tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73535493870509482512024-03-13T14:00:59.825-07:00TouchNPawsThis blog is mostly for me....to record my journey to become a Tellington TTouch Practitioner. A place to remember the animals that are my teachers and the "PICs" (Profound Inter-Species Connections) I have with them.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger133125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7353549387050948251.post-31177298790876148172012-06-23T15:00:00.001-07:002012-06-23T15:01:28.180-07:00It has been well over a year since I have posted on the blog! Although I don't post on the blog does not mean that I'm not out there working with the animals. I'm not comfortable blogging about clients and this really was a way for me to journal about my TTouch Training.<br />
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Things have been very busy. Not only did I certify in Tellington TTouch last Summer but I have gone on to build my business and even have a division of my "hands on" work that does custom blending of Essential Oils, called MakeNscents!<br />
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So now TouchNpaws' focus is working with animals with physical needs. I see clients that are recouping from illness, injury or surgery. I still love working with the seniors and geriatric dogs and hospice situations too.<br />
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TouchNpaws now offers what I call "Touch Modalities"<br />
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<li>Tellington TTouch</li>
<li>Therapeutic Massage</li>
<li>Rehabilitative Massage</li>
<li>Reiki</li>
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Please consider joining my Facebook Page at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/TNPandMNS">TouchNpaws on Facebook - Click Here</a> You will be able to keep up with all the stories about the shelter dogs there. Be sure to click "Like" so I know you are there with me.<br />
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Here is a quick story from a shelter dog I worked with that explains how I use the 3 modalities together to benefit the dog:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8T0LnL-PL-Q/T-Y7oGLgbAI/AAAAAAAAVcM/Xu-ByRpdfV8/s1600/Annice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8T0LnL-PL-Q/T-Y7oGLgbAI/AAAAAAAAVcM/Xu-ByRpdfV8/s320/Annice.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Let me tell you about my time with Annice and what I learned about her.<br />
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First let me say she is a big 'ol love bug and would make the BEST lap dog for a quiet <span class="text_exposed_show">household.
We don't know her past story and really, what does it matter? What we
do know is she loves people and loves being touched. She is also very
cautious of things and very concerned about new things.<br /> <br /> Walking
her into the building after morning kennel cleanings can be quite a
time consuming event. She takes gentle encouragement to move a few
steps. Then something concerns her and she hesitates. Today I was
walking along with her and her handler when Annice saw a parked van that
made her stop. In a very happy voice I went to the van and patted it.
I said, "Oh this? This isn't scary." Annice came prancing over to
check it out. Good girl.<br /> <br /> Later she stopped again and I put a
Thundershirt on her to see if it would make a difference. Never know
until you try. Well, after a minute or two she still didn't come and it
was hot to I took it off. The interesting thing was she walked the
rest of the way back without stopping! Was it the Thundershirt? Not
sure. I asked her handler to experiment with it this week and see.<br /> <br />
The next hour I spent with Annice in her kennel. Here is another
reason I love the modalities I've chosen to use. Annice has some old
scars and some not so old boo boos. She also has trust and some
concerns. And then there is that whole stress thing that happens in a
shelter even on great days!<br /> <br /> For Annice I used TTouch initially
to gain her trust and capture a bit of a bond with her. Built on that
and used massage techniques to make sure her scars are mobile and not
affixed to underlying tissues that may cause her pain later or impede
facial expression. Then we did more TTouch to make her feel good and
address the fear stored at the cellular level. Finally a lot of Reiki
for her to use how she sees fit.<br /> <br /> Wonderful morning at the shelter!</span> <br />
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Each week I hold a distance Reiki session that anyone can join but the dogs of Escondido Humane Society are always included at no charge. Annice will be included in the group until she finds her new home.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7353549387050948251.post-21113781488180890502011-02-26T09:09:00.000-08:002011-02-28T07:53:46.249-08:00Tellington TTouch GraduationMarch 2009 I embarked on my journey to become a Tellington TTouch Companion Animal Practitioner.<br />
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I created this blog to help me remember all the important moments along the way. Looking back through the posts I'm filled with so many emotions. Remembering each and every one of the Animal Teachers that have touched my life and helped me learn to help them brings me smiles and tears.<br />
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Some of these teachers have crossed the Rainbow Bridge but not without leaving a tremendous impact on my life. I thank them all.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shelter Sam - Rainbow Bridge</td></tr>
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One of the really important things I wanted to happen before my graduation was to get Marley into a training session so I could get some ideas for his dog reactivity. The only way for that to happen was to host a session here in San Diego. We did that in a big way. Our class here was huge! We had a great mix of junior and senior students. <br />
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I was blessed to have Kathy Cascade, who taught my first classes, as my final instructor. My mentor, Cynde Van Vleet, was here to assist the class and I learned so very much. Marley was a wonderful student hanging on her every word.<br />
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February 24, 2011 I completed my formal training! I have reached my goal and am now a fully certified Practitioner.<br />
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Because I will be focusing on building my business, TouchNpaws - studying Aromatherapy and concentrating my shelter work on a group of dogs we are not allowed to discuss in public arenas, it is time to give my blog a rest.<br />
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Looking at the statistical data that has been captured every time someone clicks on my page I'm tremendously humbled. There have been well over 4,000 unique visitors. I have had readers from all over the United States and Canada. People from the UK and all over Europe, Italy, South Africa, Russia, India, Portugal, Netherlands, Greece, Australia, Belgium, Latvia, Korea, New Zealand, Indonesia - and these countries only include the latest 500 hits to the blog! How you lovely people heard of me I have no idea but I'm amazed that so many have been interested in my learning process.<br />
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I hope some of these animals have left their paw print on your heart.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7353549387050948251.post-64495888379889417372011-02-04T08:28:00.000-08:002011-02-04T08:28:15.894-08:00Super quiet on the blog!I have been asked by a few why things have been so quiet on the blog lately.<br />
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Well the truth of the matter is that I'm not supposed to share information about the dogs I work with at the shelter that have not yet passed their behavior tests. They can't be talked about until they are in adoptions. By the time they are in adoptions I'm working with new dogs that haven't yet made it.<br />
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Still working on the logistics of how best to share the wonderful work Tellington TTouch is doing to change the lives of these dogs without breaking the rules. :-) We'll figure it out.<br />
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In the meantime I'd like to share a few pics and notes about some of the dogs that have gone to adoptions.<br />
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This little girl's picture at intake shows a terrified and cowering little one not sure of where she was and what was happening to her. Just look at her now!<br />
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This is John Wayne, aptly named because he is slightly bow legged. Kinda makes me think he may be mixed with an English Bulldog. John Wayne is currently up for adoption at the shelter. He is a very loving boy that consideres himself a lap ornament. :-)<br />
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</div><div align="left">This little girl was truly scared to death until I put her in a Thundershirt and did a few TTouches on her. After that she saught out attention and cuddling.</div><div align="left"><br />
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</div><div align="left">Holy Smokes! Have you ever seen a happier smile than Java has?</div><div align="left"><br />
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</div><div align="left">Finally, meet Dallas. She is about 7 years old and as gentle as a lamb.</div><div align="left"><br />
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</div><div align="left">Did you know that finding dogs as wonderful as these at the shelter is not uncommon at all? I really hope you and your friends will consider checking you local shelter for your next best friend.</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">These dogs really deserve to find their Happily Ever After.</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">Oh by the way, I started this blog to track my journey to becoming a Tellington TTouch Practioner. Well guess what! That journey will be complete in just 20 days! On February 24, 2010 I'll be graduating!! (Can you see me doing my Happy Dance?)</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7353549387050948251.post-51258248861784783852011-01-08T19:25:00.000-08:002011-01-08T19:25:51.139-08:00Updates!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TSkpuoycq_I/AAAAAAAAUwY/1Fkue3IuXq4/s1600/DSC_7139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TSkpuoycq_I/AAAAAAAAUwY/1Fkue3IuXq4/s320/DSC_7139.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><br />
Remember Aurora? She is doing really well and is making small improvements all the time. She still spins but not nearly as bad and is quite capable of walking straight to get a toy or to chase a ball. Problem is if she isn't focused on something she puts her head down and spins. Today I put a head wrap on her and the change was a bit more than remarkable. Not only does she look adorable in her little had but she held her head up and ran and played without spinning. <br />
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We are continuing to try lots of different options to get her to walk straight on a lead. But off lead with a head wrap she's pretty much got it!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TSkoLnpRj4I/AAAAAAAAUwQ/b5pehWTnhcE/s1600/Beep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TSkoLnpRj4I/AAAAAAAAUwQ/b5pehWTnhcE/s320/Beep.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Filipe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Felipe the beautiful blind Boxer boy made it to adoptions! But his stay there was very short. He wasn't adopted but the next best thing. Felipe made it into a rescue specifically for Boxer dogs! Not only that but when I arrived at the shelter today I saw the gentleman that was coordinating his transfer to a foster home in Los Angeles and we had a chance to chat. Seems Felipe will be fostered by an older couple that are home a lot of the time. They have Boxer experience but not blind Boxer experience. As we chatted I shared how well he reacted to my "Beep-Beep" technique. This info will be passed on to his new foster home.<br />
