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...

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...

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....

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.

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....

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

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