Nail trimming tip

If you've ever had less than pleasant experiences trimming your dog's, or cat's, toenails, here is a helpful approach by Dr. Karen Becker:

http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2011/11/01/stress-free-dog-nail-trimming.aspx

Thank you, Temple

My respect and admiration for Temple Grandin had a bit more shine this week when I learned she was named to Colorado Womens Hall of Fame "for her trailblazing work in livestock welfare and autism advocacy...":

http://www.coloradoan.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2011111109024

Temple's works and perspective are a great asset as I work with an autism service dog-in-training and the family he is partnered with in Tacoma. Luka is a product of the efforts and dedication of the North Star Foundation in Connecticut that breeds, raises and trains emotionally sensitive dogs to become service companions for children with autism.

Thank you, Temple, for sharing your story and insights to help others build bridges of communication.

Education is a 2-way Street

The most important thing I've learned working with companion animals is that education is a 2-way street. I can share my life experience and formal education with clients, friends or other professionals and offer solutions and advice about animal behavior. But my growth as a behavior professional depends on my heart and mind being open to lessons from these human teachers and the continuing education offered by the creatures who share our life and our planet.

Today's lesson was simple. Colleague Jean Kautzman and I with our service dogs-in-training, Huck and Liberty, went in search of a friendly cafe on a dark and stormy afternoon. Huck and Liberty are learning public manners so one day they can help bring light to a wounded warrior's life. Our first destination was too crowded so we loaded our wet selves back into the van and headed for Plan B.

Jean scouted out the premises before we unloaded in the pouring rain, returned with good news, and we sloshed into Cafe Luna (Vashon Island) where we settled around a roomy, wooden table. As Jean left to order fall-flavored lattes, a little girl approached and asked to pet Liberty (adorable Golden Retriever puppy). But even with permission, when both dogs turned her way, she stepped back out of reach. Fascinated...but hesitant. Her older sister had more confidence, but not enough to touch the dogs. They went back to report to mom and returned with questions for us...repeatedly.

We sipped our warm, frothy drinks and our good boys quietly watched the little girls who eventually braved tossing treats toward Liberty. In between, Jean and I caught up on lessons learned from our trainings with Huck and Liberty. Soon the girls and their mom started for the door, on their way to a Sound of Music sing-along at the Vashon Theatre. But first, we convinced the girls to join us so their mom could take our picture.

They left knowing a bit more about service dogs, enriching their recent reading of a book on this topic. Our patient pups earned gold stars for being on their best non-distracted behavior. And I learned that training lessons can benefit everyone in the room.