tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29830908904140498222024-03-13T08:36:07.633-07:00Texas Hearing and Service DogsTexas Hearing and Service Dogs trains dogs to assist Texans living with hearing or mobility challenges. Thanks to your donations, we provide the dogs and training free of charge.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983090890414049822.post-45063348634673950362010-03-27T12:48:00.000-07:002010-03-27T13:00:16.633-07:00Search & Rescue in Chile<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Mmk_zFEjhD4/S65jI8zRKfI/AAAAAAAAAIM/opeQRILV790/s1600/Antonio+1.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Mmk_zFEjhD4/S65jI8zRKfI/AAAAAAAAAIM/opeQRILV790/s320/Antonio+1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453405204203514354" border="0" /></a><br />I spent some time last night chatting on Facebook with my friend Antonio. He is a Carabinero in Santiago, Chile. The Carabineros are Chile's national police force. You forget in other countries, they may not have individual states like we do, thus their police force is one group throughout the country.<br /><br />Anthony is with the 7th Squadron, the canine squadron. They use their dogs for Search and Rescue in disasters and right now, they are very busy still searching for victims of the earthquakes.<br /><br />He told me he and his dog, a Belgian Malinois, work each day 9 to 5. They feed the dog, they search all day and they come back have dinner, rest and do it again the next day. He says they haven't found anyone for a while.<img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/THSD/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-2.png" alt="" /><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/THSD/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-3.png" alt="" /><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/THSD/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-4.png" alt="" /><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/THSD/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-5.png" alt="" /><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/THSD/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-6.png" alt="" /><br /><br />I asked him when he'd be going home, how long he was going to be stationed there. He said he was happy there working for his people. I told him that is exactly what I expected him to say. I asked him what I could do to support him, the other Carabineros and the people of Chile. He asked me what I meant. I don't know if it was the translation into Spanish or the concept or what but I was having trouble explaining what I meant.<br /><br />I told him I was sending them all good thoughts and that they remind me of Texans - brave, kind and generous. (Our flags are very similar, too.) I told him that I liked the people of Chile from when I first arrived there and that I still do. He really liked that.<br /><br />So, as we go about our weekdays full of work and our weekends full of rest, fun and errands, send the good people of Chile a good thought. And go visit someday. The country is beautiful and the people are wonderful.<br /><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/THSD/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot.png" alt="" /><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/THSD/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-1.png" alt="" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983090890414049822.post-37965104586947989932009-12-04T15:42:00.000-08:002009-12-04T16:06:29.140-08:00Juneau's Journal 12/4/09 - About Town<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Wowee, zowee, I have been a busy busy dog this past week!<br /><br />You won't believe the places I've gone.<br /><br />First, Sheri and her co-worker Bobbi took me to an art exhibit in Johnson City. It was at the Carol Watson Studio Gallery. Ms. Watson was having an art auction to help Texas Hearing & Service Dogs, the place that Sheri and Bobbi work for.<br /><br />We drove 45 minutes in Sheri's car. I'm totally used to it now, so I hopped right in. There was a lot of stuff in the back where I was because Sheri and Bobbi were setting up a booth. There was a fold up table, lots of boxes of toy Service Dogs, a big black zippered case and everyone's coats and purses. I just made myself cozy and enjoyed the ride!<br /><br />We got there and Sheri and Bobbi set up the booth at the exhibit. It was lots of neat photographs that Carol Watson took all over the world. My job was to lay on a mat at the booth and look calm and pretty. Sheri and Bobbi and everyone I met that night said I did a great job. Carol's assistant Matt photographed me and promised to send Sheri the pictures. I can't wait. I've never been photographed by a real artist before! When I get them, I'll show you the best ones :)<br /><br />Well, that night in Johnson City, they had the big Christmas parade. Sheri and Bobbi took me to see it. It was just down the block from the Watson art gallery. It started after dark and wow, was it an experience, especially for a shy dog like me! It was around the town square. There were cowboys riding real horses. They shot their guns into the air! That was very loud. I flinched when I heard the shots but Sheri was right by my side telling me it was alright, so I let the fear pass and focused on Sheri and looking at everything around me.<br /><br />There were big wagons with lights all over them carrying elves and princesses. There were motorcycles going "vroom vroom"! Again, very loud. There were ambulances covered with lights. They sounded their big horns and sirens - that was loud, too. Probably the loudest things I've ever heard. I flinched a little like last time, but tried to stay calm. Sheri noticed I was a little uncomfortable with cowboys shooting guns, motorcycles vrooming and ambulances blaring - all right in front of me, so she and Bobbi took me back to the art gallery after that.<br /><br />I hung out there and let people pet me. Sheri told everyone I was working to help children at Child Protection Centers and i was very proud.<br /><br />And that brings me to our next trip, which took place three days later.<br /><br />This time, Sheri and another co-worker, Debbie, and I drove almost four hours in Sheri's car. Sheri thought I'd go to sleep, but I wanted to see everything so I sat up in the back and looked out the windows for most of the time. A car goes so much faster than a little dog can. A little dog could never see as many things walking around as she could riding in a car. It was all so interesting.<br /><br />We drove to a town called Cleburne. It is near Fort Worth. We visited a place called the Child Protection Center. It was a very nice, cheerful place with colorful carpet and chairs in purples, reds, yellows, blues and greens. I just layed right down in the lobby. It was so cozy, especially because it was cold, grey and raining outside.<br /><br />Sheri introduced me to a man named Drew. He works at this place. His job is to talk to children about things that have happened to them. These things are really bad and talking about them is difficult for the children. They can feel sad or scared or angry just thinking about these things. A dog like me would help them feel better. They can pet me or hold onto my leash. A dog like me would let them know they are loved and safe and have someone in their corner.<br /><br />Drew took all of us to the room where he talks to kids. It had two big chairs and a tiny table with two little chairs. Some children may be very young and like the little table and chairs because that fits their size. Other children may be older or bigger and like a grown up chair. I just settled right down on the carpet. Lots of Drew's co-workers came by to meet me and Sheri and Debbie. I liked them. They petted me and I just stayed down on the carpet. Sheri didn't even have to ask me to, I just figured that was the thing to do. It seemed natural.<br /><br />At one point when some of the other people were talking, Drew whispered to Sheri, "How do you get her to do that?" and Sheri just smiled and said, "We pick good dogs!"<br /><br />She did, didn't she!<br /></span></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983090890414049822.post-37810701778199603122009-11-26T14:35:00.000-08:002009-11-26T14:55:02.563-08:00Juneau's Journal 11/26/09<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Mmk_zFEjhD4/Sw8GOkWCa0I/AAAAAAAAAIE/5teykmGYUEI/s1600/P1010004.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Mmk_zFEjhD4/Sw8GOkWCa0I/AAAAAAAAAIE/5teykmGYUEI/s320/P1010004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408548524839299906" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);"><span style="font-family:arial;">Today is Thanksgiving, whatever that is. Sheri has been next door most of the day and I can smell the most intoxicating aromas wafting from over there. I think they eat animals there - Sheri doesn't, so there are things to smell that are new to me. I'm very interested, but of course, I like being here the best.<br /><br />I am feeling so much better these days. I hardly cough at all and I am finally getting to go on very short walks with Sheri and her border collie Pearl. It's a little weird because we are on a dirt jogging trail instead of what I am used to - going through our neighborhood. I get a little nervous when people run up behind me. I start breathing a little harder and you can see my cheeks fluff out a little. Sheri gives me treats when those people run by. She calls them joggers. It seems like they are being chased because they are running, but there is never anyone chasing them. Weird! But I am learning that when they come by, I get a treat, so I'm sort of kind of starting to be okay with them.