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Also remember the little Puggle that was abandoned in a cardboard box? Well his new name is Rascal and he is available for adoption! <br />
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All good stuff.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7353549387050948251.post-83848200517334146502011-01-02T18:04:00.000-08:002011-01-02T18:09:19.374-08:00Happy New Year!What a great way to start off my New Year! Meeting my friend Eli at the shelter and working with the dogs.<br />
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Quick update on Neo - he is a complete LOVE and was very excited to see me today. To tell the truth I was quite excited to see him too. He should get his behavior testing this week and hopefully a spot will clear for him to go into adoptions!<br />
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A quick note about Elmer - Turns out I didn't get to work with Elmer today. The Kennel Staff was in the middle of cleaning out their kennels and he wasn't where I could get him out. Next week I will be going later in the day so that shouldn't be a concern. But the excellent news is that he cuddled with one of the employees this week! He just hung out with her in a relaxed way. Not only that but he is being taken into a local rescue as soon has he is neutered! Yipee for Elmer! <br />
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This beautiful boy doesn't have a name yet - most in the back room don't. I've seen him many times and have given him treats on my walk through. Today I confirmed what I have suspected. He is blind. I don't have a lot of experience with blind dogs but as we walked and he bumped into things I had an idea. If he was walking toward something I would "Beep" like those big trucks do when they back up. It didn't take him long at all to understand that "Bang" soon followed "Beep". We walked all over in the play yard working our way around obstacles using the sound of my voice.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TSEt3IS23eI/AAAAAAAAUvo/8dNu1SHGgxI/s1600/DSC_7110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TSEt3IS23eI/AAAAAAAAUvo/8dNu1SHGgxI/s320/DSC_7110.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>He is a bit on the thin side and needed a serious brushing to bring the shine back to his coat. I used my Jelly Scrubber to remove all the dead hair and he was comfortable with my doing so. He is an easy going boy and accepted touch all over his body. Hopefully a local Boxer Rescue will be interested in this sweet boy.<br />
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Dogs handle stress (and fear is a form of stress) by doing one of the "Four F's"...they "Freeze", "Flee", "Fight" or they "Fool Around". I'm pretty comfortable working with the first three but struggle when I am faced with a Fool Around dog. These dogs are hyperactive, jump and bounce all over the place. Basically they appear to be very happy but they are indeed stressed. Today I worked with a Fool Around dog.<br />
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Meet Leroy! Thankfully Eli had taken Leroy for a walk prior to me working with him. As I watched Eli and Leroy I was impressed with how well Eli could ignore Leroy's foolish behavior. Believe me I was taking notes!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TSEt3RrFpOI/AAAAAAAAUvs/aumWGEYa27g/s1600/DSC_7118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TSEt3RrFpOI/AAAAAAAAUvs/aumWGEYa27g/s320/DSC_7118.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>First thing I did with Leroy was put him in a Thundershirt. He was not excited about the process at all but as soon as it was on he was far better able to focus on me. My entire session with Leroy was done with him in a Balance Leash Plus.<br />
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Between the the Thundershirt and the leash configuration I had a very well behaved dog on my hands! We practiced walking "Let's go", "and wait", and "Look at me". I had Leroy's full attention! When I decided to sit in front of him in a chair he became too excited. Edie-Jane's words of "keep the dog moving" came flooding into my head. As long as we walked and I stopped briefly for TTouches he was calm.<br />
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Leroy walked all the way back to his kennel checking in with me and responding to my queues. He sat nicely while I removed his Thundershirt and lead, gave him a treat and wished him a very happy day.<br />
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I know I say it all the time but certain things just really surprise me when they work so well. You would think I'd be used to it by now. I was really pleased with my session with Leroy. Maybe Leroy will be a turning point for me and I won't avoid the "Fool Around" dogs quite as much. Thank you Leroy! The animals really are our teachers.<br />
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After thought: Today I keep having a certain thought pass through my mind. I keep thinking that <span data-jsid="text">IF every single person that has ever loved an animal of any kind did SOMETHING for another animal this year.....the world would be a far better place.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7353549387050948251.post-73121424411419681942010-12-28T19:05:00.000-08:002010-12-28T19:05:55.438-08:00Elmer's Eyes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TRqenfS9ofI/AAAAAAAAUvQ/AzP3FAlmNGM/s1600/DSC_7088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TRqenfS9ofI/AAAAAAAAUvQ/AzP3FAlmNGM/s320/DSC_7088.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Today I met Elmer. He is a small, frightened dog. Elmer is very different from most of the dogs I work with at the shelter because he is so little....and so shut down. His eyes look like he has given up on life. His big brown eyes are haunted. I don't know what has scared him so badly. Is it the sights, sounds and smells of the shelter? Had something bad happened to him before he ended up here? None of that really matters. When I work with a dog I address them based on what I see in that moment. Right now I see a sweet, terrified little guy that wants to remain unnoticed.<br />
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Elmer shares his kennel with 3 other small dogs. When I first saw him he was cowering in the back while the other dogs came to the front to see if I had treats for them. Upon entering the kennel the 3 other dogs all rushed to check me out and Elmer looked like he hoped I wouldn't see him. I lifted him up so I could take him outside and he had a very strong urine smell and was trembling.<br />
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Not wanting to violate his personal space I put him down at my first opportunity and clipped the lead to his collar. He froze. When a dog is this frightened there is no treat in the world that is tempting enough. He left me little choice but to apologize and scoop him up again.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TRqeofLMbXI/AAAAAAAAUvY/uDInw5s-XH8/s1600/DSC_7091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TRqeofLMbXI/AAAAAAAAUvY/uDInw5s-XH8/s200/DSC_7091.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>When I got him out to the play yard I unclipped the lead and he could not get far enough away from me. His objective was to hide. Giving him plenty of time to observe me I spread out towels on the ground, sprinkled them liberally with treats and rummaged through my backpack. Elmer was plastered against the fence on the opposite side of the yard. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TRqenz-dvBI/AAAAAAAAUvU/Gdc-4PLG7gM/s1600/DSC_7088_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TRqenz-dvBI/AAAAAAAAUvU/Gdc-4PLG7gM/s320/DSC_7088_3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Finally I approached Elmer and put an Extra Small Thundershirt on his shaking body.<br />
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I carried Elmer back over to the blanket and I sat behind him doing some very gentle TTouches. His little body relaxed a bit as I worked on his tiny ears. This lasted about 3 minutes and I let him go.<br />
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My hope was that he would return to me - but he didn't.<br />
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Not wanting to overwhelm Elmer I decided he had enough for one day and I removed his Thundershirt and sat him down. <br />
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He ran away from me and nervously ran back and forth just outside my reach. He would watch me as he ran past. I gave him no reaction other than to calmly tell him he is such a good boy and deserving of love.<br />
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Finally I packed things up to go and Elmer came over to the fence where I was and started pawing at it. He was about 4 feet from me so I squatted down with my back against the fence and I reached out for him. Elmer didn't run and even took a single step toward me. I scooped Elmer up on my lap and held him against my chest as I talked to him and did more gentle touches on him until the trembling stopped.<br />
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Was it my imagination? At the very end I could swear I felt Elmer's body relax....ever so slightly.<br />
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The interesting thing about TTouch is that you don't always see improvement during the session. Take Neo for example. The first night I worked with him I thought I'd seen a very tiny bit of improvement, but the next day I was greeted by a completely different dog! I'm hoping that when I see Elmer next he will be far more relaxed.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7353549387050948251.post-89120369514256357692010-12-25T15:24:00.000-08:002010-12-25T15:24:21.130-08:00Merry Christmas from TouchNpaws<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See how softly she takes a treat?</td></tr>
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Most people use the New Year as a time to reflect. I kinda do it at Christmas time. Maybe it is just a good time for me to count my blessings. Working with these wonderful animals is a blessing to me. It makes my heart sing to see the changes Tellington TTouch brings to their lives. Where there was once pain, now it is gone. Where there were mobility challenges the dog now runs and plays like a little puppy. Where a dog would cry out in fear they now appreciate the warmth of human touch.<br />
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This past week has been one of those times I'm extraordinarily happy to be able to share the gift of TTouch with the animals at the shelter.<br />
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Remember Twinkie? She is doing incredible. If ever there was a silly, happy and lovable girl it is twinkie.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She loves her Hedgehog</td></tr>
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A few days ago I was asked to help with an Australian Shepherd that had failed his first behavior test. He is polite, walks nice on a leash and is very good at paying attention. So what was the problem? He cried out in fear when being touched. Poor baby had no acceptance of social handling. But because he won the hearts of those that matter he is being given an opportunity to learn that touch is good. That is where I come in.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Neo in his Thundershirt</td></tr>
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Our first session I saw for myself that he did indeed cry out if you touched anything other than his face, mouth or ears. I used my wand to touch his body and he did not cry. At least I could be confident he wasn't in pain. So I put him in a Thundershirt and used the back of my hand to stroke him. Sometimes he would cry and other times he did not. It was clear that Neo wanted affection, He would move close to me and put his head against my chest or on my lap.<br />
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Feeling that his issues are on an emotional level I was thankful that he readily allowed touch on his muzzle and even let me work on his gums. Emotional issues are closely related to the mouth so I happily stroked his muzzle.<br />
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By the end of the session I could gently put my hand under the Thundershirt and do some touches.<br />
