blessed with are the dogs and the AMAZING people in our 'RRR family' who pull through to help us help these dogs whenever they can.
I have one last 'vent' if you will and I hope that by reading this, some will take a closer look at their actions. While I haven't been on the receiving end of much of this, I've seen some people that have been torn apart and it saddens me. There are so many 'caring' people out there who are the first to tear others down, criticize them, want to slander and hurt their rescues for no reason other than greed, jealousy or the need to feed their too large egos, and quite frankly sometimes just stir the pot and for lack of better words, start shit. There is in fact, so much drama in much of the rescue community, that I don't even bother turning on the cable because I see it so much all the time. Unless you are out there doing what the folks you're tearing down are doing then the nicest advice I have for you is to just close your mouth. There are people who give their whole lives to rescue and I watch them get threatened, slandered, talked to like crap and more, some even to the point of having their own dogs poisoned at the hands of people who don't like them or were jealous! Yes, I have SEEN it happen to people. It disgusts me. We are all supposed to be in this for the dogs, not to sit around and make someone elses life hell. If you see someone doing a good job, don't be jealous, aim to do what they are and model yourself after that. Don't go around seeking to start problems for those who have enough already. Just some words of wisdom.
That all being said, I have loved every moment of this journey and I will continue to work with all of the dogs here until they are adopted. If they cannot be adopted because of severe behavioral issues then they will stay with us until they are either better or can move on to another sanctuary or rescue that can provide similar handling and training without a 'kennel living' type of environment.
I hope all of you understand my decision and why I have made it but if you don't, that is okay too. I'm not trying to ask for approval, I'm doing what's best for my family even if it may seem selfish on the outside.
*Nicole
Sunday, November 6, 2011
New Beginnings!
I feel like it has been FOREVER since I've put out a blog. The last few have included mostly updates on how things are going with the dogs and I haven't had much of a 'theme' to them. However, tonight I want to touch on a few subjects.
First, we have a wonderful new facility to work out of. This is going to work SO much better for us and for the dogs. The reason for the move, at first, seemed like a bad thing. We were looking into renewing our lease very soon and were informed that if we resigned the rent was going to be higher and sadly, we couldn't afford much more than we were already paying. Our pay was dropping substantially due to redeployment and there were bills that had to be paid before Rob left the Army which would add to the financial burden. I started to worry where we would be able to go with, literally, a pack of dogs (most of which have a history of aggression or are deemed a 'dangerous' breed) and three horses. Not many landlords would be eager to take that load, or liability, on. I was worried, nervous and maybe even a little scared. What were we going to do? Then, the thought came to me....you can always go home. As much as I loathed that thought (as anyone over the age of 18 often does lol) the idea started to grow on me. It seemed perfect. Having my mother as our 'landlord' would be trying to say the least (love you mom lol) however, I had a whole facility that would be PERFECT for the dogs sitting empty and unused. The landlords agreed to let us out of our lease early and then I was faced with the one thing I forgot to consider in my plan....the cost, and logistics, of a move that size. I didn't know how we were going to afford it, nor did I know how we would find the time and make the transition easy on all of the dogs, but I forged ahead to take the opportunity before me. I won't pretend that this move has been easy, either emotionally or financially (almost $50 for each trip we have to make with a load of stuff and there have been many) but I felt like realistically, it was the best option. I'm still a bit worried and stressed out, but who isn't during a move or a time of change? However, instead of looking at the downside, we have to look at the positives. Had all of the 'bad' things not occurred we wouldn't have the opportunity that we do now which is to expand the horizons for RRR. I could have chosen to be sad, depressed or given up, but instead I tried to look at this in a positive light and then I started seeing it for exactly what it was...a blessing in disguise. After finally getting mostly everything organized today I couldn't ask for a better place to continue the work for RRR. Of course, a lot of work still lies ahead. We have to reregister all of our paperwork in Tennessee, continue working on our 501c paperwork, improving the facilities the best we can for the dogs, etc. However, I have faith that somehow, it will all come together.
That brings me to the next subject I want to talk about tonight and that is what we can learn from the dogs in the program. I have had so many wonderful compliments recently about the work I am trying to do with the dogs. I appreciate all of them and it humbles me to know that there are people who are inspired by and who appreciate my work. I am in no way special, I don't have any unique abilities, I am just one person doing the best I can do with the knowledge I've gained over years of working with animals with 'problems'. No dog, or person, here is perfect. We all fall down, we all make mistakes, we all have our faults and we all learn from each other on a daily basis. In that light, I want to share a story here that many might not think it's 'okay' to share and I've thought long and hard about sharing it and have decided I think I should. I'll let everyone decide the lesson they can gain from it on their own, as I have.
About a week ago now, we took in a brown and white pit bull from Jackson Rabies Control. She came in two days after Faith, the white, emaciated pit from the same location. Everyone's first thought had been that the brown and white pit, who is named Hope, had been a bait dog. I never really questioned that thought as her demeanor seemed to go along with that theory. Hope has been a big undertaking and has tested my skills a lot already and I know she will continue to do so as long as she is here (which may be for the rest of her life). She is withdrawn, fearful and has a look in her eyes I've seen many times in troubled horses, troubled people and troubled dogs, though I can only recall one time when I've seen it with such intensity as I do with Hope. It's a look of someone who has been through a lot, who is stuck in their bad memories, who doesn't know how to find a way out of the darkness that they are living in. I think there have also been a few times in my life that I've had that look as well, so to say the least, I know where she is coming from. I also understand that we're not supposed to 'humanize' dogs. That they 'live in the moment' and that what they do is simply a learned behavior, what is instinctual or what is a conditioned response. While on some level, I agree, on another I do not. I have seen too much working with troubled animals to believe that to be entirely true. I do think that dogs have emotion, I do believe they sense ours and I do believe, that for some, overcoming their past is a very hard thing to do. Anyhow, that all being said, brings me to this part of the story. In the time that Hope has been with us she has had a very slow road. Every step forward seems to be followed by three steps back. She will only come out of her shell momentarily and then retreat back in further than before. I also know that it will be this way for a while.
A day into our move, things seemed to be turning around. She'd been socializing well with the other dogs, even playing with some chew toys and seemed to be more happy to be around us all and enjoying our company. She had shown NO signs of dog aggression or human aggression. We were getting ready to move a load of furniture and there were three dogs that were staying in the house, Sasha (one of the German Shepherds in our personal 'pack'), AJ (a husky/whippet mix that is waiting for his forever family) and Hope. They had been together for 24 hours and not so much as one problem had come about between the three. Not wanting to leave them in their crates because we would be gone for at least three hours, we left the three of them loose. I realize now, that letting my guard down in this way was a mistake, but one I have learned from.
When we arrived home, the scene that greeted us was upsetting to say the least. In one corner sat a beat up looking AJ with Sasha guarding him and in the other was a very beat up looking Hope. We quickly rushed to make sure all wounds were merely superficial (which thankfully they were) and then started trying to piece together what had happened. Judging by the dogs reactions to each other, the marks and Sasha's behavior with AJ we could only come to one conclusion...Hope had started to attack AJ and Sasha intervened. We had seen Sasha 'break up' dogs who were getting a little too rough before but had never expected that she would do it when it counted most. Sasha, who is a very happy go lucky and slightly doofy (for lack of a better term) dog, we had always joked was too aloof to be much of anything but a companion and her lack of drive definitely didn't make her cut out for anything more. We couldn't have been more wrong. Sasha, in essence, had saved AJ's life. The best we can figure is that Sasha, being a taller dog, had come from behind Hope and pulled her off of AJ before any real damage could be done. Hope had gone at Sasha but wasn't able to do much damage. Now of course, we'll never know exactly how the scene played out but that is the best we can piece together. Sasha has always been a 'guardian' of the smaller dogs and definitely showed her ability to protect them, even if it meant risking her well being, that night. The true mark of a German Shepherd. That all being said, I don't blame Hope, or Sasha or AJ for what happened and thankfully no one was hurt.
This incident spurred me to consult with a friend of mine who is accustomed to working with Pit Bulls who have been fought or used as bait dogs and to get his opinion on Hope. From what he can tell (her teeth, scars, that she has obviously been bred before, the fact that she is scared to eat from a bowl but is fine with eating from someones hand) his estimation is that Hope was not in fact a bait dog, but a fight dog who was probably trained to attack smaller, and weaker dogs but was not 'built right' to be a really efficient fight dog (hence why she was probably let go and picked up as a stray). Now, many people would be ready to give up hope for Hope and say that she can't be fixed, or saved. I don't believe that but I do believe that it will be a very long and rocky road ahead, and I do realize that she may very well have to live out the rest of her life at Raja Renata. I am willing to deal with those facts. And, I believe more than anything, she needs someone to show her a better way. I cannot hold her liable for what people have taught her or turned her into, she wasn't responsible for that, nor did she ask for it. The amazing part of it all, is that somewhere inside of her, I can see glimpses (even if only for a moment) of a very happy, playful and carefree soul who wants to come out. I see a dog who is wanting a leader and a friend (human and canine) and who has a chance, even if it's a small one, to live a life different than the one she has known til now. I also want to point out the benefits of having dogs in our program like Sasha who isn't a 'RRR' dog but part of our family as a whole. A good dog, who has never been trained to do a job but works off instinct that is balanced with a mentally stable attitude, is a blessing beyond measure. There are many dogs like this at RRR. They learn from each other, they each each other, they protect each other. Do I believe that Sasha wanted to hurt Hope? Of course not. As a matter of fact, they spent some time together today (the first reintroduction since the incident) and Sasha approached Hope in a calm manner, happily wagging her tail with all bad blood, so to speak, forgotten, just happy to try to make a friend. I wanted to add a photo of Sasha with AJ the night of the incident. She guarded him like this the entire night though Hope was crated. And no worries, he isn't covered up because he was hurt, we'd given him a bath to help us spot any injuries we could have missed because they would've been covered up by his fur, and he was keeping warm and 'hiding' under the moving blanket. I think this picture says a lot that I can't find the words to say about a dog who has a 'job', who is balanced, who knows the balance of the pack and her role in it and a dog who was simply doing what her breed has been bred to do for generations...be a gentle and fair protector of those she loves.
I share this story with the knowledge that some may think less of me for my mistake in assuming things would be fine but I share it because I believe we can learn from it, grow from it and to show that not everything is perfect here. We are dog owners struggling with things that others may also be dealing with though through our work in the past have a bit of an upper hand and some extra knowledge. I also want people to see that a situation like this is not the end for a dog, but a reason for me to work harder to fix a problem that until then, I didn't know existed. I also share this so that in time, with Hopes progress, we can see that even when we are in a situation where our past starts dictating the actions in our present, when we simply cannot let go of the only way we have ever know, that there is hope for something better, that our past only owns us if we choose to let it and that there are better things in store for our future.
I don't know if I have ever spoken about why I chose the name 'Raja Renata' for the ranch. Essentially, it means 'Hope Reborn' and that I felt was a perfect statement for what we were trying to do for both canines and humans. But, there was also another reason. On December 26, 2009 I was in a car accident that almost took my life. I was on leave with my ex-husband who had just returned from a deployment and we were visiting his family in Pennsylvania. We were on our way to their hunting cabin when he overcorrected the car and the car slammed into a concrete jersey barrier at 65 MPH, spun and hit the barrier on the other side of the road. I was life flighted from the scene and underwent emergency surgery at Hershey Med Center where I then spent a week fighting to recover. I had lacerated my liver, 3 feet of small intestine had to be removed, I had a list that spanned a page of bones in my face that had been broken or fractured, bruised ribs, TBI and two days after surgery a collapsed lobe in my left lung. The whole time I was there, all I wanted was to go home but I also wanted something else and it all started with a man who was a patient on the same floor as me while I was in recovery. I was up walking 18 hours after surgery and I walked multiple times a day because until my intestines could function on their own, I wouldn't be allowed to leave and being mobile would help that. So I pushed through the pain and walked the floors as much as I could. One day, while I was lying in my bed taking a rest, an elderly gentleman knocked on my door. I was surprised to see another patient up and walking around because the nurse had informed me that the people in this ward usually did not leave. I greeted him and he greeted me and then he said something, that to this day, still brings tears to my eyes. He told me that he wanted to thank me. I asked him why because as far as I knew, I had done nothing special. He said he wanted to thank me because every day he watched me walk around the ward over and over again and I obviously was in a lot of pain but I kept going. He told me that it made him think, if she is out there doing it, then why can't I? And so, because of that, for the first time in a very long time, he had gotten up out of his bed to start walking and it had made him feel better. I can't remember my response to him but I still very clearly remember his face and the words that he said, and I think of him often. I wish I had even known his name. I wish that I could tell him thank you, because knowing that I helped someone feel even a little better in such a miserable place, inspires me in the strangest of moments.
