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What Pets Can Do: Health and Healing

Posted by Colleen Young, Connect Director @colleenyoung, Sep 15, 2017

I was visiting a community hospital recently, waiting in line for a coffee. Across the lobby was a large, beautiful dog. As visitors and patients stopped to pet the dog and talk with the owner, you could literally see how their faces lit up with smiles and their bodies relaxed.

In the week leading up to exams at my daughter's school, they bring in therapy dogs for the students to interact with. It helps reduce anxiety at a very stressful time for students. For many people, animals provide countless health benefits.

Cats, dogs, birds, fish, hamsters: How have animals comforted you, helped with recovery or promoted good health for you?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Just Want to Talk Support Group.

Mentor
Jim, Volunteer Mentor | @jimhd | Sep 17, 2017
In reply to @gailfaith "Where do I begin? As a dog trainer since age 10, I have trained dogs for..." + (show)
@gailfaith

Where do I begin? As a dog trainer since age 10, I have trained dogs for disaster response, guide dogs for the blind, etc. and my own service dog. Maybe I will start with my last dog, whose picture represents me on Connect. He was an incredible dog..... and yes I know everyone says that about their own dogs, and they are truly right. When I officially made Tani my service dog, I think he laid awake nights thinking up things he could do for me. He came up with stuff that I wouldn't have known how to even begin to train him. I did teach him to get me the cordless phone in case I fell. One day I did fall, and I was bleeding profusely so I couldn't call for help with my cell which is always on me. He brought me the phone, and then while sitting on the floor waiting for help to arrive, he brought me HIS pillow! I did NOT ask for it. That was his idea. Oh yes, he was a Smooth (short haired) Collie). I had smooths for 57 years, all related as in the beginning I did breed. I had many smooths that graduated from one of the established guide dog schools. At the school where I taught, when a person is ready to graduate with their dog, they have a final test. THey have to say what they will go to buy and then come back with that item. THey had about a mile to walk to the stores . And another trainer was following them for safety. Three people with their dogs were walking together, and they stopped at a corner before crossing the street. While waiting for the handlers to ascertain the traffic before telling their dogs forward. suddenly all 3 dogs started to back up!!!!!!! The trainer had no idea at first what was happening, but a car coming down the street ran up on the sidewalk. How in the world did ALL three dogs know that was about to happen!!!!!!!

Jump to this post

@gailfaith

My McNabb service dog was brutally attacked by two large rottweiler/lab mix dogs about a month ago, and I'm having to be aware of other dogs, and giving her extra reassurance. I was wondering if you might have some suggestions for helping us recover.

Jim

REPLY
gailfaith | @gailfaith | Sep 17, 2017
In reply to @gailfaith "Where do I begin? As a dog trainer since age 10, I have trained dogs for..." + (show)
@gailfaith

Where do I begin? As a dog trainer since age 10, I have trained dogs for disaster response, guide dogs for the blind, etc. and my own service dog. Maybe I will start with my last dog, whose picture represents me on Connect. He was an incredible dog..... and yes I know everyone says that about their own dogs, and they are truly right. When I officially made Tani my service dog, I think he laid awake nights thinking up things he could do for me. He came up with stuff that I wouldn't have known how to even begin to train him. I did teach him to get me the cordless phone in case I fell. One day I did fall, and I was bleeding profusely so I couldn't call for help with my cell which is always on me. He brought me the phone, and then while sitting on the floor waiting for help to arrive, he brought me HIS pillow! I did NOT ask for it. That was his idea. Oh yes, he was a Smooth (short haired) Collie). I had smooths for 57 years, all related as in the beginning I did breed. I had many smooths that graduated from one of the established guide dog schools. At the school where I taught, when a person is ready to graduate with their dog, they have a final test. THey have to say what they will go to buy and then come back with that item. THey had about a mile to walk to the stores . And another trainer was following them for safety. Three people with their dogs were walking together, and they stopped at a corner before crossing the street. While waiting for the handlers to ascertain the traffic before telling their dogs forward. suddenly all 3 dogs started to back up!!!!!!! The trainer had no idea at first what was happening, but a car coming down the street ran up on the sidewalk. How in the world did ALL three dogs know that was about to happen!!!!!!!

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@jimhd.....gailfaith here. I am sooooooo sorry to hear about McNabb being attacked and by Rottie mixes to boot. How is your dog physically now? I trust the owners of the dogs that attacked your dog are paying your vet bills. If the dogs were running loose, I hope you found the owners.