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Next day I saw him again. To my wonderment I was greeted by a totally different boy! Neo allowed me to touch him anywhere I wanted and never cried....not one single time. Over night his brain had an opportunity to process the work we did and he must have decided touch was okay.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fear has melted away and has been replaced by trust.</td></tr>
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I worked with a friend, Eli, from the shelter that day and Eli was able to do anything with Neo that I did. It was not a selective acceptance on his part but a general feeling of trust.<br />
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Either Eli or I will work with him daily as he will be retested in a week or so. I will be honest here that during that first session I was thinking "Hmm, this may be tougher than I thought" but I pushed that thought out of my mind and took Edie-Jane's advice to "Just do the work".<br />
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I certainly do not agree with all aspects of the standardized behavior tests but my agreement is neither here not there - it is what it is. Neo must accept a "Dominance Hug" as part of the test. Today Eli and his wife worked with Neo and Neo accepted a Dominance Hug from his wife! Talk about a wonderful Christmas gift!<br />
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Go Neo!<br />
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This little guy doesn't have a name. I understand they don't name them in the shelter until after they are behavior tested. For now he is a number. In my mind I've named him Eddie. Doesn't he remind you a bit of Eddie Munster?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Puggle-in-a-Box???</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Can you believe that a few days ago this little guy was abandoned in a cardboard box! I'll spare you the vile thoughts that occupy my mind about the type of person that would do this to him. Suffice it to say that he is better off without them.<br />
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When I arrived at the shelter yesterday they were working on integrating him with the 3 other little dogs he would be sharing a kennel with. Yep, enough dogs are "thrown away" on a regular basis that it is necessary for the shelter to house multiple dogs in one kennel. Better that than in a cardboard box - or being completely turned away because there is no room - but this is the reality folks...sad stuff.<br />
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Well a couple of the dogs were being a bit "enthusiastic" with little "Eddie" and he would get scared and growl at them. Well, this wasn't going to work when they were all housed together. I asked someone to get me an Extra Small Thundershirt and I wrapped him up, held him and did some TTouch. The other puppies were taken outside to a play yard and after a bit "Eddie" and I joined them.<br />
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When we joined the other dogs outside I put him down and reassured him as he began to interact with his room mates. The Thundershirt and TTouch helped him withstand the enthusiastic investigation of the other pups and in moments they were off and playing together. As I left the shelter yesterday I stopped by to wish the 4 pups a Merry Christmas and tell them that NEXT Christmas they would all be in a home with their own families. All were happily hanging out together.<br />
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That brings me to my plan for 2011.<br />
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For the past 2 years I have worked with the Adoptable dogs. Now it is time for me to work "in the back" with those that have not yet been tested or those that have failed but have been offered another opportunity, a make up test if you will. I feel what I have to offer will benefit these dogs - dogs like Twinkie and Neo - far more than the adoptables that have many, many volunteers available to help them.<br />
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My goal for 2011 is to help more and more dogs be comfortable in their skin, teach them to trust, and help them pass a behavior test that involves some things that are considered VERY rude in dog language. The test is tough and made far more difficult when they are stressed, frightened and in a foreign environment away from everything they have ever know. I wanna help to level the playing field.<br />
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A side effect from my change in direction is that I'll be writing about the good, the bad and the ugly. I hope to educate people about the wonderful dogs that end up in shelters. To shed a little light on how tough shelter life is and what over population is doing to innocent dogs. That sometimes things are unfair and a dog pays the ultimate price. Maybe one or two people will changes their minds about buying a pet shop puppy or decided to spay or neuter their dog and stop contributing to the problem.<br />
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Please keep Neo in your thoughts and prayers - send him positive energy, Reiki and distance TTouch as he studies for his upcoming test. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7353549387050948251.post-10072802642813161252010-12-21T15:18:00.000-08:002010-12-21T15:24:31.044-08:00Can you help me help them?<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TREz-Cb_ScI/AAAAAAAAUuE/jRdWDTH56vg/s1600/Trooper.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TREz-Cb_ScI/AAAAAAAAUuE/jRdWDTH56vg/s320/Trooper.bmp" width="240" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Did you know that <a href="http://www.escondidohumanesociety.org/">Escondido Humane Society</a> has 617 animals in their care? Some are housed in the shelter and some are in private foster care homes but either way that is a LOT of mouths to feed and needs to care for. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">TouchNpaws will be walking in the Paws In The Park Walk-a-Thon to benefit the wonderful animals of Escondido Humane Society on March 27. This Walk-a-Thon is critical to the shelter’s survival as so much of their daily operating expenses are funded through this walk.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TREz_7t6s7I/AAAAAAAAUuI/D2v8tk-wQic/s1600/untitled.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TREz_7t6s7I/AAAAAAAAUuI/D2v8tk-wQic/s320/untitled.bmp" width="212" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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Last year friends and family helped me raise $1,300 for the animals at Escondido Humane Society. Together I believe we should have no problem raising more! I am asking for your help, donations and company matches again this year. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>How can you help?</strong></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">• You can join Team <a href="http://www.firstgiving.com/process/teamarea/default.asp?did=1580&TeamId=125347&EventId=99482">TouchNpaws</a> by clicking on the link and and start your own fundraising page, collect donations and walk with us in person or be a "Virtual Walker".</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">• You can start a “catch all” jar and stash your loose change and spare bills in there and turn them in as a tax deductible donation.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">• Speaking of “Taxes” - There are 9 days left to make a nice donation for the animals and have it count toward your 2010 taxes!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank you for supporting us!</td></tr>
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">How can you make a donation?</span></strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Visit my fundraising page! </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><a href="http://www.firstgiving.com/lindatroup"><span style="font-size: large;">CLICK here!</span></a><br />
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No amount is too <span style="font-size: xx-small;">small</span> or too <span style="font-size: large;">LARGE</span><br />
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</div><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Can we count on your support?</span><br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7353549387050948251.post-33977396949193956592010-12-19T19:30:00.000-08:002010-12-25T14:30:11.050-08:00Twinkie and KrystalA few days ago I was asked to work with a dog named Twinkie. Twinkie is at the shelter and has not yet passed her behavior test so she can move into the adoptions area. It would seem that she does not care for any one to get near her mouth.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twinkie</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Friday night I stopped by to introduce myself to Twinkie and to get a feel for where we would need to begin on Saturday morning. I had made several different plans on what I might do to gain Twinkie's trust and get her to allow me to do some gentle touches on the outside of her muzzle.<br />
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When I met Twinkie she was very friendly. I did a few basic introductory touches as I offered her treats. Never did she show any signs of discomfort. It was only a matter of minutes before I stroked her muzzle with the back of my hand. Twinkie was fine with this. We alternated play with TTouch. We'd do some TTouches and then play. Then we'd play some more and do some TTouches. Twinkie wasn't the least bit concerned when I lifted her flew and stroked the inside of her lip area. I was able to do circle TTouches on her gums, even if she had a toy or treat in her mouth! No sign of protecting her mouth at all.<br />
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I didn't have any clicker equipment with me but I used my word marker "yep" to do some very basic clicker training with her. We worked on "Sit" and "Look At Me" quite a bit. What a smart girl she is. <br />
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Saturday I spent an hour with her doing more TTouches as she crawled onto my lap and cuddled with me as I worked on her. Knowing how well she responded to my modified clicker training the night before I came prepared! We worked on "Sit", "Stay", "Look At Me", "Touch", "Come" and even loose leash walking. Again I was able to do any mouth work on her that I wanted to.<br />
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One of the most fun things we did was work on "Sit" and "Stay" while I threw her stuffed Hedge Hog for her. Then she would run and retrieve it for me. When Twinkie would return with her stuffy I was able to take it from her without any protest. She would willingly trade the toy for a treat or allow me to gently remove it from her. Of course she wanted something in return so I'd always offer her a treat or some TTouches. Either were fine with Miss Twinkie.<br />
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My guess is she should be moving to Adoptions very soon! She is going to make someone a wonderful companion.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TQ7FuFGrbCI/AAAAAAAAUtc/ocqaWNMgMYE/s1600/DSC_6940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TQ7FuFGrbCI/AAAAAAAAUtc/ocqaWNMgMYE/s320/DSC_6940.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Krystal the Beauty</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table>Krystal is another dog I was asked to see if I could help. Isn't she a beauty?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TQ7KpAEBvXI/AAAAAAAAUtk/A5s9dvAqSv0/s1600/DSC_6944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TQ7KpAEBvXI/AAAAAAAAUtk/A5s9dvAqSv0/s320/DSC_6944.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Owieeeee baby!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Turns out this lovely little girl has a horrendous case of Demodex Mange! Demodex is not contagious but it sure can get pretty raw and sore. Knowing how painful the lesions can be I decided to do distance TTouches on her back end. With my hand a couple inches over her sore area I did TTouches that would help reduce pain and inflammation.<br />
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Sandy, a friend from French Bulldog Rescue Network has had wonderful results with a specific home cooked diet that has worked miracles on Demodex dogs. <br />