After I returned home, against Doctors orders that I not travel, I sunk into a deep depression. I had scars in a million places so I hated the way I looked, I couldn't pick up or hold my son because of the pain I still had in so many parts of my body and because of the incision that was still healing, I couldn't even cook myself a meal. I'd had to quit my job, I couldn't spend much time with friends and leaving the house was too hard either emotionally or physically most days. I felt helpless and hopeless and I spent my days trying to sleep it all away. My ex, Mac, would ask me what it would take to get me off the couch and I honestly didn't have an answer for him. Until Buck. One day, one of my friends insisted that we go out and do something, anything and I finally agreed. We took a ride around Ft Campbell and I passed by the riding stables. I'd toyed with the idea of getting a new horse for a while and I decided to stop in to put my name on the wait list for boarding. As I was about to leave, a sign on the door caught my attention. It was a 'For Sale' ad for a little Appaloosa gelding for $150 and the ad warned he needed to go to an experienced owner only. I knew, to say the least, I fit that bill so I asked about the horse. 30 minutes later, I purchased him. That was the day that changed my life.
Buck was a tough horse. He'd been used as a trail horse by the post, had bucked off a man and broken his neck, had bucked off a lot of other people, and was overall the terror of the farm that everyone had become afraid of dealing with. However, Buck and I seemed to get along just fine. I called my Doctor the next morning and asked him if I could go riding (mind you, I still had staples in my stomach from surgery). He said, "I'm telling you no but I know you will anyway (can you tell he's known me for a while lol) so please just be careful and don't do anything stupid". I cleaned off my old saddle, lugged it to the car, convinced Mac and another friend to go with me and off I went. I refused help to saddle Buck or to climb on him and a few minutes later we were riding around the arena at a walk and a jog much to the amazement of the other riders, who asked if I'd drugged him. Buck never took a wrong step (the better I got, the more he tested lol) he never pulled on the bit or took off or bucked, just calmly carried me. He was the reason I started getting up in the morning, eager to go to the barn to spend time with my new friend. He reminded me how much a horse (or any animal for that matter) can do when it comes to helping heal a person. He inspired me to start training horses again and helping the ones that no one else wanted to fix. The first horse I rescued after Buck was a scraggly looking little Arabian who was underweight, not cared for and well on her way down a path that wasn't a good one. I named her 'Raja Renata'. By fixing not only Buck, but her, and the many after, my hope was reborn. When it came time to name the Ranch, I couldn't think of a better name than that. Every time I see a horse I helped to rehab (especially Raja Renata who is now the trail mount of a little girl who needed a horse to boost her confidence) or a dog I have helped, or even when I look in the mirror or at my scars, I am reminded that out of the darkness, hope can be reborn.
Until next time,
Nicole
First, we have a wonderful new facility to work out of. This is going to work SO much better for us and for the dogs. The reason for the move, at first, seemed like a bad thing. We were looking into renewing our lease very soon and were informed that if we resigned the rent was going to be higher and sadly, we couldn't afford much more than we were already paying. Our pay was dropping substantially due to redeployment and there were bills that had to be paid before Rob left the Army which would add to the financial burden. I started to worry where we would be able to go with, literally, a pack of dogs (most of which have a history of aggression or are deemed a 'dangerous' breed) and three horses. Not many landlords would be eager to take that load, or liability, on. I was worried, nervous and maybe even a little scared. What were we going to do? Then, the thought came to me....you can always go home. As much as I loathed that thought (as anyone over the age of 18 often does lol) the idea started to grow on me. It seemed perfect. Having my mother as our 'landlord' would be trying to say the least (love you mom lol) however, I had a whole facility that would be PERFECT for the dogs sitting empty and unused. The landlords agreed to let us out of our lease early and then I was faced with the one thing I forgot to consider in my plan....the cost, and logistics, of a move that size. I didn't know how we were going to afford it, nor did I know how we would find the time and make the transition easy on all of the dogs, but I forged ahead to take the opportunity before me. I won't pretend that this move has been easy, either emotionally or financially (almost $50 for each trip we have to make with a load of stuff and there have been many) but I felt like realistically, it was the best option. I'm still a bit worried and stressed out, but who isn't during a move or a time of change? However, instead of looking at the downside, we have to look at the positives. Had all of the 'bad' things not occurred we wouldn't have the opportunity that we do now which is to expand the horizons for RRR. I could have chosen to be sad, depressed or given up, but instead I tried to look at this in a positive light and then I started seeing it for exactly what it was...a blessing in disguise. After finally getting mostly everything organized today I couldn't ask for a better place to continue the work for RRR. Of course, a lot of work still lies ahead. We have to reregister all of our paperwork in Tennessee, continue working on our 501c paperwork, improving the facilities the best we can for the dogs, etc. However, I have faith that somehow, it will all come together.
That brings me to the next subject I want to talk about tonight and that is what we can learn from the dogs in the program. I have had so many wonderful compliments recently about the work I am trying to do with the dogs. I appreciate all of them and it humbles me to know that there are people who are inspired by and who appreciate my work. I am in no way special, I don't have any unique abilities, I am just one person doing the best I can do with the knowledge I've gained over years of working with animals with 'problems'. No dog, or person, here is perfect. We all fall down, we all make mistakes, we all have our faults and we all learn from each other on a daily basis. In that light, I want to share a story here that many might not think it's 'okay' to share and I've thought long and hard about sharing it and have decided I think I should. I'll let everyone decide the lesson they can gain from it on their own, as I have.
About a week ago now, we took in a brown and white pit bull from Jackson Rabies Control. She came in two days after Faith, the white, emaciated pit from the same location. Everyone's first thought had been that the brown and white pit, who is named Hope, had been a bait dog. I never really questioned that thought as her demeanor seemed to go along with that theory. Hope has been a big undertaking and has tested my skills a lot already and I know she will continue to do so as long as she is here (which may be for the rest of her life). She is withdrawn, fearful and has a look in her eyes I've seen many times in troubled horses, troubled people and troubled dogs, though I can only recall one time when I've seen it with such intensity as I do with Hope. It's a look of someone who has been through a lot, who is stuck in their bad memories, who doesn't know how to find a way out of the darkness that they are living in. I think there have also been a few times in my life that I've had that look as well, so to say the least, I know where she is coming from. I also understand that we're not supposed to 'humanize' dogs. That they 'live in the moment' and that what they do is simply a learned behavior, what is instinctual or what is a conditioned response. While on some level, I agree, on another I do not. I have seen too much working with troubled animals to believe that to be entirely true. I do think that dogs have emotion, I do believe they sense ours and I do believe, that for some, overcoming their past is a very hard thing to do. Anyhow, that all being said, brings me to this part of the story. In the time that Hope has been with us she has had a very slow road. Every step forward seems to be followed by three steps back. She will only come out of her shell momentarily and then retreat back in further than before. I also know that it will be this way for a while.
A day into our move, things seemed to be turning around. She'd been socializing well with the other dogs, even playing with some chew toys and seemed to be more happy to be around us all and enjoying our company. She had shown NO signs of dog aggression or human aggression. We were getting ready to move a load of furniture and there were three dogs that were staying in the house, Sasha (one of the German Shepherds in our personal 'pack'), AJ (a husky/whippet mix that is waiting for his forever family) and Hope. They had been together for 24 hours and not so much as one problem had come about between the three. Not wanting to leave them in their crates because we would be gone for at least three hours, we left the three of them loose. I realize now, that letting my guard down in this way was a mistake, but one I have learned from.
When we arrived home, the scene that greeted us was upsetting to say the least. In one corner sat a beat up looking AJ with Sasha guarding him and in the other was a very beat up looking Hope. We quickly rushed to make sure all wounds were merely superficial (which thankfully they were) and then started trying to piece together what had happened. Judging by the dogs reactions to each other, the marks and Sasha's behavior with AJ we could only come to one conclusion...Hope had started to attack AJ and Sasha intervened. We had seen Sasha 'break up' dogs who were getting a little too rough before but had never expected that she would do it when it counted most. Sasha, who is a very happy go lucky and slightly doofy (for lack of a better term) dog, we had always joked was too aloof to be much of anything but a companion and her lack of drive definitely didn't make her cut out for anything more. We couldn't have been more wrong. Sasha, in essence, had saved AJ's life. The best we can figure is that Sasha, being a taller dog, had come from behind Hope and pulled her off of AJ before any real damage could be done. Hope had gone at Sasha but wasn't able to do much damage. Now of course, we'll never know exactly how the scene played out but that is the best we can piece together. Sasha has always been a 'guardian' of the smaller dogs and definitely showed her ability to protect them, even if it meant risking her well being, that night. The true mark of a German Shepherd. That all being said, I don't blame Hope, or Sasha or AJ for what happened and thankfully no one was hurt.
This incident spurred me to consult with a friend of mine who is accustomed to working with Pit Bulls who have been fought or used as bait dogs and to get his opinion on Hope. From what he can tell (her teeth, scars, that she has obviously been bred before, the fact that she is scared to eat from a bowl but is fine with eating from someones hand) his estimation is that Hope was not in fact a bait dog, but a fight dog who was probably trained to attack smaller, and weaker dogs but was not 'built right' to be a really efficient fight dog (hence why she was probably let go and picked up as a stray). Now, many people would be ready to give up hope for Hope and say that she can't be fixed, or saved. I don't believe that but I do believe that it will be a very long and rocky road ahead, and I do realize that she may very well have to live out the rest of her life at Raja Renata. I am willing to deal with those facts. And, I believe more than anything, she needs someone to show her a better way. I cannot hold her liable for what people have taught her or turned her into, she wasn't responsible for that, nor did she ask for it. The amazing part of it all, is that somewhere inside of her, I can see glimpses (even if only for a moment) of a very happy, playful and carefree soul who wants to come out. I see a dog who is wanting a leader and a friend (human and canine) and who has a chance, even if it's a small one, to live a life different than the one she has known til now. I also want to point out the benefits of having dogs in our program like Sasha who isn't a 'RRR' dog but part of our family as a whole. A good dog, who has never been trained to do a job but works off instinct that is balanced with a mentally stable attitude, is a blessing beyond measure. There are many dogs like this at RRR. They learn from each other, they each each other, they protect each other. Do I believe that Sasha wanted to hurt Hope? Of course not. As a matter of fact, they spent some time together today (the first reintroduction since the incident) and Sasha approached Hope in a calm manner, happily wagging her tail with all bad blood, so to speak, forgotten, just happy to try to make a friend. I wanted to add a photo of Sasha with AJ the night of the incident. She guarded him like this the entire night though Hope was crated. And no worries, he isn't covered up because he was hurt, we'd given him a bath to help us spot any injuries we could have missed because they would've been covered up by his fur, and he was keeping warm and 'hiding' under the moving blanket. I think this picture says a lot that I can't find the words to say about a dog who has a 'job', who is balanced, who knows the balance of the pack and her role in it and a dog who was simply doing what her breed has been bred to do for generations...be a gentle and fair protector of those she loves.
I don't know if I have ever spoken about why I chose the name 'Raja Renata' for the ranch. Essentially, it means 'Hope Reborn' and that I felt was a perfect statement for what we were trying to do for both canines and humans. But, there was also another reason. On December 26, 2009 I was in a car accident that almost took my life. I was on leave with my ex-husband who had just returned from a deployment and we were visiting his family in Pennsylvania. We were on our way to their hunting cabin when he overcorrected the car and the car slammed into a concrete jersey barrier at 65 MPH, spun and hit the barrier on the other side of the road. I was life flighted from the scene and underwent emergency surgery at Hershey Med Center where I then spent a week fighting to recover. I had lacerated my liver, 3 feet of small intestine had to be removed, I had a list that spanned a page of bones in my face that had been broken or fractured, bruised ribs, TBI and two days after surgery a collapsed lobe in my left lung. The whole time I was there, all I wanted was to go home but I also wanted something else and it all started with a man who was a patient on the same floor as me while I was in recovery. I was up walking 18 hours after surgery and I walked multiple times a day because until my intestines could function on their own, I wouldn't be allowed to leave and being mobile would help that. So I pushed through the pain and walked the floors as much as I could. One day, while I was lying in my bed taking a rest, an elderly gentleman knocked on my door. I was surprised to see another patient up and walking around because the nurse had informed me that the people in this ward usually did not leave. I greeted him and he greeted me and then he said something, that to this day, still brings tears to my eyes. He told me that he wanted to thank me. I asked him why because as far as I knew, I had done nothing special. He said he wanted to thank me because every day he watched me walk around the ward over and over again and I obviously was in a lot of pain but I kept going. He told me that it made him think, if she is out there doing it, then why can't I? And so, because of that, for the first time in a very long time, he had gotten up out of his bed to start walking and it had made him feel better. I can't remember my response to him but I still very clearly remember his face and the words that he said, and I think of him often. I wish I had even known his name. I wish that I could tell him thank you, because knowing that I helped someone feel even a little better in such a miserable place, inspires me in the strangest of moments.
