Post written by ARLP Alum Albert & Volunteer Laural

Winston

Winston Needs a Home!!

Hi all………….Albert here! You may or not know this, but I am adopted. My sister is adopted too! Now we need to find a home for Winston, he needs to be adopted too. Winston spent the weekend at my house while his foster dad was on vacation and he is my new BFF! This is one cool dude, just like me, if I must say. I think that I am going to make it my personal mission to find him a forever home.

Gesh this dog can run fast. I tried really hard to keep up, but there is no way. But he wrestles really good and sometimes he lets me win! He is really funny because he doesn’t understand “Albert talk” as my mom puts it. He kinda backs away and looks at me funny, but then he starts playing again so he must understand some! Oh ya, we were wrestling the other day and he play bowed to me and I jumped at him at the same time he stood up and my butt ended up on his back with my back legs over him. My mom laughed really hard, it must have been funny. He likes the flowers in my backyard too – he smells them just like I do! Must be a cool dude thing, right?

Last night my mom was sitting on the floor and I was tired, so I snuggled in her lap for a nap. That Winston came right up to us, schmooshed me out of her lap and sat down. Being the cool dude that I am, I really didn’t care much, I just snuggled in next to her. See, he loves to snuggle too, must be a cool dude thing, right?

Oh ya, he let me share a water bowl with him too! Just imagine two adorable pitties drinking out of the same bowl at the same time. Just because we are cool dudes, doesn’t mean that we can’t be cute too, right?

Now, my point is someone out there adopt him. I guarantee that he gives excellent snuggles and kisses (just ask my mom!)…….hey, just like me! Must be a cool dude thing, right?

I have to go nap now.

Albert

Okay, now that I am able to get Albert away from the computer, it is my turn to give you the low down on this adorable, huggable, handsome, sweet, loving guy. I am in L.O.V.E. He has excellent house manners and he does give excellent kisses and loves hugs! He walks well on a leash, he waits for his food, he waits at the door to go out and has the very good doggy manners that every good doggie should have! He also has decent recall. He does loves people and kids, but can feel overwhelmed at times, he shakes which is a sure sign he needs some “alone time”. He just needs to be removed from the situation and he is just fine. He is good with cats, my big fat cat just laid around (he has thrown in the towel and doesn’t even run when a new dog comes into the home any more, different story, different day, we need to get Winston adopted here!) where ever big fat cats lay and Winston would just go past him or sniff him and all was good.

And handsome, this is one handsome pup. All you have to do is look into those deep dark brown eyes and you too will be in love with this boy. It is hard to tell where his eyes begin and his color begins, his eyes and coat are the same color, really dark brown…..ahhhhh……it’s love for sure.

So – the bottom line is – ADOPT WINSTON!!! You are on our website, so all you have to do is fill out an adoption application and submitt it. It’s pretty easy breezy! As Albert said – he is one cool dude – and anyone who adopts this guy is one lucky dude (or dudette)!!

Laural – Albert’s mom

Filed under: Foster Updates | 1 Comment »

The mission of A Rotta Love Plus is threefold: Rescue & Rehome, Educate and Advocate.  Much of the public’s attention is focused on the first aspect of ARLP and many are unaware of its thriving and active education program.

To illuminate some of ARLP’s specific education and therapy activities, we will begin to feature them in a series of blog posts.  If you are part of a Twin Cities’ community organization or school that has interest in any of the activities highlighted on our blog or website, please contact our Education Director, Kellie Dillner (education@arottalove.org.)

A Comparative Anatomy teacher at Edina High School recently contacted ARLP to request that we give a presentation on animal rescue, and Tiffany Huebner (who founded A Rotta Love in 1997 before going on to start the highly successful training school Dogue Style & Dogue Spot) gladly stepped in to teach four high school classes with the help of her dogs Mabel (French Bulldog), Kilo (Rottweiler), and Sally (pit bull and former bust dog).