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While at my training in Portland in November there was a dog with very bad Demodex. One of the students, that later adopted the dog, made a strong chamomile tea and when it cooled used it as a compress for the sore and inf lammed skin. I shared both of these tips with the shelter to see what might be incorporated into her routine and speed up her healing.<br />
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Poor Krystal was turning to her back end and chewing on the open sores. Obviously they itch and hurt but allowing her to do this will only hamper her healing. I recommended a soft donut type collar for her so it could prevent her from chewing without the rough edge of an Elizabethan Collar roughing her up every time she turned her head that way. <br />
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This particular shelter has very dedicated volunteers and one would her her collar right away.<br />
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I've been told that as bad as Krystal looks in this photo she was far worse upon intake a week or two ago. Demodex is an amazing malady for a dog to have. Mites that are normally on the skin get out of control in stressful situations and eating the skin results in these sores. I have seen dogs with horrible Demodex that is so bad you really aren't 100% even what breed they are. Recovery with the right treatment and care can be swift and very dramatic. Let's hope this is the result we see for darling Krystal.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7353549387050948251.post-22925534575534670562010-12-10T17:26:00.000-08:002010-12-10T17:26:24.989-08:00A Year Ago Today<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/SySMm4q7Q2I/AAAAAAAARcs/U-PogU63-PU/s1600/P1060502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/SySMm4q7Q2I/AAAAAAAARcs/U-PogU63-PU/s320/P1060502.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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A year ago today our Marley was paralyzed and in tremendous pain. This very minute last year Steve and I were frantic waiting for the call that he made it through his surgery.....we still had another hour and a half to wait.<br />
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It is amazing that the pain and emotions are still so close to the surface. Even with the wonderful outcome we have had it is still very emotional to look back on it.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/Szbs710PYqI/AAAAAAAARgU/GYAm6ScKr1c/s1600/DSC_4050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/Szbs710PYqI/AAAAAAAARgU/GYAm6ScKr1c/s200/DSC_4050.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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A huge Thank You to his Neuro Surgeon Dr. Tammy Stevenson who was able to clean out all the debris that blew into his spinal cord. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/S2j-8WHb1MI/AAAAAAAARz8/2JkJQI4-Ni8/s1600/DSC_4325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/S2j-8WHb1MI/AAAAAAAARz8/2JkJQI4-Ni8/s200/DSC_4325.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><br />
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To his Rehab Veterinarian Dr. Clair Sosna for her physical therapy and nutrition counseling. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/SySMeSIOwbI/AAAAAAAARcc/TDJ-qlrYM9A/s1600/P1060491.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/SySMeSIOwbI/AAAAAAAARcc/TDJ-qlrYM9A/s320/P1060491.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
And to Linda Tellington Jones for giving me the ability to help my boy walk again. <br />
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And the biggest Thank You to God for answering our prayers and giving us our boy back the same way he was. It has been a heck of a journey.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TQLSF7Cmo0I/AAAAAAAAUkI/A6WKZc4bVU4/s1600/DSC_5573.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TQLSF7Cmo0I/AAAAAAAAUkI/A6WKZc4bVU4/s320/DSC_5573.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Marley is the same happy, fun loving boy he always was. He runs, plays and jumps (giving me a heart attack) - I doubt he even remembers the ordeal. Steve and I will never forget and we tear up just watching him chase a tennis ball at timesUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7353549387050948251.post-87915057306768570302010-11-24T11:35:00.000-08:002010-11-24T11:35:02.605-08:00Exciting Times<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TO1oVT_Ya5I/AAAAAAAAUi4/xt6WadntuJ0/s1600/thanksgiving_cartoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TO1oVT_Ya5I/AAAAAAAAUi4/xt6WadntuJ0/s400/thanksgiving_cartoon.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
With folks in the holiday spirit and engaging in the hustle and bustle of the season things have been a bit quiet on the blog.<br />
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That does not mean things aren't happnin' here at TouchNpaws. My Tellington TTouch training is about to wrap up. We are holding a 6-day training session here in San Diego in February, 2011 and this will be my final group of classes. <br />
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TTouch has ignited a fire within me and there are other modalities to embrace and learn. First on the list is Aromatherapy and Essential Oils. Because I feel this will be a fantastic fit with the Tellington TTouch work I've enrolled in a Certification Program to become an Advanced Aromatherapist. This training will leave me skilled in helping both animals and their people...well that is if I ever get this Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology figured out :-) I feel like I'm studying to be a Veterinarian!<br />
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When March rolls around I'll be putting the Aromatherapy training on a back burner for a month and a half while I concentrate on Reiki.<br />
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My vision is to help sick, injured and hospice animals and their people. Tellington TTouch, Aromatherapy and Reiki will be a wonderful foundation.<br />
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Of course other modalities are waiting for me as soon as I finish the next two.<br />
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At this time of Thanksgiving I can't help but be thankful for Linda Tellington-Jones and her marvelous gift of TTouch. Because of her and her work I've found the reason I was born.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7353549387050948251.post-27866348248640598512010-11-15T12:43:00.000-08:002010-11-17T11:02:41.454-08:00Tellington TTouch 6-Day Training Comes to San Diego!Those of you that have been reading my blog - Thank You! You have seen example after example of what this wonderful, gentle method can do for our animal friends...and ourselves.<br />
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February 2011 will be a very exciting month. Tellington TTouch 6-Day Training, taught by Kathy Cascade, will be coming to San Diego Humane Society February 19-24! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/S9exV6egCgI/AAAAAAAAS8g/FnjrWrosUcs/s1600/Ear+work.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/S9exV6egCgI/AAAAAAAAS8g/FnjrWrosUcs/s320/Ear+work.jpg" width="215" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="paragraphstyle8" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="style51"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #745a55;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>Tellington TTouch can help in cases of</strong></span></span></span></span></div><div class="paragraphstyle8" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="paragraphstyle8" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="style51"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></span><span class="style51"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="color: #745a55; font-family: Verdana;"><strong>* Car Sickness</strong></span></span></span></div><div class="paragraphstyle8" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="style51"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></span><span class="style51"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="color: #745a55; font-family: Verdana;"><strong>* Conditions Associated With Aging</strong></span></span></span></div><div class="paragraphstyle8" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="style51"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></span><span class="style51"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="color: #745a55; font-family: Verdana;"><strong>* Provide Supportive and Comfort Care During Illness, Injury and to Hospice Patients</strong></span></span></span></div><div class="paragraphstyle8" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="style51"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></span><span class="style51"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="color: #745a55; font-family: Verdana;"><strong>* Excessive Barking and Chewing</strong></span></span></span></div><div class="paragraphstyle8" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="style51"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></span><span class="style51"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="color: #745a55; font-family: Verdana;"><strong>* Leash Pulling</strong></span></span></span></div><div class="paragraphstyle8" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="style51"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></span><span class="style51"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="color: #745a55; font-family: Verdana;"><strong>* Jumping Up</strong></span></span></span></div><div class="paragraphstyle8" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="style51"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></span><span class="style51"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="color: #745a55;"><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">* Aggressive Behavior</span></strong></span></span></span></div><div class="paragraphstyle8" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="style51"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></span><span class="style51"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="color: #745a55; font-family: Verdana;"><strong>* Extreme Fear and Shyness</strong></span></span></span></div><div class="paragraphstyle8" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="style51"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></span><span class="style51"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="color: #745a55; font-family: Verdana;"><strong>* Resistance to Grooming</strong></span></span></span></div><div class="paragraphstyle8" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="style51"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="color: #745a55; font-family: Verdana;"><strong>* Excitability and Nervousness</strong></span></span></span></div><div class="paragraphstyle8" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div>San Diego's winters are very mild and there is so much to do here. I hope some of you will head this way to either continue working on your certification or just come for a visit and learn more to help your animal friends in 6 days than you ever imagined.<br />
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I'm super excited about the training behing held in San Diego for a couple reasons. Most importantly I've wanted Marley and Pierre to be able to enjoy the benefits of spending some time in a TTouch Session. Now they can!<br />
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Finally, I will be graduating in my home town and my very supportive husband, Steve, will be able to watch me get my final certificate. I hope you will consider attending and maybe discover a new passion in your life, like I did.<br />