<br /><br />Every once in a while, someone with a dog walks towards us. Sometimes the dogs are large and sometimes they are little. I don't know any of them, so I am very aware of them. Sheri gives me a treat as they approach. If their owner is giving them too much leash and letting them get close to me and Pearl without asking Sheri, Sheri just moves us to the grass next to the trail, asks us to sit and gives us treats. These treats have a way of making things seem okay.<br /><br />Oh wow, I forgot to tell you - almost - I had the biggest breakthrough two days ago!<br /><br />You remember how I was always scared to get into the car? Sheri would climb in first - and then, of course, I wanted to be with her and I trusted her, so I'd get in after her and we'd just sit there for a while. Well, on Monday, I was so excited about driving out to the little jogging trail, that after Pearl hopped in, I just climbed in right after her! I forgot all about being scared of getting into the car. I mean, there were always treats in the car, and we always went somewhere fun in the car, plus, gosh, I'd ridden in the car a bunch of times now, so what was there to be scared of? The car is fun!<br /><br />So I just hopped in and sure enough, we went to the jogging trail and took a walk. We did it again Tuesday and again today! I even climbed in through the back hatch when it was open. Sheri was so happy. She gave me treats each time. She was sort of teasing me, saying, "I thought you were scared of the car. You're not scared of the car! You're such a brave girl."<br /><br />So all of that bravery, the yummy smells in the neighborhood, the people next door dropping by to heat rolls in the oven, the walks - oh yeah, and eating my meals in the bathtub (I'll save that for another story), I'm just exhausted. A really good kind of tired.<br /><br />So, they tell me that today is about being thankful. Well, I was thankful from the very first day I got here 6 weeks ago. I still wag my tail when I drink fresh water out of a bowl. It's there any time I want it. I wag my tail when I see Sheri putting my food into my bowl. She likes me to sit still while she does it, but inside, I'm wagging my tail. I even wag my tail when I am sleeping and I hear her voice.<br /><br />I know she loves me and I am thankful for that. I hope she knows it. I try to show her all the time. Wagging my tail, snuggling up for a pet, rolling on my back and smiling - that's how I say "Happy Thanksgiving".<br /></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983090890414049822.post-85933950901683663862009-11-07T17:15:00.000-08:002009-11-07T17:30:56.521-08:00Juneau's Journal 11/7/09 - Brave Dog<span style="font-family: lucida grande;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I am a brave dog!<br /><br />I'm almost over my cough and today Sheri took me in a ride in the car. <br /><br />The car kinda scares me. I'm not used to it and it's weird. It moves and it's like the floor is moving under me and the room is tilting and I never know what it's going to do. This is only my 3rd car ride with Sheri. The first was when she brought me home from the shelter exactly 3 weeks ago. I already told you about that.<br /><br />The second was with Pearl two weeks ago. Although we'd practiced just sitting in the car a couple of times, this was a full ride. Sheri got in first and then I felt good enough to get in after her. We were in the back seat when Pearl jumped in,too! Pearl loves being in the car and she's real happy in there. I sort of felt since she thought it was okay, maybe it was. Plus Sheri kept petting me and telling me what a brave dog I was and giving me and Pearl treats just for being in there.<br /><br />She finally got out, but then got back in right away but in the front seat. That time we drove for about 10 minutes. When we parked, we got out and went on a hike. It was really neat. I didn't realize I was starting to get sick, so I couldn't run around as much as Pearl did - she's crazy out there having so much fun. She even jumps around in the water! She enjoyed it so much, I felt like it was a fun place and I started to enjoy it, too. We saw other dogs and people and men and even some small kids. At first, I was pretty shy, but after more and more of them went by, all of them nice, I realized they were okay and I relaxed.<br /><br />Anyway, today, 2 weeks later, Sheri and I got in the car, just the two of us. First she got in the back seat and motioned for me to join her. I climbed in and she gave me a treat just for doing that. I wagged my tail and it was like I knew where I was and I was okay. We stayed back there a little and then Sheri climbed into the front seat, started the car and off we went.<br /><br />Where were we going this time, I wondered. Should I worry?<br /><br />I did a little on the left turns. Sheri tries to be smooth on those, but the floor still shifts around and the whole room tilts. I started getting a little nervous. Sheri could tell because my cheeks started puffing out a little. She kept reassuring me and I calmed down and breathed more slowly. I even sat down and lied down a few times, just looking out the window and watching things go by.<br /><br />We finally pulled up in front of a store that sells tires. Sheri and I both went into the store after they told Sheri she could bring me in. I hate going through doors because at the shelter, I never knew what was going to happen. None of us did. They'd yank us through doors and then lock us up. It was frightening. Some of us got pulled through doors and never came back.<br /><br />Anyway,Sheri never pulls me through a door. She just stands in the doorway, holding it open and waits for me to go through. So we finally went into the tire store. Tile floors, I can do that. Guys behind a high counter, not too interested in me - no problem. She had to get a tire replaced on her car. I waited with her at the counter very quietly and she kept telling me what I good girl I was.<br /><br />We had to wait in another room while they replaced the tire. There was a football game on and newspapers to read. Another woman was in the room and a few men came and went. I just lied on the tile floor. It really wasn't a big deal. Sheri petted me and read the paper. It was very calm in there. I just relaxed and stretched out.<br /><br />After a little bit, our car was ready. We went back to the front room and Sheri paid the guy at the counter. Then we left. We walked around in the grass a little. I think Sheri wanted to be sure I was "okay" before the ride home.<br /><br />We both got into the back seat. It was a little different doing this in a new place instead of Sheri's garage where we always have been. But I did it. I got a treat, too! We drove home with no problems. I'm still getting used to the car but it's a little easier each time. I was really tired when we got home. I ate dinner and took a long nap.<br /><br />The whole time, Sheri kept telling me what a brave dog I am. If that means trusting someone you love when you're scared, then I am!<br /></span></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983090890414049822.post-60311434884517710902009-11-05T13:32:00.000-08:002009-11-05T13:52:42.349-08:00Juneau's Journal 11/5/09<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Mmk_zFEjhD4/SvNIu5kdKcI/AAAAAAAAAH8/ppaOshNP97s/s1600-h/Juneau+%281%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Mmk_zFEjhD4/SvNIu5kdKcI/AAAAAAAAAH8/ppaOshNP97s/s320/Juneau+%281%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400740348712266178" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Mmk_zFEjhD4/SvNHtS7jqCI/AAAAAAAAAHs/Bc1QtjX-ZQI/s1600-h/Juneau+%282%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Mmk_zFEjhD4/SvNHtS7jqCI/AAAAAAAAAHs/Bc1QtjX-ZQI/s320/Juneau+%282%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400739221648680994" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">I am feeling so much better this week.<br /><br />When Sheri first adopted me from San Marcos Animal Shelter a little over 2 weeks ago, I was really scared of everything. But I liked her. I trusted her the minute I met her and I wanted so bad for her to take me with her.<br /><br />When she first took me out to the fenced yard at the shelter, I was so happy to get this chance that I stuck by her every second. She sat down on the grass with me - I couldn't believe it, she was down at my level. I was so relieved that someone was being kind to me that I just crawled up into her lap. I know I was smelly, I'd been out on the streets for so long, just looking for something to eat and a safe place where no one would hurt me. Anyway, I put my head in her lap and she just petted me.<br /><br />She got up and walked around the yard. There were dozens of barking dogs all in their kennels yammering at us. I knew how they felt. They wanted out, just like I did. We are all desperate for it.<br /><br />Well, she took me home that day. I was still so scared, because it'd been so bad for so long, I think. I didn't really understand what was happening and I kind of had an accident - a couple of pretty stinky ones, in the back of her car on the way home. I'm not used to cars. I was afraid to get in hers even though she tried to lure me with treats.<br /><br />How did she finally get me in? She never forced me. She never forces me to do anything. She just climbed into the back seat herself and them motioned for me to join her. No problem - I just wanted to be with her anyway because she was nice to me. I hopped in and she told me I was a good dog.