Since the attack dogs are big dogs, I would start with trying to find someone with small BUT friendly dogs that live nearby, not necessarily service dogs, but a tested true therapy dog to start with. Just let your dog come near and slowly get closer and see what your dog's reaction is. If your dog shows any fear then stay away and tell the handler of the smaller dogs not to come any closer. Back up a few feet until your dog starts to relax a bit. I would do this several times, daily if possible. Each time trying to get closer to dogs that your dog NOW knows are "safe". Remember each time how close you got, as you don't want to stress your dog until the dogs can sniff each other. The tough part of this is to find dogs that you KNOW are not at all aggressive. Remember if any dog stops wagging their tail, but holds it out straight, and the body is rigid, stay away. If you can find an obedience club near by, call them and tell them your situation and if you can come and just sit with your dog in other dogs presence. Usually, dogs with any obedience training, from an established club will have dogs that are used to being around other dogs. Also the trainer's there, who can actually see your dogs reaction to other dogs, may have suggestions. You may even want to join in some of the ON LEAD training that will take your dog's mind off the fact the other dogs are around and learn that not all dogs are a threat. Your dog being a service dog, did you train it or was it already trained by another person and if the later, talk with that person who already knows your dog. These are just initial ideas. Let me know how you progress. I'll pray for you. OH yes, your dog needs A LOT of praise from YOU for anything he does to build self confidence. I would start off with an obedience club first as opposed to just any friendly neighborhood dog!

REPLY
Mentor
Jim, Volunteer Mentor | @jimhd | Sep 17, 2017
In reply to @gailfaith "Where do I begin? As a dog trainer since age 10, I have trained dogs for..." + (show)
@gailfaith

Where do I begin? As a dog trainer since age 10, I have trained dogs for disaster response, guide dogs for the blind, etc. and my own service dog. Maybe I will start with my last dog, whose picture represents me on Connect. He was an incredible dog..... and yes I know everyone says that about their own dogs, and they are truly right. When I officially made Tani my service dog, I think he laid awake nights thinking up things he could do for me. He came up with stuff that I wouldn't have known how to even begin to train him. I did teach him to get me the cordless phone in case I fell. One day I did fall, and I was bleeding profusely so I couldn't call for help with my cell which is always on me. He brought me the phone, and then while sitting on the floor waiting for help to arrive, he brought me HIS pillow! I did NOT ask for it. That was his idea. Oh yes, he was a Smooth (short haired) Collie). I had smooths for 57 years, all related as in the beginning I did breed. I had many smooths that graduated from one of the established guide dog schools. At the school where I taught, when a person is ready to graduate with their dog, they have a final test. THey have to say what they will go to buy and then come back with that item. THey had about a mile to walk to the stores . And another trainer was following them for safety. Three people with their dogs were walking together, and they stopped at a corner before crossing the street. While waiting for the handlers to ascertain the traffic before telling their dogs forward. suddenly all 3 dogs started to back up!!!!!!! The trainer had no idea at first what was happening, but a car coming down the street ran up on the sidewalk. How in the world did ALL three dogs know that was about to happen!!!!!!!

Jump to this post

@gailfaith

Thank you so much for your help. We have a smaller Manchester terrier, named Pete. He and Sadie are buddies.

I don't know anything about Sadie's first couple of years, as I got her from a shelter. She does well on the basics, and knew sit and down when I met her.

I was visiting a hospice patient at a foster care when this happened, and the dogs were the director's. They are penned, but had somehow escaped, and they did pay the bills.

I don't know if there's an obedience club anywhere here in central Oregon, but I certainly intend to look. I know that dog obedience clinics are offered from time to time, and maybe we could just sit in on one in a safe place.

Sadie is handler (me) trained as a psychiatric service dog. Living out in the country, we don't get a lot of leash time, but when we go to town, we shop and eat out. She spends every Sunday in town, for morning and evening services, and shopping in between. We rest at a park, and we do some leash work there, then I let her have sniff time.

Well, it's time to get to the church, so I must stop. I play the piano and lead the worship on Sunday nights.

