Specializing in shelter/rescue consults; assessment, enrichment & training to improve QOL for the dogs in care & safety for the organization & community.
Living life with dog(s); tips, tricks, training. Reactivity/Aggression Assessments. Dog to dog sociability. Online coaching. Problem solving.
When people ask, this is it.
My “why”
*This was a project created & produced for my video class (Full Sail University)
My first attempt at a mini-doc. Based on the "why" I got into the career I did and how a shelter dog gave me a true purpose in life.
Finishing off this week at Manatee County
📸 ft.
Emma (husky x)
Rambo (b&w)
Simon (white in background)
All 3 available for adoption at Manatee County
Shoutout to the dog that stays in group, helps us assess & work dogs while also having a blast
ChicoNeco (just realized I’ve been spelling his name wrong lol)
Here’s a shot of a quick playbow he threw at Doppler during his reassess, and let’s credit our little buddy Simon (off to the right) for being a super social just all around nice guy, he’s learning to get more comfortable with new people.
All 3 are available for adoption at Manatee County!
A throwback to 2021!
At Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center
We had 5 runners bringing dogs to the yard, I operated 4 yards (interconnected) and we got a total of 104 dogs through group that day!
(In only 3 hours)
This is what’s possible with an ideal setup and dedicated people.
I’ve had Gemma come to the play yard a handful of times. And each time, she avoids, sits in the corner and ignores everyone.
But today… she played!
🎥 ft.
Gemma, ChicoNico, Bart and Simon
Wooooooo! It’s a hot one today!
But that doesn’t stop the play. Shade, pools, sprinklers make it possible for us to let’em dog and keep’em cool!
📸 ft.
ChicoNico, Keebler, Rambo, Bart & Pippen
Available for adoption at Manatee County
We know the wet weather is officially here! However, the ONLY thing that stops group is a storm. Thunder and lightning can have an adverse effect on a dogs mental state; especially if they’re already a storm dog.
Today may be a wash out due to inclement weather. But it’s looking like tomorrow and Thursday may just be rainy.
Time to break out the raincoats!
This week’s schedule
Tues-Thurs: Manatee County (Palmetto, FL)
Fri: Satchels Last Resort (Sarasota, FL)
Sat-Sun: Closed
📸 ft.
Lindt, Giselle, ChicoNico, Bucky, Liberty, Krypto & Pippen
Available for adoption at Manatee County
Yesterday Julio took a huge step forward and came into group on muzzle, although he was stiff and uncomfortable at first he did greet some of the dogs and attempted a bit of a bounce to play.
His muzzle acclimation process wasn’t easy, and is still a work in progress, but it’s going to help open him up to more out of kennel time and potentially making some friends.
🎥
Julio
ChicoNico & Lindt
Available for adoption at Manatee County
Lindt is such a ham on cam… 🤣
📸 ft.
Lindt, Pippen, Giselle, Krypto, Bucky, ChicoNico & Liberty
Available for adoption at Manatee County!
We’ve got some solid newbies who joined group today.
🎥 ft.
Giselle, Krypto, Conway
& 2 of our usuals Lindt & Murray
Available for adoption at Manatee County
***Murray (tan/wht) needs special placement due to a history of resource guarding. Although he is highly steerable in group. Due to the resource guarding it’s recommended he go home as a solo dog.
Which brings me to another important point. Sometimes a dog can thrive in playgroups, but would do better as a solo dog in the home. And there are the rare cases where a dog does not succeed getting into playgroups, but eventually show they have the potential to be integrated with other dogs in the home.
Change in relationship & change in environment can create a change in behavior.
We do our best to gather as much information as possible, while also considering history given (if any). Putting that together allows us to better set dogs up for success based on what we’ve been told and what we’ve observed.
This week’s schedule
Tues-Thur: Manatee County (Palmetto, FL)
Fri-Sat: Open for virtual consultations/sessions
Text to schedule: (863) 738-9309
Change of plans for tomorrow (5/29-5/30)
On our drive home from GA we were contacted about a family emergency, and unfortunately had to go straight to the hospital to say our goodbyes.
Tomorrow I will not be at the shelter and will not be available for contact.
Thank you everyone for your understanding.
Yesterday Nectarine (wht) was observed and adopted straight out of playgroup.
Today, I am SO thrilled to say Samson was also adopted right out of group.
Both of these dogs were invaluable members in group, and were the reason we’ve been able to confidently work through new dogs and re-assesses. Although they’ll be missed I’m so glad I got see them off!
Congrats!
And shout out to the Manatee County team for doing such a phenomenal job highlighting these two.
Support a local small biz (and dog loving crew!)
Sometimes we have nosey neighbors… 🤣
📸 ft.
Keebler, Samson & ChicoNico
Available for adoption at Manatee County
Take a sec to enjoy this slo-mo shot of 3 playgroup regulars. All 3 of them are in search of very special homes. For more details reach out to the shelter OR feel free shoot me a message!
🎥 ft.
Molly, BusterBrown, Pippen
Available for adoption at Manatee County
Thanks to the Team Godwin Foundation quite a few of my playgroup regulars (of Manatee County) went home from the Mega Adoption Event!
As much as I’ll miss them I’m thrilled to see them go home.
With that being said… now we have to heavily rely on the few rockstars that didn’t. So we can continue to work through, assess and re-evaluate the more selective and of course the unknowns.