Tiffany presented to the students a history of her life in animal rescue and training, general tips about dog behavior, and facts about the Rottweiler and pit bull breeds.  Along the way, Tiffany also set the record straight on a few myths that many hold about Rottweilers, pit bulls, and dogs in general:

Pit bulls and Rottweilers were bred to be guard dogs. On the contrary, pit bulls were originally bred to hunt wild boars, and Rottweilers were bred to be herding dogs.  Pit bulls and Rottweilers “make the worst guard dogs ever” due to their affectionate manner toward humans, she told the students.  Tiffany reminded the class that these breeds are happiest when given a “job” to do and are not meant to lead low-activity lives.  She encouraged the students to get their dogs — regardless of the breed — involved in obedience, agility, and other classes to engage the dogs both physically and mentally.

Don’t play tug of war with your dog; it will encourage its prey drive. Not true, Tiffany told the class; in fact, tug of war is a great game to play with your dog.  Not only does it encourage them to pay attention to you by facing your direction while playing (as opposed to running away from you, as in fetch), but it teaches them how to use their mouths correctly so that their teeth can learn the all-important distinction between toys and hands.

You should never discipline your dog. Tiffany asserted that instead, a combination of consistent praise and fair correction are needed for a balanced, well-behaved dog.  As she states on the Dogue Spot website, “Leaders are fun, fair, provide direction and with that direction comes reinforcement and correction.  Bad behaviors are corrected and good behaviors are rewarded.  Just like we have rules, dogs must have rules too.”

Tiffany’s engaging speaking style (along with her dogs’ playful antics) captivated the students’ attention, who left their classroom that day armed with the knowledge of how to be a strong and fair leader to their dogs, and with a new image of the breeds served by ARLP.

Filed under: Education | 2 Comments »

Blog post written by ARLP volunteer Laura M.

When I was in second grade, my parents decided I could get a pet of my very own. I don’t know who chose a parakeet, but once we settled on a species, there was still a lot of work to be done. We bought books, researched on the internet, and spoke to breeders and owners. We carefully picked out an enormous cage, proper food and perches and a well-recommended vet, all before picking up my new buddy. Of course, once Fred came home with us, there was still more work to be done. I spent hours taming and training him with my parents’ encouragement. His meager vet bills came out of my meager allowance. As a result, there were few surprises for us as new parakeet owners, and Fred turned into a lovely, sweet companion. Unfortunately, not every child has parents who go to such depths to ensure responsible pet ownership in their children. These children eventually grow up, sometimes they become pet owners, sometimes they become law makers, and always they are at least exposed to other people’s pets. How they react to the animals around them depends largely on the experiences they’ve had. To put it in cliché terms, people fear what they do not understand. It’s a mantra responsible pit bull and rottweiler owners have a personal stake in.

A large part of what A Rotta Love Plus does is education. Knowing first hand the value of such an education – and what happens when it isn’t there – I became a volunteer for ARLP’s education program. “What is this?” you ask (right after gosh, woman, don’t you ever sleep?). The majority of ARLP’s educational programs revolve around dog bite awareness and prevention. The CDC estimates that there are about 4.7 million dog bites per year. About half of the victims of dog bites are children, usually between the ages of five to nine years old. ARLP believes that the best way to prevent dog bites is through education, and in the spirit of learning, we have developed a program to teach children the “dos and don’ts of dog safety.” Included in the program is what to do if approached by a stray dog, how to greet a dog, and a little on proper dog care. As a bonus, the kids get to try out their new skills and knowledge on real live dogs! ARLP volunteers bring along their Canine Good Citizen certified dogs so that children can see these “dangerous breeds” up close and personal – and hopefully, they can come to love them as we do.