Jim

REPLY
gailfaith | @gailfaith | Sep 17, 2017
In reply to @gailfaith "Where do I begin? As a dog trainer since age 10, I have trained dogs for..." + (show)
@gailfaith

Where do I begin? As a dog trainer since age 10, I have trained dogs for disaster response, guide dogs for the blind, etc. and my own service dog. Maybe I will start with my last dog, whose picture represents me on Connect. He was an incredible dog..... and yes I know everyone says that about their own dogs, and they are truly right. When I officially made Tani my service dog, I think he laid awake nights thinking up things he could do for me. He came up with stuff that I wouldn't have known how to even begin to train him. I did teach him to get me the cordless phone in case I fell. One day I did fall, and I was bleeding profusely so I couldn't call for help with my cell which is always on me. He brought me the phone, and then while sitting on the floor waiting for help to arrive, he brought me HIS pillow! I did NOT ask for it. That was his idea. Oh yes, he was a Smooth (short haired) Collie). I had smooths for 57 years, all related as in the beginning I did breed. I had many smooths that graduated from one of the established guide dog schools. At the school where I taught, when a person is ready to graduate with their dog, they have a final test. THey have to say what they will go to buy and then come back with that item. THey had about a mile to walk to the stores . And another trainer was following them for safety. Three people with their dogs were walking together, and they stopped at a corner before crossing the street. While waiting for the handlers to ascertain the traffic before telling their dogs forward. suddenly all 3 dogs started to back up!!!!!!! The trainer had no idea at first what was happening, but a car coming down the street ran up on the sidewalk. How in the world did ALL three dogs know that was about to happen!!!!!!!

Jump to this post

@jimhd , gailfaith here again. Call AKC and they will tell you about dog clubs near you. Glad to hear you have another dog as that will help. I'm a little confused. Are both McNabb and Sadie both service dogs? And glad to hear that the dog that was attacked has another dog around, so you may not have ANY problems being around other dogs.

I attend either conservative Baptist churches or Christian Missionary Alliance churches as I was raised in both depending on which church nearby had other kids my age! I used to be a church organist. And when he choir director wasn't around, I also led the congregational singing. So besides dogs, we have another thing in common.

My last three smooth collies came from just north of Seattle. Though I live on the east coast, I had to pay the person I got my stock from put a female dog in a home with two unmarried sisters there, so all their dogs as well as mine are all related.

REPLY
gailfaith | @gailfaith | Sep 17, 2017
In reply to @gailfaith "Where do I begin? As a dog trainer since age 10, I have trained dogs for..." + (show)
@gailfaith

Where do I begin? As a dog trainer since age 10, I have trained dogs for disaster response, guide dogs for the blind, etc. and my own service dog. Maybe I will start with my last dog, whose picture represents me on Connect. He was an incredible dog..... and yes I know everyone says that about their own dogs, and they are truly right. When I officially made Tani my service dog, I think he laid awake nights thinking up things he could do for me. He came up with stuff that I wouldn't have known how to even begin to train him. I did teach him to get me the cordless phone in case I fell. One day I did fall, and I was bleeding profusely so I couldn't call for help with my cell which is always on me. He brought me the phone, and then while sitting on the floor waiting for help to arrive, he brought me HIS pillow! I did NOT ask for it. That was his idea. Oh yes, he was a Smooth (short haired) Collie). I had smooths for 57 years, all related as in the beginning I did breed. I had many smooths that graduated from one of the established guide dog schools. At the school where I taught, when a person is ready to graduate with their dog, they have a final test. THey have to say what they will go to buy and then come back with that item. THey had about a mile to walk to the stores . And another trainer was following them for safety. Three people with their dogs were walking together, and they stopped at a corner before crossing the street. While waiting for the handlers to ascertain the traffic before telling their dogs forward. suddenly all 3 dogs started to back up!!!!!!! The trainer had no idea at first what was happening, but a car coming down the street ran up on the sidewalk. How in the world did ALL three dogs know that was about to happen!!!!!!!

Jump to this post

@jimhd gailfaith again. I missed it in your previous note that Pete is another dog? Who or what is McNabb? Now I am really confused. Sorry.

REPLY
Mentor
Jim, Volunteer Mentor | @jimhd | Sep 17, 2017
In reply to @gailfaith "Where do I begin? As a dog trainer since age 10, I have trained dogs for..." + (show)
@gailfaith

Where do I begin? As a dog trainer since age 10, I have trained dogs for disaster response, guide dogs for the blind, etc. and my own service dog. Maybe I will start with my last dog, whose picture represents me on Connect. He was an incredible dog..... and yes I know everyone says that about their own dogs, and they are truly right. When I officially made Tani my service dog, I think he laid awake nights thinking up things he could do for me. He came up with stuff that I wouldn't have known how to even begin to train him. I did teach him to get me the cordless phone in case I fell. One day I did fall, and I was bleeding profusely so I couldn't call for help with my cell which is always on me. He brought me the phone, and then while sitting on the floor waiting for help to arrive, he brought me HIS pillow! I did NOT ask for it. That was his idea. Oh yes, he was a Smooth (short haired) Collie). I had smooths for 57 years, all related as in the beginning I did breed. I had many smooths that graduated from one of the established guide dog schools. At the school where I taught, when a person is ready to graduate with their dog, they have a final test. THey have to say what they will go to buy and then come back with that item. THey had about a mile to walk to the stores . And another trainer was following them for safety. Three people with their dogs were walking together, and they stopped at a corner before crossing the street. While waiting for the handlers to ascertain the traffic before telling their dogs forward. suddenly all 3 dogs started to back up!!!!!!! The trainer had no idea at first what was happening, but a car coming down the street ran up on the sidewalk. How in the world did ALL three dogs know that was about to happen!!!!!!!

