My partner...

Alli is my partner in every sense of the word.  She goes to work with me when I teach training classes, dog bite prevention seminars, dog lessons at churches (www.pawsitivejourney.com) and the list goes on and on.  She goes with me everywhere my training business takes me and is my friend, helper and teacher.

Last week I had the joy of welcoming a couple new dogs to an already established training class.  One of the new dogs was a large puppy complete with all the happy puppy energy that comes with that age.  The other dog was a young dog but a bit more mature and small in stature.  I thought I might give Alli the night off as we had already been to a class earlier in the day (and it was hot, hot) and she was a big help as we were teaching a young student and her dog, preparing them for a big competition the next day.  Lots of fine details to go over and Alli was spot on as she and I showed both dog and young girl just how to do what they needed to do.

But when the young puppy was having a hard time fitting in...the smaller dogs were taking offense of his off the wall energy...I knew this was a job for Alli.  I went in the house and brought her out.  Alli was most interested in helping the young pup and went to him immediately to say hi.  She is amazing as I watch her read the new puppy and present herself in the best way so as not to intimidate but to say "Hi and by the way, why don't you relax a bit son...life isn't all that bad."  She was then interested in the younger dog who was showing signs of insecurity and seeming as though he might give a bite.  Again, Alli through her body language, allowed this small dog to know that she meant no harm - in fact, no one in the class meant him any harm and he could be a part of the class in a good and kind way.  Alli then greeted her friend in the class that she has known for sometime and that was pure sweetness.

I was amazed at her body language...the way she stands, the way she turns her head is read loud and clear by her doggy counterparts.  She in just 5 minutes or less helped me to have a cohesive group...from pent up, insecure energy that isn't good...to oh, I see everyone here is cool.  The other dogs then took turns to say hi with Alli watching over the proceedings.  Interesting, to watch her step in when I could see body language and energy beginning to spill over into an area not wanted.  I was pleased to see one of the student's Mom notice Alli's ability to help the group become comfortable with each other.  I could have struggled and interjected myself and it would have taken much longer...but Alli did something so amazing and far better than I could  have in just a matter of minutes.  We went on to have an amazing class...

A couple weeks ago Alli and I worked with a rehabilitation situation with a dog.  He was way over the top and so insecure.  Alli let me know that he wasn't ready to say hello to her in a nice way.  She told me loud and clear what was up with this guy and I listened.

It really is quite hard for me to put into words how much I love and respect Alli.  She helps me do what I do...I always listen to her and never ignore her responses to dogs or to people.  Just last night Alli and I were out on a trail in the country with Libby and Ezra.  A man came around the path and the dogs saw him.  I was alone and it was just about dusk.  I asked the dogs to sit and stay and watched them as the guy passed us.  I felt a bit vulnerable, but Alli was fine.  No response from her.  He was fine.  I've seen her react to people who she preferred we stay away from and thankfully no such reaction.  I immediately felt a calm, all was well.  She amazes me when she works a classroom of children and I am so astounded at how often the teachers say that Alli seems to bring calm to the young classroom of high energy children.  She makes my heart skip a beat when I see her lock onto that one who needs her most and works her magic.  

When I was a little girl, I dreamed that one day I would work with dogs and horses.  That I would have a partner to help me and it would be a collie.  I have had a couple pretty wonderful collie partners.  Emma and now Alli who has seemed to pick up the banner where Emmy left off.  I'm blessed to call Alli my partner and my friend!

the dance continues

This is Gracie, my pony.  As you know she is two years old and we are beginning our training to harness.  She will be my next driving pony.  She is more than I could have ever hoped for...another pony I could only dream of...  I've admired her sire for a very long time and many of the ponies in her pedigree.  I have looked at shetland ponies with her lines for years - well bred, lovely ponies that were far beyond my budget.  But, I could dream...   Again, my Father who gives such great gifts (and often at the most unexpected times) allowed for me to have this lovely pony in my barn.