ARLP brings the dogs to a variety of locations for the dog bite prevention program. Usually we go into schools, but we’ll go anywhere we’re welcome. One of my most memorable events was at the Cottage Grove Safety Camp last year. Aimee, Jerry, and I (and Piper Ann and Missy) spent all morning teaching eight to eleven year old’s the basics of dog safety. The camp location about two miles from my house and on the route I normally take for our daily walks. While walked the dogs the day after we presented, I was ambushed by a pack of about forty school-aged children! I’ll tell you what, though – every single one of the kids remembered to ask if they could pet the dogs, where to pet them, and what Piper Ann’s name was. It was incredible to have first-hand evidence of the impact we were making on the future.

One of the aspects I love about the program is it’s versatility. When a group requests certain information, we try our hardest to deliver. This spring, ARLP will be finishing up a year-long program with Barack and Michelle Obama Service Learning Elementary School, where we’ve cover topics from bite prevention to training to dog fighting to empathy and compassion. Over the winter, Lara, Rachel, and I (and Jana and Maus) spoke to the leadership at Chuck and Don’s, a local pet supply store chain, on dog behavior and body language. And lets not forget the informational booth that ARLP sets up at events like the Pet Expo, Minnesota Renaissance Festival, and Gay Pride Festival.

Now, I love showing off my dogs, and I’m convinced of the importance of ARLP’s education program, but I’m not a big fan of teaching. I just don’t like being in front of all those people. But a few months ago, I was asked to teach the program to a group of developmentally disabled adults, and since I have a special place in my heart for people with these issues, I agreed. It was my single, most memorable, and favorite program to date. The group’s buoyant enthusiasm and cheer was delightful, and we – teachers, handlers, students and dogs alike – were having a grand ol’ time. I was wrapping things up, asking the group questions about what they had learned that night.

“What should you do if a strange dog comes up to you?” I asked.

A young woman in the front row raised her hand and waved violently. “I know, I know!”

I called on her.

“You scream and run away -” She stopped and her eyes got big as she thought about what she was saying. The room fell silent.

“You stand still like a TREEEE!!!!!!” She screamed in triumph, and the whole group, all thirty of us, broking into cheers, clapping wildly. Her grin was so bright it could have blinded jet pilots.

There’s a saying that you never really learn something until you’ve taught it, and I’m afraid I’ve learned more in the ARLP education program than I have taught. Some of my new knowledge is practical. For example, I now know to always bring a drool rag and carpet cleaner when I take Piper Ann to events. I also know to watch pit bulls very carefully at the Science Museum because fossilized dinosaur bones look an awfully lot like the Best Dog Treat Ever, and they’re really hard to sneak out the door with. I know that people can’t be blamed for ignorance if there is no one willing to teach them. And I know that the moment of understanding, when the light of understanding comes into a person’s eyes and their eyes have been opened to a new idea  – there is nothing quite as wonderful as that. It is the moment when all things are changed, and the future is made better for dogs and the people who love them.

Filed under: Education | 1 Comment »

We love our dogs. I mean we LOVE our dogs.

ARLP makes a commitment to each and every one of them the moment we take them into our program. It is just what we do.

It is never our intention to hurt or anger people when we turn down their application for adoption. But inevitably it happens. You find yourself feeling like a politician, “How can I spin this to be a win win?”. Sometimes everything looks great on paper and in email but when the initial meeting takes place you get this nagging sensation in your belly. You look at the foster parent and ask with your eyes, “Are you feeling what I am feeling?”.

When you have done rescue long enough you just start to “know” things. Because cycles, in their infinite journey to stay on track and continually complete themselves, repeat themselves over and over and over again. So you see the potential for this or for that because you have seen it before.

So you suss out each potential adopter. Do they SEE the dog? I mean really SEE the dog. Sometimes excitement clouds reality. We get it. Totally.

Is this particular pit bull (or Rottie) the best fit for their household? If not but we like the applicant we will suggest another dog in our program.

If the potential adopter currently has a dog we look at that dog. A resident dog is a pretty good indication of what kind of canine human dynamic is at play. We look at their house, their yard, and meet their family. We stalk them on the internet. We are dedicated, and yes probably a little crazy.