Jump to this post

Sorry, @gailfaith

Sadie is a McNabb, a line bred from Border Collie. Their legs are longer, but otherwise look very much like Borders.

Jim

REPLY
Mentor
Jim, Volunteer Mentor | @jimhd | Sep 18, 2017
In reply to @gailfaith "Where do I begin? As a dog trainer since age 10, I have trained dogs for..." + (show)
@gailfaith

Where do I begin? As a dog trainer since age 10, I have trained dogs for disaster response, guide dogs for the blind, etc. and my own service dog. Maybe I will start with my last dog, whose picture represents me on Connect. He was an incredible dog..... and yes I know everyone says that about their own dogs, and they are truly right. When I officially made Tani my service dog, I think he laid awake nights thinking up things he could do for me. He came up with stuff that I wouldn't have known how to even begin to train him. I did teach him to get me the cordless phone in case I fell. One day I did fall, and I was bleeding profusely so I couldn't call for help with my cell which is always on me. He brought me the phone, and then while sitting on the floor waiting for help to arrive, he brought me HIS pillow! I did NOT ask for it. That was his idea. Oh yes, he was a Smooth (short haired) Collie). I had smooths for 57 years, all related as in the beginning I did breed. I had many smooths that graduated from one of the established guide dog schools. At the school where I taught, when a person is ready to graduate with their dog, they have a final test. THey have to say what they will go to buy and then come back with that item. THey had about a mile to walk to the stores . And another trainer was following them for safety. Three people with their dogs were walking together, and they stopped at a corner before crossing the street. While waiting for the handlers to ascertain the traffic before telling their dogs forward. suddenly all 3 dogs started to back up!!!!!!! The trainer had no idea at first what was happening, but a car coming down the street ran up on the sidewalk. How in the world did ALL three dogs know that was about to happen!!!!!!!

Jump to this post

@gailfaith

If you Google McNab breed, you'll see photos that look just like Sadie - the black and white ones.

Jim

REPLY
Moderator
Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | Sep 18, 2017
In reply to @gailfaith "Where do I begin? As a dog trainer since age 10, I have trained dogs for..." + (show)
@gailfaith

Where do I begin? As a dog trainer since age 10, I have trained dogs for disaster response, guide dogs for the blind, etc. and my own service dog. Maybe I will start with my last dog, whose picture represents me on Connect. He was an incredible dog..... and yes I know everyone says that about their own dogs, and they are truly right. When I officially made Tani my service dog, I think he laid awake nights thinking up things he could do for me. He came up with stuff that I wouldn't have known how to even begin to train him. I did teach him to get me the cordless phone in case I fell. One day I did fall, and I was bleeding profusely so I couldn't call for help with my cell which is always on me. He brought me the phone, and then while sitting on the floor waiting for help to arrive, he brought me HIS pillow! I did NOT ask for it. That was his idea. Oh yes, he was a Smooth (short haired) Collie). I had smooths for 57 years, all related as in the beginning I did breed. I had many smooths that graduated from one of the established guide dog schools. At the school where I taught, when a person is ready to graduate with their dog, they have a final test. THey have to say what they will go to buy and then come back with that item. THey had about a mile to walk to the stores . And another trainer was following them for safety. Three people with their dogs were walking together, and they stopped at a corner before crossing the street. While waiting for the handlers to ascertain the traffic before telling their dogs forward. suddenly all 3 dogs started to back up!!!!!!! The trainer had no idea at first what was happening, but a car coming down the street ran up on the sidewalk. How in the world did ALL three dogs know that was about to happen!!!!!!!

Jump to this post

We used to have a cavalier, too, @contentandwell. Super sweet dog.

