Alli, collie followed me to school one day...

Alli and I visited Fredericktown Elementary School today and read the above book to the children in the preschool class.  I love this book for very young children as it talks about how dogs use their senses, especially their sense of smell.  At the end of the book the author then talks about how you tell when a dog is happy and about working dogs and how dogs help us in our every day lives. This book is a great tool and helps me to introduce Alli, explain what she does and how she helps people.  The kids were great today and loved Alli.  They asked wonderful questions and we had a great time from start to finish.

This was Alli's first visit to this school and I was so pleased to see her so happy to be there.  We checked into the office upon our arrival and then found our way to the classroom.  Luckily our room was in the very back of the school and we had a happy time visiting children along the way.  I always call ahead when visiting a new facility to be sure the teacher who invited us has informed the school and they are aware that a dog will be in the building.  Apparently the news had gotten around and it seemed people were expecting us as we were greeted with many smiles and lots of pats for Alli.  Alli reveled in the attention and the smiles on the kids and adults faces alike were priceless to me.  Alli's tail was going full force as well - very happy collie completely in her element!

I am also very excited to report that this school is interested in learning more about Reading Dogs and are open to the idea of Alli coming to school for students, who are struggling with their reading skills, to read to Alli. Reading education assistance dog programs are going great guns all over the country.  I'm hoping we can offer this excellent program right here in our small community, completely free of charge - all volunteer.  The benefits of this type of program are many and we have concrete statistics of children meeting and often exceeding their grade level in reading by practicing reading to the dogs.  Dogs are calming and are a non-judgmental listener - they could care less if a child stumbles over a word.  And the more you practice reading the better you do!  I dropped off my folder of information at the office for the Principal to read.  I am so hopeful that they will utilize Alli's gift - the job that she was created to do.

This program that Alli and I are offering is very near and dear to my heart.  It's a part of my story...  I was so thankful when the school's reading teacher stopped by the room to meet Alli and hear about what we could offer her.  She happened to complement me on my speaking to the children; saying that I didn't seem to be at a loss for words. I quickly shared with her that that wasn't always my story.  When I was quite young I was often described as "backward".  I think I had trouble finding my voice because I struggled to learn to read. I was the child whose stomach hurt, who missed a great many days of school, who knew she was different from the other kids, who knew she was struggling but didn't know why.  I couldn't read, I couldn't put letters together and it made everything in school more difficult.  I had to repeat 1st grade and in my 2nd year my small school finally had a "reading teacher".  I was called out of class to go to the "reading room".  I remember feeling a bit strange being called out of my class - different.  I now know that all the feelings I described above that I experienced are the typical feelings of children who are struggling to read.  I'm so thankful for my reading teacher, I still remember her -  she was wonderful.  She quickly realized what I loved and what made me come alive and would read to me and have me read small books about horses and dogs.  She spoke with my Mom and gave her great suggestions at how she could help me at home. My Mom read to me every evening before bed and made flashcards for me to practice the words that were especially difficult for me.  It's funny I still remember getting stumped with car - rots. I kept saying the words separately perfectly...my Mom smiled so big and kept saying YES, now put them together. She said my face was priceless when I finally put it together - carrots.  I did learn how to read and flourished in school from that point on.

So I am hopeful that Alli and I can help kids like me, bring them some comfort in the form of a tri-colored collie; reduce their heart rate, calm their anxiety and help them practice reading so that they too can flourish in school.   I'll let you know what happens, cross your fingers and toes for us.

Meet the Pack...Alli

And last but certainly not the least of our pack of three is our sweet Alli collie.  Alli is our registered Therapy Dog.  She is the most gentle and kind of all our dogs.  If the JR's (Ezra and Libby) bark, Alli and I will look up and then usually say, "those silly JR's"!  But, if Alli barks I know something is up. She knows what belongs here and what does not and let's me know.  The best guardian ever. 