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Pleae contact the office at <a href="http://www.ttouch.com/">http://www.ttouch.com/</a> to register....contact me directly if I can answer any questions for you or if you would like me to send you a flyer.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7353549387050948251.post-19612939390685850962010-11-13T22:05:00.000-08:002010-11-13T22:05:42.904-08:00Busy day!It has been awhile since I've had an opportunity to get to the shelter. Today was the day! Oh, and I also had 2 private appointments on the books as well.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TN93cqNmBzI/AAAAAAAAUhk/OI1DvfEWexE/s1600/DSC_6695.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TN93cqNmBzI/AAAAAAAAUhk/OI1DvfEWexE/s400/DSC_6695.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Molly, the Adorable</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TN93ou62esI/AAAAAAAAUho/tQqbw3y-cpk/s1600/DSC_6722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TN93ou62esI/AAAAAAAAUho/tQqbw3y-cpk/s320/DSC_6722.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>Meet <b>Buster</b>. <br />
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He is a precious Rottie/Pit mix puppy. He is a "Singleton" meaning he has no siblings. One problem we see with singletons is they don't learn bit inhibition very well. That is where we are with Buster. He has been too mouthy with some and has reportedly growled over food. Not a good thing in a shelter environment. Even though he is only 8 weeks old there is little tolerance for a mouthy and pushy puppy.<br />
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Buster and I had a great time doing TTouch, playing and some clicker training. Because he has some concerns related to food I held a treat closed in my hand and clicked and treated as soon as he backed away from pawing, or licking my hand.<br />
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Please say a prayer and think good thoughts for Buster and I as we work together to improve his manners and give him a sense of security. He needs to make progress quickly before it is too late for him.<br />
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Then there is <b>Molly</b>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TN94J0gzKxI/AAAAAAAAUhs/1rsM9p1jqGM/s1600/29881.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TN94J0gzKxI/AAAAAAAAUhs/1rsM9p1jqGM/s200/29881.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Almost a month ago I saw this picture of Molly and was dying to work with her. I asked around but nothing came of it. I continued to look at her picture on the website and send TTouches her way. Well today I finally got to meet this little one.<br />
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I don't know how old Molly is but she is just a baby pittie girl. Molly was hit by a car and has much of the same neurological issues as Aurora. Just like Aurora she spins to the left.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TN94zyoau4I/AAAAAAAAUhw/HAY4H_21Cpw/s1600/DSC_6686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TN94zyoau4I/AAAAAAAAUhw/HAY4H_21Cpw/s320/DSC_6686.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Molly was amazing as soon as I put a body wrap on her. All of a sudden she was walking straighter and with purpose. She still spun a bit but not even close to what she had done prior. We spent an hour doing TTouch, playing, more TTouch, cuddling and more TTouch. I just adore this little girl.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TN940a2lRQI/AAAAAAAAUh0/1yI2XWykA9g/s1600/DSC_6744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TN940a2lRQI/AAAAAAAAUh0/1yI2XWykA9g/s320/DSC_6744.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Next I worked with a dog named <b>Ned</b>. Ned's "parents" are so giving to dogs in need that when I heard their boy Ned had a bum leg I wanted to see if there was something TTouch could do to help. <br />
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We did some touches, belly lifts and practiced the balance lead so Ned won't pull so much causing more stress and damage to his leg. <br />
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Pete and Jennifer were surprised that Ned would take treats from me. He never takes treats from other people. Because of the way TTouch builds trust and reduces stress I wasn't very surprised at all :-)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7353549387050948251.post-57598603501324009982010-11-07T17:53:00.000-08:002010-11-07T17:53:36.235-08:00Back from Portland!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TNdRBfQFRPI/AAAAAAAAUgI/TvuoC6Rrotc/s1600/DSC_6606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TNdRBfQFRPI/AAAAAAAAUgI/TvuoC6Rrotc/s320/DSC_6606.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buster!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div>TTouch Training in Portland was so much more than I dared to dream. So many loose ends were tied up for me and I'm feeling renewed and ready to hit the ground running!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Edie Jane and Spirit Dog, Barney</td></tr>
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Edie Jane was our instructor and simply fabulous!!! No two ways about it. I love the way Edie Jane is so detailed and helps really refine our technique and understand the reasons we choose to use specific tools. <br />
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Lauren McCall did a fantastic demo on a Bunny Rabbit. Bunnies are so delicate within their digestive system and sensitivities to heat that I'm amaze the rabbits I had as a kid even survived! <br />
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Here Lauren is putting a body wrap on this little bunny.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TNdRAYfqo-I/AAAAAAAAUgA/ueMZoNUQtKk/s1600/DSC_6546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TNdRAYfqo-I/AAAAAAAAUgA/ueMZoNUQtKk/s320/DSC_6546.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>My new friend Chuck and I worked on Mr. Whiskers. He was adopted out before we had a chance to work with him a second time. Yeah, Mr Whiskers!!!<br />
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Client day is always a favorite of mine. I was thrilled to find out my client was a 7 year old American Bulldog x Pit Bull. Buster has severe arthritis and luxating patellas. Turns out he is quite fearful in public. That was the main concern we addressed.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TNdQe4hcC6I/AAAAAAAAUf0/l9PqINpMzTw/s1600/DSC_6613.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TNdQe4hcC6I/AAAAAAAAUf0/l9PqINpMzTw/s320/DSC_6613.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First time Buster lays down in a public place</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table>On the first day of class we all selected a dog we wanted to visit several times during the week. I picked Bella, part of a bonded pair. As my new friend Brigid and I stood before the dogs I selected Bella because of her strong resemblance to Alfie. Oh my was she a handful the first day. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TNdRD7rdUsI/AAAAAAAAUgU/rEFGxN6Pxk4/s1600/DSC_6658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TNdRD7rdUsI/AAAAAAAAUgU/rEFGxN6Pxk4/s320/DSC_6658.jpg" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bella, the Beautiful</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Bella is strongly bonded to her friend, Buddy. Bella also is very "forward" on a leash....in other words she dang near ripped my arms off :-)<br />
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The second time I saw her was during a visit with my friend, Dennis. Dennis did a full observation of any tension patterns she may have had and this time she was much more at ease and would even leave Buddy for a short time to investigate something and come back. Very nice!<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TNdRDQ9uyQI/AAAAAAAAUgQ/u8D1_d9iPHI/s1600/DSC_6652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TNdRDQ9uyQI/AAAAAAAAUgQ/u8D1_d9iPHI/s320/DSC_6652.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love Buddy's freckles</td></tr>
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Finally on the last day I put her in a body wrap and a harness and took her outside without Buddy. Through some more advanced leash work, and a few helpers, we helped Bella find her balance! She was walking beautifully in a configuration we call a Homing Pigeon. This has been a technique I've struggled with since day one.....not any more. Thanks to the beautiful Bella I've got it!<br />
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When the final class was over I paid them a visit in an interaction area. I thanked both of them for all they had taught me. A woman in Adoptions told me that a very nice lady spent time with them and placed a hold on them. I do hope this lovely pair of dogs finds their forever home soon!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TNdXQg6zKDI/AAAAAAAAUgY/oJ5JJi7oJvs/s1600/DSC_6635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TNdXQg6zKDI/AAAAAAAAUgY/oJ5JJi7oJvs/s320/DSC_6635.jpg" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wishing you well, little Bella</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7353549387050948251.post-66732751164698357242010-10-28T13:53:00.000-07:002010-10-28T13:53:06.660-07:00Session 5 - Portland, OregonThings have been a bit quiet on the blog lately. Lots has been going on but I'm a bit more comfortable writing about my volunteer work than my paying clients :-)<br />
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Reader's Diegest version: <br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I've worked with a Great Pyreneese mix that had back issues. Her muscle spasems were so severe they could not do her Acupuncture. We did 3 sessions for her in one week. When she went back for her Acupuncture the Vet said it wasn't needed and there was no sign of a back problem! Yeah!!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TMng-4HeR2I/AAAAAAAAUe0/RYdE-C7Jbns/s1600/Beau.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" nx="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TMng-4HeR2I/AAAAAAAAUe0/RYdE-C7Jbns/s200/Beau.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TMnhAhHWVTI/AAAAAAAAUe4/3nloF5RuEIQ/s1600/Phoebe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nx="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TMnhAhHWVTI/AAAAAAAAUe4/3nloF5RuEIQ/s200/Phoebe.jpg" width="133" /></a><br />
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Then there was the Doxie Duo, Phoebe and Beau. Phoebe has a tendency to bark a lot and Beau is hesitant to let his Momma share her attention and affections with Phoebe. Both had a quick change of heart (and behavior) after getting their own Thundershirts, some calming TTouch and simple behavior modification tools.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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Now it is time for me to focus my attention on Session 5 of my training in Portland, Oregon with <a href="http://www.listeningtowhispers.com/">Edie-Jane Eaton</a>! Portland is where I had my first training and a whole new world was opened up to me. I'm excited to go back. This will be my 5th session and one of my friends final session! Big Congrats to Dennis Fehling of <a href="http://www.friendsforlifedogtraining.com/">Friends for Life Dog Training</a>.</div><br />
There are bound to be updates from Portland! Stay tuned.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TMniCtRhF8I/AAAAAAAAUe8/E44-VVftQlc/s1600/Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nx="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TMniCtRhF8I/AAAAAAAAUe8/E44-VVftQlc/s1600/Logo.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>And if you have ever considered giving TTouch a try you may want to consider attending a 6-day session in San Diego! It is unheard of to have trainings offered in San Diego but it is going to happen! <a href="http://spiritdog.com/">Kathy Cascade</a> will be teaching my 6th and final session right here in San Diego, February 19-25, 2011. (Check out the work Kathy did with <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bxdg2RPdgQ">Alf</a>, one of the Michael Vick dogs.) If this is your first 6-day session you can attend for the discounted price of $600 for the entire training! You will walk away with plenty of new skills to help your own pets, friends animals or our shelter friends that need you so badly. Or, like me.......you could find your life will never be the same again. Contact me for more information. I'd love to see you there at my graduation and watch you discover something spectacular.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7353549387050948251.post-16193333962000994652010-10-10T20:18:00.000-07:002010-10-10T20:18:32.528-07:00Aurora's Time Line - Not MineAnimals are my teachers and Aurora is quite the Professor! She has been doing so well and exceeding our hopes for her that I decided I'd try to raise the bar for her. As I thought about her next steps along her journey I planned to fit her in a Step-In Harness and using the Super Balance Leash I'd lay out some poles for her to walk through. I expected to lay them out rather wide and start trying some ground work with her.<br />