REPLY
gailfaith | @gailfaith | Sep 18, 2017
In reply to @gailfaith "Where do I begin? As a dog trainer since age 10, I have trained dogs for..." + (show)
@gailfaith

Where do I begin? As a dog trainer since age 10, I have trained dogs for disaster response, guide dogs for the blind, etc. and my own service dog. Maybe I will start with my last dog, whose picture represents me on Connect. He was an incredible dog..... and yes I know everyone says that about their own dogs, and they are truly right. When I officially made Tani my service dog, I think he laid awake nights thinking up things he could do for me. He came up with stuff that I wouldn't have known how to even begin to train him. I did teach him to get me the cordless phone in case I fell. One day I did fall, and I was bleeding profusely so I couldn't call for help with my cell which is always on me. He brought me the phone, and then while sitting on the floor waiting for help to arrive, he brought me HIS pillow! I did NOT ask for it. That was his idea. Oh yes, he was a Smooth (short haired) Collie). I had smooths for 57 years, all related as in the beginning I did breed. I had many smooths that graduated from one of the established guide dog schools. At the school where I taught, when a person is ready to graduate with their dog, they have a final test. THey have to say what they will go to buy and then come back with that item. THey had about a mile to walk to the stores . And another trainer was following them for safety. Three people with their dogs were walking together, and they stopped at a corner before crossing the street. While waiting for the handlers to ascertain the traffic before telling their dogs forward. suddenly all 3 dogs started to back up!!!!!!! The trainer had no idea at first what was happening, but a car coming down the street ran up on the sidewalk. How in the world did ALL three dogs know that was about to happen!!!!!!!

Jump to this post

@jimhd .....gailfaith here again. Looks like I goofed. Sorry. I started in breeding and showing dogs back in 1958 and since then there are many more breeds than when I started. So McNabb is a breed, not your dog's name. ANd you never told me have bad where his injuries when attacked. I trust he has recovered opr is well on the way. Can I assume that Mcnabb is not (yet) recognized by AKC......or am I really our of touch! Does UKC recognize that breed? WIth a collie background , that has to be a great breed ( or am I more than just a little prejudice toward my breed: Collies? especially smooth ones!) My first male. Jody, was undefeated in his sex in the US and undefeated in Canada. He took breed twice at the Westminster dog show in NYC and Best of opposite sex, the other two time. Off hand I forget how many Champions I had. And Jody was the first collie of either variety to be a Champion along with the highest AKC obedience title: Utility Dog.

REPLY
Mentor
Jim, Volunteer Mentor | @jimhd | Sep 18, 2017
In reply to @gailfaith "Where do I begin? As a dog trainer since age 10, I have trained dogs for..." + (show)
@gailfaith

Where do I begin? As a dog trainer since age 10, I have trained dogs for disaster response, guide dogs for the blind, etc. and my own service dog. Maybe I will start with my last dog, whose picture represents me on Connect. He was an incredible dog..... and yes I know everyone says that about their own dogs, and they are truly right. When I officially made Tani my service dog, I think he laid awake nights thinking up things he could do for me. He came up with stuff that I wouldn't have known how to even begin to train him. I did teach him to get me the cordless phone in case I fell. One day I did fall, and I was bleeding profusely so I couldn't call for help with my cell which is always on me. He brought me the phone, and then while sitting on the floor waiting for help to arrive, he brought me HIS pillow! I did NOT ask for it. That was his idea. Oh yes, he was a Smooth (short haired) Collie). I had smooths for 57 years, all related as in the beginning I did breed. I had many smooths that graduated from one of the established guide dog schools. At the school where I taught, when a person is ready to graduate with their dog, they have a final test. THey have to say what they will go to buy and then come back with that item. THey had about a mile to walk to the stores . And another trainer was following them for safety. Three people with their dogs were walking together, and they stopped at a corner before crossing the street. While waiting for the handlers to ascertain the traffic before telling their dogs forward. suddenly all 3 dogs started to back up!!!!!!! The trainer had no idea at first what was happening, but a car coming down the street ran up on the sidewalk. How in the world did ALL three dogs know that was about to happen!!!!!!!

Jump to this post

@gailfaith

I'm pretty sure I read that McNab is recognized by AKC. Sadie's injuries were multiple flank bites, a few that penetrated enough to concern the vet. She shaved the area and cleaned it, and I gave her a medication for a week or two. She didn't stitch the cut, though she could have, but I kept it clean, and it healed well.

The bite marks are gone, but the fear of large dogs remains. I think it will work itself out over time.

I had appointments with 3 doctors today, and she laid quietly on her fleece blanket as usual, in the waiting rooms and exam rooms. She's a very sweet dog. She won't win the awards Jody did - an amazing record - but she has my heart, for sure.

Thanks for your guidance with the emotional part of Sadie's encounter. I'll keep you posted.

Jim

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