Bully or Rottweiler experience is not a must but a willingness to learn and do your part for the breed is. See, ARLP is more than a rescue, we want to change the reality that is currently at large with regard to pit bulls (and the Rotties) not just place dogs. We don’t move ‘em in to move ‘em out, if you know what I mean.

We know that all hearts are in the right place. The trouble is that ever since some light was shed upon the abuses these dogs have faced and the press has gotten their hands on them, pit bulls and their glorious little faces have been thrust “out there”. That is great, DO NOT GET ME WRONG. We need more advocates for this breed! We need the public’s perception of them to change. We need them to be given a chance to prove the BS wrong.

BUT, (yes but), feeling sorry for the breed is not a good enough reason to bring one into your home. Anytime an individual is thinking about bringing a dog into their life they should do their research and find the breed that suits not only their personality but their lifestyle. Pit bulls are not for everyone. Of course neither are Rottweilers, Cocker Spaniels or Border Collies.

To be a great bully owner (or owner of any dog for that matter) you need to train your dog OUTSIDE OF YOUR HOME. I can’t stress enough that a dog whose training has occurred only in the home environment will not automatically transfer that behavior outside of the home. Imagine being stuck in your home zone basically 247 and then, suddenly, you are at Pet’ smart or the park. Can you say PARTY people? And some, from what I have seen, party hard.

We get push back from people looking to adopt from us on our training requirement. So we listened. Hmmm, we wondered, how can we make this easier, how can we make it more attractive? So we developed a training program we could offer free to our adopters for the life of their dog. A fantastic deal! We also bend over backwards to support our adopters post adoption. We want to set everyone up for success. If a placement does not work out we want our dog back. As I said we have made a commitment to that dog and that does not end when they have been adopted.

You foster for ARLP you get the same commitment to training and support an adopter does. We want your foster to be the best and most adoptable dog that they can be.

Ok, so our application is a little long. Well – so is the duration of this commitment you are about to make. The time you will need to invest in this new sentient being you are bringing into your home. The process is cumbersome? Well, perhaps it is but imagine the time and energy we as volunteers, each having our own full time jobs and personal dogs, spend adhering to our processes for each dog that moves through our rescue. If we are willing to make the investment we do into your potential dog shouldn’t you?

We have an entire breed’s well being at stake and we take that a little seriously.

So if we seem to put people through their paces we want them to understand. We are every bit as excited about the possibility of placing one of our dogs into their “always to be” home, we just made a very big promise the day we led a certain someone out of animal control. It’s a promise we just can’t bear to break.

No, we never mean to hurt feelings or make people angry but it happens and frankly it sucks. Yet at the end of the day when we look into our dogs’ faces the stress of turning people away dissolves. After all they are the reason we are even here in the first place and we do know what is best for them even if it means waiting just a little bit longer for not just a home but the best home.

Copper (pictured above with the lovely Rachel) loves to cuddle in his down time. Copper is available for adoption.

Filed under: ARLP Updates, Observations & Reflection | 5 Comments »

Pearls have been a source of fascination for centuries. They have been considered the most magical and feminine of all gems and are the only one created by a living organism. Pearls emanate a certain warmth and glow not found in other gems, due to their unique beginnings.

First and foremost, Pearla’s story is a success story. One in which a severely ill dog beat amazing odds to survive.

Pearla was found discarded, emaciated, wounded and starving. But this little dog wanted nothing more than to survive. By sheer strength of will and the endearing fabric of her personality, Pearla forever changed the strangers she encountered. Together they joined in her fight to not only overcome her health issues but to enable her to become an ambassador for her breed.

Here is her story.

Last October (2009) an unsuspecting man found a severely malnourished and banged up pit bull in St. Paul’s Frogtown, a part of town not known for its kindness to her breed.  Heavy frost already blanketed the Twin Cities and the nightly temperatures were dipping into the high 20’s to low 40′s overnight. Her emaciated frame bore swollen and bleeding puncture wounds about her head and neck. Not able to walk on by, Pearla’s  Good Samaritan brought her to an emergency veterinary clinic to have her wounds cleaned and stitched.

