tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post8128635452651622455..comments2024-03-29T09:03:34.140-04:00Comments on Jungle Red Writers: Susannah Charleson writes about Possibility DogsJungle Red Writershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16646429819267618412noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-77635469406449616702013-09-07T07:57:14.631-04:002013-09-07T07:57:14.631-04:00Reine, Lynda, love your stories - thanks for shari...Reine, Lynda, love your stories - thanks for sharing.Hallie Ephronhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04759439029582054503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-28073049956304709902013-09-07T01:54:46.695-04:002013-09-07T01:54:46.695-04:00What a fascinating topic and discussion. As someon...What a fascinating topic and discussion. As someone who has a TBI (the result of several concussions) and PTSD, I've followed the stories about the use of therapy animals. Did you know cats are also used in this capacity? Fortunately for me, I was already owned by the most loving kitty in existence, Willy Nilly, a rescued tuxedo boy who was so sweet he actually smelled like honey. Willy seemed to have a sixth sense, and always understood when I was in trouble. He'd allow me to hold him on his back, cuddle and rock him like a baby, while he purrrrred and blinked like crazy. I'd talk to him, huff his sweet aroma, walk around the house with him in my arms and do my best to slow my breathing down. That worked almost every time to bring me out of my bad place. <br /><br />We had to have Willy put down in 2005, but since then have had Dashiell, Spenser, Maren, Mick and Keith. Dash, Maren and Keith are all very much like Willy, and provide me with more comfort and stability than I can possibly say. We're big supporters of therapy animal programs, and deeply appreciate the folks who do the work of developing and training the amazing critters who change so many lives for the better.Lyndahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03788610902096354682noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-2597773315808496182013-09-06T23:40:51.982-04:002013-09-06T23:40:51.982-04:00Susannah, I'm so sorry I missed this post toda...Susannah, I'm so sorry I missed this post today. I was very busy with Kendall and would much have enjoyed taking a little more part in this conversation.<br /><br />I got Kendall from Power Paws of Arizona in Scottsdale. He was trained for almost 2 years before I was able to attend Power Paws Boot Camp. There were twice as many dogs as candidates. We practiced with each of them for one week before we were paired as teams. It was very rigorous but very worth it.<br /><br />Kendall accompanies me everywhere he knows over 100 commands. My dentist loves him so much she brings him homemade treats. He has been a lifesaver for me. Truly.Maureen Harringtonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03499876353651763590noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-59682819294117282182013-09-06T23:28:04.766-04:002013-09-06T23:28:04.766-04:00I have Power Paws Kendall. U..U He went with me t...I have Power Paws Kendall. U..U He went with me to physical therapy today and braced my legs, so I could do a new exercise.<br /><br />_____________________________<br />Written with the help of my service dog Kendall<br />And iMac Dictation<br />Maureen Harringtonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03499876353651763590noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-75356334399581742812013-09-06T19:58:42.017-04:002013-09-06T19:58:42.017-04:00Hank, I think "The Thousandth Shock" is ...Hank, I think "The Thousandth Shock" is a great title, as long as you're not writing about shady home contractors. Well, maybe even if you are. :D<br /><br />So now I'm going to post this and "prove I'm not a robot," which always makes me think of Sean Young in <i>Blade Runner</i> or Tricia Helfer in <i>Battlestar Galactica</i>.Susannah Chttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04660387525544941776noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-15183388968663040282013-09-06T19:06:08.946-04:002013-09-06T19:06:08.946-04:00This is so wonderful. We need to realize more that...This is so wonderful. We need to realize more that humans are only one small part of creation - and not as gifted as many of the others... Thelma in manhattanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-25971946961094536112013-09-06T17:02:41.707-04:002013-09-06T17:02:41.707-04:00A lot of towns have classes for canine good citize...A lot of towns have classes for canine good citizen training. Tonka and I went for a while, but we washed out because a big German shepherd had it in for him:). And he was just too antsy...<br /><br />So sorry to hear about your condition S, but Jake is there to support you!Lucy Burdette aka Roberta Isleibhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04660402177299546055noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-29986212476210298222013-09-06T16:39:03.833-04:002013-09-06T16:39:03.833-04:00Best way is to connect with a local Pet Partners (...Best way is to connect with a local Pet Partners (formerly Delta Society) or Therapy Dogs International group. Google one of the above + your area, and up local groups should come. Both groups offer training and testing: the obedience standard is almost as rigorous for comfort dogs in the community as it is for service dogs, but groups help potential teams train to that standard for testing, which typically must be done every two years. There are also smaller, local teams that Google would bring up. (Try just "therapy dogs"+ your area.) The large organizations offer liability insurance for qualifying teams, which is important. Even a dog that simply gets up at the wrong time and causes someone to fall can bring on a lawsuit, so insurability is key. Hence, the high obedience standard and re-test requirements, too.<br /><br />Susannah Chttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04660387525544941776noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-33477058320891301252013-09-06T14:04:52.837-04:002013-09-06T14:04:52.837-04:00Great question, Gigi - I was wondering the same th...Great question, Gigi - I was wondering the same thing.Hallie Ephronhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04759439029582054503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-38648512946455525122013-09-06T13:42:13.486-04:002013-09-06T13:42:13.486-04:00I have a couple of dogs who meet that description ...I have a couple of dogs who meet that description of the good candidate. One's a border collie, and one's a border collie mix. I'd like to train one or both of them for some kind of community work, but have no idea how to start. Any suggestions?Gigi Norwoodhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00495357787099352860noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-33708862064789344772013-09-06T10:16:53.584-04:002013-09-06T10:16:53.584-04:00SO fascinating...thank you Susannah!
