Columbia Dog Training

08/20/2024

It was an extremely sad day yesterday as we had to say goodbye to our boy Muzzy. This was especially hard since we didn’t see it coming so quickly but unfortunately arthritis took over much faster than we anticipated.

Muzzy was one of our former fosters that we ended up keeping. We wouldn’t say that he was a difficult dog, but he did require more guidance than most. He would definitely challenge you to see what he could get away with. But once he knew the rules he was a good dog. He certainly wasn’t our most intelligent dog, but he had big personality. Muzzy was a great walker, and he had a certain swagger about him. I loved seeing him walking down the street doing his Muzzy strut with his big block head and chest held high. He loved people. I remember him being at an adoption event and a woman sat on the ground to pet him. Muzzy immediately sat in her lap and leaned back asking for a belly and chest rub. The woman happily complied.

Muzzy also helped us with training and testing other dogs. He always seemed a bit bored with other dogs that were reactive or excited. One of my favorite memories of Muzz is when he attended our pack walks. We would do exercises as a group and then we’d have all the dogs sit on a cot to teach them to hold their place until it was their turn to do an individual exercise. There would be 15 – 20 other dogs working hard to contain their excitement and I’d look over and see our Muzz Man sleeping on his cot. He even did this during the indoor winter pack walks which were usually pretty intense due to increased noise and closer proximity of all the dogs.

Muzzy could be a little more aloof, so he was really stingy with his kisses. We had a standing joke because occasionally Mary Beth would lean over and ask for a kiss and he’d give her a little kiss on the ear. Then I’d try the same and nothing. Not once in the 8 years he was with us. The night we decided we needed to let him go I was sitting with Muzzy giving him a message on his thick neck, shoulders and chest. He suddenly lifted his head and gave me several big kisses on the ear. Both Mary Beth and I got big kisses the last morning we were together. Maybe it was just a fluke, but I like to think that Muzzy knew our hearts were broken and he was telling us it was ok. It was just his time to leave us. Maybe the Muzz Man was smarter than I thought.

Muzzy could look like a grump sometimes. I get a laugh out of the pictures I’ve attached when he was dressed up for the promotion of his adoption before he officially became ours. That little hat on his huge head makes me smile.

We’d like to thank Dr. Murphy from A Gentle Farewell for coming to our house to allow Muzzy to pass in peace and at home and Dr. Nicole at West Park Animal Hospital for taking care of Muzzy all these years. And a huge thank you to Fido’s Companion Rescue for saving him and giving us the privilege of having the Muzz Man be part of our lives.

We love you Muzzy and miss you so much. Hopefully you’ve joined Murphy, Jack, Zoey and Phoebe and we’ll all be together again someday.

07/16/2024

SUCCESS! Zoey, Panda's cuddle buddy, crossed the rainbow bridge 18 months ago. Ever since then she's been trying to cuddle with Huller. He's wanted nothing to do with that and he'd immediately move away. Now today they're actually touching. It only lasted about 10 minutes but, hey, baby steps. 😁

06/11/2024

Poor Panda. She had a hematoma in her ear that had to be lanced. She's bringing back memories of my grandmother when I was a child. 😃 I know Huller is thinking better you than me. This wrap is still better than a cone.

04/24/2024

Synchronized sleeping 😄

04/09/2024

Here's an update on Watson

Watson is out of surgery and stable. He is still hospitalized on IV’s but hopefully with his belly cleaned out he will start eating and holding down food. Thank you for all the prayers and donations.

04/09/2024

Please help Watson if you are able. Such a handsome face!

Let’s talk for a minute about holding back my anger 😡😡😡😡. Watson is going in for surgery today to hopefully clear his stomach of rocks and gravel. This poor dog was so hungry he chose to eat this s**t!!! I am so f***ing enraged I can’t see straight. How can we treat the helpless with such neglect? His only hope is our team and our willingness to give him the care he needs to survive! ER costs so far are 1600.00. Surgery will be another 2,000.00 plus. Then he will need general vet care. He is struggling with the onset of pneumonia too which could be an entirely different battle for him. Pray please. Donate Please. Updates coming later tonight.