<br /><br />She drove to Tractor Supply where she bought me a new crate with a soft white fleece pad, a leash, toys and three kinds of treats. It was a smelly ride home, and I slid all over the box holding the giant crate, but I never complained and neither did she.<br /><br />We got to her house and I met the most curious assortment of animals. A border collie-type dog named Pearl and quite a few cats. Two black ones, a grey striped one, a little brown one and a black and white one. All of them were pretty curious about me. Me - I felt so shy. I just tried to make myself small so no one would get mad at me.<br /><br />Sheri fed me some great dog food soaked in water and gave me a new bone to chew on. I loved the food. It was so good and it was all mine! No one to fight for it. No one to wait after before I gobbled it up. I really couldn't enjoy the bone. I just sort of ignored it. I was still way too wound up to relax enough to chew on it.<br /><br />That night, I fell asleep on my soft white pad inside my crate. it'd been a long day and I was too tired to think or even to be scared.<br /><br />As I drifted off to sleep, I heard Sheri telling me, "You're safe now. From now on you're going to be loved and safe. I promise."<br /></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983090890414049822.post-40407601146351321342009-03-18T15:22:00.000-07:002009-03-18T15:28:49.226-07:00Nobody slept last night<span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: arial;">Yesterday we had a meeting - me, the training staff and our facility manager. We were discussing a dog behavior issue - what happened, what to do about it - all pros and cons.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">At times, most of us got pretty emotional. We kept reminding ourselves to focus on the issue and not let our passion for our view of what was right distract us from objectively examining the issue.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">After 2 hours, we concluded the meeting. It was beyond quitting time for the day. We didn't make a decision. The purpose of the meeting was just to sort through all of the factors.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">I didn't sleep much last night. I kept tossing and turning thinking about what we talked about and how to solve it. In my half conscious state, I did get emotional and my mind kept relentlessly factoring information and formulating solutions.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Today I spoke with our Facility Manager. She didn't sleep either.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Later, I spoke with our Training Director. She also had spent a restless night without any sleep.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">I smiled.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Isn't that great!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Why?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Because each of us cares so darn much about this organization and about every person and animal that comes through it, that we were each disturbed to the point of sleeplessness. That shows true devotion. True caring. True selflessness.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">We will continue to work out the solution to this particular issue. And the next one. And so forth.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">And everyone can know - these people really care.</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983090890414049822.post-59669511590942267882009-03-16T10:58:00.000-07:002009-03-16T11:19:01.367-07:00Sgt. Paul Conner<p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:navy;" ><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;color:navy;" >We all got back from a memorial service yesterday in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Killeen</st1:place></st1:city> for Paul Conner. He is the Army Sergeant who was our first injured combat veteran to get a Hearing Dog.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:navy;" ><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;color:navy;" ><o:p></o:p>We all had such a good time with him during the week when he was part of our February Team Training class. Despite his TBI, he had made enormous progress with the training and we got to see a new side of him – the generous fun side – when he brought cinnamon rolls from the local bakery to the staff every morning.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:navy;" ><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;color:navy;" ><o:p></o:p>10 days after we moved Zest into his apartment, we got a notice he had died. They don’t know the cause, but I think it might have been heart failure. He always said they had him on a lot of meds b/c of his PTSD and he’d been hospitalized a few months earlier when as he put it, his heart stopped.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:navy;" ><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;color:navy;" ><o:p></o:p>I happened to be in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Killeen</st1:place></st1:city> the day the news came in, so after the conference, I swung by his apartment and picked up Zest and all of the things Paul had bought for her care. A woman he’d met at the American Legion helped me load two crates, 60 lbs of dog food, bags of toys, treats and brushes and her food and water bowls. Both of us went to Dairy Queen on the way home. I haven’t had a dip cone in probably 10 years, but we both needed it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:navy;" ><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;color:navy;" ><o:p></o:p>I learned a lot more about Paul at his memorial service. Everyone spoke about his generosity. About how he was always the first to volunteer. About how he always brought back loads of candy and toys for the kids at their Christmas parties. How in <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Iraq</st1:place></st1:country-region>, he always managed to get the men what they needed. One time, they wanted air conditioners. It took him a month, but he got them. Then a couple of weeks later, they couldn’t find their flash lights and asked Paul where they were. He said, “You got your AC, didn’t you?” Even his landlord spoke about how much he liked Paul. They were eating buddies. They favorite restaurant was <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Hunan</st1:place></st1:state> and then after a big meal, Paul would get them to window shop for sales on electronic gadgets to walk off the meal. His friend, Helen – the woman who helped me at his apt., made a scrapbook for everyone to sign and it had the <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Hunan</st1:place></st1:state> menu in it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:navy;" ><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;color:navy;" ><o:p></o:p>The American Legion building in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Killeen</st1:place></st1:city> was a modest little structure. A classic dimly lit smoky bar, illuminated by classic neon beer signs with a room in the back for meetings. That back room was where we had the memorial. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:navy;" ><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;color:navy;" ><o:p></o:p>It was profound to learn about this man through the eyes of his family and friends. We met him only through one facet of his life – his injuries and his attempts to recover. We were just starting to see the other facets – fun, generosity, enthusiasm, productivity. I imagined him as isolated other than what we were going to bring him with his new Hearing Dog. I was so pleased to see what a full life he had. It was a real lesson for me to appreciate someone as a whole person and not just the vulnerable part of them that brings them to us for help.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:navy;" ><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;color:navy;" ><o:p></o:p>I really dislike mortality. It’s not fair that this happened just when things were opening up for Paul. It’s not fair that the other guys in his vehicle were killed and that the female soldier was so tragically injured. It’s not fair that Paul had nightmares for 3 years about what he had to do, and it’s not fair that the medicine he took for it may have damaged him in other ways. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:navy;" ><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;color:navy;" ><o:p></o:p>These people are very straightforward. They are proud to serve. They are dedicated to serving and to helping each other. They are very modest. They take care of each other. They are not fancy people, but they are the foundation that keeps all of us secure. I’m glad we could be a little part of a good thing for them. I wish we could have been more.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:navy;" ><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;color:navy;" ><o:p></o:p>The sun has finally come out today after two weeks of rain and dark skies. This is a good day for the sun to be out.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">Sheri<br /><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:navy;" ><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;color:navy;" ><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983090890414049822.post-8458689186511249752008-09-24T08:56:00.000-07:002008-09-24T09:17:55.606-07:00ok to euthanize<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);"><span style="font-family:arial;">Yesterday our staff visited the San Antonio Animal Care Services - their city shelter. It is a new facility, very clean and the staff and volunteers seem pleasant.