An old friend is my new Pen Pal! CompAnimals Pet Rescue’s Adoptable Domino has stuck in my mind ever since I took him through obedience class last year. He amazes me how gentle and patient he is, when I know he wants (needs) to go have some fun! He waited (and waited) while I fidgeted with the fit of his harness before we got going on our first official outing. I’m not sure he even touches my hand when he takes his treats! For his energy… I imagine some jogging, playing and sporty tricks in our future!
I view Domino as the captain of a sports team… strong, charismatic, good at what he does while adding his own style. He is not one to do a lot of nothing. I view myself as his “Miss Manners” instructor primarily, but I am open to him showing me a good time along the way!
I was saddened and encouraged all at once when Domino was extra-easy to train during a 3-week period in which his former Pen Pal gave him a temporary home while she visited. She and I agreed to see the glass as half full – he excelled quickly in his practice sessions and we’ll put the word about his growing accomplishments!
If you are interested in adopting Domino Click here to contact CompAnimals
Domino’s agility jump followed by a frisbee catch
One of the most fulfilling aspects of my life is volunteering at a local pet rescue. Helping dogs survive the wait and prepare for their forever homes feels very rewarding and meaningful.
I have been volunteering for CompAnimals Pet Rescue for over four years. I stick with CompAnimals for several reasons. True to my first admiration of this organization, they apply judgment and flexibility in socializing dogs and selecting forever homes. Several of my Pen Pals – Domino, Cupcake, Mako to name a few – benefited from CompAnimals finding them dog friends through experienced, supervised trials. These doggie friendships were extremely fulfilling to my Pen Pals while they lived in the shelter. I also stay with CompAnimals out of loyalty. We have gotten to know each other, and we’ve done some great things together!
I have enjoyed diverse roles for CompAnimals. My most consistent role is Pen Pal. This means I visit one dog once a week until he/she gets a home. We usually spend 2-3 hours together. We do all kinds of things, sometimes just the two of us, sometimes with guests (human and/or canine). My current Pen Pal is Domino and I hope you’ll consider adopting him!
Domino in his pen in the shelter, awaiting…
What a captivating story this is for talented beginning readers. Written in a liquid style that’s neither true prose nor pure poetry, this kid and dog-centric narrative flows smoothly along a path of easy words followed by what might be unknown words. Think: pumpernickel, rodeo, brindled, skyscrapers, enormous.
Young readers will end up immersed in the strategy of political reform, learn almost-alien empathy with adults, and practice making friends and influencing people. Not to be downplayed is the exhibition of the magnetic connection between lonely children and good-natured canines.
Little dog, lost, is not the only one lost in this story. Readers will be amazed at all that can be “found” through empathy, determination, and perseverance.
Author Marion Dane Bauer is a winner of the Newbery Honor, and has written more than eighty books, many of them designed for young readers. Illustrator Jennifer A. Bell was graduated with a degree in Fine Arts from Columbus College of Art and Design. Her drawings convey the feelings of Bauer’s community inhabitants most delightfully.
]]>Cloudy visited Gentle Spirit Farm on August 12, 2013
Cloudy is an exceptionally well-rounded dog.
Says Volunteer Leona: “We had a ball!” Cloudy was a great dog to join this walk as Leona introduced the program to her daughter (and my niece) Darby. Cloudy is such an awesome all-around dog, there was no question he would be an easy and fun companion. And indeed he was. I kind of hate this saying, but will say it anyway – he’s like a person in a dog’s body. I think that saying fits when a dog just seems to understand everything. And in a very nice way.
Cruising around the chicken coop
Cloudy is an experienced hiker, but in the midst of trails at the farm his favorite part was hanging around the chicken coop! He was peaceful and friendly, and didn’t even pay close attention to the birds. Perhaps he just enjoyed the company of the chickens and ducks. Cloudy is used to sharing space with other animals.
Quoting the CompAnimals website, this kind of says it all… “CLOUDY is an amazing dog and we feel terrible that we have not been able to find him a permanent home of his own.”
For more information about this volunteer program, and scenes of the adoptable dogs at the farm, check out the Volunteer page.
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Thank you!
Lily visited Gentle Spirit Farm on August 5, 2013
Wow, what a good girl! And so petite and pretty. Lily was mesmerizing to watch during our walk. She was joyous and excited, yet graceful and attentive. As she elegantly soaked up the experience, she had each of us admirers thinking how much our other dogs would like her!
This poor young dog was abandoned by a family during their recent breakup, perhaps best for her, while they go through their difficult times. This off-leash walk revealed her true nature (which these walks tend to do) – pure gold! Like all dogs in this program, Lily is a “shelter dog” looking for her forever home. While waiting for her forever home, she is spending weekdays at a doggie daycare, which is great social experience! Still, though, someone needs to rescue this girl permanently!
Which way to go first?
Sharing the experience
Cruising along
For more information about this volunteer program, and scenes of the adoptable dogs at the farm, check out the Volunteer page.
]]>BB visited Gentle Spirit Farm on July 22, 2013
Brutus Beefcake is a big, beefy guy, approximately 100 lbs… of kindness. At the Farm, he trotted around peacefully, and enjoyed all the scents and sights. He made us giggle when he wallowed in a little mud pit – so innocent yet fitting for him! With that short hair and a quick visit to the stream, he was clean by the time left 
Not only was he sweet during his visit to Gentle Spirit Farm, we also had the pleasure to spend an evening with him at a barn-party benefit, and he was a well-behaved rock star! Tons of people approached him to pet him, he was calm and nice around other dogs, noise, etc. Needless to say, the kids find him fascinating and he loves them too (and seemingly everyone!).
