Mistakes by learning to share

[Eva]

Hello everyone, Malibu has been having a great time doing her therapy work. It's more her pleasure by catching her tennis ball and promptly giving it back to the kids or seniors. I've found a few new rules to implement for everyone's protection. Of course they seem common sense after the fact but........I learned the hard way and hopefully by sharing can prevent some future problems for other handelers.
Tell everyone the rules upfront and as you meet new people . #1. It's the dogs ball. Don't let them tease the dog, wave it back and forth, fake them out by pretending to throw it. Once in a while is ok, and cute, but too long the dog can get too anxious and jump up and try to get the ball back. (Mali never bit anyone, but her mouth came too close for comfort to a hand and mouth contact once). #2 If they want the dog to catch the ball by bouncing it, make sure they bounce it far enough away from themselves. Malibu sprung up to catch a closely thrown ball in the air, came down with her front paw on and elderly lady's shin and she did break her fragile skin). Yes, this was the same lady that was holding onto her ball for long periods of time, etc. and some of the other residents were saying "come on, throw it for her, let her have it". I should have intervenned sooner as an afterthought, but now I know better. #3. Remove any potential breakable items from shelves, bedside tables etc. We did roll a bedside table way off to the side, but it wasn't far enough away. Again, not my fault. The patients husband was trying to teach Mali a new trick balancing the ball on her head, then throwing her head back to catch the ball. Well it's amazing how far back that ball flies when her head goes back, and it bounces off of her nose, then into a wall, richochetting to the table and knocking over a Jesus statue. Lesson learned priceless, replacement Jesus statue, 7 dollars. #4, If the lab in your labradoodle comes out and they want to wash/dunk their ball in the water dish, bring along some lap towels to put down, so the people don't get dirty.

[Sue Robin F]

I rescued Moses when he was 16 months old. He spent the first year of his life in a very terrible Amish puppymill that lost it license due to the horrible conditions. He was caged 24 hours everyday in the woods.
He was not housebroken since he was forced to go in his cage. He did not know how to walk any steps, did not know what toys are, was afraid to eat if anyone was near, was fearful of noises ... if I clapped my hands he would fearfully cower to the ground, did not know much language, submissively peed large amounts on my bed very frequently and was a very destructive chewer. He had diarhea all over my car the first few days I had him and then had diarrhea on my dining room carpet very frequently.
However from day one he was so sweet ,kind, affectionate and very attentive to people. The trainers I had in his classes all felt he would be the ideal Therapy dog within time.
I worked very hard with him, took him to many classes and spent much time training him and trying to build his confidence and lessen his fears. I also found out he had stomach problems and put him on special food for sensitive stomach. In about 14 months he was ready to take his Therapy dog test. I was worried about the part of the test that had loud noises. He passed easily. He actually got certified by 2 different Therapy dog organizations, but I had to drop out of TDI, since they do not allow you to belong to more than one group.
Moses still has some issues with destroying things, but nothing compared to when I first got him. He is now basically housebroken, although every once in awhile he may have an accident. He is a wonderful Therapy dog. This week we are going to a graduate school MSW class at Monmouth University that studies Alternative Therapies. I have my Masters in Social Work and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, so they invited me to come. I am bringing 2 other dogs and handlers from my Therapy group.
Moses has done his volunteer work in group homes, nursing homes, special schools, libraries, special programs, individual clients etc.
I also have a Havanese dog that does pet Therapy.
How old is your adopted doodle? Where did she come from. Usually puppy mill dogs that spend more than 8-9 months in the puppymill have more issues than other rescues. There were weeks I was so frustrated and exhausted, but it was so worth it.
I wish you much luck with your new doodle

[Eva]

Wow Sue,
Moses certainly was lucky that you found him. What a horrid life or lack of one before you got him. I have it so easy compared to you. We don't know the circumstances at all of Willow's life before the pound. I asked the staff and they don't even do "intakes" on them. We are guessing she's a goldendoole just with how her hair is. Her mannerism's are very puppish and more came out today with the romping and clumsiness of her legs and how she flops over and almost rolls. I'd say she is 14 to 16 months old. She had a little playdate with my girlfriends poodle tonight and interacted very well, and we took her to my dad's house and she met his Newfie, a small poodle and another chihowhah, *? spelling. She's coming faster to her new name, and I'm sure day by day she will learn more. She loves riding in the car, and no accidents in the house, and she mastered the doggie door today numerous times following me to the back when I was working back there.
In Las Vegas here, the unemployment rate is high and many foreclosures, and we've seen stories on the news how people are having to turn their pets into the pound for lack of finances. I can hope that is the only reason why she was turned in. It's almost too good to be true. She only has a mild yeast infection in her ears, and some razor burn where they did her spay on one side. She's super tolerant of me treating her, and loves affection and quick to give kisses. I'm so glad to say she's mine. Best of continued luck with Moses, I love to hear success stories like that. Have a good night, Eva