<br /><br />We went through two buildings with runs full of dogs classified as "stray". In fact, the staff designates the buildings as Stray 1 and Stray 2.<br /><br />There were lots of dogs eager to get out of their cages. Some were thin, some had injuries, all had stories - we just don't know what they are. Most of them looked healthy, robust and irresistably endearing. There were dogs of all sizes, mostly young adults.<br /><br />Each run had the dog's information in a plastic envelope attached to the front gate: the dog's breed, age, where it had been found, any meds. Many had this handwritten in black ink:<br /><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 0, 51);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">ok to euth 9/25</span></span></span></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Mmk_zFEjhD4/SNpm50hpwJI/AAAAAAAAAFg/DQ5wkT3R0iA/s1600-h/Black+lab+%40+shelter.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 271px; height: 204px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Mmk_zFEjhD4/SNpm50hpwJI/AAAAAAAAAFg/DQ5wkT3R0iA/s320/Black+lab+%40+shelter.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249621459192103058" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);"><span style="font-family:arial;">That meant okay to euthanize, September 25. That's Thursday. That's tomorrow.<br /><br />One dog was lying in the back of her kennel. Unlike the other dogs, she didn't get up to greet us as we stopped at her kennel. She was nursing an injured hind leg. She was young, blonde fur, maybe a small lab. She had that written on the card on her door.<br /><br />I know this is a fact of life. I know we can't save them all. I know we're doing our best and that we have to choose dogs that are likely to work in our training program: be able to master the behaviors, be good in public and do it all for a novice handler - the person getting the Hearing or Service Dog.<br /><br />But...<br /><br />This shelter euthanizes 95% of its dogs.<br /><br />They try to get rescue groups to take many of them. They don't push adoption much in their community because other facilities do. There were a handful of people looking for pets.<br /><br />This is my 20th year doing this and it's still as fresh as the first time I ever saw an animal in need and wanted to help.<br /><br />After we had dinner. After we drove back to Dripping Springs and dropped people off. After I made it home to Austin and settled in for the evening. Even though I took deep breaths, I couldn't hold back the tears. I just couldn't get it out of my head. "ok to euth 9/25". That brown eyed, yellow lab lying in the back of her kennel nursing her hurt leg. And all the rest of them.<br /><br />Will it be peaceful for them when it happens? Will any one of them get adopted before it's time?<br /><br />It's not just 9/25. It's a lot more. It's not just her. It's a lot more.<br /><br />I have six pets, all from shelters. Well 5 from shelters, one from a tree at an abandoned house.<br /><br />Does anyone need a pet? Do you know ANYone who is ready for some love, gratitude and affection in his or her life?<br /><br />Don't wait! An animal needs you so much! Please take a drive to the San Antonio shelter if you live there - it's easy to find - it's on Hwy 151. Or if you live in Austin, we have a city shelter here near Cesar Chavez.<br /><br />www.petfinder.com is also an excellent site. You put in your zip code, and choose the kind of animal you're interested in and it gives you photos, bios and contact info for animals starting with those at places closest to you. You can even sort by age and gender.<br /><br />I know you love animals or you wouldn't be reading this. If this blog moves anyone to go adopt a dog or cat from a shelter, it will unbreak my heart just a little bit.<br /><br />Thank you,<br /><br />Sheri<br /></span></span></div><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);"><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983090890414049822.post-64998807799488980272008-09-15T15:23:00.001-07:002008-09-15T15:38:57.635-07:00Vroom, vroom!Thanks to our friends at Roger Beasley Volvo, we were able to replace our '03 Dodge Caravan of nearly 200,000 miles with a slightly used 2008 Dodge Caravan at an extremely reasonable price complete with trade in. (Now, they have a paperweight in the shape of an '03 Dodge van!)<br /><br />We've gotten such a great response from my Scion XB being wrapped in graphics, that I wanted to do the same with the new vehicle.<br /><br />Rick Clark helped design the graphics, which will be applied by AccuGraphics in Austin.<br /><br />Here's what the van will look like from the sides<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Mmk_zFEjhD4/SM7h5AoCzHI/AAAAAAAAAFY/I84Fti2XYcw/s1600-h/Draft+5+-+final.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 513px; height: 203px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Mmk_zFEjhD4/SM7h5AoCzHI/AAAAAAAAAFY/I84Fti2XYcw/s400/Draft+5+-+final.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246378985469955186" border="0" /></a>This is Service Dog team Chris Hyatt and "JJ" of Austin. We adopted JJ from the San Antonio animal shelter. I really want to emphasize that we adopt shelter dogs and turn them from strays to stars.<br /><br />and from the rear:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Mmk_zFEjhD4/SM7hX9eZPdI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/3b2_YVBMy-I/s1600-h/back+draft+3+-+final.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Mmk_zFEjhD4/SM7hX9eZPdI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/3b2_YVBMy-I/s320/back+draft+3+-+final.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246378417688493522" border="0" /></a>This is brand new Hearing Dog team Candice Benavides and "Cookie". They just completed their 5 day training course at our facility last week. THSD Sr. Trainer Susan Ramsbottom moves Cookie into Candice's home tomorrow! That will begin their 13 weeks of In-home training. We adopted Cookie from Citizens for Animal Protection in Houston.<br /><br />I'm excited about our progress and proud to show it on our vehicles. See y'all on the road!<br /><br />SheriUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983090890414049822.post-18889680648971432252008-09-10T11:02:00.000-07:002008-09-10T11:44:34.676-07:00All Hands on Deck!Alrighty - it's only 1 in the afternoon, but seems like a full day already.<br /><br />We had a great 3rd quarter board meeting first thing this morning. Have I told you I love our board? I love our board.<br /><br />You can check them out under "About Us" on the main page. Give our webmaster a few minutes to update the list - we added a real winner today: David Stein, owner and partner in Roger Beasley Volvo, Audi, Porsche and Georgetown Subaru.<br /><br />David and his wife Jenny have supported THSD for years! The Saab dealership has been a dog walk sponsor for the last 6 years - this year it was Subaru. David helped us trade in our well worn Dodge van for an almost new one at ZERO markup! Our In-home Trainer, Susan Ramsbottom put thousands of miles on the old van driving all over Texas. These days she's got:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Mmk_zFEjhD4/SMgUH9e1llI/AAAAAAAAAFA/ZHLhkYy-oUY/s1600-h/P1010145.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Mmk_zFEjhD4/SMgUH9e1llI/AAAAAAAAAFA/ZHLhkYy-oUY/s200/P1010145.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244463893068486226" border="0" /></a><br />Mondays - Hearing Dog team, Sanger (near Dallas)<br />Tuesdays - Hearing Dog team, San Antonio<br />Wednesdays - Service Dog team, Houston<br />about to start - Hearing Dog team, San Diego (south of Corpus Christi)<br /><br />So thanks to David, we can keep Susan safe on the road!<br /><br />Our extensive in-home training is part of what makes our program shine.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Upcoming Stuff</span><br /><br />20th Anniversary Events<br /><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Toy Hearing & Service Dogs</span> - this project is <span style="font-style: italic;">finally</span> starting to materialize. After final approval of the latest dog vest from China (ahem, they're <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">orange </span></span></span>not <span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);">brown<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">), we'll be able to start </span></span><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">production. 45 days to make the dogs and 30 days to ship. Hopefully, they'll be here in time for the December holidays!</span></span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Starting a Hall of Honor for THSD Grads for Outstanding Achievement.<br /></span></span></li></ul>Holidays<br /><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Scooby's Haunted Carnival</span> Sat. 10/25 - we need volunteers to help with the games and also <span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153); font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 255);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">cakes</span> </span>cakes <span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">cakes</span></span> for our Magic Cake Walk. Email Debbie@servicedogs.org to get involved.