TDI Testing....... - Page 4

congrats!!!

As an evaluator for the Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs Inc. You are to be commended. You would be suprised how many dogs (of all breeds) do not pass the requirements. I  must encourage you to take it slow with your new certification. No matter how well tempered you dog is therapy work is very stressful. Please consider your dog and limit you time to 15 minutes for the first few months. I know how hard it is to leave a facility but your partner must be considered.

again, congrats!!!!!

sarah

& K-9's tango, USAR, CGC, TD,

Szara CGC, TD

Louise,

Have you ever thought about a career in writing inspirational greeting cards?  

Sorry, people take themselves (and the accomplishements of their dogs) way too seriously--they can't see the forest for the trees--or even smell the flowers. Here is one inspiriational point of view:

http://video.stumbleupon.com/#p=ithct48cqw

Louise, thank you very much for posting that link.  Really puts things in perspective.

"Years ago, someone wanted to breed to my V-rated SchH3 male (who did not carry the LC recessive, BTW). She was referred to me by another breeder because she was insistant in wanting a titled import who was OFA certifed (mine was rated as "excellent")."

"Sorry, people take themselves (and the accomplishements of their dogs) way too seriously"

policemom,

Sorry, I never implied that my dog's accomplishments (more thanks to his genetic heritage than to me as a trainer) were unusually "significant"--just that they were what one should expect in a normal GSD--all in a day's work, I'd say. His personal relationship with me accounts for his real significance in my life.

Yes, he saved my life many times over because we were "family"--a team--not because I made it happen. I did what I did with him because he became my whole life during some of my darkest years. Therefore, I owed it to him to provide him with the best diet, care, and training within my somewhat limited means. This wonderful old friend never let me down in anything that we did. He is buried out in the backyard.

I've done my "homework" and have been very lucky with my dogs over my 45 years in the breed. I always thought that nearly any goal (within reason) could be achieved with a little love and dedication. Hell, my first GSD female (a LC, BTW) completed her AKC UD at 13 monhs and her TD with only 6 weeks training. So what--big deal....but these were hardly remarkable deeds that make me or her stand head and shoulders above other GSD's and their owners.

I don't need any "strokes" for what my dogs have managed to accomplish in spite of me. Having their devotion and companionship has been reward enough for me.

Garbage?

No, Speaknow, human beings have certain basic needs that can even be met by robots programmed with "artificial intelligence". Remember the "pet rock" rage of the '70's?

Check out the links below for the Sony AIBO. Even the dog and the cat in the youtube videos somehow perceived the damned robot as animate. We find the appearance of our GSD companions to be aestheically pleasing--however, the need for companionship/friendship of some folks are met by dogs that are "butt ugly".