Snowball of Otto-matic Joy

December 23rd, 2009 - the day we rescued this scared, sick puppy and his sister. We called him Snowball and his sister, Angel. Unfortunately, they both had Parvo. Angel did not make it.  Snowball was a fighter and after two days on IVs at the vet  hospital, the vet called me and said "Will you come get your yappy puppy??"  WAHOO! Absolutely!

Just over a week later, he was adopted by a wonderful young couple. They were SO excited to adopt their new baby, they did not care that we had no clue what breed he was, how big he would get (note - we had him listed as Chihuahua mix), or that we didn't even know really how old he was.  It was a late evening that I approved their application, and they were on their way.

Within a couple days he was settling into the lap of luxury, being spoiled as any only furr-child should be.

Unfortunately, just 20 short months later Otto passed away much sooner than anyone could have guessed.  He developed Canine Lymphoma that metastasized very quickly. A cherry eye was actually something much worse, and didn't allow Otto to live more than a week after his true diagnosis.

Otto will always have a special place in our heart.  RIP sweet boy.

Lesson 1: Loading the clicker

Thanks to Robin Menard of Gentle Giants Rescue and Training!

This wonderful woman and I have a very similar belief that there are SO many animals in shelters and rescues because of lack of training, socialization, and simply lack of a dog being made a member of the family.  We hope by sharing some simple education and training methods, we can prevent MANY more dogs from ending up in shelters.

Day 1-3: Loading the clicker
This simply involves click and treat. Click and treat. Do this about 20 times twice a day. Do it before a meal when your dog will be more food motivated and not lose interest.  The smaller the treat, the better so they can get it down quick - helpful later on. Cat pounce treats, tiny pieces of hot dog, or tiny pieces of turkey or cheese work best.

By the 3rd day, pause very briefly after the click to see if they look for the treat.  If they seem to be expecting a treat, you have successfully loaded the clicker!

KEY NOTE: DO NOT click without a treat!! This will cause confusion!

Both Titus and Patches seemed to be expecting a treat by the end of day 2, so we are very excited to move forward.

Stay tuned!

It's "Just a dog"

A favorite photo from Feb. 2011

"From time to time, people tell me, "lighten up, it's just a dog," or, "that's a lot of money for just a dog".They don't understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or the costs involved for "just a dog."


Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a dog." Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a dog", but I did not once feel slighted.


Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a dog", and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a dog" gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.


If you, too, think it's "just a dog", then you will probably understand phases like "just a friend," "just a sunrise," or "just a promise."


"Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy. "Just a dog" brings out the compassion and patience that make me a better person. Because of "just a dog" I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future. So for me and folks like me, it's not "just a dog", but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment. "Just a dog" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.
I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a dog" but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a human."


So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog", just smile, because they "just don't understand."


~Borrowed from another great rescuer and trainer, Robin Menard