You can donate to Watson’s care in 1 of 5 ways:
🐾Click the blue donate button on this post
🐾Paypal (preferred): https://www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/23153
🐾Call West Park Animal Hospital at 216-252-4500 to donate on our account
🐾Venmo
🐾Mail a check to FIDO – PO Box 518, Avon OH 44011

**Anyone who donates $150 or more- message your receipt to The Doggie Inn and Lisa Anne Stella will create you a pet portrait!!!! Thank you Lisa!!!!

04/07/2024

It's important to enjoy the little things in life.

03/13/2024

Fido’s Companion Rescue is celebrating 21 years of saving dogs. Last year $471,000 was spent for dogs in need. You can help them continue their mission by supporting their 50/50 raffle.

03/03/2024

It's been over a year now since we lost our girl Zoey yet Pandy still keeps trying to replace her by using Huller as her cuddle buddy. But Huller definitely isn't into cuddling. Pandy gets sooooo close and then Huller gets up and moves. Keep trying Pandy.

02/26/2024

Our brindle boys enjoying a nice day.

12/22/2023

Whatcha cookin'? Whatever it is smells gooood! 😄

11/29/2023

It's difficult watching them get old. I keep thinking about the days when they could run for 45 minutes and be ready for more fun. It was exhausting for us but we miss those days. Enjoy the days you have with your pups. Time goes so fast.

11/27/2023

I feel the same way on a cloudy cold Monday.

11/12/2023

Here’s a great way to support Fido’s and get these children involved in raising money for a nonprofit. So it’s a double win.

08/28/2023

Muzzy and Mack (aka the Brindle Brothers) are enjoying the cooler less humid weather.

07/23/2023

It was a very sad day yesterday as we had to say goodbye to Phoebe, our palliative care foster from Fido's Companion Rescue. She was officially named Fiona when she first came into rescue but she looked like a "Phoebe" to us so that's what we called her. We never officially adopted Phoebe but we loved her like she was our own. To be honest Phoebe wasn't very smart and she was very pushy. But she had incredible personality that just made you love her. She absolutely was the worst trained dog we've ever had here. But that was our fault, well mostly mine. With all her health issues we never expected her to live long so we spoiled her. She fooled us since she was with us for 5 years. Phoebe and I had a little morning tradition when I let her outside. I would have her sit by the door (I did teach her sit) and I would rub her ears and kiss her on the head and tell her how much I loved her. Phoebe would snort like a pig in approval. I let her get away with things I never let the other dogs do. In the 12 years we've been fostering we've had over 70 dogs and only one has been allowed on furniture. That would be Phoebe. When one of the other dogs was doing something they weren't supposed to I'd sometimes jokingly say "What are you doing? Do you think you're Phoebe?"

There are a few things I'm always going to remember about Phoebe. First and foremost she LOVED people. In her mind humans were put on Earth to pet her. She was a great little ambassador for her breed. When we walked her on the street we would sometimes see people in passing cars smile as they saw her strutting down the street. That doesn't happen often with pit bulls. Some of our neighbors would come out to see her when she was walking. One commented that she certainly wasn't the pit bull that you here about in the news. If someone walked past her without petting her Phoebe would always give them the "what's wrong with you" look.

Another thing I loved about Phoebe was that no matter what life threw at her health wise she just pushed through it and stayed positive and happy. All the meds, creams, sprays, ear wipes and medical tests needed to keep her healthy and comfortable didn't matter. Life was good and she was here to enjoy it.

I don't know what the first half of her life was like but I know she knew she was loved while she was here. She enjoyed going on walks and wandering around our property with our Zoey and Pandy. They were her buddies. I remember one day when Zoey first tore her ACL. We had Zoey outside on a cot enjoying a nice spring day and Pandy and Phoebe were out wandering around. As I said Phoebe was very pushy but she slowly walked up to Zoey and gently gave her a kiss on the side of her face and walked away. She knew Zoey was hurting. Maybe Phoebe was smarter than I gave her credit for.

