Back to School

I have this beautiful tin hanging in my kitchen.  It makes me smile each time I look at it.  I'm not sure you can quite read it but this was an actual Post magazine front page picture from Septemeber 1944.  The title of the picture is "Best Friends".

I am reminded when I look at this picture of my time as a child.  Although, I didn't ride a bus everyday to school, I had a dog that sent me off in the morning from home and greeted me afterschool.  This little poodle gave me great courage to walk into an empty house, as my Mom didn't arrive home from work until an hour or so later than me.  I remember, oh so well, Buffy's wonderful, happy greetings. I was the best thing since sliced bread. No matter what type of day I had, Buffy made me smile, made me feel good, happy and very welcomed to be home!  I remember the conversations I had with my sweet Buffy about my day.  She seemed to be able to help me sort everything out.

I think of the dog at the horse farm where I worked from the time I was 11 years old until I graduated from High School.  Gretchen, a most beautiful Golden Retriever, went with us everywhere...to the barn, on trail rides, swimming in the pond all through our wonderful summer days on the farm.  Wherever we went Gretchen went too.  What a happy life for a dog and a kid.

This picture also reminds me of my children getting on the bus everyday.  Our sweet Emma collie stood by them as they waited for the bus and watched them as they drove away down our road.  I wonder if my kids remember looking out the window at her watching them.  She never left her spot until the bus was out of sight and I almost always had to call her away.  We, my kids and I, had happy summers together with Emma collie.  I have to think she was a bit sad to see school start up and take her kids away.  Emma always seem to know when the bus was returning.  She would wait at the front door, telling me it was time to go greet the kids from the bus!  What a happy time and a precious memory.

I've always felt a little pang in my stomach when school started.  I remember the feelings of getting back to a routine and leaving behind my happy, carefree days of summer.  I remember feeling sad to have my kids return to school, no more swimming, 4H, playing with dogs and ponies.  I was one of those Moms who loved having my kids at home.

My kids, my students, that I have the privilege to teach are heading back to school.  Our scheduled classes are changing.

My son is off to college this year too.  All the way on the otherside of the country.  Some of my former students are also off to college. I find myself feeling that familiar pang in my stomach...  I can't help but miss them.

I wish them all a wonderful new year of school, of new friends, happy times and new challenges.  Challenges that will help them to grow and know how very strong and awesome they truly are!

I also hope they will remember their "Best Friends" they have left behind whether for a day or months at a time.  I pray that when they think of their "Best Friends" it will bring them a smile, make them feel good and make their hearts happy.

Happy Trails!!

Chips, the War Dog

Often I come across a story that I just have to share.  There are so very many of these inspiring stories. This story is about Chips, a German Shepherd/collie/husky mix.  He was a war dog hero and this is his story.

At the height of World War II, Chips was assigned to the Third Military Police Platoon, Third Infantry Division. He toured in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, France and Germany.  Chips served as a sentry dog, alterting his handler to the approach of enemies.

On July 10, 1943, Chips and the Seventh Army, under the command of General George Patton, boarded amphibious crafts off the coast of Licata, Sicily.  In the predawn twilight hours, the craft came under heavy fire and became trapped on a beach.  Chips broke free from his handler, defying his training, and stormed a machine gun nest, capturing an enemy soldier by the neck and sending several others scattering. After the battle, Chips was taken to a hospital and treated for scalp and hip wounds and powder burns in his mouth.  It was a pretty good bet that the powder burns in his mouth were a result of direct contact with smoldering enemy firearms.

Chips later received the Silver Star for bravery and the Purple Heart for wounds received in action by General Lucian Truscott.  However, these awards were revoked when the military determined that Chips was classified as "equipment" and therefore ineligible to receive such honors.

Upon returning home, at the age of 6 years, Chips adapted smoothly to civilian life but passed away several months later from complications of his war injuries.

As one who has the privilege of working with these magnificient creatures on a daily basis, I am not surprised at Chip's ability to sense danger and act upon it on his own. He broke free "defying his training".  He knew his job well and took matters in his own paws.  Amazing!

My approach to dog training is to utilize that magnificent brain, ability of a dog.  To become a thinking partner rather than an entity on the end of the leash to be snatched and jerked into submission.

Dog's are amazing...  I see this everyday.  I share Chips story to encourage you to see your dog in a different light.  To understand that when we provide adequate amounts of organized exercise AND create value for the correct choice and reinforce that good choice...we in essence allow our dogs to become a thinking dog, a dog very able to make the right choice.

Chips is a special dog, absolutely, and it's right that we honor him here. But, I have to tell you that he is no more special than that furry friend of yours on the other end of the lead.  Spend time with your dog and with good training move from what you have now to what you want to have on the other end of your lead.  You can do it and I know your dog can do it!

If you need help...feel free to contact me.  In the meantime, Happy Trails!