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Today it was 92 degrees by 9:30 am and Miss Aurora really wasn't too interested in working. She was interested in lovin' (TTouches) and kisses.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TLJ9d7yYF0I/AAAAAAAAUdA/vmF4m8dUPpc/s1600/DSC_6324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TLJ9d7yYF0I/AAAAAAAAUdA/vmF4m8dUPpc/s320/DSC_6324.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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I fit Aurora into a pretty green harness and hooked up the Super Balance Leash. As soon as I had her all set up she began to spin wildly. <br />
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We regrouped and tried again. The funny thing is that she would spin if we held the lead properly. Guiding her with the wand and holding the lead like shown here she did reasonably well.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TLJ-u72n1LI/AAAAAAAAUdE/tl9x2uh5464/s1600/DSC_6326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TLJ-u72n1LI/AAAAAAAAUdE/tl9x2uh5464/s320/DSC_6326.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Mostly Aurora wanted to be loved on. There could have been a few reasons for this. It could be that she was more interested in having having fun since she IS a Lab Puppy! It could have been that it was hotter than the blazes today. Or it could have been because Aurora is very sensitive in the body and that the new harness and new leash configuration were a bit too much for her. Whatever the reason we switched gears.<br />
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When working with dogs sometimes you have to "chunk it down" into smaller steps. If the entire set up is too much (which is my best guess) then we break it down and get her used to the new harness first.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TLKAfdeEDNI/AAAAAAAAUdM/HXdGcMTuGL4/s1600/DSC_6329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TLJ_uHF_OJI/AAAAAAAAUdI/Ls18-zfEbW0/s1600/DSC_6328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TLJ_uHF_OJI/AAAAAAAAUdI/Ls18-zfEbW0/s320/DSC_6328.jpg" width="238" /></a>If the Lab Puppy wants to play then play we will.<br />
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Using a beloved squeaky toy I would get her to chase me in a pattern around the cones. Aurora was able to play this game and follow me in a pretty straight line.<br />
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She has the most adorable way of walking. She prances like a Lipizzaner Stallion. Aurora can really lift those feet. I'm thinking that will come in handy when we are able to progress to some ground work.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TLKA2xHK5CI/AAAAAAAAUdQ/ejch2doRDGE/s1600/DSC_6329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TLKA2xHK5CI/AAAAAAAAUdQ/ejch2doRDGE/s320/DSC_6329.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>One thing the shelter would like Aurora to learn is how to be happy in a crate. So far she hasn't gotten to the part in the "How to be a Dog" manual that talks about a crate being their safe place and their den. <br />
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Given what you have heard about Aurora - her desire to be with her people and her love of PLAY I would appreciate ideas from all you readers! What fun, game-like ways can you come up with to teach Aurora to love her crate? <br />
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Elizabeth and I would love your input and I encourage you to post a comment with a suggestion for this little girl.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7353549387050948251.post-34974161833638310882010-10-09T19:47:00.000-07:002010-10-09T19:47:08.204-07:00Boston Tea Party, 2010!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TLEhpTH4MUI/AAAAAAAAUcQ/6OO26PDeJxw/s1600/DSC_6311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="90" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TLEhpTH4MUI/AAAAAAAAUcQ/6OO26PDeJxw/s400/DSC_6311.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">TouchNpaws was invited to participate in <a href="http://bostonbuddies.org/2010BostonTeaParty.htm">Boston Buddies</a> - Southern California Boston Terrier Rescue's largest fundraiser of the year! I have found that I absolutely love doing events and talking to people about the power of Tellington TTouch and was very excited to be a sponsor. Events are fun in and of themselves but when one benefits rescue that is all the better.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TLEjTYVsKBI/AAAAAAAAUcs/3wp4nvmXzlQ/s1600/DSC_6261.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TLEjTYVsKBI/AAAAAAAAUcs/3wp4nvmXzlQ/s320/DSC_6261.jpg" width="302" /></a> This is a young puppy that has the typical excited terrier personality and really isn't connected with his back feet. I showed his owners how adding scrunchies to his legs would remind him they were there. He tends to lunge forward with purpose and excitement to get where he wants to go. I demonstrated the "Balance Leash Plus" using his own leash. The family walked away with new skills they could put into practice right then and there.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TLEk7y_2yrI/AAAAAAAAUcw/_Xbe_-VYxzo/s1600/DSC_6285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TLEk7y_2yrI/AAAAAAAAUcw/_Xbe_-VYxzo/s320/DSC_6285.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I also had the pleasure of working with a service dog. This little guy helps his human with balance concerns. The problem is sometimes the dog will jump up or get overly excited. I fitted him with a Thundershirt and the calming effect was immediate. Using my demo dog "Jake" I showed how the "Super Balance Leash" would help bring the dog into balance and help with his jumping up.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TLEnLEtuB9I/AAAAAAAAUc8/8dU2zIATxJQ/s1600/DSC_6293.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TLEnLEtuB9I/AAAAAAAAUc8/8dU2zIATxJQ/s320/DSC_6293.jpg" width="225" /></a> <br />
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Being that terriers are by nature high energy dogs and some suffer from stress and anxiety the Thundershirts were a big hit. Here is one little dog that is trying on a Thundershirt for the first time. You can see the concern on his face but he quickly adapted to the shirt and became quite relaxed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TLElZd0hs0I/AAAAAAAAUc0/MMPPYR_-JfA/s1600/DSC_6271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TLElZd0hs0I/AAAAAAAAUc0/MMPPYR_-JfA/s320/DSC_6271.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The attendees were very interested in hearing how Tellington TTouch could help their specific dog's situation. Many times there was actually a line of folks waiting their turn to ask questions. Many, many dogs walked away with Thundershirts, a new harness, a lead or all of the above! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TLEmXN-skOI/AAAAAAAAUc4/eeLn6BxcuLE/s1600/DSC_6283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TLEmXN-skOI/AAAAAAAAUc4/eeLn6BxcuLE/s320/DSC_6283.jpg" width="213" /></a><br />
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What TTouch demo would be complete without....well, TTouches! Here is an adorable French Bulldog that stopped by for some relaxing TTouches.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We had a great day teaching people how they can help their dogs physical and emotional balance and well being. Thank you to each and everyone that shared their day and their dog with me. </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Boston Buddies will receive a percentage of today's sales! </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7353549387050948251.post-74535134708281045142010-10-03T20:48:00.000-07:002010-10-03T20:48:23.267-07:00Amazing Aurora and Elizabeth<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TKlJqZROIzI/AAAAAAAAUb8/Qe33dUSNxxc/s320/DSC_6242.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aurora sporting a Thundershirt and Scrunchies</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TKlJqZROIzI/AAAAAAAAUb8/Qe33dUSNxxc/s1600/DSC_6242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
This morning I had a session with Aurora and her foster mom, Elizabeth. Aurora went into foster care last week and is making incredible advancements!! I was thrilled to see Aurora come walking across the tile and up one step to the landing to greet me with kisses.<br />
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Elizabeth was told that Aurora had no short term memory, didn't know she was supposed to eat and would never be potty trained. I saw today that Aurora has proven each of these statements incorrect! Way to go Aurora and Elizabeth.<br />
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The way Aurora greeted me made it very clear she knew exactly who I was and why I was there. She is walking with far more control, the spinning is less and she never did fall down. Elizabeth has noticed that Aurora has more balance when her head is raised and is feeding her out of raised bowls. Aurora knows what food and water is all about for sure. As for potty training? Can you believe that in almost one week of foster care she has had only one accident in the house? She has even gone and tapped Elizabeth on the hand to let her know she needed to go outside and potty! Oh, and one more thing. She is NOT deaf as we originally suspected. Aurora's hearing is just fine.<br />
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Today Aurora allowed me to put a Thundershirt on her without her going into a wild spin. Scrunchies on her feet were not a big deal since Elizabeth remembered me talking about that and has been putting them on her this week. This alone is a huge improvement.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TKlNp-D9gII/AAAAAAAAUcE/tz1qs1WUMOc/s1600/IMG01184-20101001-1136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TKlNp-D9gII/AAAAAAAAUcE/tz1qs1WUMOc/s320/IMG01184-20101001-1136.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Part of Aurora's therapy has been to swim in the pool with her life jacket on. Now she isn't totally sold on the idea of the pool yet but she loves human contact and toys. So if she needs to get in the pool to play with Elizabeth and her son then so be it. She's game.<br />
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Elizabeth has been making Aurora's rehab so much fun that she has no idea she is working on balance and coordination. Elizabeth will run around a cone and have Aurora chase her. Since Aurora spins counter clockwise Elizabeth will run clockwise. Aurora follows right along.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TKlN5pOjVTI/AAAAAAAAUcM/C4tE2D9mMOM/s1600/DSC_6253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TKlN5pOjVTI/AAAAAAAAUcM/C4tE2D9mMOM/s320/DSC_6253.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Toys are another part of her rehab. She can now lower her back end into a sit without falling and then stretch out her front legs to lay down. This is huge for her! Aurora loves to play fetch and toss around and empty bucket. All of these fun play things are exercises in walking straighter and gaining strength and coordination.<br />
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I was thrilled to see her progress today. Aurora scored big time when Elizabeth fell in love with her and decided to foster her. I can't imagine her in a better place to become all that she can be.<br />
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Thank you Elizabeth for all you are doing for this very special puppy.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7353549387050948251.post-59881443924208155512010-10-03T11:50:00.000-07:002010-10-03T11:50:01.766-07:00TTouch Demo at Escondido Humane Society<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TKjLb-VrvoI/AAAAAAAAUbg/Sytr4kf7WBQ/s1600/DSC03901.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rollin wears a 1/2 wrap and gets some TTouches</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TKjLb-VrvoI/AAAAAAAAUbg/Sytr4kf7WBQ/s1600/DSC03901.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