The person who found Pearla, while compelled to spend the money to stabilize and make her comfortable, was not in a position to keep her. However, he had a friend. As luck would have it the friend happened to be a veterinarian.

Pearla weighed a mere 32 pounds when she made it to Carver Lake Veterinary Center. That was a full 4 days after being found! Her first stool while in the care of the animal hospital contained a shoe lace-possible evidence that Pearla had been scavenging for anything she could eat to fend off starvation.

Pearla spent the next four months at CLVC, gaining weight, battling ringworm, fighting infections, and regenerating her coat. She also got to go home with Dr. Hunter for sleep overs. She really liked those a lot.

On Feb. 4, 2010, her first negative culture for ringworm came back, and the decision was made for Pearla to move out of the clinic, and into a home. A Rotta Love Plus (ARLP) was contacted and upon our meeting Pearla the decision was quickly made that she was an ideal candidate for our rescue program.

With her body on the mend, she went into foster care on February 13^th. So loved was she by her veterinarian caregiver that accompanying her to her new foster home were three sweaters, two t-shirts, a fleece lined reflective coat, indoor bootie socks, and well-used outdoor booties (protection against MN winter snow and ice). She weighed 49lbs.

Pearla’s weight transition is the equivalent of a healthy 180lb human, weighing 117lbs.

In foster care, it was time for Pearla to explore the world as a pet, instead of a scavenger or clinic mascot.  Daily walks were hard on her tender feet, but great stimulation for her active little mind. Pearla learned basic leash manners, and started Level One Obedience classes. She learned to potty outside.

It is with great pride that I share Pearla is both a Canine Good Citizen and a certified therapy dog with Therapy Dogs International. All accomplished in just the 2.5 months she has been in foster care.

Pearla’s health is still a balancing act. We are all at a loss for her continuing skin problems and intense itching. But she has come so far, overcome some pretty meager odds, and taught us all at ARLP that life is to be cherished and enjoyed to the fullest.

We will do our best to send her out into the world just as physically healthy and vibrant as the impression she has left on all of our hearts.

Special thanks to a very special foster, Paige. What a wonderful gift you have given us in Pearla.

Filed under: Foster Updates | 4 Comments »

Leadership Basics

A simple guide to regaining your dog’s respect in pleasant, non-confrontational ways

by Suzanne Clothier

There are three basic aspects to leadership:

- Control of or undisputed access to resources

- Proactive intervention

- Ability to control, direct or inhibit the behavior of others

Behaving like a leader means that you must demonstrate – to the dog’s satisfaction! – that your behavior is that of a higher status animal. Each dog will have different criteria for what constitutes adequate leadership skills on your part. And his expectations may change considerably as he grows & matures, requiring that you also make shifts in your approach.

Directing, Controlling & Inhibiting Behavior

From the dog’s perspective, only someone they respect has the right to control, direct or inhibit another dog’s behavior. Turned around the other way, this means that if you can’t control, direct or inhibit your dog’s behavior (especially at critical or highly exciting times), your dog is making it quite clear that he does not consider you higher status – in other words, he doesn’t respect you, a clear sign that your leadership is inadequate for that dog (though it may be quite adequate for another dog with a different personality.)

Your dog will grant you precisely the respect you have earned. No more, no less. And he will adjust that constantly. If you begin to act in sloppy ways, he’ll downgrade the respect. Clean up your act, and he’ll respond accordingly. You are not voted leader for life in the world of dogs – you earn the dog’s respect daily.

The more intelligent, confident and ambitious the dog, the more likely he is to quickly notice tiny shifts in your behavior on any given day, and to test you and the rules regularly. This is why when changes occur in our lives, which result in changes in our behavior (as simple as being rushed for time to moving, changing jobs, or other bigger life shifts) prompt new behavior from the dog – he’s testing to see what the changes mean for him.

