Happiness with our Pets in 2017

Clarence "Baby Angel" Bombaci

June 5, 2003 - January 9, 2017

I've been away from my computer for a while but am compelled today to write at least a few words to encourage everyone to enjoy every moment of the new year with our precious pets.  They give to us unreservedly and without question.  They give to us expecting nothing big in return--simply safety, shelter, nourishment, and love.  With our true and real love, we gain their gifts of deep devotion and loyalty.

I was the recipient of amazing love from a dog named Clarence.  He came into my life quite unexpectedly at the age of 4 months when he was going to be destroyed because he was no longer wanted.  We were suppose to foster him until a forever family could be found.  Well, God intended us to be his forever family, and Clarence (named for the angel in the movie It's a Wonderful Life) became a gift beyond belief.  At only a year of age, he easily trained into becoming my service dog. He often knew what I needed before I did and kept me safe, independent, and well-cared for everyday.  He loved working and side-by-side we literally traveled the country together on trains, planes, cars, buses, and boats.  Even on his last day, he tried with all his might to continue to work by handing me his food bowl. 

The years passed much too fast.  I promised to enjoy every second when I adopted him - or should I say he adopted me? I urge you to please embraced every moment.  Before you know it, 14 years will have gone by.  Fill them with fun, affection, and love.

Clarence was and always will be my Baby Angel and his happy attitude will live on in my heart and mind.  I cherished God's gift and treasure each memorable moment that Clarence and I shared and lived together.  His servant example is one from which we learn so much. 

Living with Our Deaf Pups

Our deaf animals can be wonderful and loving members of our families if we remember they have some special needs. Adopting them, like any pet, is a real responsibility and commitment.  Below, I have made a simple list that is designed to help us and our special family members and indicates the most important things we need to do.

1. Learn to communicate with them their way.  American Sign Language (ASL) is great inasmuch as it is already invented and allows many others to communicate with our deaf pups.

2. Always let them know when you are nearby.  Like any dog, we need to be cognizant of their need not to be startled.  The expression, "Let a sleeping dog lie," didn't come about because of deaf dogs, but any dog.  Courtesy first!

3. Approach them slowly from the front where they can see you.  It is always best to approach our dogs, whether they hear us or not, in a manner that they know that we are present.

 4. Always be gentle with touch and gesture.  Our love needs to be shown in every way.  Massage is also a great way to establish closeness and trust.

 5. Use only praise, encouraging touch, and positive reinforcement. And lots of it !!  Our pups love to please us and the more wonderful feedback that we give, the happier they are.

 6. Allow them to approach a newcomer first by smelling the person's fist.  Never allow a stranger or anyone to rush in.

 7. Keep them on leashes and close to you when out on walks.

 8. Tether them to you in the house in order to help with initial adjustment, house breaking, bonding, and helping them feel safe.  My deaf pups bonded so closely with me that they were nicknamed Velcro dogs.  There is no better feeling than having a devoted and loving dog by our side. 

 9. Provide outdoor fencing that is secure and essential for their safety.  They can't hear dangers.  However, we need to remember that all pets need to be kept safe; and it's our responsibility to keep them safe.

 10. Work with them in an established and continual training program.  Our pets are adopted members of our families, and daily attention is "a non-negotiable" just as it is for any child or loved one.  Learning is continual throughout their entire lives.

** Love and accept them with their special needs. **

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