We are starting to teach her voice cues..."walk up", "trrrrott", "easy", "aaanndd walk", "whoa"...  Building on all the previous lessons she learned as a yearling.  Driving ponies are in front of you 3 to 4 feet.  Other than the driving lines, you only have your voice to give direction, to guide and to calm.  I love to teach my ponies in the softest voice I possibly can.  I use my body position to reinforce what I am saying and it all comes together like steps to a dance.  As I watch her ears, her body position, her tail...I can see her thinking, trying to understand what I am asking of her...she tells me at each step how she feels and if she is ready for more steps.  At first, it is so awkward...but as we practice our steps they start to become a lovely well-timed, in sync and rhythm dance!  Often I can barely contain my joy as I see that understanding growing and the confidence building.  I am always amazed, astounded, and humbled at the good nature of horses and ponies.  I understand that I am asking a fright flight animal to put their trust in me, to ignore their instincts and look to me for guidance and I never, ever take that for granted nor do I ever stop realizing what a blessing and a privilege it is for me to guide such sweet spirits.

Tonight our practice went so well...I got lost in the moment, in the rhythm, in the magic, the communication and the connection...  The time spent with my pony Gracie was rejuvenating...just what I needed...  I needed to let go of the worries of the day, the week and dance with abandoned joy...and dance we did!

Pittsburgh!

I am in the city of Pittsburgh enjoying the beautiful skyline as I type!  I'm here to celebrate my husband, Matthew's achievement.  So proud of him as he is winning a National Achievement Award for an innovative program he has begun in our county.  I just couldn't miss seeing him accept his award.  So proud of him...not much into crowing...but just can't resist in this case.  I think the measure of a man or woman is to have those closest to them, the ones who see them at their worst and best, be their biggest cheerleader and fan! And that would be me...my sweet husband so deserves this award, this recognition of a program that was put into place soley to help people with their most basic needs. Very cool!  He probably won't be too happy with me sharing it, but it's not his blog...it's mine!


The last time I had the pleasure to be in this beautiful city I was 10 years old and visiting with my Father.  I was staying with him for the week and he wanted to show me the city.  I didn't have a great many visits with my Dad nor did I get to see him that often. The memory of our visit here together is a very fond one of time spent with my Father in a place that he seemed to love and enjoy sharing with me. So it feels a bit like coming home, warm and welcoming.  What a lovely city, a mix of old and new.  I especially enjoy the architecture of the old churches that are nestled in among the large modern high rises.  There is a small church across the street from our hotel that just speaks to me.  I've taken quite a few pictures of it, but darn if I didn't forget my cable to connect camara to computer...I'll have to share the pictures later.  As I walk past it images flood my mind of weddings, baby baptisms, Christmas Eve services and funerals that took place there.  Generations of families who called this church home and celebrated their family's most precious events in this place...  Beautiful images...beautiful thoughts of the way things once were...

Last evening, after a day full of meetings for Matthew we went for a walk down in the heart of the city.  As luck would have it we found ourselves in the middle of the Art district and they were having a Friday night celebration of local artists. Perfect, just my cup of tea!  Artwork; paintings everywhere - guitarists, bongo players on every corner. A wonderful treat!

But, the best part of my visit so far (Matthew hasn't received his award yet), was meeting a gentleman who was socializing his 14 week old german shepherd puppy last evening in the city during the Art Festival.  I asked if I could greet his puppy and he was very interested in me doing so.  He asked if I'd like to feed her a little kibble and I jumped at the chance. I asked the beautiful Silka to do a few simple behaviors and rewarded her success. What a smart puppy!  She seemed so pleased that I spoke her language. He noticed, thanked me and asked me how I knew to do this. I explained that I was a dog trainer/instructor and a very nice conversation ensued.  Turns out he knows a friend of mine who is also invovled with german shepherds and training.  What a small world...

As I walk through this city filled with so many people from very different walks of life, I'm reminded how important it is to do what you love! When you truly look into the faces of people you can see so much. I can see people who are happy, sad, elated, weary, rushed...I wonder where they are going, what's ahead for them...what their day holds. I am reminded that life is too short to live a life of worry or fear...you fill in the blank.  I'm remined in such a strong way to do what you love, that which makes you come alive.  Trust me, I know it's not always easy to pursue what you love, but it is very worth it.  There would seem to be a magic age where people stop asking what you want to be when you grow up and start telling you what you should be "to be successful". 

