Temporary Leave of Absence

Top 27. Apr 2, 2005 4:21 PM

» biogardener - Seeing Eye Dog

I know about adopting retired racing greyhounds, because one of our retired editors wrote on the topic, and I don't think it is listed in the retired topics. I know about retired police dogs, but they usually end their lives with their last handler. I have never thought about the possibility of adopting seeing eye dogs, though, and I have never read anything about them. They must be wonderful dogs to have around.

-- posted by biogardener

Top 28. Apr 2, 2005 5:22 PM

» StrmDncr - Re: Seeing Eye Dog

In response to Seeing Eye Dog posted by biogardener:

I truely hope there is one avaiable. I never thought about it until I was researching links for my topic. I wanted to cover all different aspects of dog life and guide dogs naturally is one of them. While looking over the different sights I found that many of them adopt out some of their dogs. Not all the dogs in a litter are suited for this type of work but I also found that they often have retired dogs avaiable. Maybe due to illness or death the owner or their family can't keep them so they go back to the organization they came from. When I checked the Seeing Eye (they are not far from where I live) sure enough they not only have younger dogs but also retired guide dogs. Since I have a bad back one of the reasons I've been holding back on getting another dog is I wasn't sure I could handle working with a new pup. Lots of bending over and picking them up... But when I saw the Seeing Eye had older dogs I thought what a great idea. They are already trained and house broken, no chewing and a great walking companion (which my back doctor wants me to do). I just hope they have one available. I understand the waiting list can be really long for the younger dogs, not sure about the older guys. So my fingers are crossed. I do know one of their trainers and though I haven't contacted her I hope she will put in a good word for me... SO cross your fingers guys. I'd really love to give one of these dogs a good home....

-- posted by StrmDncr

Top 29. Apr 2, 2005 6:06 PM

» StrmDncr - Something to write about

I think after I go through the process I'll write an article about guide dogs and adopting them...

-- posted by StrmDncr

Top 30. Apr 2, 2005 8:18 PM

» mastiffs2005 - Health and raising a new puppy...

In response to Re: Seeing Eye Dog posted by StrmDncr:

Pat, I do understand about the pain of raising a new puppy... I have fibromyalgia, and I've been in almost constant pain from picking the puppies up and toting them outside for potty breaks (not even to mention raising a litter from birth!). Thank goodness housetraining doesn't last long, but it seems like forever when your back hurts! I agree that getting a dog that is older and already trained is a win-win situation! It will also help others in the same situation once you go through the process and write an article, too!

On the seeing eye dogs - are they mostly one particular breed of dog, or can they be any breed? I'm sure there are some that do better than others?? I've always thought that my mastiffs would be excellent dogs to visit sick children - they LOVE children and are very gentle with them, and children are always fascinated by their size and how child-like they are themselves. I really should look into that!

Keeping my fingers crossed for ya, and I'll get all my pups to keep their paws crossed, too!

-- posted by mastiffs2005

Top 31. Apr 2, 2005 10:12 PM

» biogardener - I only adopt

All my 4-footed pets have been adopted, both cats and dogs, and I have never been anything but pleased. I am constantly getting puppies and kittens offered for free, but I feel committed to giving homes to the pets who are having a hard time getting placed, including abused animals.

Well, after giving my pets daily therapeutic touch, they soon get healed from their abuse, and everyone who sees me with my pets figures that I have the easiest to handle pets in the world. I must admit, though, that I would not undertake to adopt an abused pet if I did not know therapeutic touch. I am sure that Darlene has the same experience with reiki.

My adopted pets certainly bond very closely with me. I don't see how they could be any closer if they had been with me since they were born.

I am looking forward to reading your article on the dog adoption, Pat.

BTW, my son also adopts adult pets, and he is even better with them than I am. He has had practice with them since he was little. I didn't have a pet until I secretly brought home a stray kitten at age 17. Before that, we would not have had food to feed a pet.

-- posted by biogardener

Top 32. Apr 2, 2005 11:55 PM

» StrmDncr - Re: Health and raising a new puppy...

In response to Health and raising a new puppy... posted by DarCheek:

Dar that depends on what kind of work the dogs are training for. I know the Seeing Eye use Labs, Goldens, Shepards and Lab/Golden mixes. Other groups adopt dogs from shelters and retrain them still others breed their own. Just about any breed can do therapy work (hospitals, homes and rehabs) There is a course they have to go through to get certified. You might want to look into a therapy group in your area and see what is involved. I do know that they love big dogs as long as they don't jump up and they have to have basic obedience. Other than that I'm not sure.

-- posted by StrmDncr

Top 33. Apr 3, 2005 12:15 AM

» StrmDncr - Re: I only adopt

In response to I only adopt posted by biogardener:

Well I hope it doesn't take too long. I've thought of adopting from the local shelter but I have very small grandchildren that are here quite often. Our local shelters aren't very good at placing their charges. We had an incident last year where a woman adopted a young Dobbie. Something went very wrong and the dog attacked her. She didn't survive and naturally the dog had to be put down. I can't take the chance with a four year old and an infant. That is why I thought the Seeing eye might be my best choice since they are so well trained. Naturally I'll be sure what ever dog I do get will be good with kids. The kids are used to huge dogs they can hang on. I'd be afair a dog with an unknown background might not take it too kindly. If it weren't for the kids I'd be happy to adopt a problem child and help him to adjust.

We've has mixed breeds before but most of my dogs were show dogs, born and bred here in my home. Since I'm out of breeding now we have redecorated the house and I know what a new pup can do to a house. LOL... We'll see what happens. Besides... I think offering a home to a dog who has given so much is a good thing. They deserve a happy home without having to work so hard all the time.

I have always had well loved and well behaved animals. I think the therapeutic touch is just as good for me as it is for them. There are times I dearly miss my Blu. He was my best and dearest friend. He always knew when I needed his attention. I really miss that...

-- posted by StrmDncr

Top 34. Apr 3, 2005 9:02 AM

» biogardener - Therapy Dogs in Winnipeg

We have a therapy program in Winnipeg which is a coordination between the local Humane Society and the province's largest hospital which is are both located in the community where I live. One of the ladies of my church is a volunteer for the program.

Once a week, the volunteers each pick up a dog at the Humane Society shelter. The dogs have not special training but are chosen for their people-friendly personality. Each volunteer takes the dog to the St. Boniface Hospital where the dog gets to visit with long term patients who have also volunteered for the program. Many of the patients in the program are seniors who owned dogs before they got sick.

The next week, many dogs may be different, because the ones from last week may have been adopted out already.

Some nursing homes have cat therapy programs, but those cats belong to the volunteer handlers, because cats are not likely to take direction from a stranger. The nursing home where my father spent the last year of his life always has a little resident therapy dog who is the most loved, most petted dog in the whole wide world. He has free run of the facility and will show love to anyone who is inclined to accept it. His small size allows him to sit on people's laps if they invite him.

While my father was there, he looked like a litte black scottie, not a pure-bread either. He, too, was rescued from the Humane Society shelter.

I guess I should write an article about therapy dogs for my Healing Hug topic some day.

-- posted by biogardener

Top 35. Apr 3, 2005 10:54 AM

» StrmDncr - Re: Therapy Dogs in Winnipeg

In response to Therapy Dogs in Winnipeg posted by biogardener:

I think that is a wonderful idea. The dogs and the patients both get to enjoy the visit.
The therapy dogs down here are handled by their owners. Like I said they have to have a little training and people skills. But they go to all different places so I can see why they would want a well behaved dog and one that can be trusted. I think writing about the healing hug and therapy dogs would be a great topic...

-- posted by StrmDncr