After I returned home, against Doctors orders that I not travel, I sunk into a deep depression. I had scars in a million places so I hated the way I looked, I couldn't pick up or hold my son because of the pain I still had in so many parts of my body and because of the incision that was still healing, I couldn't even cook myself a meal. I'd had to quit my job, I couldn't spend much time with friends and leaving the house was too hard either emotionally or physically most days. I felt helpless and hopeless and I spent my days trying to sleep it all away. My ex, Mac, would ask me what it would take to get me off the couch and I honestly didn't have an answer for him. Until Buck. One day, one of my friends insisted that we go out and do something, anything and I finally agreed. We took a ride around Ft Campbell and I passed by the riding stables. I'd toyed with the idea of getting a new horse for a while and I decided to stop in to put my name on the wait list for boarding. As I was about to leave, a sign on the door caught my attention. It was a 'For Sale' ad for a little Appaloosa gelding for $150 and the ad warned he needed to go to an experienced owner only. I knew, to say the least, I fit that bill so I asked about the horse. 30 minutes later, I purchased him. That was the day that changed my life.
Buck was a tough horse. He'd been used as a trail horse by the post, had bucked off a man and broken his neck, had bucked off a lot of other people, and was overall the terror of the farm that everyone had become afraid of dealing with. However, Buck and I seemed to get along just fine. I called my Doctor the next morning and asked him if I could go riding (mind you, I still had staples in my stomach from surgery). He said, "I'm telling you no but I know you will anyway (can you tell he's known me for a while lol) so please just be careful and don't do anything stupid". I cleaned off my old saddle, lugged it to the car, convinced Mac and another friend to go with me and off I went. I refused help to saddle Buck or to climb on him and a few minutes later we were riding around the arena at a walk and a jog much to the amazement of the other riders, who asked if I'd drugged him. Buck never took a wrong step (the better I got, the more he tested lol) he never pulled on the bit or took off or bucked, just calmly carried me. He was the reason I started getting up in the morning, eager to go to the barn to spend time with my new friend. He reminded me how much a horse (or any animal for that matter) can do when it comes to helping heal a person. He inspired me to start training horses again and helping the ones that no one else wanted to fix. The first horse I rescued after Buck was a scraggly looking little Arabian who was underweight, not cared for and well on her way down a path that wasn't a good one. I named her 'Raja Renata'. By fixing not only Buck, but her, and the many after, my hope was reborn. When it came time to name the Ranch, I couldn't think of a better name than that. Every time I see a horse I helped to rehab (especially Raja Renata who is now the trail mount of a little girl who needed a horse to boost her confidence) or a dog I have helped, or even when I look in the mirror or at my scars, I am reminded that out of the darkness, hope can be reborn.
Until next time,
Nicole
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Quick Update Before Bed
With all that has been going on here at the Ranch I just wanted to post a quick update before I went to sleep for the night. Noah arrived today (I'm sure most of you have been following his story on our page). After all we went through to get him here, it is nice to see him relaxing, settling in and learning how nice life can be, especially with other dogs. His first vet appt with us will be tomorrow when his tongue and his other sores will be examined, we will discuss what is causing his hot spots and the reddened areas on his skin (my thought is food allergies) and how to best proceed with his care from here.
He has been put on a bland diet and started on probiotics to help his stomach adjust to the change in food. If it is found he has food allergies he'll be put on Diamond Naturals formula for large breed dogs that has no grains, etc. Hopefully, this and a new environment with friends and exercise will resolve both stress related and/or allergy related skin allergies.
Tomorrow we go to pull a female pitt from a shelter fairly local to us who was set to be put to sleep at 1 PM. We have named her DeeVee (Dee for short) in honor of our friend Elizabeth's mom who passed away last year and had always dreamed of starting an animal rescue. I cannot think of a better name. We hope that Dee (the person) will now be Dee (the dogs) guardian angel and aid in her recovery. ;)
Etta, Wiggles and Whiskers our 'Afghan Sleeper Cell' as they have been dubbed since they all enjoy very long naps, are doing well and have done so well in dealing with our new residents and helping to acclimate them to life here at the Ranch. They have become the BEST dogs in helping dogs who may have aggression issues learn to play and interact correctly. I think this is because they have a very strong instinct about when they need to be 'in charge' and when they can sit back and let another dog take the lead. This is a great asset and we are so blessed to be able to have them helping dogs who really need that when first learning to interact and play. This has been an especially HUGE step for Whiskers who was having some dog aggression issues when he came to us because he was used to having to be dominant and running the show having only been with more submissive dogs and without a strong human leader to guide and teach him. I am thinking Whiskers may become Noah's training buddy. If they can both successfully do this, it will be a huge step for both.
The rest of the dogs are doing well. Niko has been putting on weight, the pups (Bo and Moe) are growing stronger and bigger every day, AJ is working through his separation anxiety and usually has play time with Sarge, the Siberian Husky. AJ's crate buddy (a dog crated next to him that is calm and that helps him know he's not alone) has been Whiskers since he has adjusted so well to his crate when it's necessary for him to be in it (and he very much enjoys it as 'his' space where he can get away if he gets overwhelmed).
We are eager to find the perfect homes for AJ, Sarge and Moe. They have worked so hard and deserve loving homes with families of their own. AJ and Sarge have a potential adoptive family coming to meet them on the 22nd and we have a Soldier coming home who has put in a request for a very special dog and hopefully we will be able to pair him with one of ours.
That is all for tonight =) I need to get some rest. I will update more soon after Noah's vet visit and picking up Dee.
I just want to say, before I go, that none of this would have happened had it not been for Etta. Though I've always dabbled in rescuing dogs (with horses having been my main focus for many years), without realizing how much Etta helped me through a very hard time I wouldn't have thought that we should try to find these dogs whose stories people could identify with to try to heal them as well. Thank you Etta, you are one very special and loved little girl who makes my days brighter with your silly antics, loving personality and understanding soul. <3
*Nicole
He has been put on a bland diet and started on probiotics to help his stomach adjust to the change in food. If it is found he has food allergies he'll be put on Diamond Naturals formula for large breed dogs that has no grains, etc. Hopefully, this and a new environment with friends and exercise will resolve both stress related and/or allergy related skin allergies.
Tomorrow we go to pull a female pitt from a shelter fairly local to us who was set to be put to sleep at 1 PM. We have named her DeeVee (Dee for short) in honor of our friend Elizabeth's mom who passed away last year and had always dreamed of starting an animal rescue. I cannot think of a better name. We hope that Dee (the person) will now be Dee (the dogs) guardian angel and aid in her recovery. ;)
Etta, Wiggles and Whiskers our 'Afghan Sleeper Cell' as they have been dubbed since they all enjoy very long naps, are doing well and have done so well in dealing with our new residents and helping to acclimate them to life here at the Ranch. They have become the BEST dogs in helping dogs who may have aggression issues learn to play and interact correctly. I think this is because they have a very strong instinct about when they need to be 'in charge' and when they can sit back and let another dog take the lead. This is a great asset and we are so blessed to be able to have them helping dogs who really need that when first learning to interact and play. This has been an especially HUGE step for Whiskers who was having some dog aggression issues when he came to us because he was used to having to be dominant and running the show having only been with more submissive dogs and without a strong human leader to guide and teach him. I am thinking Whiskers may become Noah's training buddy. If they can both successfully do this, it will be a huge step for both.
The rest of the dogs are doing well. Niko has been putting on weight, the pups (Bo and Moe) are growing stronger and bigger every day, AJ is working through his separation anxiety and usually has play time with Sarge, the Siberian Husky. AJ's crate buddy (a dog crated next to him that is calm and that helps him know he's not alone) has been Whiskers since he has adjusted so well to his crate when it's necessary for him to be in it (and he very much enjoys it as 'his' space where he can get away if he gets overwhelmed).
We are eager to find the perfect homes for AJ, Sarge and Moe. They have worked so hard and deserve loving homes with families of their own. AJ and Sarge have a potential adoptive family coming to meet them on the 22nd and we have a Soldier coming home who has put in a request for a very special dog and hopefully we will be able to pair him with one of ours.
That is all for tonight =) I need to get some rest. I will update more soon after Noah's vet visit and picking up Dee.
I just want to say, before I go, that none of this would have happened had it not been for Etta. Though I've always dabbled in rescuing dogs (with horses having been my main focus for many years), without realizing how much Etta helped me through a very hard time I wouldn't have thought that we should try to find these dogs whose stories people could identify with to try to heal them as well. Thank you Etta, you are one very special and loved little girl who makes my days brighter with your silly antics, loving personality and understanding soul. <3
*Nicole
Thursday, October 13, 2011
A New Direction
I figured it was time for another blog with all that has been going on here at the Ranch.
As most of you know, Wiggles arrived last week and has been settling in wonderfully with Etta. The two are pretty much inseparable most of the day and are always into something. They even sleep together on the couch, or if one chooses somewhere else, the other is never far behind. It's great seeing them together again. I do believe that they remember each other and I do believe that they are happy to be together again. Something always seemed to be missing for Etta until Wiggles arrival. Wiggles overall has a very strong personality and absolutely loves to play with all the other dogs. She already has great 'recall' and can be trusted to go on walks without her leash which is all pretty amazing since she is so new here.
This week, I have done a lot of thinking about the direction which RRR is taking. I want to make a few changes. I do not want our focus to solely be on training dogs as service or companion animals for Soldiers. I also want this to be a place Soldiers with PTSD and TBI can come to 'get away' for a bit, enjoy the sanctuary setting and learn to train dogs or simply spend time with them. For those who want to interact and train the dogs, they can help to make the rescued dogs adoptable and ready for a new home. I have decided on this path because I realize that not every animal we can, or want, to rescue can be made into a service animal and I feel that we are limiting the number of dogs we can help by only going by those criteria. The dogs that still have potential to be a part of the original RRR program will still be put into training for it when the time is right for them to begin. However, in order to implement this part of the program we will need a better set up. We will need funds for vet care (as dogs pulled from shelters or bad situations will require more medical care), more runs, dog houses, crates, etc.
We have our lawyer preparing more of our 501c3 paperwork this week and hopefully before long we will no longer be in the process of filing for our 501 but have our 501c3 pending. This is going to be a key step in getting donations and the help we need for what we want to create here. We're hoping to have the initial paperwork filed within the next few weeks and are excited for this huge step forward.
In other news we have two dogs pending adoption and who have a meeting with their potential new mom on the 22nd.
That is all for tonight since it's late but I will update more soon.
Until next time!
*Nicole
As most of you know, Wiggles arrived last week and has been settling in wonderfully with Etta. The two are pretty much inseparable most of the day and are always into something. They even sleep together on the couch, or if one chooses somewhere else, the other is never far behind. It's great seeing them together again. I do believe that they remember each other and I do believe that they are happy to be together again. Something always seemed to be missing for Etta until Wiggles arrival. Wiggles overall has a very strong personality and absolutely loves to play with all the other dogs. She already has great 'recall' and can be trusted to go on walks without her leash which is all pretty amazing since she is so new here.
This week, I have done a lot of thinking about the direction which RRR is taking. I want to make a few changes. I do not want our focus to solely be on training dogs as service or companion animals for Soldiers. I also want this to be a place Soldiers with PTSD and TBI can come to 'get away' for a bit, enjoy the sanctuary setting and learn to train dogs or simply spend time with them. For those who want to interact and train the dogs, they can help to make the rescued dogs adoptable and ready for a new home. I have decided on this path because I realize that not every animal we can, or want, to rescue can be made into a service animal and I feel that we are limiting the number of dogs we can help by only going by those criteria. The dogs that still have potential to be a part of the original RRR program will still be put into training for it when the time is right for them to begin. However, in order to implement this part of the program we will need a better set up. We will need funds for vet care (as dogs pulled from shelters or bad situations will require more medical care), more runs, dog houses, crates, etc.
We have our lawyer preparing more of our 501c3 paperwork this week and hopefully before long we will no longer be in the process of filing for our 501 but have our 501c3 pending. This is going to be a key step in getting donations and the help we need for what we want to create here. We're hoping to have the initial paperwork filed within the next few weeks and are excited for this huge step forward.
In other news we have two dogs pending adoption and who have a meeting with their potential new mom on the 22nd.
That is all for tonight since it's late but I will update more soon.
Until next time!
*Nicole
Thursday, September 29, 2011
The Misunderstood Ones
The subject of this blog has been on my mind for a long time. I haven't had the time to put it in to words until tonight but as I sit here at 0400 (4 AM) these thoughts again weigh heavy on my mind.
