Tuesday - Schreiber Pediatric - PT visit with Pink Girl, she most enjoyed holding the hula hoop for him to jump while she worked at standing up straight.
Wednesday - Acadia Rehab with Ump followed by home visit to MIL, both preceded by River's agility lesson with Karen that morning equals one very tired dog.
Thursday - New visit for a reading program at Wickersham Elementary School. we were in an auditorium seated on the edge of the stage, with another team on the opposite side. I had brought along a blanket as asked, to have specific spot for us to sit. The school was extremely warm. River needed a water break and he wanted to lie on the cooler floor of the auditorium rather than the blanket by the end of our hour. The response to the dog varied; one boy who approached him eagerly had a large dog at home. One girl was utterly terrified of him. I sat between them( instead of River int he middle as usual), she still startled if he even shifted position. She watched his tricks from a distance, took the card we gave her and all but bolted out of there. Most were somewhere in between, fascinated but a little cautious. I think we saw about 5 students. They had short books, read pretty quickly and didn't want to linger. The other team with older class, longer books, I think had 3 students. We will be going weekly, but they will be rotating through different classes, so no one will be returning. From what I've read, most reading to dog programs see a benefit to encouraging readers because the dog is unconditionally accepting. These kids seemed to be adequate readers, perhaps this was a reward, for the novelty? I am even more interested in learning about the READ program now. It seems to be that seeing the same kids would be more helpful to them and even more of an incentive, and more effective as we build rapport with them.
Busy dog week - Sunday was intro to agility with Wendy, Monday - rally class with Wendy; Saturday we'll be at the Gifts That Give Hope Fair stumping for KPETS - he gets Friday off.
The following week is Thanksgiving week, so we had no visits planned. As it turned out, we did end up going to see MIL, who is now in a hospital bed ( she was in a wheel chair our previous visit, had been managing with a cane before that, and walked freely at our first encounter). Amanda came along this time and we brought Noche as well. Both dogs behaved amazingly well; at one point we had them on either side of her in her bed and she had a hand in each one's fur. That was really what she wanted and it brings tears to my eyes recalling it. I am so glad we could provide that simple gift.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Gifts That Give Hope 2010
River collected comments and cuddles while the humans shared info about KPETS activities. Our KPETS table was one of many non-profits at the event, where visitors could donate to the non-profit and get a card for their giftee explaining what had been given in their name. The event included food vendors and children's activities and was a pretty lively place. Ironically, a volunteer at the raffle table next to us had her young Havanese puppy in a crate under the table; it was a bit of a challenge for River to "leave it", although he did, with a few reminders.
I've noticed that we get to hear many stories about people's dogs when we staff the KPETS tables. I think a survey would show that asking about our dogs and therapy activities tops the list, then talking about their dogs and lastly asking if their dog could become a therapy dog.
I haven't any info yet, but I believe it was a successful fundraiser for KPETS. River did his part!
I've noticed that we get to hear many stories about people's dogs when we staff the KPETS tables. I think a survey would show that asking about our dogs and therapy activities tops the list, then talking about their dogs and lastly asking if their dog could become a therapy dog.
I haven't any info yet, but I believe it was a successful fundraiser for KPETS. River did his part!
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Door Ajar
So since my nephew was able to train their Corgi to close a door in only 2 days, I had to give it a try with River. 20 minutes and quite a few BilJac liver treats later, he has it!
Nephew used a clicker and a post-it note as a target and started with his dog targeting the post-it with his nose and then moving it to the door, then holding it there longer and eventually pushing it. Smart dog figured out that his paw works better and usually chooses that method.
River already knew "touch" with nose and "paw" touch with paw, so I started with "touch" on the basement door - which swings easily and closes with a satisfying click. We moved pretty quickly to using a paw - much easier to push the door. I still use a hand signal of pointing at the door to indicate "paw the door" but am also using verbal "close the door" with the goal of telling him to "go close the door," which might be handy to keep the puppy from the basement steps.
He can do cabinet doors, too although I am limiting this due to concerns about scratch marks. He can do interior doors, but so far our exterior doors are too heavy and don't swing as easily - maybe he could do a "double high five" and jump against those stubborn ones.