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Holiday Open House </span>Sat. 12/13 - Pot luck or bring a donation or dog toy. Email Debbie@servicedogs to RSVP</li></ul>Training Seminars (see our website Calendar)<br /><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Intro to Service Dog Training</span> Oct. 16-17, Becky McClintock<br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">How to Read Your Dog Like A Book</span> Nov. 8-9, Steve White</li></ul>And we have the coolest team in training this week: Candice Benavides and<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Mmk_zFEjhD4/SMgTIehenqI/AAAAAAAAAE4/j9dWJ6-RBHQ/s1600-h/Candice+%26+Candy+portrait+3+%28better%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 158px; height: 211px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Mmk_zFEjhD4/SMgTIehenqI/AAAAAAAAAE4/j9dWJ6-RBHQ/s320/Candice+%26+Candy+portrait+3+%28better%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244462802426306210" border="0" /></a> Hearing Dog Cookie. Candy's leaving a day early b/c of the stupid hurricane. She's in San Diego near Corpus Chrisit. Scary! We'll move Cookie in with her next week, but you get to see them now. <br /><br />Candice already has gotten a Corpus Christi TV station and the <span style="font-style: italic;">Corpus Christi Caller Times </span>to do stories on her and Cookie. That's wonderful - she's a real go getter!<br /><br />Candy & Cookie...well now, I'm really hungry. Gee, I already had spaghetti and eggs for breakfast. (Stop that - it's quite normal, esp. w/ soy sauce.) You'd think that would last longer. Okay, off to stoke up.<br /><br />Onward,<br /><br />SheriUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983090890414049822.post-43831142117064815562008-09-09T13:43:00.000-07:002008-09-09T14:05:12.800-07:00Committed to the BlogHiya Everyone,<br /><br />I'm back and committed to keeping an ongoing blog.<br /><br />Seems that blogs are supposed to be quick little remarks, not essays. Okay, fine.<br /><br />Today - gave a 9:30 am presentation to a college class at Southwestern U in Georgetown. Just an hour drive each way, but the professor was nice enough to give me a Starbucks gift certificate.<br /><br />Groovily, our grad Service Dog team Amy Litzinger and Karma joined me in the presentation. Amy's a student there. She hit a home run talking about her experiences<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Mmk_zFEjhD4/SMbjW2mSurI/AAAAAAAAAEg/ude8IgJM60Q/s1600-h/P1010269.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Mmk_zFEjhD4/SMbjW2mSurI/AAAAAAAAAEg/ude8IgJM60Q/s320/P1010269.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244128797872274098" border="0" /></a> with Karma and showing off some behaviors. I appreciated the students' attention and thoughtful questions. I hope we get some of them as volunteers.<br /><br />This afternoon, I met with our graphic design artist for our new van. We're going to wrap it in graphics like we did the Scion XB. So we met to photograph SD team Chris Hyatt & JJ near downtown. We'll be showing a "before" photo of a black lab at a shelter with an "after" photo of him as Chris' Service Dog. I really want to bring home the message of "Strays to Stars". I'll put up some drafts of the van once Rick gets them to me.<br /><br />We're hosting a quasi military event in December - Inner Service Family Assistance Committee (ISFAC). What's that? It's different organizations that provide services to military personnel and their families. I just attended one in San Antonio last week at St. Mary's. The theme was "Invisible Injury" and it was about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury and other things that don't show on the surface but are very profound conditions.<br /><br />We need a theme for ours, seating for at least 100 guests, tables for exhibitors, two meals for everyone and some really cool speakers. I want us to take this to the next level. Interesting, lively, informative, moving - lots of WOW. It will be Thursday, Dec. 4th.<br /><br />Okay, obviously, I can't write a short blog. Tough - maybe they'll decrease when I write them more often.<br /><br />Onward,<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Mmk_zFEjhD4/SMbjqNoDZ1I/AAAAAAAAAEo/Uf1a8MB2IEg/s1600-h/Black+lab+%40+shelter.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 234px; height: 175px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Mmk_zFEjhD4/SMbjqNoDZ1I/AAAAAAAAAEo/Uf1a8MB2IEg/s320/Black+lab+%40+shelter.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244129130471188306" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Sheri<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Mmk_zFEjhD4/SMbjqTy3EdI/AAAAAAAAAEw/8OlqLrkPY_E/s1600-h/Chris+Hyatt+%26+JJ,+Team+Training+Jan.+08.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 195px; height: 260px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Mmk_zFEjhD4/SMbjqTy3EdI/AAAAAAAAAEw/8OlqLrkPY_E/s320/Chris+Hyatt+%26+JJ,+Team+Training+Jan.+08.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244129132127130066" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Sheri Soltes<br />Founder & President<br />sheri@servicedogs.orgUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983090890414049822.post-3231865734434866632008-03-26T19:44:00.000-07:002008-03-26T20:21:05.893-07:005 Exciting Things!<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);"><span style="font-family:arial;">Hi Everyone,<br /><br />Did you miss me? It took me this long to figure out how to do these blogs after getting back from the holidays. I mean the December holidays!<br /><br /></span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);"><span style="font-family:arial;">Okay - let's get to it. Here are <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">5 Exciting Things </span></span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);"><span style="font-family:arial;">happening at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">THSD</span>. Don't miss them!</span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">1. </span></span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);"><span style="font-family:arial;">Your <span style="font-weight: bold;">Engraved Stone Paws</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Engraved Foundation Bricks </span>are now installed! They are the first thing you see when you walk into the Training Building & Visitors Center.<br /><br />Don't worry, we won't be walking all over your good name. They are part of the natural rock columns holding up the roof to our new covered wheelchair accessible front porch. The inscriptions really are quite moving. Come see for yourself!<br /><br /></span></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">2. </span></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);">The <span style="font-weight: bold;">Toy Dogs</span> are coming! Tomorrow I go to San Antonio to view the latest samples of our toy Hearing and Service Dogs. High quality plush replicas of eight of our all time favorite graduate dogs, each one has a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">storycard</span> attached with each dog's stats and bio.<br /><br />This is our special 20<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span> Anniversary project - 2 years in the making! I can't wait to get them in your hands!<br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">3. </span></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);">Did someone say "<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">ACTION!</span>"? Elephant Productions is filming a public service announcement about <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">THSD</span> starring Service Dog team Chris Hyatt and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">JJ</span>. Part will be filmed at Chris' home and part at local favorite <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">BookPeople</span>. Our goal is to show more people what service dogs do to encourage them to apply for a dog.<br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">4. </span></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);">Caffeine makes everything better - yes? That's why <span style="font-weight: bold;">we're looking for tables and chairs</span> to furnish Cafe Woof. We need three round tables that seat either 2 or 4 people, plus chairs. We are striving for a bistro look - something charming. If you can help, please call me at 512-891-9090 or email me at sheri@servicedogs.org. Free cup-o-coffee for every table or chair donated. Okay, I'll throw in a dozen donuts from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">GG's</span> in Dripping Springs - you like sprinkles, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">don'tcha</span>?<br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">5. </span></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);">After a miserable week, the only fever I now have is to do a great job for Texas Hearing & Service Dogs and for you!<br /><br />Me?<br /><br />Yes, you!<br /><br />Me?<br /><br />Sure. You're the one reading this. You're the one who donates or just takes the time to read what's going on at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">THSD</span>. Your good thoughts keep us going.<br /><br />You might have one of our dogs. You might be one of our dogs. (Yes, they do read blogs.)<br /><br />You might be my mom, or a friend of mine. You're <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">someone's</span> friend and family member and you're loved by your dog or other pet and by lots of people who know you. When you think well of us, so do all of them. So, yes, I want to do a good job for anyone and everyone who supports us in any way - from writing a check to thinking a good thought - you deserve excellence, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">integrity</span>, enthusiasm and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">results</span>.