My 'job' is to help dogs. In a way, my job will also be to help people. I have no 'formal' training. I only know of both what I have experienced, observed, read, listened to, asked questions about from those more knowledgeable and seen first hand. I also know about training horses (where my formal education lies), and in many ways, the two species aren't that different. Many times, the same basic concepts in teaching and 'training' apply to not only animals, but humans as well. I do not know if I do things the 'right' way but I do know that what I do works for the animals I have personally worked with. Some people say it's just a 'way' that I have about me with them, others have called me a dog or horse 'whisperer' and I surely don't think I'm worthy of those titles. I just do what I do to the best of my ability. I have never met a dog, or horse, I couldn't help, at least to some extent. I'm not saying I've seen it all, I'm saying I've been lucky. LOL
From the time I was a young child, animals were my best friends. I was raised on a farm with no close neighbors my own age, so when I came home from school, I came home to my dogs (a German Shepherd named Tammy and a Jack Russell/Fox Terrier/Mini Eskimo mix named Annie-my first ribbon winning agility dog I trained) and my horses, ducks, chickens, calves and sheep (among many other animals). When I was even younger than that, my mother can tell you stories of me sneaking a flock of ducklings into my room for a 'sleepover' and being heartbroken they couldn't stay the night, or a pot bellied pig who was trick trained, sleeping next to me in bed. I spent summers with my dog and my pony where I'd ride every day, then dismount, lay in the grass reading comic books, drinking sweet tea and letting my pony graze while Tammy was my pillow. Maybe because of that, or because I'm strange (lol) I have always found animals to be better 'people' than many people. I don't know why I understand them, I just do and I don't know why, but they seem to understand me.
It has always been my firm belief that 1) there are no problem horses, only problem riders (to borrow the title of a famous book about horse training) and 2) there are no problem dogs, only problem owners. That's not to say that these animals develop problems because owners intentionally misunderstand them (although sometimes may intentionally mistreat them), it's because people don't take the time to just sit and think about the way the animal sees it. I trained horses professionally for quite a few years, and for myself, even longer than that and though I specialized in work with 'problem' horses, I trained horses to do things I didn't know I could simply by breaking down the behavior into smaller tasks and thinking about how the horse sees things. I now do the same with dogs. It is within an animals nature to act a certain way when they are happy, scared, excited, etc. There are always of course some variants but usually all of these behaviors are similar among members of a species. If you take the time to observe, listen, and learn, you'll find that nothing an animal does is 'weird' or hard to understand. Sometimes, I just don't have the heart to tell people that, but I'm working on it. People don't realize that no matter how well you TRAIN a dog, if you are living in chaos, if your attitude is poor, if you are stressed beyond belief, if there is strain or discord in your household, your animals will reflect that in their behavior. Animals may not understand exactly WHY everyone 'feels' this way but they 'feel' it to and the only thing they know how to do in response, is act out. This is one of the reasons I never train (horse or dog) when I am tired, stressed, angry, upset, fearful, etc. I wait until I can balance my mood enough to be able to give that animal the confident leader they need instead of an emotionally unbalanced individual who is trying to 'teach' them something about life. In reality, it's us humans who have a lot to learn. 'Feel' has a lot to do with how animals respond to people. I am not talking about our sense of touch, I am talking about the emotional 'feel' of a person and the way they 'feel' the emotions of an animal. It may sound crazy, but I have seen it time and time again. For those who are willing to sit back and take a look, you'll notice it too. I could talk forever about feel, I could reference a million writings from Cesar Milan talking about calm assertive energy but I prefer to sum up the way each animal here is treated in a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson,
We let each animal know what we expect, we treat them the same as those who are already balanced and happy and we give them the tools to utilize to become so all the time. It might not be in a book (or maybe it is?) but it works, at least for me.
Working with dogs with emotional problems or scars, like Etta and Whiskers, is nothing 'new' to me. I have dealt with the human form of PTSD in loved ones both human and animal alike. I have dealt with scared, abused animals. It can be emotionally draining work that involves long hours and endless patience, but I venture to say it is the most rewarding 'work' out there.
I say all of that, to then talk about this...Dogs have needs. There are basic things that every dog NEEDS. For physical survival there is obviously the basics such as food, water and shelter. However, for emotional survival and stability, so much more is required. Exercise, focused exercise, praise and attention, confidence building techniques, play, and a 'pack' (be it human, canine, other animal species, or all three). That pack must also have a leader who brings stability and a feeling of 'safety' to it, letting each one know that not only are their needs being met but that they will be exceeded. Does this take time? Absolutely. With our current pack (whose stories I must update soon) I spend almost my entire day caring for the dogs, while also caring for a 3 year old, 5 horses, a house, a farm and a business. I often chuckle when I hear that people 'don't have time' because they have a kid, or a job, or a husband, etc. The time is there, it is how you utilize it. I would venture to say that no one here feels neglected, or as if their needs aren't being met. I'm not super woman, I don't ALWAYS succeed at filling EVERY need EVERY day, but 98% of the time is a pretty good percentage and I always aim for that perfect 100. Now, obviously, not everyone has hours of free time per day, rehabilitating dogs isn't their job however so dealing with 10+ animals at any given time isn't something they have to make time for. However, if every owner gave their one or two dogs just an extra few minutes of time instead of say, watching a TV show, reading a magazine, gossiping on the phone, they'd find their animals much more happy and balanced.
I would also like a dollar for every time I hear 'But I have a big back yard they can play in!'...Well, on one hand, that is great! Dogs do need exercise and time to run and be dogs. However, dogs also need focused exercise which means interaction with their owner. This doesn't have to take a lot, it can be as simple as 5 minutes every few hours throughout the day to take some time to teach your dog a task, ask them to perform a simple command or trick, etc. They need, and crave, attention. You would be amazed at how many people can't seem to spare even that 5 minutes. And this, brings me to my next subject...
There are many misunderstood dog breeds in this world. I could fill a library writing about each of them. The two that are nearest and dearest to me are Afghan Kuchi Dogs (like Etta and Whiskers, which I am still learning about through experience) and German Shepherds. This week I will dedicate a blog to the Kuchi hounds in my life, but tonight, I want to talk about their 'brothers' and 'sisters' here at the ranch who help them in their rehabilitation it seems, moreso than any other breed of dog here, the German Shepherd.
I would need a huge facility to hold the amount of GSD's (German Shepherd Dogs) I see given away or 'thrown away' every day just on Craigslist and sites like it. Add in Facebook, and I don't know if I can fathom a place that could hold them all. Oddly, unlike so many other dogs that people 'can't handle', it seems GSD ads always hold warnings about the dog or list a million and one 'problems' the dog has. It makes me laugh, not because I find it funny, but because I simply can have no other reaction at the simple ways in which this breed is misunderstood.
You will have to excuse me if I seem to show favoritism or extremely passionate views toward GSD's. I was raised with them since birth, one saved my life when a neighbors dog almost viciously attacked me as a child (Tammy, the dog I mentioned earlier), and I have yet to find a breed more loyal, intelligent and amazing than the German Shepherd. If there ever was a dog who could read your mind, or come closer to understanding the English language and beyond that the emotional language of people, I have yet to find it. They assist me every day in working with other dogs and a few of mine also will work to 'protect' (non-aggressively) me from an emotionally unstable dog who may snap at a moments notice. Yet, for these amazing dogs, I see dozens of ads on the internet touting them as problem children. They bite, they chew, they dig, they jump fences, have skin problems (hot spots, usually caused by stress and/or bad food) and the list goes on. And I fail to understand, what these owners don't understand about why these dogs act this way.
German Shepherds do not simply WANT mental and physical stimulation and human interaction, they REQUIRE and NEED it. They are not 'outside dogs', they are not 'guard dogs' that you tie to a chain and leave alone. These dogs are highly intelligent and were bred to be part of a family as well as to work. They NEED an environment that not only stimulates them mentally but also satisfies them emotionally. They also NEED exercise, they NEED a job, they NEED socialization. Basically, they NEED a LOT of time, and not JUST time, they need QUALITY time. These are dogs that can be prone to separation anxiety, that can be easily stressed, that can quickly become fear aggressive, if they are not in the right environment. These dogs are extremely loyal to their 'family' or 'pack'. And while people think it's 'cool' to have a 'guard dog', a REAL protection dog does not bite on impulse or instinct alone, it must be stable enough to do so on command from it's owner and also be stable enough to NOT do so or to release on command as well. I wish more people understood that concept. Max Von Stephanitz, the originator of the breed, wrote these words about the first registered German Shepherd, ""His character corresponded to his exterior qualities; marvelous in his insinuating fidelity to his master; towards all others the complete indifference of a master-mind, with a boundless and irrepressible zest for living. Although untrained in his puppyhood, nevertheless obedient to the slightest nod when at his master's side; but when left to himself, the maddest rascal, the wildest ruffian and an incorrigible provoker of strife. Never idle, always on the go; well-disposed to harmless people, but no cringer, mad on children and always ---in love. He suffered from a suppressed, or better, a superfluity of unemployed energy; for he was in heaven when someone was occupied with him, and he was then the most tractable of dogs.". I think those words say a lot about the 'first' German Shepherd, as well as German Shepherds today.
In closing, what I am trying to say is that humans are so quick to blame animals for 'problems' when in fact, we as people, are the problem. "If you do not train it, do not blame it." 'Problem' animals have been for me, the most rewarding to work with. They will teach you SO much and have SO much to give, if given the chance. Breed research and truly understanding 'where a dog is coming from' can tell us so much as to why these 'issues' arise. We often have to do a little digging, listening or watching, but the answers are there and are usually fairly common sense. Anyone who says a dog is 'bad' or 'stupid' should look in the mirror. Whenever someone tells me an animal is dumb I often tell a story about one of my horseback riding students a few years back, it is a lesson that the student will tell you to this day, changed their view on things greatly. This particular student had a wonderfully well trained, patient and point winning horse. During a lesson, the horse didn't seem to 'want' to work and was being slow at responding to commands and was constantly doing something other than what the student thought they were asking of the horse. Out of frustration, the student exclaimed, 'This horse is SO STUPID!'. I quietly looked at my student and said, 'The horse isn't the one who is being stupid. She has figured out how to do the least amount of work possible based on the way you are riding her. She knows what she can and can't get away with and what you are and aren't capable of and has managed a way around doing what you think you're asking. Look at the cues you have given and the attitude you've taken and reassess the situation. Who is the one who is being stupid?'. The student sat for a moment and contemplated what I'd just said and then responded, 'I guess I am'. They have never forgotten that lesson, and neither should we.
Until next time...
*Nicole
My 'job' is to help dogs. In a way, my job will also be to help people. I have no 'formal' training. I only know of both what I have experienced, observed, read, listened to, asked questions about from those more knowledgeable and seen first hand. I also know about training horses (where my formal education lies), and in many ways, the two species aren't that different. Many times, the same basic concepts in teaching and 'training' apply to not only animals, but humans as well. I do not know if I do things the 'right' way but I do know that what I do works for the animals I have personally worked with. Some people say it's just a 'way' that I have about me with them, others have called me a dog or horse 'whisperer' and I surely don't think I'm worthy of those titles. I just do what I do to the best of my ability. I have never met a dog, or horse, I couldn't help, at least to some extent. I'm not saying I've seen it all, I'm saying I've been lucky. LOL
From the time I was a young child, animals were my best friends. I was raised on a farm with no close neighbors my own age, so when I came home from school, I came home to my dogs (a German Shepherd named Tammy and a Jack Russell/Fox Terrier/Mini Eskimo mix named Annie-my first ribbon winning agility dog I trained) and my horses, ducks, chickens, calves and sheep (among many other animals). When I was even younger than that, my mother can tell you stories of me sneaking a flock of ducklings into my room for a 'sleepover' and being heartbroken they couldn't stay the night, or a pot bellied pig who was trick trained, sleeping next to me in bed. I spent summers with my dog and my pony where I'd ride every day, then dismount, lay in the grass reading comic books, drinking sweet tea and letting my pony graze while Tammy was my pillow. Maybe because of that, or because I'm strange (lol) I have always found animals to be better 'people' than many people. I don't know why I understand them, I just do and I don't know why, but they seem to understand me.