Basic training is important to help the dog understand that you can control and direct his behavior, something you will also be teaching him through your resource control actions. But you must earn the respect and the right to control the dog’s behavior. If you do not have control of the dog in non-stressful times – like meals or playing ball or even walking (pulling?) down the street – I guarantee you he’s not going to listen to you when something he thinks important happens (like a cat dashing across your path or a jogger going by or another dog appearing on the street, the person at the door, etc.)

Practice self-control with your dog frequently, as well as basic obedience in every place you can think of, and with you in every possible position. Act like a leader, earn the respect!

Proactive Intervention

Good leaders are watchful, protective and quick to act to defend. When you are with your dog, really be with him, and watching his responses to the world around him. Plan ahead how you will handle situations you know may be troublesome. Be someone he can rely on no matter what. If it helps, think of him as a guest at a party or family gathering who is unsure of what may be the polite or appropriate thing to say or do. If you were helping such a guest, how would you do this? By paying close attention, anticipating situations where help may be needed, and avoiding those situations that he couldn’t handle.

How do you know if your leadership is adequate for any given dog?

If you can control or have access to ANY resource without the dog challenging your right to it AND the dog allows you to control, direct or inhibit his behavior in highly exciting or critical moments (quiet times with just you & the dog do NOT count; controlling the dog when a cat dashes past or someone knocks on the door or when guests comes DO count) AND Your dog trusts that you will step in if necessary to protect him from other dogs or people, and is willing to defer to you on these occasions.

If there are weak points in any of these areas, you may need to make some changes in your leadership style.

One easy, non-confrontational way to gain your dog’s respect is through resource control.

Regaining Resource Control

What Matters To Your Dog? Make a written list of the top 5-10 resources for your dog. This may be food, treats, toys, attention, play, special resting places, walks, car rides, etc. Hopefully you are on the list! Don’t waste your time or the dog’s by trying to control resources that don’t mean much to the dog.

What Can You Ask From Your Dog? Make a list of EVERY behavior your dog knows – whether formal commands or tricks. From this list, you will draw your “request” of one or more behaviors which must be completed promptly, on one quiet command and executed exactly before you will provide the resource. For access to any resource, insist that your dog “give” you something before you provide the resource.

A sit or down is a basic starting point; however, as the dog’s skills allow, make the dog work harder. Put 2 or 3 behaviors together; do not be predictable! Too many folks stay with a simple sit or down, never progressing to much more demanding requests as the dog’s skills allow. Remember how your mom got all excited when you were finally able to write your name? Well, it’s good to remember that these days folks take that for granted and expect much more from you. Asking a truly intelligent dog to merely sit is like asking Bill Gates for $100 – it’s not exactly requiring him to give something meaningful.

Making the request meaningful relative to the dog’s skills will sharpen him up – he must really concentrate and pay attention to you. Ask for any and all skills the dog has, and all the tricks he knows, and mix them up in an unexpected order.

The goal is the dog’s complete attentive cooperation, not a habituated response that requires no thought from the dog.

No Grading on the Curve. Set your baseline for acceptable responses and hold tight. If you want the dog to sit within 2 seconds, then accept NO responses that are slower. Being consistent is an important part of leadership. Smart dogs will push you hard to see if you’ll accept less or slower responses – that’s what got you both into this situation in the first place!

Consistency Counts! Be relentless. Your dog views you as his leader 24 hours a day. He cannot and will not understand your annoying boss, your in-law problems or your IRS woes as the reasons for your inconsistency.

He believes what you say – every time!

Too Bad If the dog offers a wrong or slow response, you can repeat the command, try again, or even gently remind/help him, you can offer verbal praise & encouragement BUT do not provide the desired resource till he gets it absolutely right. If the dog blows you off, quietly turn away and make the resource unavailable.