<br /><br />For more exciting events, see our calendar and don't forget to subscribe to our monthly e-news. Just write webmaster@servicedogs.org and write "subscribe".<br /><br />Love you,<br /><br />Sheri<br /></span></span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"></span></span><br /></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983090890414049822.post-90065397421212438532007-11-11T07:51:00.001-08:002007-11-11T09:14:23.981-08:00Moment of Glory<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span style="font-family:arial;">Yesterday, Nov. 10th, THSD got its moment of glory on the field at the final UT football home game.<br /><br />Thanks to Roger Beasley Volvo's invitation to join them in their 2007 car giveaway, I had one of the highpoints in my nearly 20 years with Texas Hearing & Service Dogs.<br /><br />Between the first and second quarters, I, along with Pearl, the Wonder Dog (demo dog for THSD), got to walk out onto the field at DKR Memorial Stadium and receive a giant check for a $2,500 donation from Roger Beasley Volvo. The best part was that Roger Beasley Volvo had produced a 60 second video from some videos THSD provided, and they played it on the Jumbotron.<br /><br />I almost started crying, it was so beautiful. RB Volvo captured our essence perfectly. Scene after scene of our amazing teams working together, with the wonderful voiceover and music adding even more emotion. And a giant THSD logo flying through the screen towards the audience when the voice says "And wouldn't you like to be a part of it!"<br /><br />The UT and Texas Tech fans actually started APPLAUDING when it was over!<br /><br />Throughout the rest of the game and after, people recognized me and Pearl and told us how great they thought THSD and the video were. The Director of Women's Athletics told me that was the best presentation they've ever had. When I took Pearl on a grass break, people would say, "There's that Hearing Aid Dog" (well, they were in the ballpark). When I was walking to the car after the game, people would stop us and compliment us on THSD's work. They actually asked me for my card because they wanted to volunteer. Some families who were already in their cars actually rolled down their windows to compliment us!<br /><br />Working with Texas Hearing & Service Dogs has always been rewarding and fulfilling. But this was truly a moment of glory!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Behind the scenes - training talk<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span></span></span></span>If you like to read about animal training, read on:<br /><br />Getting Pearl, the Wonder Dog onto the field was a very interesting challenge. Why? Two things:<br /><br />Bevo and cannon fire.<br /><br />The correct way to work with an animal in a new environment and around new, and possibly frightening stimuli, is to desensitize it ahead of time. You gradually expose the animal to the stimuli at very small levels and reward it for being calm or for ignoring the stimuli and doing something else, like looking at you or performing behaviors you ask for. For example, with a longhorn steer, or other animal, you would have your dog with you and the other animal WAY far away to a point where your dog isn't really bothered by it. You work with your dog, asking for eye contact, rewarding it for calmness and asking it for typical behaviors it already knows how to do so it can be successful.<br /><br />Gradually, you bring the other animal closer, but so gradually that your dog can continue to be calm and engage in the desirable behaviors mentioned above. If you proceed too quickly, you will know because your dog will exhibit fear instead of focusing its attention on you.<br /><br />Well, in this case, gee whiz, we didn't have any longhorn steers, thousands of screaming fans and a cannon firing every five minutes to practice with ahead of time. I suppose I could have looked for a CD with cannon fire and started off by playing it <span style="font-size:78%;">very quietly <span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:130%;">but you still don't get that lovely vibration like the world is going to end.<br /><br />So they're leading us to the field about 10 minutes ahead of time. Pearl sees Bevo and Bevo sees Pearl. (For those of you who may not know, Bevo, a longhorn steer, is the University of Texas mascot and stands on the sidelines during the football games.) We had to walk right by him and initially, they wanted us to wait just across the sidewalk from him. Well, a longhorn steer is not lacking in confidence. Bevo makes eye contact with Pearl and she displays some very apparent characteristics of fear. Freezing alternating with with attempts to flee the area for a nice Starbucks where the only essence of bovine is that which is poured into the cups.<br /><br />This was NOT fun for me; however, knowing training principles, I set to work with the limited time I had. I asked the UT folks escorting us if we could move a little past Bevo along the sidelines. They were extremely gracious in agreeing. We edged along to the actual sidelines where the sports photographers, State Troopers, Sheriff's deputies, UT Police and various other personnel stood. Pretty near whatever that thing is where the football players warm up their arms by throwing a ball into a PVC pipe and net contraption. (So, I'm a roller derby girl at heart - that's a sport, too!)<br /><br />Throughout the next 10 minutes of Bevo stil glaring at Pearl from his domain and intermittent cannon fire, Pearl and I worked on calm behavior on the field. At first, I got a little eye contact from her - big accomplishment - yay! Then, finally, I started getting some sits, downs and even a few handshakes. Everytime the cannon went off, I gave her a jackpot of treats if she was calm. After a few minutes of this, she even started looking at me in anticipation of treats when the cannon fired.<br /><br />By the time we walked out onto the field, I had a dog that was relatively under control, instead of a panicked animal that refused to walk or was bent on fleeing the scene.<br /><br />When it was time to leave the field, she still refused to walk past Bevo. We couldn't stay on the sidelines for the next three quarters so I improvisded and just picked her up until we got around the corner from Bevo. After that, she trotted happily by my side as we made our way along the goal line and out the other end of the field past the now quiet cannon. Folks, there's nothing like carrying a 45 lb Border Collie in a dress and high heels (me, not the Border Collie), but a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.<br /><br />So that was several weeks of desense training crammed into 8 minutes. Happily, the training principles held true as they always do. Knowing them helped me just proceed along with the training instead of panicking or becoming frustrated. It's just a matter of - let's find a starting point, work from there and we'll get some progress.<br /><br />I hope to have some photos here for you soon. Until then,<br /><br />Onward,<br /><br />Sheri</span><br /><br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983090890414049822.post-16391708686397777272007-10-23T14:52:00.000-07:002007-10-23T15:03:51.741-07:00Directions to Training Center<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);"><span style="font-family:arial;">If you're like me, you're not a map person. Especially an online map person.<br /><br />So for those of you who just want good old words, here are<br /><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Directions to THSD Training Center:</span></span></span><br /></div><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></span><div style="text-align: left;"> <p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153); font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on"><span style=";font-family:Georgia;" >THSD</span></st1:placename><span style=";font-family:Georgia;" > <st1:placename st="on">Training</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Center</st1:placetype></span></st1:place><span style=";font-family:Georgia;" ><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153); font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on"><span style=";font-family:Georgia;" >4925 Bell Springs Road</span></st1:address></st1:street><span style=";font-family:Georgia;" ><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on"><span style=";font-family:Georgia;" >Dripping Springs</span></st1:city><span style=";font-family:Georgia;" >, <st1:state st="on">TX</st1:state><span style=""> </span><st1:postalcode st="on">78620</st1:postalcode></span></st1:place></span><b style=""><span style=";font-family:Georgia;font-size:16;" ><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in; color: rgb(51, 51, 153);"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p><span style="">1.<span style=""> </span></span>Take Hwy 290 West out of <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Austin</st1:city></st1:place> (near Oak Hill) to Dripping Springs.</span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in; color: rgb(51, 51, 153);"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="">2.<span style=""> </span></span>Once you get to Dripping Springs, you will cross RR 12.<span style=""> </span>Keep going on Hwy 290 West.