Monday, November 19, 2012

What is your pet trying to tell you?

Nancy shared some very intriguing discussions about animals and what they might be trying to tell us (pet parents, shelter staff, vets, and other humans in their life). Nancy is an animal communicator and is able to help animals understand the world around them, for example, when animals are facing surgery, she is often called in by Vets and Vet Techs to work with the animal before surgery providing him/her comfort and understanding of what will be happening. Nancy reported that this eases the animals anxiety. She is often called by pet parents to work with their pet before leaving on holidays, this is another time where animals face increased anxiety. Nanacy is able to provide a sense of stability, and help the pet understand what is going on so he/she can adapt easier to the temporary change in his/her family.

Animals are great connectors. For those of you reading this who have pets, you probably have noticed how quickly common ground can be found by talking about your pets with someone else, or that while outside walking your dog you meet people in the  neighborhood. Or, like in mine and Nancy's cases, our dogs often became the conversation in grocery store parking lots as our dogs sat in the driver's seat causing passerbys to take notice, and often start conversation with others around them as they pointed out the dog in the driver's seat. We met so many incredible people becuase of the pets we were blessed to have in our family.

Nancy also shared how animals can break down barriers... people just seem to become more comfortable, chatty and relaxed in the presecene of animals. We witnessed that firsthand wiht our Toby, especially when he was volunteering at the hospital. As he walked through the doors, his precense seemed to help patients engage in conversation with each other.

Understanding and communicating with pets requires us humans to be very present, so that we can hear and understand the message. It is usually pretty simple to understand, we just need to listen.  Nancy gave an example of one of her dogs who would communicate her need to take a break from computer work by climbing on her chair. Event 5 minutes of play and distraction was good for her dog, but GREAT for her. Her dog saw an energy shift and knew she needed a break before she knew it herself. Our dog Toby was notorious for pushing my chair on wheels away from the computer when he thought I needed a break. Funny thing. He was always right!!

What an interesting conversation.... what might your pet be trying to tell you?

Are you listening? 
You can visit Nancy Kaiser at www.nancykaiseranimalcommunicator.com 

                                         

Listen to the interview with Nancy at:


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Tuesday, November 13, 2012

4 PAWS Up for Silver Paws


4 PAWS Up for Silver Paws


Doggie Daycares were one of our Toby's favorite places to be. Dogs...Toys...People.... Stimulation.... Treats  all in one place. We found that Dog Daycares were a great way to social Toby, provide him with additional exercise, and be with other dogs.  We were honored when Sandi asked Toby to be her guest of honor at their grand opening. He had such a great time, we had to bribe him to the car at the end of the day. 




Sandi Strause owner of Silver Paws with Toby at their Grand Opening

 Silver Paws Dog Day Care also carries Toby's books in their store.


"Bring your dog to Silver Paws Dog Daycare & Training while you are away at work and bring home a satisfied, relaxed, content dog at the end of the day.Socialization is a key component to having a balanced dog. Dogs are social beings, they need to be with other dogs.  At Silver Paws your dog will have lots of activities, interactions with other dogs and our qualified staff, and be under constant supervision."





Silver Pawa has over 3000 square foot play area has solid rubber floor to avoid joint strain. They clean and sanitize every day to ensure the health of your dog while he is here. There is also a fenced secure area outdoors for the dogs to potty, so as not to undo any training they have.  Their staff LOVES dogs! And they always say "your beloved pet will get lots of hugs and kisses and attention all day. Your dog deserves the BEST!



          Thank you Silver Paws for being a champion for Toby and his legacy!!
Silver Paws
Dog Daycare & Training
780-962-BARK
 http://www.complete-dog-training-and-supplies.com/
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Thursday, November 1, 2012

Toby's Story Goes Abroad

Toby's story was featured in the UK today on Dog Cast Radio:

Toby was our dog, our friend, our teacher, and the star of my book On Toby's Terms

During the interview I shared how Toby helped me overcome my fear of sailing, as he overcame his fear of diving into the water. Toby taught me many things, including patience, persistence, playfulness and the power and ripple effect of unconditional love.

We also talked about the role that becoming an Animal Assisted Therapy Dog (AAT) played in changing Toby's behavior from incorrigible to incredible.  


Who do you know that could benefit from the unconditional love of an animal? How has an animal impacted your life?  What is the best thing you ever learned from your pet?  We would love to hear your story! 

You Can listen here:
http://www.dogcastradio.com/episode/24328_episode-137--on-tobys-terms-the-spirit-of-the-dog-and-lizzie-owen.htm