Still not quite caught up to the dog in the Youtube video who picked up laundry, turned on the coffeemaker, retrieved both the paper and the remote, etc ... nephew's goal- his dog to bring him a soda from the fridge. Heck with that, I want him to do laundry.
Nephew used a clicker and a post-it note as a target and started with his dog targeting the post-it with his nose and then moving it to the door, then holding it there longer and eventually pushing it. Smart dog figured out that his paw works better and usually chooses that method.
River already knew "touch" with nose and "paw" touch with paw, so I started with "touch" on the basement door - which swings easily and closes with a satisfying click. We moved pretty quickly to using a paw - much easier to push the door. I still use a hand signal of pointing at the door to indicate "paw the door" but am also using verbal "close the door" with the goal of telling him to "go close the door," which might be handy to keep the puppy from the basement steps.
He can do cabinet doors, too although I am limiting this due to concerns about scratch marks. He can do interior doors, but so far our exterior doors are too heavy and don't swing as easily - maybe he could do a "double high five" and jump against those stubborn ones.
Still not quite caught up to the dog in the Youtube video who picked up laundry, turned on the coffeemaker, retrieved both the paper and the remote, etc ... nephew's goal- his dog to bring him a soda from the fridge. Heck with that, I want him to do laundry.
KPETS Round Table
Breakfast out with new friends, all talking about their dogs, what better start to the weekend. Our first time at a Roundtable and I know I'll remember who had Goldendoodles, Boxers, a shy beagle mix, Standard Poodles, 4 ( or fewer) Goldens, much better than I can recall anyone's name.
I will remember the stories about hospice training, thunderstorm fears, info about training classes, READ program, and that we signed up for a stint at the alternative gift fair/Gifts That Give Hope next Saturday.
Linked here in case you want to join us virtually and support KPETS. Thanks!
http://www.giftsthatgivehope.org/lancaster/
I will remember the stories about hospice training, thunderstorm fears, info about training classes, READ program, and that we signed up for a stint at the alternative gift fair/Gifts That Give Hope next Saturday.
Linked here in case you want to join us virtually and support KPETS. Thanks!
http://www.giftsthatgivehope.org/lancaster/
Preschool Visit
Reactions ranged from quiet, cautious observation- from a distance and holding a teacher's hand, to enthusiastic hugs, the last from a little girl whose household includes several Rottweilers.
Along with two other KPETS teams, we visited the preschool at the local JCC. We went to the toddler room where we were in a separate room with child sized couch and chair and a regular rocking chair and given a book to read to them. A teacher, also a dog-lover, brought in 2 or 3 children at a time. We introduced them to River and encouraged them to greet him. For some we read a book while they petted him, a few others "read" to River; with others we just talked about River. Lastly we had all of the class seated on the floor and River performed tricks with his usual enthusiasm.
Most of the children seemed to enjoy visiting with the dogs and I know the adults did as well, as many of the staff made certain they got at least a peek at all three dogs of our handsome dogs. (Heather's Romeo,collie & Karen's Max, Golden completed the trio). It was refreshing to see such enthusiasm for what seems to me just a few minutes with a dog. I hope we were able to brighten a few days, provide a few conversation starters and who knows what else might come from our simple visit.
Along with two other KPETS teams, we visited the preschool at the local JCC. We went to the toddler room where we were in a separate room with child sized couch and chair and a regular rocking chair and given a book to read to them. A teacher, also a dog-lover, brought in 2 or 3 children at a time. We introduced them to River and encouraged them to greet him. For some we read a book while they petted him, a few others "read" to River; with others we just talked about River. Lastly we had all of the class seated on the floor and River performed tricks with his usual enthusiasm.
Most of the children seemed to enjoy visiting with the dogs and I know the adults did as well, as many of the staff made certain they got at least a peek at all three dogs of our handsome dogs. (Heather's Romeo,collie & Karen's Max, Golden completed the trio). It was refreshing to see such enthusiasm for what seems to me just a few minutes with a dog. I hope we were able to brighten a few days, provide a few conversation starters and who knows what else might come from our simple visit.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Selling Burgers & Dogs
KPETS volunteers - without their dogs, did the cooking and food serving, and teams with dogs did the traffic stopping. Shoppers at Oregon Dairy Grocery Store enjoyed petting the dogs, chatting and hearing about KPETS. I think the fundraiser part was successful and we also spread the word about our services.