For more information about this volunteer program, and scenes of the adoptable dogs at the farm, check out the Volunteer page.
Mud… good for my complexion!
- Cover Boy (future in modeling?)
Showing off his girth
Freedom is fun!
- Praying for a forever home.
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As I approached CompAnimals Pet Rescue Center, I immediately noticed how busy it looked – several people in the office, people bustling around, a dog coming back from a walk. As usual, there were several dogs free in the office, socializing. I absolutely love seeing the dogs have this opportunity to interact, enjoy and learn from each other.
The manager suited Cassidy up and gave me a wet leash after I expressed an interest in taking Cassidy to a creek nearby – “it’s already wet, you might as well use this one!”
Although I was not surprised, Cassidy still wowed me – she walked calmly through the commotion in the office. I think I counted 5 loose dogs, 3 of which I hadn’t seen her meet yet. Frankly, she just pleasantly ignored them – I think she had her mind on the adventure ahead.
But then something did get her attention… the people! She noticed every single person, and we did not get to my car without her providing an individual greeting to each person. If she were a person herself, she could be a politician! “Hi John, so nice to see you again! “Wait a sec, Leanne, don’t run off without a proper hello!” When that was all done, she walked confidently to my car, perfectly clear on what was next, sat and looked up at me with a twinkle in her eye. I realized she was just asking for a little lift into the back. Did I, in that moment, see Cassidy’s future… as a Therapy Dog? Doggie Diplomat who appreciates each individual person? Ready to jump in the car for the next voyage? I think she’d be a great candidate…
At the park, she was so happy, and seemed to try to squeeze in every joy at once! I’m sure she realized time was limited and she needed to take it all in quickly. The best grass, the multitude of scents all over the trail, a giant puddle of fresh rain water, the creek, and… (to my enjoyment) me. We stopped for a few breaks and she clowned around with me, wiggled on her back and even climbed into my lap for snuggles! I grabbed a few sticks for her, which she agreed were the finest sticks in the park. She retrieved and/or carried each stick until discovering the next wonder.
When we got back to the Center, Cassidy cooperated beautifully while I tried her new “Adopt Me” vest on for a quick photo. We walked back inside, happy to see everyone including an additional 2 loose dogs we had not encountered before, and she lay down on the concrete floor for a nice cool-down.
What a fun hour appreciating life’s treasures, and I prayed all the way home she’d find a family to give her many more such hours. As Cassidy’s Pen Pal, I visit her about once a week to give her some extra fun, enjoy a mutual friendship, and hopefully contribute to her finding a forever home.
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In question and answer format, the book addresses important mysteries such as why dogs bury bones, wiggle their ears, or shed. Some of the answers may be surprising.
Periodically “The Dogs” present an interesting fact about famous dogs. All told “THE DOG” series has appeal for the early reader as well as offering quick reads for young-at-heart readers of all ages.
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Hare and Woods have also, along with other world-leading experts, developed “a ground-breaking canine assessment tool” that functions as a “citizen science” project to aid scientists in obtaining data about dogs.
Careful research tests proved what some dog-owners know, that in some ways our family canines are similar to our human babies. Read this interesting book of research, special dogs, and the brave scientists who risk their lives and livelihoods to ascertain the paths of animal domestication. Along the way, discover the existence of the New Guinea Singing Dog, the fascinating society of the Bonobos, and the radical evolution of some Siberian silver foxes.
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Rio working his sniffer
Want a good confidence-building activity for your dog but don’t have much time? Try K9 Nose Work. Any person can do this activity, and any dog will enjoy it!
Don’t worry about the time commitment– your dog will be happy if all you ever do is beginner level. Just in case you ever decide to advance, you should be in good shape – these methods follow my own training in the practice of official K9 Nose Work.
If you are interested to advance, this can be foundation work to eventually track a variety of scents in different environments.
Preparation before you start:
- Gather 6-10 boxes of various sizes. In beginner level, you can work up to more boxes and other containers such as planters and bags.
- Mark and separate the boxes that will hold the food. The other containers are decoys and should not be contaminated with the food.
- Prepare treats – say 20 per session per dog. Try various treats. One good (smelly) option is salmon treats!
- Plan on 5-10 minutes per session per dog (about 3-5 finds).
Nose Work (Watch the video and here’s what you’ll see):
- Work one dog at a time. Control your dog while you set up. You can crate him, tie him, keep him in another room, or have someone hold him. It’s no problem if he watches you set up.
- Set up. The set-up doesn’t matter much, except it should look different each time. If the dog is watching, I like to start by placing the food, and then continue placing the decoys in various positions.
- Set 4-5 treats in the food box.
- Get started with a cue of “Find It!”
- Act invisible. Don’t let your dog see you looking at him. Don’t move too fast, and don’t stand too still either! Watch your dog (out of the corner of your eye).
- BE THERE (to give him more food) when he finds the food. First, let him eat and enjoy the food he finds (4-5 treats). Lean in and give him 1-2 more treats. Keep your treat hand very close to where he found the food.
- Remove the container, and go back to step one. It’s important for you to remove the container (rather than asking your dog to leave the container).
TIPS:
- As with all new learning, start super easy and slowly advance. If your dog gives up or gets distracted, you have not made it easy enough.
- Advances in the beginner level can include: different foods, different rooms, garage, paved area outside, other buildings (off your property), different types of containers.
There is no question this will be a good experience for your dog and you. The only question is exactly how will it benefit you??? There’s only one way to find out…
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