Alli is the great great niece of our Emma collie.  I do see a few very close similarities and it's a joy and a pleasure to work with Alli. Alli is very tuned into all people. She amazes me constantly by her wisdom; watching her problem solve as we go along. One day when we were visiting a preschool event there was a little girl wielding a lollipop right in front of Alli's nose. I saw Alli look away and then at me; as if to say, "that lollipop is not mine, right?"  Good girl, Al!  She is so soft and gentle when we visit those in wheelchairs; often placing the side of her body up close to the wheel chair so that the person can pet her.  I didn't teach her this; she just figured it out. Recently, we went into a room of a lady who was visiting the facility for rehabilitation purposes.  She had not met Alli yet and after asking if we may visit she said we could come in.  The minute she saw Alli she said, "Oh dear maybe not".  Telling us that she was frightened of large dogs. It all happened so quickly that I didn't have time to reel Alli in by her lead, but was astounded when Alli turned away from her and came back to me without hesitating.  In fact, as we were talking about dogs Alli laid down by me as if to take the smallest and most unassuming position she could to allow for this lady to feel comfortable. Alli was successful, the lady loved her - pet her and thoroughly enjoyed our visit.  Well done, Alli - you did it again!

Alli is my demo dog and partner, in every sense of the word, for obedience classes.  I am amazed how she can dissipate the fearful energy of dogs in our class and invite them to participate in a good and productive way. I follow her lead when working with dogs; especially fearful, dominant and aggressive dogs.  She tells me by her body language what's going on with these dogs.  I always trust what I read from her and only proceed after I understand Alli's leading.  I've seen her completely calm a very upset, ready to bite dog by the positioning of herself and her body.  Allowing these very insecure dogs to know that she means them no harm.  Then we can really get to work; helping the human in the equation understand their dog and what they can do to help them.  These types of events happen with Alli all the time, the list goes on and on. I have always said there is a reason why they chose the breed of a collie for the show "Lassie"!  They really are very intelligent and tuned into people, especially their families and their place.  

Today I took Alli with me to my Toastmasters meeting.  My project speech for today was about Body Language.  Perfect!  I thought of incorporating Alli immediately in my speech and asked if she could attend with me.  I received a resounding yes, bring her!  Since Alli was going to help me I practiced my speech with her quite a few times.  She was a living example of that which I was sharing and talking about.  Well, during my speech, as happens when you are in front of people, I lost my way. Because I had practiced with Alli she knew the script, what to expect and when.  When I veered off course, went off script, Alli told on me.  I laughed out loud and had to confess.  Last time I practice a speech with my smarty pants collie; I'll add lib with her from now on!!!

I am thankful for that bond that formed so long ago between man and canine.  Alli truly makes my life both here on my small farm and in my work with dogs so much easier. I've said it before and I will say it again, what a privilege it is to be at the other end of Alli's lead...

Meet the Pack...Libby

Libby loves to pose for the camera as you can tell in this picture.  When I get the camera out she is the first dog by my side ready to sit, down, jump up on a chair or object, she's just ready to be a part of the process.  She seems to keep a watchful eye on me as well when she spots the camera.  She loves the camera!  She is a large dog in a small package and is all heart.  Libby, the smallest of our pack, is the leader.  I've always said it is way easier to add a new puppy into your household and train a new puppy when you have an older, wiser doggy pack leader to help.  Emma, my beloved once in a life-time collie, helped me raise Libby.  I am continually fascinated by all the many things Libby picked up from Emma, how she does some of the very same things Emma did.  I often say Libby has the spirit of Emma and I truly believe that.  

Libby may be small but she is so mighty.  She can give the other, much larger dogs a look, a stare, a certain body stance and they immediately submit to her authority.  What a picture of confidence; knowing what you want and getting the job done with the least amount of cues, useless expended energy and fuss.  I have learned so many valuable lessons from Libby and have tried to model the attributes I have learned from my smallest teacher.  First, you have to have a direction, you have to know what you want.  Next, you have to have the confidence to step out and accomplish whatever it is you want.  And most important getting what you want doesn't have to include expending copious amounts of negative energy; such as yelling and getting frustrated for instance. Simply ask in a direct and calm way.  I still look to Libby for inspiration.  I recently read that we 'teach' people how to treat us.  Wow, what a revelation and how very true.  Libby is a real life example of that for me.  I am amazed at how much respect my little lady garners from her pack members and other dogs.  All with little to no fuss or fanfare.  She believes in herself and her abilities, she asks and she gets results!  The other thing I've learned is not to run away from the camera, run towards it...those pictures will be great memories to be treasured by those who love you in years to come!