It has always been my firm belief that 1) there are no problem horses, only problem riders (to borrow the title of a famous book about horse training) and 2) there are no problem dogs, only problem owners. That's not to say that these animals develop problems because owners intentionally misunderstand them (although sometimes may intentionally mistreat them), it's because people don't take the time to just sit and think about the way the animal sees it. I trained horses professionally for quite a few years, and for myself, even longer than that and though I specialized in work with 'problem' horses, I trained horses to do things I didn't know I could simply by breaking down the behavior into smaller tasks and thinking about how the horse sees things. I now do the same with dogs. It is within an animals nature to act a certain way when they are happy, scared, excited, etc. There are always of course some variants but usually all of these behaviors are similar among members of a species. If you take the time to observe, listen, and learn, you'll find that nothing an animal does is 'weird' or hard to understand. Sometimes, I just don't have the heart to tell people that, but I'm working on it. People don't realize that no matter how well you TRAIN a dog, if you are living in chaos, if your attitude is poor, if you are stressed beyond belief, if there is strain or discord in your household, your animals will reflect that in their behavior. Animals may not understand exactly WHY everyone 'feels' this way but they 'feel' it to and the only thing they know how to do in response, is act out. This is one of the reasons I never train (horse or dog) when I am tired, stressed, angry, upset, fearful, etc. I wait until I can balance my mood enough to be able to give that animal the confident leader they need instead of an emotionally unbalanced individual who is trying to 'teach' them something about life. In reality, it's us humans who have a lot to learn. 'Feel' has a lot to do with how animals respond to people. I am not talking about our sense of touch, I am talking about the emotional 'feel' of a person and the way they 'feel' the emotions of an animal. It may sound crazy, but I have seen it time and time again. For those who are willing to sit back and take a look, you'll notice it too. I could talk forever about feel, I could reference a million writings from Cesar Milan talking about calm assertive energy but I prefer to sum up the way each animal here is treated in a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson,
“Treat a man as he is, and he will remain as he is. Treat a man as he could be, and he will become what he should be.”.
We let each animal know what we expect, we treat them the same as those who are already balanced and happy and we give them the tools to utilize to become so all the time. It might not be in a book (or maybe it is?) but it works, at least for me.
Working with dogs with emotional problems or scars, like Etta and Whiskers, is nothing 'new' to me. I have dealt with the human form of PTSD in loved ones both human and animal alike. I have dealt with scared, abused animals. It can be emotionally draining work that involves long hours and endless patience, but I venture to say it is the most rewarding 'work' out there.
I say all of that, to then talk about this...Dogs have needs. There are basic things that every dog NEEDS. For physical survival there is obviously the basics such as food, water and shelter. However, for emotional survival and stability, so much more is required. Exercise, focused exercise, praise and attention, confidence building techniques, play, and a 'pack' (be it human, canine, other animal species, or all three). That pack must also have a leader who brings stability and a feeling of 'safety' to it, letting each one know that not only are their needs being met but that they will be exceeded. Does this take time? Absolutely. With our current pack (whose stories I must update soon) I spend almost my entire day caring for the dogs, while also caring for a 3 year old, 5 horses, a house, a farm and a business. I often chuckle when I hear that people 'don't have time' because they have a kid, or a job, or a husband, etc. The time is there, it is how you utilize it. I would venture to say that no one here feels neglected, or as if their needs aren't being met. I'm not super woman, I don't ALWAYS succeed at filling EVERY need EVERY day, but 98% of the time is a pretty good percentage and I always aim for that perfect 100. Now, obviously, not everyone has hours of free time per day, rehabilitating dogs isn't their job however so dealing with 10+ animals at any given time isn't something they have to make time for. However, if every owner gave their one or two dogs just an extra few minutes of time instead of say, watching a TV show, reading a magazine, gossiping on the phone, they'd find their animals much more happy and balanced.
I would also like a dollar for every time I hear 'But I have a big back yard they can play in!'...Well, on one hand, that is great! Dogs do need exercise and time to run and be dogs. However, dogs also need focused exercise which means interaction with their owner. This doesn't have to take a lot, it can be as simple as 5 minutes every few hours throughout the day to take some time to teach your dog a task, ask them to perform a simple command or trick, etc. They need, and crave, attention. You would be amazed at how many people can't seem to spare even that 5 minutes. And this, brings me to my next subject...
There are many misunderstood dog breeds in this world. I could fill a library writing about each of them. The two that are nearest and dearest to me are Afghan Kuchi Dogs (like Etta and Whiskers, which I am still learning about through experience) and German Shepherds. This week I will dedicate a blog to the Kuchi hounds in my life, but tonight, I want to talk about their 'brothers' and 'sisters' here at the ranch who help them in their rehabilitation it seems, moreso than any other breed of dog here, the German Shepherd.
I would need a huge facility to hold the amount of GSD's (German Shepherd Dogs) I see given away or 'thrown away' every day just on Craigslist and sites like it. Add in Facebook, and I don't know if I can fathom a place that could hold them all. Oddly, unlike so many other dogs that people 'can't handle', it seems GSD ads always hold warnings about the dog or list a million and one 'problems' the dog has. It makes me laugh, not because I find it funny, but because I simply can have no other reaction at the simple ways in which this breed is misunderstood.
You will have to excuse me if I seem to show favoritism or extremely passionate views toward GSD's. I was raised with them since birth, one saved my life when a neighbors dog almost viciously attacked me as a child (Tammy, the dog I mentioned earlier), and I have yet to find a breed more loyal, intelligent and amazing than the German Shepherd. If there ever was a dog who could read your mind, or come closer to understanding the English language and beyond that the emotional language of people, I have yet to find it. They assist me every day in working with other dogs and a few of mine also will work to 'protect' (non-aggressively) me from an emotionally unstable dog who may snap at a moments notice. Yet, for these amazing dogs, I see dozens of ads on the internet touting them as problem children. They bite, they chew, they dig, they jump fences, have skin problems (hot spots, usually caused by stress and/or bad food) and the list goes on. And I fail to understand, what these owners don't understand about why these dogs act this way.
German Shepherds do not simply WANT mental and physical stimulation and human interaction, they REQUIRE and NEED it. They are not 'outside dogs', they are not 'guard dogs' that you tie to a chain and leave alone. These dogs are highly intelligent and were bred to be part of a family as well as to work. They NEED an environment that not only stimulates them mentally but also satisfies them emotionally. They also NEED exercise, they NEED a job, they NEED socialization. Basically, they NEED a LOT of time, and not JUST time, they need QUALITY time. These are dogs that can be prone to separation anxiety, that can be easily stressed, that can quickly become fear aggressive, if they are not in the right environment. These dogs are extremely loyal to their 'family' or 'pack'. And while people think it's 'cool' to have a 'guard dog', a REAL protection dog does not bite on impulse or instinct alone, it must be stable enough to do so on command from it's owner and also be stable enough to NOT do so or to release on command as well. I wish more people understood that concept. Max Von Stephanitz, the originator of the breed, wrote these words about the first registered German Shepherd, ""His character corresponded to his exterior qualities; marvelous in his insinuating fidelity to his master; towards all others the complete indifference of a master-mind, with a boundless and irrepressible zest for living. Although untrained in his puppyhood, nevertheless obedient to the slightest nod when at his master's side; but when left to himself, the maddest rascal, the wildest ruffian and an incorrigible provoker of strife. Never idle, always on the go; well-disposed to harmless people, but no cringer, mad on children and always ---in love. He suffered from a suppressed, or better, a superfluity of unemployed energy; for he was in heaven when someone was occupied with him, and he was then the most tractable of dogs.". I think those words say a lot about the 'first' German Shepherd, as well as German Shepherds today.
In closing, what I am trying to say is that humans are so quick to blame animals for 'problems' when in fact, we as people, are the problem. "If you do not train it, do not blame it." 'Problem' animals have been for me, the most rewarding to work with. They will teach you SO much and have SO much to give, if given the chance. Breed research and truly understanding 'where a dog is coming from' can tell us so much as to why these 'issues' arise. We often have to do a little digging, listening or watching, but the answers are there and are usually fairly common sense. Anyone who says a dog is 'bad' or 'stupid' should look in the mirror. Whenever someone tells me an animal is dumb I often tell a story about one of my horseback riding students a few years back, it is a lesson that the student will tell you to this day, changed their view on things greatly. This particular student had a wonderfully well trained, patient and point winning horse. During a lesson, the horse didn't seem to 'want' to work and was being slow at responding to commands and was constantly doing something other than what the student thought they were asking of the horse. Out of frustration, the student exclaimed, 'This horse is SO STUPID!'. I quietly looked at my student and said, 'The horse isn't the one who is being stupid. She has figured out how to do the least amount of work possible based on the way you are riding her. She knows what she can and can't get away with and what you are and aren't capable of and has managed a way around doing what you think you're asking. Look at the cues you have given and the attitude you've taken and reassess the situation. Who is the one who is being stupid?'. The student sat for a moment and contemplated what I'd just said and then responded, 'I guess I am'. They have never forgotten that lesson, and neither should we.
Until next time...
*Nicole
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Catching up
I want to apologize for the delay in a new blog. We were having major computer malfunctions and now have a new computer that works great so we will be able to update more often.
So much has gone on since our last blog!
First, Bo, the pit puppy that was re-homed returned to Raja Renata. His new family absolutely adored him but due to unforseen circumstances that arose, were unable to keep him. However, we never mind when a dog we have adopted out comes back, especially Caleb who is very happy to have 'his' puppy home. Decisions about re-homing Bo again are currently being made. We don't like dogs to bounce from place to place so it may be a while before Bo is put up for adoption again. However, he is more than welcome here in the mean time.
One of our other residents found a new home. 'Moe' the little GSD puppy that came to us for training, then was given up, has found a new wonderful family. He has three, two legged brothers and one four legged brother(also a GSD) who actually looks a lot like him. =) There are photos posted on our Facebook page of the happy Moe, now named Ramsey, in his new home on Fort Campbell. We are so excited that he has all the love and attention he needs in a family who understands the needs of his particular breed.
As for our current residents, they are all doing wonderfully. Etta has come out of her shell even more and has started playing with toys (tonight she picked one up and carried it for the first time ever!) and has started to enjoy sitting on the furniture. Whiskers continues to do well in his recovery and has a special affinity for two particular Shepherds here, Mina and Draco. They all love playing together, especially in the kiddie pool when weather permits. It makes us very happy to see the strides he's made since being here and his continued improvement.
We also have a new resident at the ranch, a German Shepherd named 'Gunner'. More information about 'Gunner' will be posted soon and there are photos up on our Facebook page as well as some video. Since being here just a few short days, Gunner has learned tasks like opening and closing the fridge and unloading laundry from the dryer! We can't wait to see the many things he'll learn in the future.'
Tonight's blog is a short one since I am so tired and we have a Soldiers homecoming to prepare for but I promise to write more soon. Gunner gives me the perfect opportunity to talk about what dogs NEED and breed specific requirements, not just in terms of food and health care but also in terms of play, socialization and training.
Until next time,
Nicole
So much has gone on since our last blog!
First, Bo, the pit puppy that was re-homed returned to Raja Renata. His new family absolutely adored him but due to unforseen circumstances that arose, were unable to keep him. However, we never mind when a dog we have adopted out comes back, especially Caleb who is very happy to have 'his' puppy home. Decisions about re-homing Bo again are currently being made. We don't like dogs to bounce from place to place so it may be a while before Bo is put up for adoption again. However, he is more than welcome here in the mean time.
One of our other residents found a new home. 'Moe' the little GSD puppy that came to us for training, then was given up, has found a new wonderful family. He has three, two legged brothers and one four legged brother(also a GSD) who actually looks a lot like him. =) There are photos posted on our Facebook page of the happy Moe, now named Ramsey, in his new home on Fort Campbell. We are so excited that he has all the love and attention he needs in a family who understands the needs of his particular breed.
As for our current residents, they are all doing wonderfully. Etta has come out of her shell even more and has started playing with toys (tonight she picked one up and carried it for the first time ever!) and has started to enjoy sitting on the furniture. Whiskers continues to do well in his recovery and has a special affinity for two particular Shepherds here, Mina and Draco. They all love playing together, especially in the kiddie pool when weather permits. It makes us very happy to see the strides he's made since being here and his continued improvement.
We also have a new resident at the ranch, a German Shepherd named 'Gunner'. More information about 'Gunner' will be posted soon and there are photos up on our Facebook page as well as some video. Since being here just a few short days, Gunner has learned tasks like opening and closing the fridge and unloading laundry from the dryer! We can't wait to see the many things he'll learn in the future.'
Tonight's blog is a short one since I am so tired and we have a Soldiers homecoming to prepare for but I promise to write more soon. Gunner gives me the perfect opportunity to talk about what dogs NEED and breed specific requirements, not just in terms of food and health care but also in terms of play, socialization and training.
Until next time,
Nicole
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Learning To Take Things One Paw At A Time
Hello everyone!
Sorry I've been MIA for a few days. We have gotten a LOT done, thanks in part to our wonderful friends Binks & Yoda who held a raffle for us. We managed to get two large dog runs put up, be fully stocked on food and doggie supplies and add a few little extras thanks to the extra funds!
Some other exciting news this week was that one of our rescues, Bo, a 13 week old brindle pit bull pup found his 'furever' home and is doing amazingly well there with his awesome new family. He has a little girl to play with, another pup only two weeks younger than him and his 'dad' is a Soldier.
My son, Caleb, took Bo leaving the hardest of anyone and therefore that made it extra hard for me. It's never easy to explain to a 3 year old why 'his' puppy had to leave. I try to tell him that we will definitely visit, and that this puppy needed to find a new home so that we can help more and while I think that softens the blow, like any child, he just doesn't fully understand. Here are some photos of Bo when he arrived and some photos of him the day that he left for his new home.
