The Teachings of our Animals

"A righteous man takes care of the needs of his animals." Proverbs 12:10

"Just ask the animals, and they will teach you." Job 12:7

This past week has been an astounding and remarkable journey through the pages of Hogan's Hope during which I was blessed to have had the amazing opportunities to talk with wonderful people who love their animals. We came together in different ways, as different individuals, but joined in our belief to accept any of these differences with love.

My first adventure was the beginning of a week-long book club discussion with the members of 2 Traveling Dogs Fans! Laurie Duperier, the author of The Endless Path, is the group's book club facilitator who approached me back in March. What a humbling honor to discuss my book, Hogan's Hope! Each day we focused on different topics that emanated from the pages of the book.

On the opening day of this very special time, for instance, I posted a video of Judea and me walking down our long, dirt driveway and thanking everyone for deciding to share in Hogan’s courageous journey and his message of hope. Fans were invited to share their thoughts on how their own dogs might be hoping for something or what their precious four-legged family members have taught them. Every day was filled with revealing feelings, ideas, and revelations. A couple of the members candidly admitted that they had never thought of their dogs hoping for anything. What a grand time of learning so much of what our non-verbal family members have and can actually teach us.

Hogan was an amazing gift, and as the years passed, it became clear that I was to write his book, Hogan's Hope, to share the story of a deaf, eighteen-month-old puppy who was rescued from severe neglect, adopted into a forever home, and went on to learn, grow, and demonstrate how extremely successful a "handicapped" dog can be in living a perfectly normal life.  Hogan learned over seventy words in American Sign Language, agility, flyball, tracking, lure coursing, and even became a certified therapy dog.  He appeared on television shows and showed the world how wonderful deaf dogs can be as family members. Over the course of his lifetime, Hogan taught me how to hope.  Many people doubt me. Many folks ask me, “How can a dog, and a deaf one at that, teach you to hope?”

Thought: Do you believe that a dog can teach us how to hope? What are your thoughts on that? Would you share with us some examples of what your dog has taught you?

Each day became better than the one before, and Coco, the parrot, even joined us for some input! Judea and I (with the help of Jim, our wonderful papa and husband) posted a video to open the day's topic and discussion.  I was extremely rewarded with great friendship, powerful feelings, and increased hope.

THEN.... off to do a radio interview at iCRV radio, (www.iCRVRadio.com), with Kate, Gwen, and LRB for The Library Chat. What a fantastic program with three dynamic and talented women who produce a show that is filled with great information, warm feelings, and thought-provoking ideas and comments. 

Kate Branstetter, Connie Bombaci, Judea, and Gwen Pond

We spent a half hour talking about Hogan's Hope, deaf dogs, animals in general, and how each non-human family member is so important to our lives.

But... our week had yet another outstanding opportunity to participate in our very first podcast with Sean Farjadi and his Stories that Empower. Sean's purpose, in his words, 

"First, each of us has a story to tell.  Throughout our lives, from childhood to adulthood, we are drawn to stories.  It’s what connects us... 'stories link lives'.

Second, we’ve all experienced setbacks and challenges.  Loss of a job, loss of identity, loss of a loved one, etc …  I want people to know they are not alone and that there is hope/light.  It brings me so much joy, if/when I’m able to ‘lift up’ someone or empower them.  My goal is to provide a service that brings inspiration, hope, and empowerment through the power of stories."

I was again able to share that Hogan taught me how to hope and why animals have touched my life in such powerful and positive ways.

Enjoy your week, dear followers. Our lives have great and wonderful stories to share. Share, share, and share some more. God bless!

Caring for our Deaf Dogs, Any Dog, and More

With approximately 79% of American households having a dog, cat, or both and more homes having other types of pets, I paused to ponder the thought, "How many of those homes know how to properly care for their non-human family members?" And, "How many actually take the proper measures to perform the things that will ensure a happy, healthy life for their non-human family members?"

I admit that I know much more about dogs than cats, birds, reptiles, or other furry friends. However, I do know that they all have specific needs that we must be responsible enough to learn and practice regularly. Caring for anyone takes time, money, and lots of love. Responsibility is at the top of the list, and everything should be considered before we make that final decision to adopt. The number of animals surrendered, or abandoned, at shelter centers is mind-boggling.  Behavior issues are major reasons that animals are given up or "thrown away." Sure, puppies and kittens are cute and cuddly when they're little and young, but they grow up. Their size and maturity can become problematic if the adopters don't take proper steps in teaching good manners and appropriate behavior. Like children, our precious animals need regular direction, constant teaching, and daily activity and socialization. And, if problems begin to show themselves, immediate measures to correct the issue is essential. Ruling out any physical or medical condition that may be causing the behavior issue is critical.

These problem behaviors can include separation anxiety, chewing, biting, growling, going potty inside, and fears. Dogs can exhibit their fears of other dogs, other animals, noises, people, or situations by cowering, tucking their tails between their legs, hiding, barking, growling, lunging or biting. Getting immediate help is key. Waiting is not a good option. The longer the behavior is allowed to exist, the harder it will be correct it.

Regular check-ups and vaccinations are extremely important in preventing any major medical problems. Vaccinations are administered on a routine that is set up by your veterinarian needs to be followed without compromise. Some vaccines are mandated by law, such as Rabies. Core vaccinations against Parvovirus include Distemper/Adenovirus/Parainfluenza/and Parvovirus (DAPP). This virus is fatal and causes severe diarrhea and vomiting. Adenovirus can affect the liver. Additional vaccinations for our pups include Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme, Canine Influenza.

In order to help control the animal population, spaying and neutering our dogs is the responsible choice. Too many pets are being born than there are homes, and every year millions of precious, loving dogs are being destroyed. Low-cost spay and neuter clinics offer affordable assistance to help families on a limited income.

The myths that our pets will become fat or experience a change in their personality are untrue. In fact, the benefits are numerous which include preventing certain types of cancer,  being less attracted to the opposite sex, roaming less, arguing with other animals, and living longer lives.

The responsibilities and proper care of our four-legged family members are numerous and go much farther than this short blog. Nutrition, grooming, housing, exercising, training, and so much more will be addressed in the future.

Please treat our wonderful and loving animals as you would want to be treated and taken care of on a daily basis.

"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you." Matthew 7:12 NIV