Libby was a Delta Pet Partner and has since retired.  I was amazed at the screening process involved with this great organization.  Libby passed everything with flying colors; there is no doubt she is a great doggy ambassador after passing all their very stringent tests.  Libby loves to play and do tricks.  Everyday she brings me something; if she can't find one of her toys to play tug, a sock will do.  I love that about her.  At 9 years young, she is always the first in line to play a good game!  She is my husband's agility partner and can't help but talk her way around the course.  She loves agility and spending time with him. It's apparent to everyone around her just how much fun she is having.  Another lesson learned - let people really know how much you enjoy being with them!

Libby is a creature of comfort and we often say, "Libby can take a funny turn."  She is our little lady afterall.  IF a trip is too long, she'll tell you.  If she isn't quite comfortable you know it.  If she doesn't want to do something she may say so first and then will be obedient to your requests, even if her heart isn't in it.  She is definite about what she likes and what she does not.  I love my little Jack Russell girl and enjoy seeing the world through her eyes...  I have learned a ton from this little 12 pound ball of energy and presence.  Thanks Libby!

Meet the Pack...Ezra

He's my heart! I can't say I have a favorite dog, but I can say Ezra is my heart. When Ezra arrived it was during a very unexpected event...the loss of one of our dogs.  He seemed to take on the role of comforter that day and never stopped.  

EZ (pronounced Eazy) is the best ride along dog.  He travels everywhere with me.  When my Mom was in a terrible car accident a couple years ago and I needed to leave immediately for the 7 hour trip to be with her...I didn't hesitate and took Ezra.  I knew I wouldn't be alone, would be well guarded (he may be small but he's mighty) and that he would be no trouble at all. He sat on my lap as I drove in the many tunnels that take me through the Allegheny Mountains.  Those tunnels have always made me a bit nervous...but EZ was right by my side. He stayed where I put him, walked with me when I returned home from the hospital each day, snuggled with me at night and gave me the comfort I needed in the midst of such uncertainty. Thankful to report my Mom is doing really well and all healed.  But it could have gone either way and I would have been very alone had I not had Ezra with me. 

When my husband and I went on a recent driving trip to Kentucky with ponies in tow...EZ came along.  He just fits in; no muss - no fuss.  He is a pure pleasure, he eats when you feed him, he potties when you offer him the chance. He snuggles in and sleeps whether in a tent, a truck, a stall or in a hotel room.  He stays right with me - no need for a leash. And it doesn't matter how many other dogs are around or barking at him, no matter how many ponies drive or ride by; he stays right with me. 

He's the most aware dog too.  He sees things and notices things that most dogs don't.  I sat on the couch the other day to watch the beautiful first snowflakes fall of the season.  They were huge.  And Ezra joined me...sat on the back of the couch; front row seat to enjoy this spectacular and beautiful event. He seemed to savor the moment with me enjoying watching the snowflakes. I have seen him follow unseen things with his eyes.  I've often said he sees Angels...who knows but I get that very strong feeling every time he follows movement - in the air - watching something I can not see. When my son stop competing in agility with Ezra; I picked up the challenge and handled him myself. What a hoot...what fun!  He was already well trained by my son and I just went along for the ride.  EZ quickly picked up my cues and I pretty much followed his lead. It was more fun than should be legal...not at all about the ribbons for me; but we added a couple more titles and a bunch more ribbons to his already large stash. As I sit here typing; I look over at my EZ boy.  He's sleeping on the back of the couch in the sun on this cold day.  All of a sudden his eyes meet my gaze...how did he know...so tuned in to me.  EZ is my heart!

Doggy guides.

I thought it would be fun in this new year to introduce the dogs in my pack...my doggy guides and teachers.  Pictured is Maxwell and me.