We have a few other dogs who will be coming up for adoption over the next month or two and we're excited to help them find their families.
Etta has been doing SO well and coming into her own more and more every day. She has become very vocal and is learning to socialize so much better with the other dogs. Every day she grows more confident in herself and it's wonderful to see. She is still sometimes shy and withdrawn but not nearly as much so as when she first arrived and she takes great joy in 'yelling' at Whiskers whenever she sees him. =) It's quite a sight to watch and hear. LOL While Etta has had a few minor PTSD 'episodes' she's gotten much less jumpy and comes around much quicker after each time. That is reassuring and wonderful to see as well. One of the things Etta and I enjoy most in our 'quiet time' is watching movies and sharing popcorn (extra butter flavor). It's one of Etta's FAVORITE snack foods. We've also been seeing a more consistent improvement in her eating habits and while at times she's been fickle about which food she enjoys we've discovered that she in fact likes Nutro large breed adult best. We still like to add in some home cooked treats for her but are happy to see her enjoying dry food more and more even without the extras.
Whiskers has been doing very well too! This week he visited Petsmart with Beth, Caleb and I with no incident even when a very large and hyper lab/pit mix was trying to 'make friends'. He remained calm and cool with no signs of aggression which is a huge step especially because it was his first time in a store! He followed all of my commands, looked to me for direction or reassurance if he wasn't sure and acted like a well rounded canine citizen. I look forward to more outings with him especially now that he has learned that riding in the car (and getting in himself) is an enjoyable experience.
Adele, our senior GSD rescue, has been doing well and improving too. She is happy and healthy and very active despite her minor arthritis (supplements are doing a world of good) and enjoys playing with the other dogs and napping under the trees when the weather is nice. Though her age on her paperwork at the shelter stated she was 6 years old, after examining her more thoroughly, her age is probably closer to 10-12. I can't remember if I shared that last time but thought I'd add it here. We are open to finding an adoptive home for Adele but she is very welcome to live out the rest of her days here on the ranch if that perfect home doesn't come along.
All the other dogs are doing well too. Everyone is happy and healthy and making great strides in their training which we are excited to see. There are a few other subjects I want to touch on before I close this blog, things that have been weighing on my mind or just random thoughts.
First, I want to say to everyone that I appreciate all the support we have gotten while we are in these beginning stages of 'setting up shop'. We have an amazing group of people working with us, especially Denise Smith, without whose help none of this would be possible. We also have an amazing group of supporters who believe in what we are starting to do and encouraging us every step of the way. We thank you all as well. You have no idea how much your support means to us.
Secondly, I'd like to address a question I've been asked often lately which is 'how do you do it?'. The answer is simple. In order to create a balanced, happy dog you must learn to become a balanced, happy person. It takes time and energy and most of all time spent learning with your dog. We strive to create a peaceful environment here because we simply could not do what we were doing with the amount of dogs we have if our dogs (either my 'personal' pack or the dogs we take in to work with) were not balanced and happy. In my personal opinion, people fail to realize how sensitive dogs are to their surroundings and the feelings and emotions of those around them. If you are living in chaos, your dogs behavior is going to reflect that situation. Be it emotional or literal chaos. The more hyper, high strung and stressed we are, the more those emotions are mimicked by the animals around us. For those of you who are fans of Caesar Milan, you will often hear him talk about having 'calm, assertive energy' and there is good reason for that. When that is what you are putting out, that is what your dog is reading and it helps to put them at ease. We do not want to force our dogs into the position of pack leader with their canine pack, nor their human one. It creates enormous amounts of stress for the dog when he/she feels as if THEY must run the household because everyone else is not emotionally balanced and stable and there are no rules or schedules. Dogs are pack animals and they need us to be their pack leader. By doing so, we can create a harmonious environment for our four legged companions.
In closing, I want to say that while at times things become overwhelming or a dogs problems seem like they are too much to handle, we must learn to take things 'one paw at a time'. Living with dogs, and people, with PTSD is not easy for anyone, not the person suffering from it or those around them. You feel as if YOU must always be vigilant as their care taker, sometimes it feels like walking on egg shells so that you don't set off the next episode. However, we must learn that the only way we can deal with this and teach dogs (and even humans) to work through their fears, issues and anxiety, is to face what causes those things and work on teaching a proper response instead of a reaction. Everything cannot be fixed in a day, or even a week, maybe not even months. However, by taking it 'one paw at a time', we can navigate through each day, dealing with the problems and working through them as they come. No one can ask for more than that. =)
Well, a storm is setting in here so that is all for tonight. The pups are all safe and sound inside the house and it's time for me to turn in.
Until next time...
Sorry I've been MIA for a few days. We have gotten a LOT done, thanks in part to our wonderful friends Binks & Yoda who held a raffle for us. We managed to get two large dog runs put up, be fully stocked on food and doggie supplies and add a few little extras thanks to the extra funds!
Some other exciting news this week was that one of our rescues, Bo, a 13 week old brindle pit bull pup found his 'furever' home and is doing amazingly well there with his awesome new family. He has a little girl to play with, another pup only two weeks younger than him and his 'dad' is a Soldier.
My son, Caleb, took Bo leaving the hardest of anyone and therefore that made it extra hard for me. It's never easy to explain to a 3 year old why 'his' puppy had to leave. I try to tell him that we will definitely visit, and that this puppy needed to find a new home so that we can help more and while I think that softens the blow, like any child, he just doesn't fully understand. Here are some photos of Bo when he arrived and some photos of him the day that he left for his new home.
We have a few other dogs who will be coming up for adoption over the next month or two and we're excited to help them find their families.
Etta has been doing SO well and coming into her own more and more every day. She has become very vocal and is learning to socialize so much better with the other dogs. Every day she grows more confident in herself and it's wonderful to see. She is still sometimes shy and withdrawn but not nearly as much so as when she first arrived and she takes great joy in 'yelling' at Whiskers whenever she sees him. =) It's quite a sight to watch and hear. LOL While Etta has had a few minor PTSD 'episodes' she's gotten much less jumpy and comes around much quicker after each time. That is reassuring and wonderful to see as well. One of the things Etta and I enjoy most in our 'quiet time' is watching movies and sharing popcorn (extra butter flavor). It's one of Etta's FAVORITE snack foods. We've also been seeing a more consistent improvement in her eating habits and while at times she's been fickle about which food she enjoys we've discovered that she in fact likes Nutro large breed adult best. We still like to add in some home cooked treats for her but are happy to see her enjoying dry food more and more even without the extras.
Whiskers has been doing very well too! This week he visited Petsmart with Beth, Caleb and I with no incident even when a very large and hyper lab/pit mix was trying to 'make friends'. He remained calm and cool with no signs of aggression which is a huge step especially because it was his first time in a store! He followed all of my commands, looked to me for direction or reassurance if he wasn't sure and acted like a well rounded canine citizen. I look forward to more outings with him especially now that he has learned that riding in the car (and getting in himself) is an enjoyable experience.
Adele, our senior GSD rescue, has been doing well and improving too. She is happy and healthy and very active despite her minor arthritis (supplements are doing a world of good) and enjoys playing with the other dogs and napping under the trees when the weather is nice. Though her age on her paperwork at the shelter stated she was 6 years old, after examining her more thoroughly, her age is probably closer to 10-12. I can't remember if I shared that last time but thought I'd add it here. We are open to finding an adoptive home for Adele but she is very welcome to live out the rest of her days here on the ranch if that perfect home doesn't come along.
All the other dogs are doing well too. Everyone is happy and healthy and making great strides in their training which we are excited to see. There are a few other subjects I want to touch on before I close this blog, things that have been weighing on my mind or just random thoughts.
First, I want to say to everyone that I appreciate all the support we have gotten while we are in these beginning stages of 'setting up shop'. We have an amazing group of people working with us, especially Denise Smith, without whose help none of this would be possible. We also have an amazing group of supporters who believe in what we are starting to do and encouraging us every step of the way. We thank you all as well. You have no idea how much your support means to us.
Secondly, I'd like to address a question I've been asked often lately which is 'how do you do it?'. The answer is simple. In order to create a balanced, happy dog you must learn to become a balanced, happy person. It takes time and energy and most of all time spent learning with your dog. We strive to create a peaceful environment here because we simply could not do what we were doing with the amount of dogs we have if our dogs (either my 'personal' pack or the dogs we take in to work with) were not balanced and happy. In my personal opinion, people fail to realize how sensitive dogs are to their surroundings and the feelings and emotions of those around them. If you are living in chaos, your dogs behavior is going to reflect that situation. Be it emotional or literal chaos. The more hyper, high strung and stressed we are, the more those emotions are mimicked by the animals around us. For those of you who are fans of Caesar Milan, you will often hear him talk about having 'calm, assertive energy' and there is good reason for that. When that is what you are putting out, that is what your dog is reading and it helps to put them at ease. We do not want to force our dogs into the position of pack leader with their canine pack, nor their human one. It creates enormous amounts of stress for the dog when he/she feels as if THEY must run the household because everyone else is not emotionally balanced and stable and there are no rules or schedules. Dogs are pack animals and they need us to be their pack leader. By doing so, we can create a harmonious environment for our four legged companions.
In closing, I want to say that while at times things become overwhelming or a dogs problems seem like they are too much to handle, we must learn to take things 'one paw at a time'. Living with dogs, and people, with PTSD is not easy for anyone, not the person suffering from it or those around them. You feel as if YOU must always be vigilant as their care taker, sometimes it feels like walking on egg shells so that you don't set off the next episode. However, we must learn that the only way we can deal with this and teach dogs (and even humans) to work through their fears, issues and anxiety, is to face what causes those things and work on teaching a proper response instead of a reaction. Everything cannot be fixed in a day, or even a week, maybe not even months. However, by taking it 'one paw at a time', we can navigate through each day, dealing with the problems and working through them as they come. No one can ask for more than that. =)
Well, a storm is setting in here so that is all for tonight. The pups are all safe and sound inside the house and it's time for me to turn in.
Until next time...
Monday, August 22, 2011
Meeting Whiskers
Sorry that it's been a few days since I've posted. Things have been VERY busy here! We have had a new member join our 'pack'.
Everyone meet Whiskers....
Whiskers originally came from Afghanistan. He was found by a group of Soldiers who wanted to save him but unfortunately, none of them were able to adopt him. They managed to get him to safety with the Afghan Stray Animal League (http://afghanstrayanimals.org/index.php ). His story is on the success stories page.
However, not long after getting to his new home, Whiskers was having some problems adjusting. He was showing signs of 'doggie ptsd' and in general just having a hard time understanding the way life in America worked. His new family loved him so much but wasn't sure how to help him through his problems. That's where we came in. We were asked if we could take Whiskers and help him through his problems. For more information on Whiskers you can visit his FB page ( http://www.facebook.com/afghanwhiskers ).
Whiskers arrived in Nashville from California yesterday morning. After a little bit of a rocky start he's adjusting really well. While working with Whiskers will be a long process he's already making huge strides and we're really excited for this opportunity. Whisker's has always seemed to be a very alpha dog and so learning to accept a human in that position is going to be a huge change. To help him learn to accept that position with other dogs we've paired him with Scoobie Do (Doobie) who he has seemed to bond with really well and who will act as his 'doggie therapist' to help him remain calm and learn appropriate behaviors in different situations. Doobie and Whiskers seemed to choose these roles themselves which is even better. =) Remember, not long ago, Doobie was deemed so dog aggressive that his owners were ready to take him to the shelter because they could no longer handle him.
We'll keep you all updated on the progress of these two, but that is all for now =) It's bath time for the doggies!
Until next time...
Everyone meet Whiskers....
However, not long after getting to his new home, Whiskers was having some problems adjusting. He was showing signs of 'doggie ptsd' and in general just having a hard time understanding the way life in America worked. His new family loved him so much but wasn't sure how to help him through his problems. That's where we came in. We were asked if we could take Whiskers and help him through his problems. For more information on Whiskers you can visit his FB page ( http://www.facebook.com/afghanwhiskers ).
Whiskers arrived in Nashville from California yesterday morning. After a little bit of a rocky start he's adjusting really well. While working with Whiskers will be a long process he's already making huge strides and we're really excited for this opportunity. Whisker's has always seemed to be a very alpha dog and so learning to accept a human in that position is going to be a huge change. To help him learn to accept that position with other dogs we've paired him with Scoobie Do (Doobie) who he has seemed to bond with really well and who will act as his 'doggie therapist' to help him remain calm and learn appropriate behaviors in different situations. Doobie and Whiskers seemed to choose these roles themselves which is even better. =) Remember, not long ago, Doobie was deemed so dog aggressive that his owners were ready to take him to the shelter because they could no longer handle him.
We'll keep you all updated on the progress of these two, but that is all for now =) It's bath time for the doggies!