This may mean putting the food bowl in the refrigerator and walking away for a few minutes before nicely asking again. It may mean walking away from the door you would have opened if the dog had played by the rules. It may mean ending the game of fetch. Try again in a few minutes to see if the dog is more willing to cooperate, but be sure YOU are the one who chooses to start again, not the dog pushing you to it.

Stay Cool No need to be harsh, angry or confrontational. Simply draw a direct line from the dog’s behavior to the consequence – “if you do this, this happens.” For example, you ask the dog to lie down before throwing his ball, and he refuses. Oh well – game is over; you pocket the ball and walk away for a bit (maybe just 5-15 seconds; maybe much longer; all depends on the situation and the dog’s behavior.) Take home message for the dog: “If you do not cooperate, I don’t play.”

Earn Your Oscar! When necessary, be dramatic in your responses – acting shocked or deeply disappointed with the wrong response from the dog, sweetly encouraging if he’s almost right, and dramatic in your withdrawal should he really blow it. Often, handlers offer such “mushy” information that the dog has a hard time telling the difference between what’s right and what’s wrong. Harsh or angry is not necessary; but clearly delighted or disappointed can help the dog figure things out.

Educate The Dog The more your dog knows, the more ways he has to cooperate with you. Polish up his current skills, and keep adding new ones; more & more tricks, for example, gives your dog more ways to be right and earn what he wants. Training is communication, and communication is critical to healthy relationships. Besides, it’s just plain fun!

Filed under: Training & Behavior | No Comments »

Foster Mamma Paige and her Charge, Pearla.

Whoever is lucky enough to adopt Pearla will not only get Pearla they will get Pearl a la CGC. Super star foster mom Paige and Pearla have been working really hard on getting that most coveted CGC and tonight it all paid off.

Congratulations to the both of you! I think someone is gonna get some extra long Jolly Ball fun.

Filed under: Foster Updates | 6 Comments »

Blog post by Josie’s mamma Sara N.

Josie will be tested for her Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification tonight.  For those of you unfamiliar with the CGC certification, it is basically designed to tell the world that your dog will consistently display basic good-doggy manners while faced with various distractions.

For Jo, the CGC is a stepping stone to achieving the Therapy Dogs International (TDI) certification, which will allow her to participate in various aspects of the thriving ARLP Education Program.  It is also just one more stop on her journey from former Iowa bust dog to Therapy Dog and Pit Bull Ambassadog Extraordinaire.  This is what I believe she was born for; as ARLP president Rachel once said, Josie is “love, tenderness, and compassion personified in the fur.”

However, before she can fulfill this destiny, she – along with her dedicated but novice and slightly neurotic owner, yours truly – will have to pass the test.  And I am nervous.

Conversing with a close friend about the upcoming assessment, I rambled on anxiously about the steps of the test, explaining that while most aspects would be a piece of cake for her, others might pose a challenge (e.g., her tendency to express heartfelt enthusiasm toward approaching strangers, or as Josie calls them, “new BFFs,” in lieu of following my instructions).  As any good friend would, she listened patiently as my imagination ran wild about my potential to be an utter failure as the guardian of this very special dog.  And, as any good friend would, she reassured me.  “Don’t be nervous,” she said, kindly.  “If she doesn’t pass this time, there will be other chances.  It’s just a test!”

Despite her gentle (not to mention admittedly accurate) reassurances, in that moment, “just a test” sounded a bit like the famous poem, “Just a Dog:” “If you, too, think it’s ‘just a dog,’ then you probably understand phrases like ‘just a friend,’ ‘just a sunrise,’ or ‘just a promise.’”

Similarly, to me, tonight’s “just a test” is “just a responsibility” that I have to the lovely Josie, who underwent so much suffering at the hands of her previous owners before being handed the lucky ticket out of that world by her Iowa and Minnesota rescuers.

It is “just evidence” to the world that a dog born with the literally deadly combination of bad breed reputation and bust-dog upbringing can be an extraordinary gift to, rather than a burden on, the community.