I want to thank Fido's Companion Rescue for taking care of Phoebe's medical care expenses for all these years. So many dogs like Phoebe are given a good quality of life thanks to their palliative care program. I also need to send a HUGE THANK YOU to Dr. Nicole at West Park Animal Hospital. Phoebe was no easy case but Dr. Nicole worked through all Phoebe's issues and found ways to keep her going. Thanks to Fido's and Dr. Nicole Phoebe had 5 happy years.

We also need to thank Dr. Sabo from A Gentle Farewell for coming to our house to allow Phoebe to pass comfortably at home.

We miss you Phoebe and will always love you. I'd give anything to be able to give you one more kiss on the head and hear your pig snort. Run free sweet girl.

07/11/2023

Fido's Companion Rescue is searching for a foster home for this senior girl. Kennel life can be difficult for a senior dog so a foster home would be much better for her. We're told she would prefer to be the only animal. The trainer she is currently with said she is a super sweet girl. She's housebroken, crate trained and walks nicely on a leash. Fostering is a very rewarding experience. If you're interested you can fill out a foster application at fidoscompanion.com.

07/10/2023

I can't believe Addie has been with us for over 2 years and is not yet adopted. I've said it repeatedly that she came to us as the best trained foster we've ever had. She knows heel, sit, down, stay, come, place, door manners, drop it and leave it. The only reason she is still here is that she's a nervous girl that just needs a little time to accept new people. This is also the reason she is listed as no other pets or small children. Once she gets to know you (and it can take as little as 5 minutes if properly introduced) she is a sweet girl. You can check her out at fidoscompanion.com.

06/28/2023

Our girl Pandy (left) has always been a nervous dog. When Zoey was alive Pandy was always sleeping against her to help her feel secure. Since Zoey passed in January Pandy has been trying to convince Huller to let her do the same with him. But Huller is not a cuddler and wants no part of it and he gets up and walks away. Pandy keeps trying. She's getting closer. 😄

05/04/2023

If you are looking to purchase a puppy finding a reputable breeder can be challenging if you don't know what to look for. I have attached a link to an article from the American Kennel Club that can offer some guidance. Please do not purchase a dog from a pet store. These are puppy mill dogs no matter what the store may tell you as no reputable breeder is going to sell their dog to a store. Buying from them is not saving the puppy it's just going to lead to the puppy mill continuing to exist and the breeding dogs living in terrible conditions. Unfortunately there are certain areas of Ohio that are loaded with puppy mills. I've talked to people that have told me that they purchased a dog from a breeder on a farm. When I asked if they got to see either of the breeding parents or where the puppies were being kept the answer is always no. Looking inside that barn or outbuilding would probably not be a pleasant experience. Also if adopting be careful of any rescue that claims to be saving dogs from puppy mills. There is at least one in Ohio. If you look at their website they have nothing but puppies and they are all the latest "doodle" breed. Their adoption fee as also very high compared to other rescues. They are actually purchasing puppy mill dogs in bulk and then selling them as rescue dogs.

Lastly, please remember a dog is a commitment for the life of the dog. They are not like a shirt that you can simply get rid of if you decide you don't like it. So be sure you are ready and committed before you add a dog to your family and that you are picking the right dog that fits your lifestyle. Hiring a trainer early in dog's life can help avoid many of the problems that lead to families turning in their dog to a kennel.

Here is the link:

It can be tricky to know how to find a responsible breeder. Here are some considerations to guide you in your search for your next puppy.

05/04/2023

Once again Fido's Companion Rescue has stepped up to help dogs in need. The problem of overcrowded kennels continues with no end in sight. Any amount you are able to donate will help. There are other ways you can help solve the problem. If you are looking to add a dog to your family please consider adoption. If you are going to purchase a dog do so from a reputable breeder and not a backyard breeder or pet store. If you already have a dog make sure they are spayed or neutered so you don't accidently add to the problem.