It was great to socialize and meet other teams and hear about their activities. A wide range of breeds were represented during our time - Beagle mix, a pair of sister Great Danes, English Springer Spaniel, and, of course the ubiquitous Golden Retriever. I had River sit up for someone who wanted to photograph him and next thing I knew, he was demonstrating his tricks. He even rolled over on the paved road ( which he sometimes refuses, preferring softer surfaces), along with the rest of his usual repertoire. There was a 12 year old girl using a walker who works with a KPETS dog at Schreiber. She and her family were there to support KPETS. She enjoyed River's tricks - even the "speak" that made her startle. I think he enjoyed himself as well. What's not to like about attention and petting and a few treats for tricks! He was as excited when we arrived there as when we do regular visits - lots of impatient whining in the car as I organized myself.
It was great to socialize and meet other teams and hear about their activities. A wide range of breeds were represented during our time - Beagle mix, a pair of sister Great Danes, English Springer Spaniel, and, of course the ubiquitous Golden Retriever. I had River sit up for someone who wanted to photograph him and next thing I knew, he was demonstrating his tricks. He even rolled over on the paved road ( which he sometimes refuses, preferring softer surfaces), along with the rest of his usual repertoire. There was a 12 year old girl using a walker who works with a KPETS dog at Schreiber. She and her family were there to support KPETS. She enjoyed River's tricks - even the "speak" that made her startle. I think he enjoyed himself as well. What's not to like about attention and petting and a few treats for tricks! He was as excited when we arrived there as when we do regular visits - lots of impatient whining in the car as I organized myself.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Three Visits in 2 Days
Schreiber with Pink Girl on Tuesday, Acadia with Ump Wednesday at 1, then to see my friend's MIL later that same afternoon. River had some brief downtime inbetween and handled it just fine. Neither visit was very physical, unlike the repeated hula hoop jumping he did at Schreiber this week. I do try to be conscious of not burning out my dog; so far he has handled our schedule without a problem.
Pink Girl continues to be challenging, often cooperating only minimally or only briefly during an already short, 30 minute session. Holding the hula hoop seemed to work well for the position Megan wanted her in - either a straight stand or a variation. She was willing to signal Amanda by blinking at her to have her tell River "over", but she wouldn't say it herself. She did get credit for teaching River "under". When the hoop was just a bit high, he "cheated" and went underneath, so after that we gave Pink Girl a choice of which she wanted him to do and this seemed to engage her for a bit.
She didn't want to brush River but enjoyed squeezing his water bottle to give him a drink. It took a lot of encouragement to get her to walk using her walker - walking with or chasing River's tail were not incentives today. She doesn't respond to his tricks the way Speaker did. He was willing to walk a distance and pick a trick. I'm not sure what else might work to motivate her if walking is the goal. Megan would like us to come again in 2 weeks, so I guess we must be useful somehow.
Ump enjoys weekly visits. Seeing River is important to him and he never tires of repeating " He's a good dog." Besides conversation, reviewing what he can recall about River, his therapist encourages him to do tricks with River, trying to use both verbal and hand signals. When they don't match ( often), River usually favors the physical commands over the verbal. Ump is happy with whatever River does and rewards him with a treat - including some that he made with his therapist. River noticed the presence of those treats in a plastic bag as soon as we entered the visiting area and convinced the humans that he deserved to enjoy quite a few.
And then we visited where the only treats I allowed were Cherrios given by the kids - and River was just as willing to work for those. MIL seemed much the same to me, although she described herself as " in her last days." She was still eager to talk " dog" and pet him and watch as her grandchilden played with him. I hope we'll be able to see her again.