It is “just gratitude” to everyone who had a hand in Josie’s bright future before I even met her – the Iowa shelter workers and ARLP volunteers and donors whose countless hours, dollars, compassion, and patience brought this amazing companion into my home.  And it is “just respect” for the tears they shed over the many other dogs that they tried to, but ultimately could not, save in the same way.

Finally, it is “just an indication” that I am doing my part, however small, to make sure their efforts will not go to waste.

Josie, of course, has no idea what the meaning of tonight’s test is, aside from another opportunity to prance around in front of a throng of people, ears stacked proudly on top of her head like a crown.  As for me?  I can’t help but feel that it means something more.

Update: Josie did not pass this round but she’ll be re-testing on the 19th and trying her hand at the TDI test at the end of the month.

She wants to know when the official “look cute and investigate all interesting surroundings” test is. She says she totally would have passed that one.

Anyone?

Filed under: ARLP Updates, Observations & Reflection, Training & Behavior, Uncategorized | 2 Comments »

Artwork by Abby Cline

Deviant Art is a benefit art show for A Rotta Love Plus.

Over twenty artists, vendors, youth and adult groups’ artwork!

Meet some ARLP program dogs, current and past, including Josie, Pearla, Jana and Mo-Bits.

Mingle with ARLP volunteers and dog lovers, experience the artwork, make your mark with the community mural, sample the food, and support ARLP!

Free to attend

WHERE:
Northrup King Building Gallery 332
1500 Jackson Street NE, Mpls., MN 55413
Map

WHEN:
Saturday, April 10, 2010
3:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Filed under: ARLP Updates, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Hey All. Its me, Zoza. I thought I would give ya’ll an update on my situation. Well, a while back I posted about needing a forever home. Good news, my blog post obviously reached the right people cuz I have been adopted!!

Funny story.

My foster momma helped me to post my plight and get the word out I was looking for my forever family. And we waited and we waited and I tried to be patient… Well one day, my foster momma asked my foster dad, “what if?” I pretended not to be listening and feigned disinterest. On their little conversation went.

Foster momma said, “what if Zoza was adopted? Could we live with that?”

Whoa lady, back up that horse- was my response, what did she want, me to be in limbo for the rest of my life? To always be a foster and never have a forever family? Now that didn’t sound fair. But I sat and listened as they continued to discuss something called pros and cons. Then they talked about the f word. The f word? Whatever that is.

Anyways, this conversation started happening about once a week. Then my two legged foster sister showed up and we played and snuggled. One day she told my foster momma that “Zoza is my dog!” Then the f word got talked about every day. The pros, the cons, blah blah blah. Foster momma talked into her little crazy machine that rings- that’s where her sister lives – and they talked and talked-all the time. Did I mention she likes to talk? Well on this continued.

Then one night, while we were all sitting on the couch relaxing she told me. She told me that I wouldn’t have to look for a forever home anymore- that I was going to be adopted! Now I was excited, this was big, BIG news. But I was a little sad, you see, I really love my foster family, they do fun things with me. Training, walks, fetch (or as I like to call it, throw the ball and chase), snuggles and Foster Momma even makes me homemade puppy treats. I snuggled in close to her as she talked to me and my foster daddy and she said that she would be my Momma and I wouldn’t have to call her foster momma anymore. Cuz they failed and I would be with them forever. WHATEVER! How could keeping me forever possibly be a fail? Silly Momma.

Obviously my blog made my Momma start asking herself, as she says, the hard questions. She says that she could not imagine not having me in her life- yeah, I have that affect on people. She said that I fit in and that I am not only awesome with my two legged sister, but great and gentle and everything they could ask for. So to all you peeps out there wondering, I found my forever home. Lara even came out to make it official and Momma ordered me a new collar and I get a license. How cool is that? It feels real nice to be adopted. So for all you pups out there waiting. Be patient, cuz its worth the wait- promise and once you are in your forever home, man is that a sweet feeling.

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