Until next time...
Thursday, August 18, 2011
What a dog can mean....
Personally, I have always been a believer in the healing power of animals. I've spent my life, thus far, around horses and dogs of all sizes, shapes, colors and breeds. I've seen it first hand. There is something about an animal that has the ability to bring peace to your mind even in the worst of times and there is always one who seems to be able to do that for you more than any other.
Throughout the past four years, I have led my life around the Army. I was an Army girlfriend, and Army fiance, an Army wife and now, again since my divorce, an Army girlfriend again. A viscous cycle lol. In those four years, I have seen and learned a lot, about others and myself. Most of it has been incredibly positive, but there are some things I've learned that haven't been lessons I wished for. I've learned about PTSD, TBI, about people not returning home from war, about children learning of a parents death on their birthday, about the fact that the time you lose with a spouse or loved one during a deployment is time that you can never get back. You learn about things like secondary PTSD ( http://www.familyofavet.com/secondary_ptsd.html ) and about the fact that Military spouses are at higher risk for depression ( http://digitaljournal.com/article/285690 ) and the stress is another story all in itself. You begin to feel as if you've given some of the best parts of your life, ones that should have been happy, to the Army, Afghanistan, Iraq, etc and emotionally or physically lost people you loved along the way. There is a void you can't seem to fill and a part of you that aches constantly that doesn't seem to go away. You want what you lost back or a chance to wrap your mind around all that has happened. However, there never seems to be a way to do that. At least there didn't seem to be for me.
And then, I met Etta. I always said before she came here I wanted to help her because I wanted something positive to come out of all everyone in my family and friend circle had given to Afghanistan and what could be more positive than helping a dog in need who can give you such unconditional love and caring. However, I never realized the full extent of that statement until Etta arrived.
I remember on her second or third day here, I was having an awful day. The stress of waiting through a third deployment was weighing on me heavily, everything had gone wrong and I just wanted to sit down and cry. Etta was comfortably resting in her 'safe spot' under our table. I went over and laid on the floor next to her and began talking and petting her. I talked about a lot of things with Etta and somehow I felt that she understood every word I said. She understood what that place takes from you and the void it leaves inside of people. She understood the things you hear and see from there (except she saw them first hand whereas I've heard the stories in moments of despair and seen photos and video I can't erase from my mind). Etta, I knew, understood. As I laid there and spoke to her, I felt everything start melting away. And that void that I spoke of, started to fill, just a little but fill nonetheless.
In some way I can't explain, helping dogs, but especially THESE dogs, has helped all of us start to heal even just in the short time we've been involved in this project. THAT is why starting Raja Renata is so important to me. I want to see that kind of healing in other people who have experienced what we have, and worse.
I want to go into more detail but the doggies are getting impatient so I will continue later. Until next time...
Throughout the past four years, I have led my life around the Army. I was an Army girlfriend, and Army fiance, an Army wife and now, again since my divorce, an Army girlfriend again. A viscous cycle lol. In those four years, I have seen and learned a lot, about others and myself. Most of it has been incredibly positive, but there are some things I've learned that haven't been lessons I wished for. I've learned about PTSD, TBI, about people not returning home from war, about children learning of a parents death on their birthday, about the fact that the time you lose with a spouse or loved one during a deployment is time that you can never get back. You learn about things like secondary PTSD ( http://www.familyofavet.com/secondary_ptsd.html ) and about the fact that Military spouses are at higher risk for depression ( http://digitaljournal.com/article/285690 ) and the stress is another story all in itself. You begin to feel as if you've given some of the best parts of your life, ones that should have been happy, to the Army, Afghanistan, Iraq, etc and emotionally or physically lost people you loved along the way. There is a void you can't seem to fill and a part of you that aches constantly that doesn't seem to go away. You want what you lost back or a chance to wrap your mind around all that has happened. However, there never seems to be a way to do that. At least there didn't seem to be for me.
And then, I met Etta. I always said before she came here I wanted to help her because I wanted something positive to come out of all everyone in my family and friend circle had given to Afghanistan and what could be more positive than helping a dog in need who can give you such unconditional love and caring. However, I never realized the full extent of that statement until Etta arrived.
I remember on her second or third day here, I was having an awful day. The stress of waiting through a third deployment was weighing on me heavily, everything had gone wrong and I just wanted to sit down and cry. Etta was comfortably resting in her 'safe spot' under our table. I went over and laid on the floor next to her and began talking and petting her. I talked about a lot of things with Etta and somehow I felt that she understood every word I said. She understood what that place takes from you and the void it leaves inside of people. She understood the things you hear and see from there (except she saw them first hand whereas I've heard the stories in moments of despair and seen photos and video I can't erase from my mind). Etta, I knew, understood. As I laid there and spoke to her, I felt everything start melting away. And that void that I spoke of, started to fill, just a little but fill nonetheless.
In some way I can't explain, helping dogs, but especially THESE dogs, has helped all of us start to heal even just in the short time we've been involved in this project. THAT is why starting Raja Renata is so important to me. I want to see that kind of healing in other people who have experienced what we have, and worse.
I want to go into more detail but the doggies are getting impatient so I will continue later. Until next time...
Life At Raja Renata Ranch
Since the idea to start our new programs, we've dubbed the farm 'Raja Renata Ranch'. Raja Renata means hope reborn which is what we seek to offer to dogs here. Many have asked how we run things and I'd like to give everyone a run down of a 'typical' (if there is such a thing here, lol) day at RRR.
Since we're just starting our program there are lots of phone calls to make, conversations to have, networking to do but thanks to the help of Denise Smith (co-founder/Vice President), I've been able to avoid most of that LOL. My 'work' comes in the form of caring for the dogs that are part of our program and my personal dogs as well.
In the morning, we start by putting everyone outside for some play time, potty time and breakfast. Some of the dogs aren't always ready for unsupervised time outside so those dogs we take on a walk around the farm for exercise and they come back in to enjoy their breakfast and another walk shortly after. Also, most days, we'll have some form of dog laundry (and people laundry) to do so this is the time I'll start that, do my morning cleaning rounds of the house and kennels and then make breakfast and check e-mails, facebook and voice mails. I'll return any calls I have and I'm usually always logged in to some kind of messenger or attached to my phone and in pretty constant contact with poor Denise throughout the day lol thank God for that woman, she helps keep me organized and on the right track.
After all of that is done, it's play time/training time for the dogs. Of course, EVERYTHING we do has an element of training hidden somewhere in there but this is a more structured time to work on exercises with them. We enjoy going to the dog park, working in the yard or house (depending on heat) and also incorporate grooming and bath time (when needed) into this part of the day.
During the middle part of the day it's mostly time to relax as it's usually too hot outside to do much else. You can find dogs lounging in the shade, over the AC vents, etc lol everyone has their spot they prefer to be for this (Etta has a particularly awesome shade tree picked out right by the doggie pool, you can't drag her in from her outside afternoon nap pool side lol). This is also the time that dogs are walked again for potty (other than as needed of course) and the time during which we prefer to make our mobile training calls.
By early evening it's time to cook the dogs meals for that night and the next morning (yes, we cook their food). Everyone is put out in their spots again, served dinner and left to play for a while before 'bed time'. We also eat our dinner and then I do a night cleaning of house and kennels before it's time to sit down and relax and usually watch a movie and play with my son (who loves helping out with the dogs throughout the day). Movie time is usually filled with dogs to cuddle with who are enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and just enjoying having a home to call their own.
The environment we try to create here is one of peace, quiet and harmony. We don't tolerate disagreements between dogs, everyone knows their place and what is expected of them and even dogs who have come to us as extremely dog aggressive, like 'Doobie', have found their place and are happy and well balanced dogs once they understand our system.
While running RRR is a lot of work, I really couldn't ask for a different job. After years of horse training, I feel like I'm a little too worn down from cold winters and heavy water buckets lol so this has provided a wonderful outlet for me to still 'train', while helping others and saving some dogs lives.
Every dog is welcome here at RRR. We don't believe in lost causes. When I trained horses I always liked the adage from The Horse Whisperer when Tom says 'I don't help people with horse problems, I help horses with people problems'. I view dog training the same way. We're here to assist owners in understanding their dogs and helping them to lead happier, emotionally healthier lives, HOWEVER, our first priority is always the dog.
Hopefully, this has helped you all to gain some insight on how things work. We'd love to hear, and answer, any questions someone may have for us!
Until next time....
Since we're just starting our program there are lots of phone calls to make, conversations to have, networking to do but thanks to the help of Denise Smith (co-founder/Vice President), I've been able to avoid most of that LOL. My 'work' comes in the form of caring for the dogs that are part of our program and my personal dogs as well.
In the morning, we start by putting everyone outside for some play time, potty time and breakfast. Some of the dogs aren't always ready for unsupervised time outside so those dogs we take on a walk around the farm for exercise and they come back in to enjoy their breakfast and another walk shortly after. Also, most days, we'll have some form of dog laundry (and people laundry) to do so this is the time I'll start that, do my morning cleaning rounds of the house and kennels and then make breakfast and check e-mails, facebook and voice mails. I'll return any calls I have and I'm usually always logged in to some kind of messenger or attached to my phone and in pretty constant contact with poor Denise throughout the day lol thank God for that woman, she helps keep me organized and on the right track.
After all of that is done, it's play time/training time for the dogs. Of course, EVERYTHING we do has an element of training hidden somewhere in there but this is a more structured time to work on exercises with them. We enjoy going to the dog park, working in the yard or house (depending on heat) and also incorporate grooming and bath time (when needed) into this part of the day.
During the middle part of the day it's mostly time to relax as it's usually too hot outside to do much else. You can find dogs lounging in the shade, over the AC vents, etc lol everyone has their spot they prefer to be for this (Etta has a particularly awesome shade tree picked out right by the doggie pool, you can't drag her in from her outside afternoon nap pool side lol). This is also the time that dogs are walked again for potty (other than as needed of course) and the time during which we prefer to make our mobile training calls.
By early evening it's time to cook the dogs meals for that night and the next morning (yes, we cook their food). Everyone is put out in their spots again, served dinner and left to play for a while before 'bed time'. We also eat our dinner and then I do a night cleaning of house and kennels before it's time to sit down and relax and usually watch a movie and play with my son (who loves helping out with the dogs throughout the day). Movie time is usually filled with dogs to cuddle with who are enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and just enjoying having a home to call their own.
The environment we try to create here is one of peace, quiet and harmony. We don't tolerate disagreements between dogs, everyone knows their place and what is expected of them and even dogs who have come to us as extremely dog aggressive, like 'Doobie', have found their place and are happy and well balanced dogs once they understand our system.
While running RRR is a lot of work, I really couldn't ask for a different job. After years of horse training, I feel like I'm a little too worn down from cold winters and heavy water buckets lol so this has provided a wonderful outlet for me to still 'train', while helping others and saving some dogs lives.
Every dog is welcome here at RRR. We don't believe in lost causes. When I trained horses I always liked the adage from The Horse Whisperer when Tom says 'I don't help people with horse problems, I help horses with people problems'. I view dog training the same way. We're here to assist owners in understanding their dogs and helping them to lead happier, emotionally healthier lives, HOWEVER, our first priority is always the dog.
Hopefully, this has helped you all to gain some insight on how things work. We'd love to hear, and answer, any questions someone may have for us!
Until next time....
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Please Remember....
Tonight, I wanted to share this video in light of Etta's episode yesterday and because I was reminded of this by a friend tonight. This movie hits home in so many ways and always makes me tear up. It is so important to remember these things when understanding why returning Soldiers have a hard time with reintegration and why it's even harder for those with PTSD and TBI.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Even TV Can Be Scary!
Last night, something very interesting happened with Etta. As I've mentioned, she's been coming out of her shell really nicely, even with company around.
Well, last night it was just Etta, myself and two members of the 'pack' (Doobie-named after my three year olds version of the words Scooby Do and Gretchen- our high intensity GSD) were relaxing in the living room watching 'Just Friends'. If any of you have seen the movie, you know there's a scene intended to be funny, that involves fire, sparks and lots of noise. I should also mention, we have surround sound and a TV that is at doggie eye level.
As the scene progressed, Etta, who had been comfortable enough to come up to me and take treats from my hand for the first time, began focusing on the images played on the television. I watched as this dog, who had moments before been so calm and open and excited, closed down and started to show the exact signs of someone suffering from a flashback during a PTSD episode. Her eyes widened, her breathing quickened, she slunk back and began the 100 yard stare for a few moments before retreating to her 'safe place'.