04/18/2023

The number of dogs needing assistance is greater now than it has been since we first became involved with rescues back in 2008. County kennels are full. Most rescues do not have physical facilities to board dogs. Even if they do their kennels are probably full. Foster homes are the lifeblood of rescues. Unfortunately the need is much greater than the number of people willing to foster. So even if the rescues are able to raise enough funds to help a dog the issue then becomes where to place them until they are adopted. I've often heard people say they can't foster because they could never let the dog go once it's adopted. It's true it can be difficult. But we've always looked at it as we're just a stop on the dog's journey to their forever home. Even though we're sad as they leave it opens up a spot for another dog in need. When fostering the rescue, such as Fido's Companion Rescue, provides everything you need such as food, crate, leash, collar, boarding if needed and vet care. The foster provides a safe home and helps the dog acclimate to their new life preparing them for adoption. We've had approximately 70 dogs come through here since 2011. Some only stayed a week or 2. Others were here a year or 2. Some of them are included in this photo. It's been very rewarding to know we played a part in their journey toward a second chance at life. If you're interested in fostering you can fill out an application at fidoscompanion.com. Feel free to message us if you have any questions about fostering.

04/15/2023

I had the opportunity to spend a couple of hours with this handsome boy. We went for a nice walk and he did well. Next I introduced him to food puzzles and then a round of structured tug. He "outed" well when he was told to. Zeus definitely is a GSD so he'll need an active family that will give him daily physical and more importantly mental exercise. But his drive is not over the top so it won't be a full time job. He's the perfect companion for someone that enjoys working with their dog. He's good with people and other dogs. His prey drive is too high for cats or other small critters in the house and he's too exuberant for small children. Check out Zeus at fidoscompanion.com.

04/14/2023

Fido’s has never shied away from stepping up to help dogs that need some training before they move to their forever homes. Currently there are 12 dogs living with trainers at a cost of $7k per month. Some are ready to move on but there are no adopters and all current fosters are full. There are 3 ways to help. You can look into adopting one if you’re looking for a dog. You can apply to become a foster and take one into your home until they are adopted. The third method is to purchase 50/50 raffle tickets which will help cover the costs.

🎟️ https://go.rallyup.com/fidos50-50/Campaign/Details

We have 12 dogs in board and train which costs us $7-THOUSAND dollars a MONTH! Some of these dogs are ready for fosters and adopters but no one is applying 🥹

Try your luck at our online 50/50 raffle and help support our pups learning to be their best selves!

Raffle ends 4/30 at 8pm and the website will automatically draw and notify the winner!

04/07/2023

The need has never been greater than it has been over the last year or two. Kennels are full. Rescues are full and their budgets have been blown up. Yet Fido's keeps stepping up to help dogs like these two. Please help if you are able.

04/05/2023

This boy holds a special place in our hearts because he looks like our boy Huller. Zeus is a German Shepherd mix that is very smart and wants to please. So he will need someone familiar with the breed that will give him the physical AND mental exercise that he needs. He sounds like he would be a perfect fit for someone that is active and enjoys working with their dog. See the comments for a picture of our boy Huller to see the resemblance. Check him out at Fido's Companion Rescue.

04/02/2023

We had a special visitor today. Our former foster Aubrey (fka Aubra) came to see us. She is as beautiful as she was when she left us a little over 7 yrs. ago. Aubrey was a wild child when she first arrived. We quickly discovered she is a high drive girl that needs daily mental and physical exercise. She hit the jackpot with her forever family and is living the high life. It was great to see you Aubrey.

03/31/2023

This poor little guy needed surgery after eating part of a Kong. He made it through the surgery and is recovering. But this is a large unexpected financial hit for Fido’s especially after helping other dogs with medical needs. Please help if you are able. No donation is too small.

Easton destroyed and ate part of a kong and us undergoing emergency exploratory surgery. This is a $2000 hit we didn’t have in our budget 🥹 Please consider donating even $5 towards his vet care

You can donate in 1 of 4 ways:
🐾Click the blue button on this post
🐾Call West Park Animal Hospital at 216-252-4500 to donate on our account
🐾Go to on our Homepage www.FidosCompanion.com and Click the Donate button for Paypal
🐾Mail check to FIDO – PO Box 518, Avon OH 44011

03/26/2023

Here's an update on Bella. She is now resting and recovering in a foster home.

03/24/2023

Here's another update on Bella, the dog that was kept in a basement for years with little human contact.