Maxwell is our granddog and he lives up to the description in every sense of the word grand dog.  He's my daughter and son in law's dog.  My daughter picked him up at a city laundry mat a few years ago.  Poor boy was tied in the back, the owner had to leave him or he would be kicked out of his apartment.  He was a dog, literally, without a home. She fell in love with him the minute she laid eyes on him and took him home on the spot. He's the best boy!  He didn't come to my daughter's home feeling sad or discarded - he farely jumped into their lives in a happy joy filled way that describes Maxwell "Stinky" (his old name) Ernst to a T.  How nice is that...no baggage, just thankful for a new opportunity to love these wonderful beings called humans...moving forward.

Maxwell and his family just welcomed their first baby to their pack - their family.  I was lucky enough to have him at my house for a couple weeks while Mommy and baby settled in.  We worked on "off" and "down","leave it" and "quiet". I explained to him about being a good dog with the new baby, allowed him to smell baby's hat from the hospital and named it "your baby".  I told him he had big paws to fill, the wonderful role of doggy guardian that has been played out for centuries between dog and baby human.  I assured him he could do it and that I had faith in him.  A couple people in the family said, "I don't know."  "He's very rambunctious and use to being the center of attention."  But, he did really well when he met his baby for the first time and has been a ever present, well behaved guardian since.  I just knew he could do it, I knew he would take it in his stride.  He envelops that wonderful heart of a dog...it would seem to be a very natural process if we humans prepare them and then get out of the way.

 I always enjoy having Maxwell here at "the farm".  And if you tell him he's going to "the farm" he knows exactly what that means.  He fits in the pack here very well! I was meeting a friend to walk dogs one day during his visit and Max didn't know the new doggy friends. My heart jumped when he saw the fluffy lamb looking dog and did the border collie stalk...head down...strong eye locked on that which he was intent on herding.  As the new dog came closer, Max figured it all out. In fact, his expression was priceless when he realized that that which he had locked onto with a strong gaze was a dog and stopped all proceedings immediately.  But, what a wonderful display, very natural, innate readiness to want to herd. I am hoping that my daughter will allow me to take him to the spring herding clinic I've been hoping to attend.  He is a corgi/australian shepherd mix after all - I think he'll do great. I had an excellent herding collie years ago, but he was struck with an autoimmune disease which brought our journey in the world of herding to a complete stop.  I have been looking for a partner ever since and I think Max will fill that spot.  How exciting is that. I've put this on my New Year's To Do List.  Moving forward no matter what life hands you is a very good thing! Thanks Max!

Wonderful lessons I've learned from Maxwell - continue to trust, enjoy life and invite others to enjoy it with you and move forward.  He didn't miss a beat from one home to another.  He is one of the purely happiest dogs I know. You can't help but smile when you are around him...in fact, he seems to be wearing a constant smile on his face.  I do believe it has a great deal to do with his mistress and master...they both just have that joi de vie and so does Maxwell!

Rescued...

...and I don't mind saying so!  The definition of rescue - to free from confinement, danger or evil; to recover, to deliver! I was and am rescued.  It is sweet to my ears to know that the Kings of Kings loved me so much that he came to earth in the form of a little baby solely and completely for the purpose of rescuing you and me!

I am once again amazed and so humbled by the Christmas Story.  Jesus' arrival here on earth through the virgin Mary accompanied by her new husband, Joseph.  I marvel at their faith... The part that always brings me completely to tears is the fact that Jesus chose the animals to first witness this momentous event - born in a stable...next the Shepherds in the fields were told of the Good News!  The animals that God created, that he loves.  The Shepherds a very low class - not always thought of, in that time, as the best type of people - but none the less people who God created and that he loves.  And isn't it amazing how much God uses the picture of the Shepherd and the sheep as an analogy to teach us?  But, it boggles my mind to know that God could have sent fireworks from the skies with great fanfare to announce Jesus' birth...he could have made way for Jesus to have been born in a mansion filled with dignitaries to witness this wonderful event, swaddled in the finest lavender linen, laid in a gold lined crib.  But he didn't...Jesus came to this world in the most humble way...the way he would go on to live his life.  Coming to those who needed rescued...those who would understand their need for a Savior.