I am here to celebrate my husband and his achievement.  I am blessed to see firsthand through him, someone who is doing what he loves, what makes him come alive.  It wasn't always easy, the journey to this happy moment, but the reward of sticking with it, pursuing what you know is right, not allowing the little detours to defeat you, but to set your resolve to get back on track.  I'm thankful I have someone in my life to inspire me to do the same!

 So many wonderful things last night, but what most made me come alive was spending that moment communicating with the sweet shepherd puppy.  I am reminded again, to focus, to see the detours as opportunites for growth in my determination to do what I love!  I am exactly where I should be, pursuing what I love...and I encourage you to do the same!

If I asked your dog how your week was...

...what would they say?  Our dogs know us best, they know us very intimately actually.  They are masters of observation and body language.  They know when you come and go.  Some studies have shown that dogs have a sense of when their owners are on their way home from work without looking at the clock or having any other clue other than a sense(that we don't have) that someone they are waiting for is about to return to them.  They know when we are about to go on a walk, or leave the house, they have observed our rituals over and over again.  Some dogs who have had no training whatsoever all of a sudden understand and alert when their owner is about to have a seizure or their blood sugar is about to go too low.  Amazing!

I read a research article recently that states dogs and apes are the only two species who can read human facial features.  I believe this to be true.  They know when we are happy or sad, elated or disappointed.  They may not feel the very exact same emotions in the way that we do, but I do believe they have an understanding of our basic state of being.  In fact, I know they do...I have seen dogs come alive when their owners are happy with them, when they show joy.  For instance, in class...that moment the light bulb goes on for the dog and understanding of what is being asked takes place and the owner/partner smiles and laughs and says 'good dog'!  I've seen the joy that can spread from the very tip of the dog's tail completely through their body to the tip of their tongue as they give the one whose happiness means the most to them a big wet kiss.

I'm going to ask this question this evening to my class.  My reasoning is twofold.  First, I want them to understand that their dogs see them everyday; at their very best and worst.  I want them to know that their dog takes note of their state of being and it can and does affect them.  I was at a meeting today and a lady at our table asked me why her daughter's dog hates her in-laws.  She went on to explain that the in-laws are animal lovers and very involved with animals.  "Do you think it's because they often come to take the grandchild away with them?  The dog knows and doesn't want them to take the child away from him?"  Very good and thoughtful questions.  But, I could only answer with a question.  How does your daughter feel about her in-laws?  What is their relationship like?  Our dogs are a reflection of us.  And so very often when they are exhibiting confusing behavior, it's because they are following our lead.  If we allow them, they can and will teach us.  Help us to look at our relationships...the way we do things and perhaps...change those things.  Bring calm to unresolved feelings or situations.  I love that about working with dogs!

And secondly, I want my students to think of time with their dogs and working in class as a happy moment.  A moment in their day when there are no hidden agendas, no manipulations, and no drama.  I don't want them to think of class or training as military precision, but as a time of bonding, building trust and understanding with a species that has been known for centuries as man's best friend.  I want them to experience shear joy, of letting their guard down, of dancing with abandoned...of being in the moment!  I want PJ to be a place where everyone is welcomed and safe and where relationships between dogs and people flourish and grow.  There will never be a person or dog who flunks my class...

So...what would your dog say about you today...

Dancing with the ponies...

                                                       The "sweet fillies" - 2 years old

Matt and I are still cleaning up a bit from the big storm that hit our small county on Friday.  We are very thankful and fortunate to have electric and things are returning to normal.  Our barn is continuing to dry out with the help of a fan and ponies are back to the routine they know and love.  We'll get fresh sawdust by this weekend and hopefully all will be comfy again for the ponies.

It's such a hot day, full of flies for the ponies, so we decided to head out to the barn and brush, fly spray and trim bridle paths.  My heart always leaps when I walk into the pasture and see five ponies running toward me. This isn't always so...  It would seem I am reminded of the fact that ponies are "ornery" and "mean" by people all the time when I mention I own and love ponies.  This gives me great opportunity to tell them about my pony farm!  Our farm has once been described, by a vet, as "shangri-la".  This description blessed and humbled me beyond words...  I had to stop and think about it, what a beautiful description of what we do here.  Ponies are loved and respected - simply - and they return that love and respect ten fold.