<span style=""> </span></span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in; color: rgb(51, 51, 153);"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="">3.<span style=""> </span></span>After you pass the middle school and high school, you will turn <b style="">right onto <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Bell Springs Road</st1:address></st1:street> off of Hwy 290 West</b>.<span style=""> </span>The ACE Hardware is on the corner and there is a traffic light. </span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in; color: rgb(51, 51, 153);"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="">4.<span style=""> </span></span>Go 0.9 miles on Bell Springs and turn right at <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">4925 Bell Springs Rd.</st1:address></st1:street></span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in; color: rgb(51, 51, 153);"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="">5.<span style=""> </span></span>Landmarks</span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in; color: rgb(51, 51, 153);"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p><span style="">a.<span style=""> </span></span>On Bell Springs, you will pass a Pink Pig mailbox.<span style=""> </span>We are the next driveway on the right AFTER the pink piggy mailbox (not directly across from it). </span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in; color: rgb(51, 51, 153);"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="">b.<span style=""> </span></span>Look for the stone THSD sign on the right. You will turn right into the driveway and follow it up the hill.</span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in; color: rgb(51, 51, 153);"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="">6.<span style=""> </span></span>Parking: </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in; color: rgb(51, 51, 153);"><span style="font-size:100%;"> a. If you need wheelchair access, park in front of the main building with the glass double doors.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in; color: rgb(51, 51, 153);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""> b. General Parking: Along the driveway on the right as you are arriving OR across from the garage building to the left of the house and flag pole (as you are arriving). </span><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in; color: rgb(51, 51, 153);"><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in; color: rgb(51, 51, 153);"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p><span style="">7.<span style=""> </span></span>Call the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Training</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Center</st1:placetype></st1:place> at 512-858-1495 if you have trouble.</span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in; color: rgb(51, 51, 153);"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="">8.<span style=""> </span></span>The drive takes 25 minutes from the Oak Hill area of <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Austin</st1:place></st1:city>.</span><!--[endif]--></p> <p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">The terrain is a little rocky and uneven. We are raising funds to smooth this out.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span></div><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);"><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983090890414049822.post-88493264233539300062007-10-11T14:33:00.000-07:002007-10-11T14:36:19.966-07:00Polo for Puppies - Next Spring<span style="font-family: arial;">We have cancelled Polo for Puppies on Oct. 14th. We will refund ticket prices to those of you who purchased. <br /><br />Our webmaster is out of town this week, and the "substitute webmaster" has not returned our calls to update the website with this information.<br /><br />We apologize for the inconvenience.<br /><br />We do look forward to welcoming you to the upscale version of Polo for Puppies next Spring, complete with catering and live music.<br /><br />If you have questions, please email Melinda@servicedogs.org<br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983090890414049822.post-32741254767712361562007-10-04T15:26:00.000-07:002007-10-05T10:11:42.792-07:00Cafe Woof goes live!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Mmk_zFEjhD4/RwVqVh0GajI/AAAAAAAAAEY/8bzGmkSUwzA/s1600-h/DSCF0007.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Mmk_zFEjhD4/RwVqVh0GajI/AAAAAAAAAEY/8bzGmkSUwzA/s320/DSCF0007.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117613469663128114" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span style="font-family:arial;">Well, working in TV certainly gets your blood flowing. Although sometimes it's out your ears!<br /><br />Last minute changes and technical difficulties aside, Cafe Woof debuted in its new format this morning. Live. It is now a segment on Fox's new "Good Day Austin", a more informal talk show format for the last two hours of Fox's 4 hour morning news program.<br /><br />This episode, called "Home Alone" discusses how to keep your dog from destroying things in your home while you're gone.<br /><br />Scooby and Shaggy were there - they are our special guest hosts of Scooby's Haunted Carnival on Oct. 27th. Although I emailed the script repeatedly to my contacts at FOX, the producer this morning told me in my earphone she didn't know anything about it, so we didn't get them on the way I had intended.<br /><br />Never fear! I am shooting for an in-studio interview closer to the party with Scooby and Shaggy. Never count me out!<br /><br />Here's the spot: <a href="http://www.myfoxaustin.com/myfox/pages/InsideFox/Detail?contentId=4542776&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=5.2.1">http://www.myfoxaustin.com/myfox/pages/InsideFox/Detail?contentId=4542776&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=5.2.1</a><br /><br /><br />More on all things soon,<br /><br />Your pal,<br /><br />Sheri<br /><br /></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983090890414049822.post-38653548387927992592007-09-28T10:43:00.000-07:002007-09-28T10:46:39.091-07:00THSD on News8Hi Everyone,<br /><br />This nice profile on Texas Hearing & Service Dogs is airing on News 8 Austin for a 24 hour cycle, which started Thursday at 4:00 pm.<br /><a href="http://news8austin.com/content/top_stories/default.asp?ArID=192694"><br />Click here to watch it.</a><br /><br />Thanks to our Board Member Paul Brown who wrote and interviewed everyone for the story.<br /><br />Enjoy your weekend everyone.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983090890414049822.post-58831733248027992272007-09-18T09:43:00.000-07:002007-09-18T09:45:06.800-07:00Breaking News-THSD on Houston TV<br /><br />A promotional segment highlighting THSD aired September 13th on the evening news (KHOU-TV , CBS) in Houston. <a href="http://www.khou.com/topstories/stories/khou070912_ac_barcdogs.c92a9596.html">Watch it here.<br /></a><br />The premise is that we adopted Zorro, a male black lab, from BARC – Houston’s city shelter. So the story shows Zorro working, THSD video showing Service Dogs working and also shows the shelter.<br /><br />Big kudos to Melinda Biggs on our staff – she set it up. Thanks to everyone involved!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983090890414049822.post-59079521799500304042007-09-07T20:41:00.000-07:002007-09-24T10:51:08.801-07:00New Cafe WoofCheck out Episode 4, <a href="http://www.myfoxaustin.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail;jsessionid=FD65A2C327A65A1CD3655AE81C416DE2?contentId=4279777&version=2&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=1.1.1&sflg=1">Transfer Training</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983090890414049822.post-83973286233952570742007-08-30T18:09:00.000-07:002007-08-30T18:14:43.900-07:00Best Cafe Woof Yet!<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span style="font-family:arial;">Wow, we just filmed the best Cafe Woof, yet!<br /><br />It should air next Tuesday, Sept. 4th at 7:20 am on FOX-TV (KTBC) in Austin. After that, we'll get it up on our website.<br /><br />This one showcases Texas Hearing & Service Dogs' training facility. We filmed it all at our new Training Building & Visitors Center. Best of all it shows recipients learning to work with their new dogs!<br /><br />We even did interviews with both Melinda Doell, who is getting a new Hearing Dog "Chula", and Leigh Ann Shingler, who is getting a new Service Dog "Candy". Both did a fantastic job on camera and you'll enjoy hearing what they have to say, and watching them work with their new dogs.<br /><br />We've added a feature at the end of each Cafe Woof. A spotlight on a Career Change Dog up for pet adoption. This time, it's our superstar Mr. Hollywood.<br /><br />Check us out next Tuesday morning. It will give you something to look forward to after Labor Day!<br /><br />Sheri<br /></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983090890414049822.post-104533051988691452007-08-24T11:10:00.000-07:002007-08-24T11:24:36.352-07:00THSD @ All UT Home Games!<span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 204);"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Just got the most exciting news! Roger Beasley Volvo chose THSD to be its charity partner for its Volvo giveway at this season's University of Texas home games!<br /><br />Volvo is giving away a new car at the last UT home game. They will have a display at the stadium entrance at each home game for people to sign up to win the car. They also will appear on the Jumbo-tron during the games.