Pink Girl continues to be challenging, often cooperating only minimally or only briefly during an already short, 30 minute session. Holding the hula hoop seemed to work well for the position Megan wanted her in - either a straight stand or a variation. She was willing to signal Amanda by blinking at her to have her tell River "over", but she wouldn't say it herself. She did get credit for teaching River "under". When the hoop was just a bit high, he "cheated" and went underneath, so after that we gave Pink Girl a choice of which she wanted him to do and this seemed to engage her for a bit.
She didn't want to brush River but enjoyed squeezing his water bottle to give him a drink. It took a lot of encouragement to get her to walk using her walker - walking with or chasing River's tail were not incentives today. She doesn't respond to his tricks the way Speaker did. He was willing to walk a distance and pick a trick. I'm not sure what else might work to motivate her if walking is the goal. Megan would like us to come again in 2 weeks, so I guess we must be useful somehow.
Ump enjoys weekly visits. Seeing River is important to him and he never tires of repeating " He's a good dog." Besides conversation, reviewing what he can recall about River, his therapist encourages him to do tricks with River, trying to use both verbal and hand signals. When they don't match ( often), River usually favors the physical commands over the verbal. Ump is happy with whatever River does and rewards him with a treat - including some that he made with his therapist. River noticed the presence of those treats in a plastic bag as soon as we entered the visiting area and convinced the humans that he deserved to enjoy quite a few.
And then we visited where the only treats I allowed were Cherrios given by the kids - and River was just as willing to work for those. MIL seemed much the same to me, although she described herself as " in her last days." She was still eager to talk " dog" and pet him and watch as her grandchilden played with him. I hope we'll be able to see her again.
Bag of Tricks
What we take along on visits:
River, freshly brushed, wearing Gentle Leader, often a seasonal bandana, and a 4 ft leash, and a regular collar with ID and rabies tags
Somtimes :
ballon on a length of ribbon, hula hoop, collapsible children's tunnel, toy piano - for tricks
Back pack :
our KPETS ID cards, now on custom lanyards with doggie charms!
treat pouch, pre packed with treats, and more treats as backup
- we especially like Snapbits for his "catch it" trick, we take a variety, even Cheerios sometimes
Dog water bottle
Small towel
Poop pickup bags
Hand sanitizer and hand wipes
2 brushes for River
Leashes - a very short one that we use to just have something on him when he is doing jumps or tunnel, that won't trip him; a longer 6 foot leash. We sometimes use 2 so a child using a walker can hold one and walk River, while we have the other for safety.
Dog toys - balls, he likes a plush one with a squeaker, we try to vary this
River's business cards
KPETS cards and info brochures
Planning to have in car:
notebook to log hours
copy of River's shots record
copy of KPETS authorization letter
Other things that might be good:
KPETS vest if we get one, buckles can be useful
Camera - photos for KPETS, ourselves or the clients, would need release forms
I usually take my phone ( on vibrate) and of course, car keys and leave my purse locked in the car.
River, freshly brushed, wearing Gentle Leader, often a seasonal bandana, and a 4 ft leash, and a regular collar with ID and rabies tags
Somtimes :
ballon on a length of ribbon, hula hoop, collapsible children's tunnel, toy piano - for tricks
Back pack :
our KPETS ID cards, now on custom lanyards with doggie charms!
treat pouch, pre packed with treats, and more treats as backup
- we especially like Snapbits for his "catch it" trick, we take a variety, even Cheerios sometimes
Dog water bottle
Small towel
Poop pickup bags
Hand sanitizer and hand wipes
2 brushes for River
Leashes - a very short one that we use to just have something on him when he is doing jumps or tunnel, that won't trip him; a longer 6 foot leash. We sometimes use 2 so a child using a walker can hold one and walk River, while we have the other for safety.
Dog toys - balls, he likes a plush one with a squeaker, we try to vary this
River's business cards
KPETS cards and info brochures
Planning to have in car:
notebook to log hours
copy of River's shots record
copy of KPETS authorization letter
Other things that might be good:
KPETS vest if we get one, buckles can be useful
Camera - photos for KPETS, ourselves or the clients, would need release forms
I usually take my phone ( on vibrate) and of course, car keys and leave my purse locked in the car.
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