sutton077

Do you give your furry best friend a Christmas gift? If so, you're in good company. Surveys report that as many as 95% of pet parents buy their dog a gift for the holidays. My grandfather used to wrap dog biscuits and put them in the branches of the Christmas tree for his black lab, Duke. To this day I don't know how Duke didn't knock the whole tree over to get to them, but waited patiently as they were offered throughout the days surrounding Christmas. We always get Kelly and Ike a toy. You might wonder why they would need a new toy when they already have this basket full of toys?  I don't know! But they love a new toy and the smell, feel and stimulation of something new and different to play with. Kong Jumbler When Chewy.com sent us this toy to review, it was a new one for my dogs. But I learned that it's already been my granddog Zeke's favorite. Be aware that strong chewers like Zeke may get through the softer exterior in order to get to the tennis ball insi

How do you become a therapy dog? Well, just ask Ike. Because he's proud to announce..... We did it! Last Saturday was Ike's big test. Oh, and one point to make is you are testing as a team. It's not only the dog's behavior that is being tested, but both dog and handler must be of good character.  It's good to remember that we are both representing Therapy Dog International when we work. So, for the test, Ike had to demonstrate he could do everything he learned in class. Here are some of the things he had to do to pass the test: 1. Demonstrate he was calm and even around people, other dogs, a wheelchair and a walker, sudden noises, and a child playing with a ball. 2. Demonstrate he was calm when being touched, patted, groomed, his feet touched, etc. 3. Demonstrate he was calm when left alone with a stranger, and when meeting a strange dog. 4. Demonstrate he was obedient. This included sit, stay, down, down-stay, recall. Here's Ike on his  down-stay during a pract