Escondido Humane Society has many volunteer run programs for the dogs. One of these programs is Canine Good Citizen (CGC) training run by my friend Marsha. Marsha leads a group of dedicated volunteers in working with the dogs to help them become more adoptable and a Canine Good Citizen at the same time. I was asked to do a Tellington TTouch demonstration for the CGC class and was honored to participate. <br />
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We have had some serious weather here this past week with heavy rains and significant thunder. The day where we had the heaviest thunder the shelter took in about 20 dogs in one day! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TKjLOghRLjI/AAAAAAAAUa8/1wBNfuUTviI/s1600/Briggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TKjLOghRLjI/AAAAAAAAUa8/1wBNfuUTviI/s200/Briggs.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>The reason I bring this up is there is a young boy named Briggs that is very energetic but was totally out of character yesterday. He was jumping and spinning all over the place. He had no focus at all. Marsha and I teamed up to see if we could help him "come back into his body". I tried the Balance Leash Plus with him but still that wasn't enough. After doing touches and getting Briggs into a Thundershirt, and the Balance Leash Plus he was able to focus on my wand and walk nicely. Later he waked fine with another volunteer without all his "gear" on. It was enough to bring his focus back.<br />
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It is typical for a dog to still have emotional and hormonal concerns 3 days after a major event such as Thunder or a scrap with another dog. If anything happens to upset them during the 3 day period the clock starts all over again.<br />
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We had a wonderful turn out for the demo and everyone learned about touches, wraps and ground work.<span id="goog_938102064"></span><span id="goog_938102065"></span><br />
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The group learned the important role that TTouchs plays in releasing tensions and fears.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TKjNQoq8sLI/AAAAAAAAUbk/sUxudlInlSM/s1600/DSC03933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TKjNQoq8sLI/AAAAAAAAUbk/sUxudlInlSM/s320/DSC03933.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Patriot is happy to let me show how to put on a body wrap. The wraps help a dog know where their body parts are and also help to send new sensations and information to the brain. Body awareness goes a long way to building a confident and emotionally stable dog.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TKjNWZ7r_DI/AAAAAAAAUbo/4uLPlkzUaDE/s1600/DSC03927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TKjNWZ7r_DI/AAAAAAAAUbo/4uLPlkzUaDE/s200/DSC03927.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Bean came to us from a very bad situation and has has some trust concerns. She is in a loving foster home learning how to relax and trust. Bean was very comfortable allowing me to do touches along her mouth and face. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TKjNesfYnQI/AAAAAAAAUbs/ji_mKiyX9Uk/s1600/DSC03934_2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She is also quite happy in a Thundershirt!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TKjNesfYnQI/AAAAAAAAUbs/ji_mKiyX9Uk/s1600/DSC03934_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div>Callie is is unsure of new things but got to try her paw at the Confidence Course. With encouragement she was able to go through one and a half times. Then she was done. For Callie that was enough. It was a taste and we don't force or push the dogs beyond their ability. Next time I'm willing to bet it will be easier for her.<br />
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The Confidence course seems to know just what each dog needs.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TKjP3NHSz5I/AAAAAAAAUb4/lak3LlB2YII/s1600/DSC03921.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Callie can build her conficence</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TKjP3NHSz5I/AAAAAAAAUb4/lak3LlB2YII/s1600/DSC03921.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TKjNmVoy4YI/AAAAAAAAUbw/wN4ftL1EpBo/s1600/DSC03921.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TKjNs6gqkoI/AAAAAAAAUb0/p_DzQTl1osA/s1600/DSC03906.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rollin can learn focus, calmness and self control</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TKjNs6gqkoI/AAAAAAAAUb0/p_DzQTl1osA/s1600/DSC03906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div>I believe everyone there learned a few things that will help them with their fosters and with all the dogs at the shelter.<br />
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If one or two people can give a shelter dog a mindful TTouch when they greet them or pass by their kennel it can make a world of difference.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7353549387050948251.post-9304141830901908162010-10-01T20:45:00.000-07:002010-10-01T20:45:19.554-07:00Thank you!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TKambncR7EI/AAAAAAAAUaA/QC9UF1zuSYs/s1600/petawardresizeS.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TKamsPABmaI/AAAAAAAAUaE/6fUJTWCwUqQ/s1600/petawardresizeS.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TKamsPABmaI/AAAAAAAAUaE/6fUJTWCwUqQ/s320/petawardresizeS.png" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When I started this blog it was simply a place for me to write my thoughts about this amazing journey through the world of Tellington TTouch. I wanted a single place I could write about my feelings, what I was learning and the wonderful Animal Teachers that would cross my path. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Little by little I shared a blog post here an there and I wondered if anyone but me was really reading the blog. In February 2010 I added a "Hit Tracker". Adding the hit tracker quickly showed me that a great many people are reading my blog! There are people all over the world that are interested in what I'm doing with the dogs. I was amazed when I hit 3,000 unique readers at the end of September, just 7 months after installing the tracker.</div><br />
It is so much fun to see where the readers are coming from. Not only are most of the States represented but a good many countries as well! There have been readers from Canada, Mexico, South Africa, Italy, The Netherlands, Argentina, Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand and many, many others.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It turns out that someone reading the blog in the UK mentioned me to <a href="http://www.petsdirect.co.uk/%20">PetsDirect UK</a>. This week PetsDirect sent me a notification that my blog had received one of the most prestigious pet blogger awards! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">TTouch has changed my life in many ways and it is my pleasure to share these experiences with all of you.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thank you to all of you that read my thoughts and experiences and share the information with others.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7353549387050948251.post-80773756486569715252010-09-26T20:54:00.000-07:002010-09-27T08:15:21.645-07:00Aurora progresses<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TKASrhTZhTI/AAAAAAAAUYc/dLW-uR5FPow/s1600/DSC_6215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TKASrhTZhTI/AAAAAAAAUYc/dLW-uR5FPow/s400/DSC_6215.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aurora walks best when concentrating on something in front of her.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Last week I discovered that Aurora moves easier and in a more organized fashion when there is something in front of her to follow. The volunteers that worked with her this past week all used this to her advantage. Some held a towel in front her her and others used cream cheese.<br />
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Today a couple volunteers met me bright and early at 8am to learn what they could do to help Aurora along her journey.<br />
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The first thing I did with Aurora today was use her existing harness and my double ended lead to create the Super Balance Leash. This is a leash configuration that hooks on to her harness on the opposite shoulder of the dog from where I would be standing. It is threaded through a loop on the front of the harness and the other end is fastened to the two rings on the back of the harness. This configuration helps keep a dog in balance and is something Aurora needs.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TKASrO1tYmI/AAAAAAAAUYY/OwrFfLlMXLQ/s1600/DSC_6214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TKASrO1tYmI/AAAAAAAAUYY/OwrFfLlMXLQ/s200/DSC_6214.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
The walk from the OK Corral to the Interaction area went quite nicely. Aurora adjusted well to the Super Balance Leash and followed my wand. There was some spinning but no falling down. The volunteers commented on how nicely she walked with me.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TKASureNNBI/AAAAAAAAUYk/6gw9RRIOYu4/s1600/DSC_6220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TKASureNNBI/AAAAAAAAUYk/6gw9RRIOYu4/s200/DSC_6220.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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After some TTouches to her face, head and all along her body to release some tension we got to work. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TKASuFNyfhI/AAAAAAAAUYg/P6N9wpb8kLY/s320/DSC_6217.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I tried using either end of my wand. Aurora didn't have a preference</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I had set up cones and encouraged her to walk along the outside of the circle, in the direction of her spinning. Using the theory that I'd have her do something that comes naturally to her (counter-clockwise circles) but in a more controlled and organized manner.<br />
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When it was clear Aurora needed a break we would stop for some touches. Tarantulas Pulling The Plow is her favorite.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TKASvDK9ziI/AAAAAAAAUYo/479dsEAGKSM/s1600/DSC_6221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TKASvDK9ziI/AAAAAAAAUYo/479dsEAGKSM/s320/DSC_6221.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><br />
Although she was overwhelmed when I tried a body wrap on her I decided to try again today. I gently draped the wrap over her shoulders and she was fine. After that I brought it in front of her chest and just held it in a mock 1/4 wrap. Later I was able to tie it. She wore the wrap about 1 minute before she got the wiggles and I took it off. This was a huge step over last week. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TKASvj7cGVI/AAAAAAAAUYs/GhGaMhYv7HM/s1600/DSC_6225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TKASvj7cGVI/AAAAAAAAUYs/GhGaMhYv7HM/s320/DSC_6225.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><br />
As we sat there and I showed how to do the touches Aurora began to get mouthy. She nibbled in my fingers, hands and knees. She was gentle but this is not a habit we want her to develop. I decided to put a calming band on her and bring some awareness to her mouth. She took to it rather quickly and stopped mouthing. Not only that but she was able to walk very straight with the calming band. I'm really not sure why this is worked the way it did.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TKASwWdcnPI/AAAAAAAAUYw/ZfM74-3vysM/s1600/DSC_6228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TKASwWdcnPI/AAAAAAAAUYw/ZfM74-3vysM/s320/DSC_6228.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I made a calming band out of one of the thin wraps I had in my case that has Velcro on the end. This wrap can be left at the shelter or with the volunteers that are working with her.<br />
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With all the love and attention Aurora is getting from people that really care about her and want to help she is seeing remarkable results in just a very short time. You couldn't ask for a more loving and precious dog.<br />