The sweet fillies are growing into lovely, trusting ponies.  It was hard for me to take this picture, even after trimming their bridle paths, as they kept coming up so close to me.  Being with me is their pleasure in life.  How cool...  They are doing very well with tying, loading in the trailer, being brushed, feet picked up and cleaned, fly sprayed, well any kind of spray you want to spray them with, including nice cool showers with the hose.  Sweet Grace just stood in the middle of the field yesterday when I brought the fly spray out to give everyone a spritz before heading to work.  They also stand very well while clipping bridle paths...ears are coming along...but that usually takes a bit longer in general (and in all fairness I haven't been vigilant at working on it).

They are wearing a small bitting rig (no bridle or bit yet) and will be wearing a full harness this week.  We'll introduce the bridle and bit a little later.  They walk with us everywhere, through anything...

It's such a beautiful dance really...one I have been blessed to do with many different equine partners throughout my life. I remember the lessons each equine teacher has taught me, make it a part of me and then use those lessons to teach the new ones...growing in my experience to make the learning easier on my newest student.

When I think about my experiences...the many dances I've had to pleasure to participate in...I would NOT trade one of them...I had some bruises along the way and learned some hard lessons...but I always got back on the horse, so to speak and rejoined the dance...

Leader of the Pack

I did my first power point presentation today.  My 8th speech for Toastmasters.  I had such fun putting it together.  I am really hooked on power points.  I'm now thinking about doing power points for my Pawsitive Family programs -  K9 Bite Prevention and Welcoming Baby K92.  Power points are a wonderfully creative way to share a great deal of information (who knew). We are very visual as a society and I think it will bring great understanding to the information I am trying to present.  Plus, it's just plain fun!

My presentation was inspired by the smallest of our pack, Libby (pictured).  I spoke about how the principles of the pack relate to the principles of leadership.  Libby inspires me!  She is the leader of our pack; all 12 pounds of her. Leadership is not about size, power or might...it's about knowing where you are going and becoming a leader worth following.  Libby is determined, confident and courageous.  All great attributes of a leader.  She brings out the best in everyone, both human and canine.

The power point went really well and I received good and constructive feedback.  If some one would have told me a year ago I would join Toastmasters and really enjoy it, I would have laughed and said "no way".  Dare I say I really enjoy public speaking.  I realize that it is a chance to share my story.  To share my thoughts and ideas with others through my observations, experiences and understanding of the world around me.

I've come a very long way from the child who was described as "backward" and extremely "shy".  Good leaders are made not born.  If you have the desire and will power, you can become an effective leader. I am so thankful that I've found my voice...in large part because of the lessons I've learned from the animals in my life.

I followed my power point presentation with work I love...ending with a wonderful group of dogs and people who are building relationship and progressing by leaps and bounds.   A very good day here at Pawsitive Journey!

You Matter!

My son Nicholas graduated from High School.  I am so pleased and thankful that our family were able to attend - both Grandmas, Nick's Aunt and Sister and new niece...it was a true celebration of Nick and his accomplishment!

My sister gave Nick a wonderful book entitled, "The Butterfly Effect".  What an incredible book with a message that I pray nestles deep inside him, blooms and grows!  Here is an excerpt from the book, "Every single thing you do matters.  You have been created as one of a kind. You have been created in order to make a difference.  You have within you the power to change the world."  You matter and what you dream matters!  He goes on to talk about a life of "permanent purpose".  "When you know that everything matters, that every move counts as much as any other, you will begin living a life of permanent purpose."  Basically pursuing that which makes you come alive, living a life that was meant for you and only you.  Reaching for the stars, pursuing your dreams, staying focused, running your race and telling your story.  It all fits together!

