My Soul Dog

So you like dogs and want to add one, should you?  Let me tell you about two very similar conversations I had this week about two families wanting to add a plus one.  The results are not the same, but the conversations are of the same flavor.   If anything, I hope you learn a little bit about what to consider when adding a dog into the home.  When is it the right time? Who should you add? We are trying to build a happy home and adopting a dog, even a puppy, isn't always the answer.  

Have you ever had to make the hardest decision? The one where you see a healthy dog with no injuries and the pup is not at the end of its life due to age.  A seemingly perfectly healthy dog and you have the make the decision to euthanize due to behavior.  Behavioral euthanasia brings much shame and suffering.  Here I discuss my hard stance on BE and why I will always give you a blanket and not the sword when it comes to making this very hard decision. 

Learn how this professional ballet dancer, Phillip, and his daughter connect to this day about Shadow.   Learn how Shadow was the puppy Phillip's daughter dreamed of having.  A sweet story of adventures and connectedness.  A sweet departure from this world.  This story will make you laugh and cry.  I know it did for me at least.  Enjoy the story of Soul Dog, Shadow

How do you reduce your dog's life? You got the dog because you like or love dogs.  You stick them in your home and buy them the best bed and best food you can afford.  Then what?  Are you doing what is best for your pup or are you leaving them to go to work each day wondering why they are chewing up the pillows on the patio furniture or dragging the couch pillows outside?  In this podcast, I discuss how we as humans reduce our pup's world and the easy things you can do about it to get the best behavior from your pup.  

Just when you think you won't get out of the car to see another dog, the dog of your life comes home with you.  Listen to the very, sweet story of how Moose came into Dawn and Eric's life, at just he right time, in just the right way.  Learn all the ways he effected the people he met along his adventures.  He was a special soul no doubt, found in a rescue that changed the lives of the people who loved him.  He is irreplaceable. Grab tissue!  This one makes your eyes water. 

Recently the topic of seniors owning dogs surfaced over and over again.  I thought I would pay attention and give my two. . .five cents about the topic.  I thoroughly enjoy talking with seniors about their lives.  You can learn wonderful things by listening.  Some have had dogs their whole lives.  Dogs certainly have a place in the lives of seniors, but they can also be a problem and safety issue. The quality of the life of the senior AND the dog matter.  Even if you are not a senior now or know of a senior, you and your dog may still be able to help this population we set to the wayside.  You and your dog could bring immense joy to senior in our community. Take a listen! 

Everybody has an idea of what a "soul dog" is.  Stephanie explains her thoughts on the topic and shares the story of her beloved companion Earl.  Listen to how they almost did not become family and the effect he has had on her life especially when the door blew open in the middle of the night.  Soul Dogs are everywhere.  This is Stephanie and Earl's story.  

Most often when people think of "essentials" they think of collars, leashes, toys and a bed.  I am thinking of the essential things I need to do to make the transition for my newly adopted pup as smooth as possible, most of which, cost nothing at all!  

On this episode, I am reacting to how a certain person was helping a rescue pup overcome her reactivity.  I TRY to stay in my own lane, but I just couldn't any longer seeing this poor pup get harmed in the attempt to "cure" the reactivity.  No worries, this is not a bashing episode.  I will explain the why and what I would do instead as a teacher to help my fearful pup.  I want my pup to feel safe and comforted.  I want to use up to date research in my approach.  Prong collars have GOT TO GO! Take a listen! 

I would come running if I got a Chips Ahoy cookie! Would your dog?  We are talking about recalling your pup anytime, anyplace!  The summer months are upon us and we don't need your pup running away as you attempt to go on a nature walk.  Everybody dreams of an off-leash pup, but not everybody is willing to put in the work.  Let's discuss some tips to get you back on track.