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A special Thank You to the folks at the shelter that are giving Aurora this chance and to all that are willing to work with her and help her be all she can be.....and more.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7353549387050948251.post-43212623336060866012010-09-26T07:29:00.000-07:002010-09-26T07:29:18.806-07:00Responsible Dog Ownership EventFor months I have been looking forward to the Responsible Dog Ownership event being held at <a href="http://www.batesnutfarm.biz/">Bates Nut Farm</a> on opening day of the famous Pumpkin Patch!<br />
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Responsible Dog Ownership was combined with Farming Education and there was everything from Bee Keepers, Heirloom Tomato Growers to Vintage Tractor parades! <a href="http://www.happypaws2.com/">Two Paw Up</a> happy dog camp was the organizer for the "Dog People". <br />
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TouchNpaws had a booth too!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TJ9X4LwgltI/AAAAAAAAUYI/bkl0zMIykfg/s1600/DSC_6190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TJ9X4LwgltI/AAAAAAAAUYI/bkl0zMIykfg/s400/DSC_6190.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TJ9X4usdPeI/AAAAAAAAUYM/zaTO5U_4gyM/s1600/DSC_6207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TJ9X4usdPeI/AAAAAAAAUYM/zaTO5U_4gyM/s200/DSC_6207.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>The day was wonderful but over 100 degrees! Because of the Boy & Girl Scouts that were there for opening day we had a steady flow of people to talk to. <br />
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It was wonderful to see so many people with all sorts of pets interested in what Tellington TTouch can do for their companions. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TJ9X5gwoJBI/AAAAAAAAUYU/_VbS-pN8mp0/s1600/Sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TJ9X5gwoJBI/AAAAAAAAUYU/_VbS-pN8mp0/s320/Sign.jpg" width="220" /></a></div>I met people with dogs that jump, bark and lunge. Those that are being treated for illness or injury. Some had dogs with no problems at all but were interested in the bond that TTouch forms. I even spoke with a Veterinarian who was interested in how TTouch could be used with her patients.<br />
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Of course I gave as many of the dogs as I could a little taste of what TTouch is all about. Some had demos on the Balance Leash and others enjoyed some touches!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TJ9X5BIB4YI/AAAAAAAAUYQ/x25MzHCXacE/s1600/DSC_6211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TJ9X5BIB4YI/AAAAAAAAUYQ/x25MzHCXacE/s320/DSC_6211.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I talked so much and for so long that I hardly had a voice by the end of the day! That's a great thing.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I'm looking forward to our next event on October 9.....the Boston Tea Party!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7353549387050948251.post-6822499229675812732010-09-22T21:27:00.000-07:002010-09-22T21:27:36.650-07:00Kitties!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TJrTedTggnI/AAAAAAAAUWw/DHIIniaVaT0/s1600/DSC_6167_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TJrTedTggnI/AAAAAAAAUWw/DHIIniaVaT0/s320/DSC_6167_2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Well all my case studies are done for my week of training in Portland, Oregon. My final five are ready to go. I've worked with so many dogs it is rather difficult to pick the ones I want to turn in for credit.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TJrTjo0vh0I/AAAAAAAAUXI/l4v4di6u6qw/s1600/DSC_6175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TJrTjo0vh0I/AAAAAAAAUXI/l4v4di6u6qw/s320/DSC_6175.jpg" /></a></div><br />
One that was an easy selection was my case study on another type of animal than I typically work with. One of my BFF's just got 2 adorable kittens and was gracious enough to allow me to practice working on cats using her kitties Willie and Nillie.<br />
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This case study was different for me in lots of ways. First, and most obvious, is that they are cats and not dogs. Also they are babies with no behavior or physical issues that needed influenced.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TJrVWMsAT4I/AAAAAAAAUXY/pGEsTYhZhvk/s1600/DSC_6169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TJrVWMsAT4I/AAAAAAAAUXY/pGEsTYhZhvk/s200/DSC_6169.jpg" width="200" /></a></div> Celeste and I practiced touches of all sorts. I taught her to work on ears so she would be prepared in times of stress or injury. I worked on feet and toes to help with nail trimming. I would do some lying leopards as the kitties ran past me in play. I did touches with the kitties in towels and also in baskets covered with a towel. <br />
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One thing I wanted to try was a body wrap. Having never wrapped a cat before but knowing the difference it makes with dogs I gave it a try. Nillie was quite tolerant of the wrap but would leap high in the air once it was on. After a few touches she was fine with it. Typically Nillie is the independent one that is always on the go. This was the first time she laid relaxed in my lap. <br />
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The wrap didn't phase Willie in the least. He was fine with it off and fine with it on.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>My heartfelt thanks to Celeste, Willie and Nillie for being such willing participants in my studies! Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7353549387050948251.post-28889695814747503002010-09-18T22:21:00.000-07:002010-09-20T13:54:58.730-07:00Aurora<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TJWZi2u-HhI/AAAAAAAAUV0/CQ00kTSrlfw/s1600/DSC_6125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TJWZi2u-HhI/AAAAAAAAUV0/CQ00kTSrlfw/s320/DSC_6125.jpg" /></a></div><br />
A friend of mine asked me to take a look at Aurora. Jan mentioned that Aurora has some neurological issues and it is believed she was hit by a car.<br />
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I have worked with many neurological issues and I enjoy the challenge and also the changes I see in a dog after a TTouch session. Typically I use wraps, ground work and scrunchies on their ankles.<br />
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When I arrived at the shelter I set up my ground work and went to get Aurora. Nothing could have prepared me for what I saw.<br />
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Aurora had serious troubles walking from her kennel to where I planned to work with her. She spun in counter clockwise circles and fell down a lot. It was almost as if she were Bambi trying to walk on the frozen pond.<br />
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Aurora is missing her right eye and is deaf. I'm sad to say my first thoughts were wondering if we were doing the kindest thing for her.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TJWdLpGXXSI/AAAAAAAAUWU/_k_CAF4IBQc/s1600/DSC_6118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TJWdLpGXXSI/AAAAAAAAUWU/_k_CAF4IBQc/s200/DSC_6118.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Once we got outside Aurora was able to walk without falling down so much but she still spun. It was clear that ground work was going to be way too hard but we tried some anyway. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TJWZkUPQ7dI/AAAAAAAAUV8/6MLulL1VafQ/s1600/DSC_6115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TJWZkUPQ7dI/AAAAAAAAUV8/6MLulL1VafQ/s320/DSC_6115.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I tried to put a body wrap on her and she got worse. She spun so violently that it was impossible to get scrunchies on her feet. Aurora and I went to the sheet I had laid out and I sat with her and she leaned into me very calmly as I did touches all over her body. TTouch can awaken unused neuro pathways and if ever a dog needed new neuro pathways to light up it is Aurora. I did Abalone touches all over her head. Python lifts and Raccoons on her body.<br />
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It became very clear to me why Aurora is being given this opportunity to find a special family that will love her the way she is. She is a complete Sweetheart, very happy and shows no signs of pain.<br />
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We got up and tried again and she still made her circles. Head low to the ground and body spinning as she tripped over her feet. Nothing I've used with other neurologically impaired dogs worked. Not sure what to do I used my TTouch wand and led her with the wand about 6 inches in front of her and she followed it! Aurora was able to walk relatively straight and didn't trip. Something about having an object close to focus on was making a huge difference for her.<br />
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Aurora needs to be in a loving foster home that can help her improve as much as she is capable of. The right home for Aurora will come along. Somewhere there is someone that will recognize her for the sweet girl and loving dog that she is. Helping her with her physical challenges will be a small price to pay for such a girl.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7353549387050948251.post-21260716580331498332010-09-07T21:36:00.000-07:002010-09-07T21:36:39.618-07:00Carlee and Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carlee getting TTouch to help her tight belly</td></tr>
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Intervertebral Disc Disease or "IVDD" is a progressive disease which causes hardening of the disc material that is supposed to cushion the vertebrae<span style="color: black; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"></span>. When this material hardens it can bulge and rupture. <br />
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Our Sammi has IVDD and his episode resulted in weakness and inability to use his back end. Through steroids, crate rest and Tellington TTouch Sammi healed up without surgery.<br />
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Marley is a great example of what happens when there is a severe and violent rupture. Marley had intense pain and full paralysis of his back end. Surgery was required. Tellington TTouch played a significant role in his recover.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TIcPhRmI0CI/AAAAAAAAUSU/Hid75qmQR0g/s1600/59259_1382519244751_1285053491_30884101_6407562_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eeG8bZlRH98/TIcPhRmI0CI/AAAAAAAAUSU/Hid75qmQR0g/s320/59259_1382519244751_1285053491_30884101_6407562_n.jpg" /></a></div>Carlee is a Doxie that has IVDD and has had some pain and weakness in her back end. She is on conservative treatment with steroids, crate rest, acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Tellington TTouch. Dr. Weingardt of <a href="http://www.animalhealingcenter.net/">Animal Healing Center</a> in San Diego is her Holistic Vet and I'm doing her Tellington TTouch.<br />
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When a dog is in pain they tense up and this tension can show up in a number of places. For Carlee she tenses her abdomen and I work on her tummy to help release that tension.<br />
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In addition to working on her tummy I also do specific touches along the sides of her spine that both reduce inflammation and release pain. To help Carlee maintain her awareness of her body and to help her feel connected with all her parts I do "The Tarantulas Pulling the Plow". This is a wonderful touch that works on dogs like Carlee and Sammi that still have feeling. For dogs like Marley who had lost use and feeling it helps to reignite the neurotransmitters and help regain sensation.<br />
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Cooper loves TTouch and will take every opportunity presented to make sure he gets his fair share. <br />
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And he is always appreciative of the focused attention that TTouch provides and isn't shy about saying "Thank You".<br />
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I'm certain with all the loving care that is being lavished on Carlee she will be better than ever in no time at all.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5