The Thousand...SO fascinating...thank you Susannah!<br /><br />The Thousandth Shock --is that a good title?Hank Phillippi Ryanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17420701704169428286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-85518487945266943792013-09-06T09:15:38.692-04:002013-09-06T09:15:38.692-04:00There's lots more about the nonprofit Possibil...There's lots more about the nonprofit Possibility Dogs, Inc.® and how you can help at http://possibilitydogs.org/Hallie Ephronhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04759439029582054503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-20643602614630102692013-09-06T09:07:53.112-04:002013-09-06T09:07:53.112-04:00By the way, Molly-- that "attuned to every mo...By the way, Molly-- that "attuned to every move" is right on with regard to service aptitude.Some dogs just naturally bring it; sounds like your sweet girl was one of those.<br /><br />Roberta, I remember some of your stories about Tonka. Aussies have a lot if gifts for this, bless 'em!Susannah Chttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04660387525544941776noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-23787151457454261502013-09-06T08:40:03.423-04:002013-09-06T08:40:03.423-04:00The dog on the cover is Jake Piper, and he *is* a ...The dog on the cover is Jake Piper, and he *is* a charmer -- a stray brought to my front door as a dying puppy. Jake is a pit bull/Lab/German Shepherd / Standard Poodle (!!!) cross, a "G.S. Pitbullteroodle," I call him. He was the first homeless dog I identified as a strong service candidate and the first dog I trained to do that kind of work. Eager, intelligent, confident Jake Piper showed me what dogs can offer if given a chance.<br /><br />While he is the dog I try out training techniques for new service tasks on (I use him to figure out what works best, what less so), he is also my service partner. A search-related injury has led to my own right side numbness/weakness, and there are some days when I cannot feel my right foot when I step down on it, and down I go. (Hallie, you may remember that fall I had in Boston a few years back that led to the bad ankle sprain; that was the first time the numbness really showed how bad it was, getting up from a restaurant table on Boylston).<br /><br />On the worst days, Jake Piper wears a full mobility harness and helps me balance and get footing when rising from a sit and up stairs. That's where I have the worst problems, and his kindly support was easily given. He understood pretty quickly what was needed and trained easily to that. The turquoise vest he's wearing on the cover of the book is his organization vest. Possibility Dogs, Inc.® is the nonprofit service dog organization that emerged from the writing of the book, and he was the first rescued dog to earn its credentials.<br />***<br />When meeting shelter and rescued dogs, the first things I look for are:<br />1) friendly eye contact coupled with<br />2) an equally friendly wag (there are unfriendly wags, so you have to learn the difference!)<br />3) eagerness to engage when hearing the human voice<br />4) interest in learning a small task, like sit or stay or touch or pick up something on cue<br />5) friendliness to humans of all shapes and sizes<br />6) friendliness with other dogs and cats<br /><br />If those early criteria are met, it's a great first step toward more formal evaluation. The beautiful thing is, some dogs who aren't necessarily task driven may make the most wonderful emotional-support dogs for the chronically ill/homebound or terrific comfort dogs in the community. So there's a lot of opportunity for some very sweet, deserving dog souls.<br /><br />Thank you all so much for hosting me here!Susannah Chttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04660387525544941776noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-49095222678561544122013-09-06T08:07:53.137-04:002013-09-06T08:07:53.137-04:00Wonderful column. I had a dog that I believe would...Wonderful column. I had a dog that I believe would have been a wonderful service dog. She was attuned to my every move, and she was loyal and devoted. She nearly died from a massive infection and went on to lose a leg to cancer. Throughout her ordeal, she never lost her cheerful demeanor. I salute you for doing so much to help people and dogs! Molly CampbellAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-66441811921508616202013-09-06T08:02:12.088-04:002013-09-06T08:02:12.088-04:00Wow, sounds like you've written another amazin...Wow, sounds like you've written another amazing book. Congrats Susannah! <br /><br />My current dog, Tonka the Aussie, is very very tuned into me. so I'm sure he notices lots of little tics and changes in mood--if the right trainer had him, he's smart enough to learn:).<br /><br />What do notice in a dog that pops out at you when you're looking at them in a shelter?Lucy Burdette aka Roberta Isleibhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04660402177299546055noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-72510365471027796922013-09-06T08:01:56.627-04:002013-09-06T08:01:56.627-04:00As I was posting the book cover, I wanted to know ...As I was posting the book cover, I wanted to know about the charming dog on the cover. And his turquoise vest signifying...?? Susannah?Hallie Ephronhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04759439029582054503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-30941199752088658832013-09-06T07:50:00.710-04:002013-09-06T07:50:00.710-04:00What a special gift to be able to find these dogs ...What a special gift to be able to find these dogs and train them to help others who are hurting and in so much need. Susannah, I am in awe of your accomplishments. The bond between dogs and people is truly an amazing thing . . . .Joan Emersonnoreply@blogger.com