Everything God does and says has great meaning; nothing is coincidental...everything has a purpose and a plan for our lives. He loves all of creation, especially people...of all walks of life.  He seems to delight in using the most broken of vessels; the ones who haven't lived a perfect life...perhaps, because they are simply the most open to Him, they know how very much they need a rescuer, a deliverer, a Savior.

I am thankful that God chose to rescue me...to deliver me.  I needed him and he came to me, spoke to me in the best way so that I could understand his great love for me(often teaching me through the animals in my life).  I am so very thankful that he is the God of all...no matter your position in life.

I find it curious, fascinating that lately the term rescue, in regards to animal rescue, seems to be falling into that category of "politically incorrect" language.  That some are so sick of hearing that a dog, cat or horse is a "rescued" animal.  That animals don't need that label nor want it?  I own rescued animals and animals we have bought from wonderful breeders.  I do believe that the ones I have rescued seem to know at first, they do seem to have an understanding of being helped and then go on to live a happy life just like all my other animals. I think the most wonderful thing that has surrounded the animals I have rescued is the way it changed me...the way I grew through their stories...the way I realized that if God loved this animal so much that he allowed me to intervene in it's life...how much more does he love me and want to intervene in my life!  It's a beautiful story...journey all the way around.  How could there be any angst surrounding an event such as this?  I'm interested that anything and everything in life can be twisted...look at how some twist God's love for us (a "church group" picketing American Soldiers funerals?), how sweets, candies and food can become an addiction (food is meant to give us life and sustain us)...everything can be twisted, brought to an unhealthy extreme...I guess that's why we need a deliverer, a rescuer...  I choose not to think of the unhealthy extremes and focus on the intent and great meaning of the word rescue.  I'm overwhelmed by the kindness and goodness of the one who imitates the heart of Jesus himself when they reach out to help (to rescue) those in need...animals included.  I think God is touched by that also...

I pray you will allow the one who came, because of his great love, so many years ago - in the form of a baby - to deliver you...no matter your position, the difficulties you may face today...He's reaching out for you...to rescue you.
                                                  

Celebrating Family

Pictured are my sweet kids; Nicholas and Natalie Christmas 1996

My sweet daughter, Natalie (pictured above right) welcomed her own baby girl and our first granddaughter this past week.  My son, Nicholas is an Uncle at age 18! What a wonderful moment filled with joy in the life of a family to welcome their first child, grandchild and niece. We all  fell in love the minute we laid eyes on her and have been over the moon about her ever since!  She's beautiful and I'm not a bit prejudiced!

As I looked at this beautiful new family; Brian, Natalie and their new baby girl I was overwhelmed by the love they represented.  Their love was now fulfilled in the birth of their little daughter.  You could physically see the love between the two of them in the gift of baby Alli. As I sat there thinking back to the precious day we welcomed our little baby Natalie, so many memories flooded my mind.  So much of our two stories were similar.  Matt was still in college - like Brian - I was out of work but happy to be able to stay home with my baby - like Natalie.  We lived in a tiny 2nd floor apartment; much like Natalie and Brian's apartment and like them, we were poor as church mice...but we had the love and support of our family around us - as do they.

I thought back on the struggles of a young family.  I know how hard it is to fight for your family.  This world is not conducive to encouraging families.  In fact, we are encouraged to think about our self first and be happy at all costs.  Many times the cost of this thinking is our very family; the ones who should be the most precious to us are the first pay the price of our selfishness...

Family is worth fighting for and the memories of family are worth preserving.  I think back on the struggles and the joys, the heartaches and the celebrations and I would not trade any one of those moments.  Those precious moments have made us who we are...a family that love each other with all our wonders and all our faults.  It's not an easy journey but is is the most fulfilling calling of your life.

I celebrate this sweet new family; Brian, Natalie and Alli.  I welcome sweet baby Alli into our family! I commit my love, understanding and support to all of them.  And I thank God for them and ask for His blessing on this family and this new baby girl!