I couldn't move to even comfort her at that moment because I was so taken aback by the likeness of her episode to that of someone suffering from PTSD. Gunfire, helicopters (we live near a Ft Campbell and they routinely fly over our house), fireworks, etc haven't startled her a bit. She's slept through them all peacefully. But for some reason last night, the visual images combined with the sound obviously brought back memories of something in her past I can only venture a guess at. She 'snapped out of it' fairly quickly, maybe within two to three minutes but the episode left me shaken and pondering what this poor girl has seen in her lifetime. However, it also cemented my belief (the driving force of our new program) that dogs that exhibit these types of behaviors can be used to help rehabilitate Soldiers (and others) suffering from PTSD by having a canine companion to work with that can relate. The hope is that as they help the dog through their issues, they too can begin to work through their own.
With the help of my wonderful friend, Denise Smith, we have started to build the foundations for what will be Raja Renata Ranch. Not only are we hoping to pull dogs from shelters to become companion, therapy and possibly service dogs for those who need them but we're hoping that we can do the same with dogs from war zones. We want Soldiers to be able to come here to help in the rehabilitation process of these dogs which will then go on to help others and lead a fulfilling life. We are currently looking for volunteers with experience in dog training, grant writing, filing for 501c3 status, or those who simply wish to donate their time to do some research for us. Anyone who is interested can either leave us a message on Facebook, here OR contact us by e-mail at lifewithetta@yahoo.com.
Until next time....
Well, last night it was just Etta, myself and two members of the 'pack' (Doobie-named after my three year olds version of the words Scooby Do and Gretchen- our high intensity GSD) were relaxing in the living room watching 'Just Friends'. If any of you have seen the movie, you know there's a scene intended to be funny, that involves fire, sparks and lots of noise. I should also mention, we have surround sound and a TV that is at doggie eye level.
As the scene progressed, Etta, who had been comfortable enough to come up to me and take treats from my hand for the first time, began focusing on the images played on the television. I watched as this dog, who had moments before been so calm and open and excited, closed down and started to show the exact signs of someone suffering from a flashback during a PTSD episode. Her eyes widened, her breathing quickened, she slunk back and began the 100 yard stare for a few moments before retreating to her 'safe place'.
I couldn't move to even comfort her at that moment because I was so taken aback by the likeness of her episode to that of someone suffering from PTSD. Gunfire, helicopters (we live near a Ft Campbell and they routinely fly over our house), fireworks, etc haven't startled her a bit. She's slept through them all peacefully. But for some reason last night, the visual images combined with the sound obviously brought back memories of something in her past I can only venture a guess at. She 'snapped out of it' fairly quickly, maybe within two to three minutes but the episode left me shaken and pondering what this poor girl has seen in her lifetime. However, it also cemented my belief (the driving force of our new program) that dogs that exhibit these types of behaviors can be used to help rehabilitate Soldiers (and others) suffering from PTSD by having a canine companion to work with that can relate. The hope is that as they help the dog through their issues, they too can begin to work through their own.
With the help of my wonderful friend, Denise Smith, we have started to build the foundations for what will be Raja Renata Ranch. Not only are we hoping to pull dogs from shelters to become companion, therapy and possibly service dogs for those who need them but we're hoping that we can do the same with dogs from war zones. We want Soldiers to be able to come here to help in the rehabilitation process of these dogs which will then go on to help others and lead a fulfilling life. We are currently looking for volunteers with experience in dog training, grant writing, filing for 501c3 status, or those who simply wish to donate their time to do some research for us. Anyone who is interested can either leave us a message on Facebook, here OR contact us by e-mail at lifewithetta@yahoo.com.
Until next time....
Monday, August 15, 2011
Etta Comes Out...
Last night I was SO proud of Miss Etta. While she has been adjusting more and more every day, she hasn't always been up for being out and about in the house and usually finds a 'safe' spot only coming to join us for a few minutes and going back to her area. Well, last night, even though we had five friends over for company, Etta joined us in the living room, wagging her tail, sleeping in the open, greeting visitors and walking around like she owned the place. What a huge step! And what a huge improvement! Like most Soldiers when they re-deploy (arrive home from deployment) the dogs from Afghanistan seem to need a significant adjustment period to deal with all the new sights, sounds and smells and to adjust to life inside a home. Also, like those Soldiers, when we see Etta take steps forward we have to be careful not to take for granted that everything is fine and push her too hard. These are important things to do/notice.
I want to write more about Etta later, however, briefly I want to talk about TBI and PTSD, two issues we seek to help Soldiers with through companion/therapy dogs. PLEASE visit the following links to become aware of what both are and keep in mind that when someone experiences BOTH TBI and PTSD the symptoms are often bigger, harder to treat and somewhat different than someone who just experiences one or the other. Also, remember that TBI and PTSD can happen to ANYONE, not just Soldiers.
http://www.traumaticbraininjury.com/
http://www.ptsd.ne.gov/what-is-ptsd.html
I want to write more about Etta later, however, briefly I want to talk about TBI and PTSD, two issues we seek to help Soldiers with through companion/therapy dogs. PLEASE visit the following links to become aware of what both are and keep in mind that when someone experiences BOTH TBI and PTSD the symptoms are often bigger, harder to treat and somewhat different than someone who just experiences one or the other. Also, remember that TBI and PTSD can happen to ANYONE, not just Soldiers.
http://www.traumaticbraininjury.com/
http://www.ptsd.ne.gov/what-is-ptsd.html
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Finding Etta
Hello everyone!
My name is Nicole and I wanted to start a blog to share our special journey with a dog named Etta. In order to do that, I need to first share a little bit about myself.
I am 26 years old. I have a three year old son named Caleb (who is Etta's special boy) and live on a 9 acre farm in southern Kentucky. We live only 15 miles from one of the nations largest military bases, Ft Campbell. My boyfriend, Rob, is in the Army and is currently deployed to Afghanistan. I am recently divorced from a Soldier, my son's dad, McLean. I was a military wife for 2 years, around the Army for 4 total (if you count the time my ex husband and I spent dating/engaged) and have seen the good, bad and ugly side of Military life. Over the past four years, our family, in it's varying forms, has experienced first hand the effects of war, from losing friends to learning how to cope with PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) and TBI (traumatic brain injury). I owned my own business training horses for a while before I gave up doing that to dedicate my time to my son and to take a break from a business that had become all too stressful. I now focus my time on training dogs, for myself and others, and being a mom to Caleb.
We have four dogs of our own (all German Shepherds). They are Missy (a black GSD from working police lines), Draco (a wonderful male GSD from our friend and an awesome breeder, Emily), Gretchen (a rescue dog from Czech and German working lines) and Mina (an almost rescue puppy from German working and American show lines). We also currently have some rescue dogs living with us as well. There's 'Doobie' (named after Scooby Do), a 7 year old harlequin Great Dane and Bo a 10 week old rescued pit bull pup. These dogs make up Etta's canine family and our 'pack'.
Now, on to Etta....
A few months ago I was helping to do some fundraising for a dog that some Soldiers from the 101st wanted to bring home from Afghanistan. By doing that, I was introduced to an amazing group called Puppy Rescue Mission (PRM) and their sister organization Sasha's Legacy. I started browsing through the pages for both when I noticed a dog named Wiggles and her two puppies. Both pups were going to be easy to find a home for but poor Wiggles had been waiting a while for a 'furever' home with no success. Her story, and the look in her eyes, touched me and I decided to inquire about adopting her. Wiggles however was no ordinary dog, Wiggles (like Etta) is an Afghan Kuchi hound and was living in Afghanistan.
I met an amazing woman at PRM, Rosine, who told me that Wiggles would have to wait quite a while before she could come to the US because of her two puppies but that there was another dog waiting for a home who was ready to leave as soon as possible. I asked for more information and that is how I 'met' Etta. The minute I saw Etta's photo I was interested in learning more about her and I guess you could say, I fell in love.
That brings us to last month (July) when Etta began her journey to the US. Picking her up from the airport was an emotional experience after the long wait to get her here. Thanks to our great friend, Denise Smith, we were able to get this awesome photo of our first meeting.
Within seconds of meeting Etta she was giving me kisses, knowing I think, that she was at her 'furever' home here in the US and happy to be done with her journey.
Since Etta has arrived life has been an adventure. From spending so much time in the wild on her own and at the shelter facility Etta acted almost like someone with PTSD returning home from war. Her behavior and the look on her face was VERY reminiscent of that. Of course, we had to take everything slow, loud noises scared her and it was obvious that at some point in her life she'd probably been treated very unkindly before her hero rescued her.
Seeing all of this with Etta gave us the idea to start a program to help not only homeless and unwanted or abandoned dogs in the US but to try to integrate some of the dogs rescued over seas into the program as well, in the hopes that Soldiers will be able to identify with their frame of mind upon arrival and by helping them, in turn help themselves. Of course, this is all still in it's infancy/planning/fundraising stage and we're loving the ideas that are pouring in.
In this blog, you'll be able to read about our adventures with Etta as she adjusts to life here in her new home, the arrival of her best puppy friend Wiggles (who should be here soon) and the dogs we have/will rescue that will become a part of our program to help or be adopted out to Soldiers with PTSD and TBI.
We look forward to hearing from all of you with input, sharing stories about Etta, Wiggles and other members of the pack (human and canine) and information on PTSD and TBI for those who may not be familiar with what either are.
Until next time!
*Niki & Etta
My name is Nicole and I wanted to start a blog to share our special journey with a dog named Etta. In order to do that, I need to first share a little bit about myself.
I am 26 years old. I have a three year old son named Caleb (who is Etta's special boy) and live on a 9 acre farm in southern Kentucky. We live only 15 miles from one of the nations largest military bases, Ft Campbell. My boyfriend, Rob, is in the Army and is currently deployed to Afghanistan. I am recently divorced from a Soldier, my son's dad, McLean. I was a military wife for 2 years, around the Army for 4 total (if you count the time my ex husband and I spent dating/engaged) and have seen the good, bad and ugly side of Military life. Over the past four years, our family, in it's varying forms, has experienced first hand the effects of war, from losing friends to learning how to cope with PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) and TBI (traumatic brain injury). I owned my own business training horses for a while before I gave up doing that to dedicate my time to my son and to take a break from a business that had become all too stressful. I now focus my time on training dogs, for myself and others, and being a mom to Caleb.
We have four dogs of our own (all German Shepherds). They are Missy (a black GSD from working police lines), Draco (a wonderful male GSD from our friend and an awesome breeder, Emily), Gretchen (a rescue dog from Czech and German working lines) and Mina (an almost rescue puppy from German working and American show lines). We also currently have some rescue dogs living with us as well. There's 'Doobie' (named after Scooby Do), a 7 year old harlequin Great Dane and Bo a 10 week old rescued pit bull pup. These dogs make up Etta's canine family and our 'pack'.
Now, on to Etta....
A few months ago I was helping to do some fundraising for a dog that some Soldiers from the 101st wanted to bring home from Afghanistan. By doing that, I was introduced to an amazing group called Puppy Rescue Mission (PRM) and their sister organization Sasha's Legacy. I started browsing through the pages for both when I noticed a dog named Wiggles and her two puppies. Both pups were going to be easy to find a home for but poor Wiggles had been waiting a while for a 'furever' home with no success. Her story, and the look in her eyes, touched me and I decided to inquire about adopting her. Wiggles however was no ordinary dog, Wiggles (like Etta) is an Afghan Kuchi hound and was living in Afghanistan.
I met an amazing woman at PRM, Rosine, who told me that Wiggles would have to wait quite a while before she could come to the US because of her two puppies but that there was another dog waiting for a home who was ready to leave as soon as possible. I asked for more information and that is how I 'met' Etta. The minute I saw Etta's photo I was interested in learning more about her and I guess you could say, I fell in love.
That brings us to last month (July) when Etta began her journey to the US. Picking her up from the airport was an emotional experience after the long wait to get her here. Thanks to our great friend, Denise Smith, we were able to get this awesome photo of our first meeting.
Since Etta has arrived life has been an adventure. From spending so much time in the wild on her own and at the shelter facility Etta acted almost like someone with PTSD returning home from war. Her behavior and the look on her face was VERY reminiscent of that. Of course, we had to take everything slow, loud noises scared her and it was obvious that at some point in her life she'd probably been treated very unkindly before her hero rescued her.
Seeing all of this with Etta gave us the idea to start a program to help not only homeless and unwanted or abandoned dogs in the US but to try to integrate some of the dogs rescued over seas into the program as well, in the hopes that Soldiers will be able to identify with their frame of mind upon arrival and by helping them, in turn help themselves. Of course, this is all still in it's infancy/planning/fundraising stage and we're loving the ideas that are pouring in.
In this blog, you'll be able to read about our adventures with Etta as she adjusts to life here in her new home, the arrival of her best puppy friend Wiggles (who should be here soon) and the dogs we have/will rescue that will become a part of our program to help or be adopted out to Soldiers with PTSD and TBI.
We look forward to hearing from all of you with input, sharing stories about Etta, Wiggles and other members of the pack (human and canine) and information on PTSD and TBI for those who may not be familiar with what either are.
Until next time!
*Niki & Etta
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