<br /><br />We get to be part of the display and also appear on the Jumbo-tron at every game! That means we can bring our dogs, hand out flyers, do our Heavy Petting booth and meet thousands of new people. Plus show the whole stadium our wonderful program.<br /><br />Roger Beasley Volvo wil present us with a check at the final home game. They also will produce and show a video about Volvo and THSD.<br /><br />We will be part of a half million dollar advertising campaign throughout the UT football season.<br /><br />This is the most exciting thing ever! A big thank you to David Stein, VP/Managing Partner and Jenny Kerwick, Financial Director of Roger Beasley Volvo for choosing Texas Hearing & Service Dogs. I promise we will make you proud.<br /><br />See you at the game, parder! And our dogs already wear orange!<br /></span></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983090890414049822.post-41868818801328337862007-08-16T06:15:00.000-07:002007-08-16T06:40:13.494-07:00A couple of things that touched me<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);"><span style="font-family: arial;">Sometimes I just see something and it touches me and I have to get it out.<br /><br />I have a home office with windows to the front yard. I had put some cat food and water out for this really tough looking tomcat I've seen in my neighborhood after I noticed he had a huge injury to his jaw and throat area. Like a big raw scrape the size of a silver dollar. <br /><br />Everyone knows who this cat is because he looks so raw and tough. He is black and grey striped. Huge head with wide jaws, large frame but scrawny. <br /><br />There is another little cat, probably just an adolescent that wanders around. His front right leg must have been injured because it hangs at a funny angle from the ankle and he usually doesn't put any weight on it. He is thin, too, but still has the gentle vulnerable look of a kitten.<br /><br />Well, sitting at my desk this past Monday, I see the big tough tomcat come up and start eating the cat food I set out. I'm really happy because he's still alive even with that huge injury. As he's eating, the small grey kitty comes up and starts eating, too. Right under him. He just sticks his head in under the big tom's head and starts eating!<br /><br />I figured the tom would angrily run him off. Before I could even finish that thought, the tom did something that brought me to tears. He started licking the little cat while he was eating!<br /><br />This big tough cat, who everyone thinks is mean and a bully is grooming this little injured male cat and letting him eat first.<br /><br />How is THAT for compassion from an animal! I was floored. <br /><br />I am going to dedicate myself to getting those two cats to my vet and getting them whatever care they need. They really taught me a lesson about not judging, and about putting someone else before you, even when you're hurt and hungry.<br />---------------------<br />Okay, here is my other story.<br /><br />Last night, after dinner with a friend, I was shopping at Fiesta for groceries. <br /><br />Going down the produce and dairy aisle, I noticed this young girl - like 19 or so - in a pretty white summer dress. That stands out b/c everyone there is in jeans and t-shirts or sweats.<br /><br />So she's standing there looking sort of lost. She doesn't have a grocery cart. But then I noticed she was looking down at a cookbook she'd brought with her.<br /><br />Wow! That just flooded me with emotion (maybe most of it in my head but it seemed so true.) To me, this girl was looking for ingredients for this recipe that she wasn't sure how to make. I bet she was making it for a new boy in her life.<br /><br />I sure know how that feels. You're all excited about the new relationship. You've gotten up the nerve to invite him to dinner. You're thrilled he said yes, but now you're scrambling to choose a dinner he'll like, get your home cleaned up, figure out what to wear and cook the darn thing right.<br /><br />It was so touching, It made me smile. <br /><br />Does any of this have to to with Texas Hearing & Service Dogs? Not directly. But it does in that it shows the nature of someone who is very involved with THSD to say the least. The same person who felt the things described here, is the one who started THSD and who tries every day to make it better.<br /><br />How 'bout that? <br /><br />from a rainy morning in Austin, Texas,<br /><br />Sheri<br /></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983090890414049822.post-70897476368068961552007-08-14T16:22:00.000-07:002007-08-15T11:29:42.189-07:00Growth Spurt<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Mmk_zFEjhD4/RsNFK0sfoaI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/Hpvcf1PaI8Y/s1600-h/P1010007.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 315px; height: 237px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Mmk_zFEjhD4/RsNFK0sfoaI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/Hpvcf1PaI8Y/s320/P1010007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5098995255359807906" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);font-family:arial;" >Wow, the Training Building & Visitors Center is finally finished. We held our first Guest Speaker Training Seminar last weekend - Kathy Sdao's <span style="font-style: italic;">Advanced Clicker Training.</span> (see photo)<br /><br />I hope each of you gets to come out and see us. Whether you're volunteering, attending a special event like our upcoming Haunted House or coming to a dog training seminar, it's a beautiful, fabulous building. We all love it!<br /><br />As you walk in, the first thing you see is the huge mosaic Cafe Woof sign in the hospitality area. Ann Paclik, our Volunteer Coordinator made this sign. There is fresh coffee brewing and cookies, muffins, granola bars and even on some occasions donuts to welcome visitors.<br /><br />As soon as we get some shelves, we'll have our gift shop loaded with t-shirts, plush dog toys modeled after 8 of our graduate dogs and other knick knacks to add some cheer to your or your dog's life.<br /><br />Through the window and the lovely French doors, you can see trainers in the main training area working dogs. Several dogs watch on, tethered to posts and enjoying the air conditioning and sometimes a chew treat, while their buddies engage in a lively training session. They're all waiting their turn to have fun, but still being observed and rewarded for being calm and quiet. Yes, watching politely can be a trained behavior, too and worthy of reinforcement by an astute Trainer!<br /><br />What you'll notice at you walk through those French doors is the care taken with the interior design. The walls are painted a soothing sage green from the floor halfway up the wall to a stained wooden panel that runs around the whole room. The top half of the walls are painted a relaxing soft white with a green undertone from the same harmonious color palette. The floor is a beautiful burnished copper and green pattern created by staining the concrete. It makes a great impression.<br /><br />What is most striking are the six mosaic columns. Inspired by the architecture of Antoni Gaudi of Barcelona, Spain, where some of our staff has taught, these columns feature colorful, fanciful mosaics that delight the eye and tickle the imagination. Wow, is that a sea theme? Is that one a big tail or a question mark? Look at that one - it's got every color of the rainbow and even some tiny butterflies and hearts in it! That other one looks like the forest - rich greens and earth colors.<br /><br />Who was the artist, or artists you ask? We did it! The staff of Texas Hearing & Service Dogs. When we had some time, we sat down on the floor, composed a design, slathered some goop on the column and started applying tiles. Sometimes one person would start a section and one or two more would finish it another day. Sometimes we drew out a design and sometimes we improvised based on what tiles we still had in the box. We found it to be relaxing and often on Friday afternoons, you'd find a few staff members intently creating their works of art on the columns. Shy about getting started at first, everyone pronounced it therapeutic and enjoyed getting creative - especially the ones who started out wanting everything to be symetrical and to match. How much fun to see them embrace letting that go and just putting up things that defied definition.<br /><br />It's not your everyday industrial dog training warehouse. This is a piece of our hearts built with attention to individuality and warmth in addition to dimensions, air conditioning capacity and plumbing.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983090890414049822.post-52403362988144391272007-08-09T08:57:00.000-07:002007-08-22T13:41:20.252-07:00Cafe Woof Episode #3- What's In a Name<a href="http://www.myfoxaustin.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail;jsessionid=2372BEB7493652CD90847A8AFF5F6445?contentId=4009900&version=2&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=1.1.1&sflg=1">See how to train your dog</a> to go in public.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2983090890414049822.post-30307153893599050252007-07-31T08:58:00.000-07:002007-07-31T09:24:31.717-07:00Cafe Woof Episode #2<a href="http://www.myfoxaustin.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail;jsessionid=30D89DF276F81A5A564D6D4D099657DF?contentId=3752330&version=2&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=1.1.1&sflg=1">See Episode #2</a>, how to pick out a dog.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0