As Nick was finishing his senior school projects and getting his final papers into school before he graduated, we had a bit of a drama unfolding on our small farm.  Maui kitty, the little kitty who Nick brought to our home almost 3 years ago on the brink of death vanished.  Seemingly into thin air.  I was devastated and Nick was crushed.  As we searched all over the neighborhood, we were thankful that we did not see our Maui kitty on the road, at least we knew she hadn't been killed by a car and there was still hope.  We checked every culvert pipe and all the ditches and hiding places within a square mile.  No sign of Maui kitty.

Maui isn't like other kitties. When Nicky intervened she was malnourished, far too young to be without her Mama and suffering with a terrible upper respiratory infection.  She was so bone thin it was hard to hold her and pick her up for fear you would crush her little self.  She never grew beyond the size of a 6 month old kitty. She hadn't had a very good start in life, but she filled out and was blooming none the less.  She was just small and would always be so.  But, she had this strong spirit, the want to live and be loved by this gentle giant of a man...my son.  She adored Nick from the very start...he was her hero, her rescuer and she knew it.  Nick adored her as well and he was mourning her loss.  At one point he asked me, why would God take her from me?  A reasonable question, a hard question.  So many kitties out there unloved and uncared for...why this one.  I told him that there was still hope and that I was praying for her return.  I was also praying for my son, who needed to see God's hand at work in his life.  I remember silently asking for God to bring him a miracle.  As I could see him wrestling with far more than just his kitty missing...  Oh, please Lord allow my son to know how very much You love him...I whispered through tears.

Maui went missing on a Tuesday and by Saturday I was losing hope...  To top it off I woke up early Saturday morning to see this sitting in the very back of my pony pasture...

I had a friend who had just shared a drama that unfolded on his farm...a story about a fox and a chicken.  The chicken lost.  This fox looked right at me as you can see, even when I went on my deck to take a picture.  She was bold and determined.  Was she coming back to see if I had any more kitties to offer her?  It was afterall the season for pups and she had mouths to feed.  Oh, no!  My heart sank deeper...oh, Lord I so wanted Maui to return...  I searched my thoughts and realized that perhaps, maybe this was a sign to me to stop looking for Maui.  To have closure.  To understand that Maui was not coming back.  The fox was her end.  I have never ever seen a fox be so blatant as to sit in my pasture.  I have seen them running here and there, I know we have a healthy population.  I can smell them from time to time...but never have I had one look up at my house as if to ask...more please?  I didn't say a word to Nick.  I wanted to believe beyond what my eyes had just seen.  I prayed again...  Tuesday a week had past.  I cleaned Maui's litter box for the final time and put it away in the garage.  I put her dishes up...  I was so sad, as I really did feel that God had a hand in this somehow...that He wanted to reach out to my son and let Him know that he would never leave or forsake him...but...  Oh, yea of little faith...

We continued to make preparations for our celebration of Nick and his achievement.  My Mom and sister were set to travel to our home and stay with us to join the celebration.  We were so thankful and appreciative that my Mom would travel at 85 years young to be with her only Grandson.  We were all busy preparing...moving forward.  But, I knew that Nick was still mourning his kitty (yeah, me too).

Thursday morning dawned bright and sunny.  It had been rainy and cold for several days and we were happy to be wakened by the warmth of the sun.  My husband, Matthew put the dogs out and sat on the deck to be greeted by this loud meow...and then another until I could hear this frantic meowing coming from the deck under our bedroom window.  Matt yelled, "Maui"!!  She had returned!  I ran down stairs and looked her over...no worse for wear.  A bit thinner but not a scrape or scratch on her tiny self!  I scooped her up and headed for Nick's room... and he heard her meow and what a happy reunion.  At first, Nick was so sound to sleep that he thought he was dreaming!  Is it really her, Mom?

 Here is our sweet Maui  home at last.  And to Nick - you matter...God loves you so very much!  If He loved Maui enough to take care of her and return her safely home...how much more does He love you!  It was a powerful message not only to my son, but to this Mother's heart!  God says that He knows, "the number of hairs on our head."   He has a purpose and a plan for my son and for each of us.  IF he could keep Maui from the wiley fox and who knows what else while she was gone...He is able to keep us, guide us on this race He has set for us.

Every single thing matters...