This poses a challenge but also is of extreme value in handling and training for all those participating in the program and a benefit for the dogs needing another shot to try.
***Dogs like Púa (shown below) who failed a dog to dog test at a shelter, but luckily through time, work and proper setup, were able to progress and build some major social skills.
[Wags and Whiskers Mobile, Al.]
Almost anything is possible when we come together.
It’s all about collaboration to build a community of compassion.
It be like that… 🤷🏻♂️ 🤣
📸 ft.
Keebler, Bucky, Sybee, Zues & Pippen
Available for adoption at Manatee County
Duff Road
Lakeland, FL
33810
| Monday | 11am - 6pm |
| Tuesday | 11am - 6pm |
| Wednesday | 11am - 6pm |
| Thursday | 11am - 6pm |
| Friday | 11am - 6pm |
| Saturday | 12pm - 5pm |
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I’ve had Gemma come to the play yard a handful of times. And each time, she avoids, sits in the corner and ignores everyone. But today… she played! 🎥 ft. Gemma, ChicoNico, Bart and Simon
Yesterday Julio took a huge step forward and came into group on muzzle, although he was stiff and uncomfortable at first he did greet some of the dogs and attempted a bit of a bounce to play. His muzzle acclimation process wasn’t easy, and is still a work in progress, but it’s going to help open him up to more out of kennel time and potentially making some friends. 🎥 Julio ChicoNico & Lindt Available for adoption at Manatee County
We’ve got some solid newbies who joined group today. 🎥 ft. Giselle, Krypto, Conway & 2 of our usuals Lindt & Murray Available for adoption at Manatee County ***Murray (tan/wht) needs special placement due to a history of resource guarding. Although he is highly steerable in group. Due to the resource guarding it’s recommended he go home as a solo dog. Which brings me to another important point. Sometimes a dog can thrive in playgroups, but would do better as a solo dog in the home. And there are the rare cases where a dog does not succeed getting into playgroups, but eventually show they have the potential to be integrated with other dogs in the home. Change in relationship & change in environment can create a change in behavior. We do our best to gather as much information as possible, while also considering history given (if any). Putting that together allows us to better set dogs up for success based on what we’ve been told and what we’ve observed.
Take a sec to enjoy this slo-mo shot of 3 playgroup regulars. All 3 of them are in search of very special homes. For more details reach out to the shelter OR feel free shoot me a message! 🎥 ft. Molly, BusterBrown, Pippen Available for adoption at Manatee County
Toto's entire groom, in under a minute. 😊 Special thanks and shoutout to DogGuru Central Florida for donating your time and effort to get him all cleaned up. [Collaborate-Compassion-Community]
Why do we use muzzles and gentle leaders in group? Builds skills, allows enrichment and keeps everyone safe in case a conflict arises, we reduce potential risk for injury. We use Baskerville to allow for panting, drinking etc. I typically lean towards gentle leaders vs haltis because there are less dangly straps a dog could get stuck on during play. #LetEmDog
SOCIABILITY CATEGORIES SOCIAL: a dog I can drop in a yard with just about anyone without a second thought. TOLERANT: a dog that does literally that, they tolerate the presence of other dogs, fine with or without. SELECTIVE: a dog with which we have to select specific friends, and there’s a reason, the importance here is highlighting the reason. *It could be anything, a physical disability, highly anxious, flighty or overly fearful, a dog with a stimulus control issue, a male that doesn’t tolerate other males or a female that doesn’t tolerate females. The important piece is that we ALWAYS highlight the reasoning. Along the way of selectivity if we see significant reactivity specifying the perceived reason is also important; is it defensive or offensive? ——— On that note, using safety tools to the best of our ability to ensure we set up for best possible success is a huge part of this. Muzzles are a valuable tool when we’re unsure (be it based on history or body language at that moment). With our buddy PaperClip (shown on muzzle) he was a bit stoic and stiff, a little awkward at the greeting and once in for a bit we felt confident enough to remove the muzzle and allow him to cruise the yard. 📸 ft. PaperClip (muzzle), Samson, Moonpie, Tiabeanie, Molly & Lindt Available for adoption at Manatee County
To the organizations that follow! We’ve got dates available for weekends! (Fridays-Mondays) **Local & out of area! •Dog to dog assessments & social skill building. •Individualized training protocols and plans for dogs struggling in shelter. •Assessments to assist with recommendations for ideal placement and follow up work. •RETENTION program & support! Need help? Let’s talk! 🎥 ft. Swiper Available for adoption at Manatee County
Just a little snippet of Samson from this Saturday session! Available for adoption at Manatee County
TGIF! Starting the end of this month (4/26) we will be offering phone/virtual consults and Q&A calls for behavior & basics coaching. 30min sessions for only $50 Dates and times for availability will be listed on weekly schedule posts as well as on the first of each month! Limited time-slots available so snatch’em up when you can! 🎥 ft. Wickett Available for adoption at Manatee County
Talk about BIG energy… these 3 kept their part going… 🎥 ft. Riley (wht) Sienna (blk/tan) Athena (husky) All available for adoption at Gilmer County Animal Shelter (GA)
Practice, practice, practice. We use “box” as our kennel up cue. This cue can be used as way of reducing excitement, as a place before you head out the door or before you bring people in, and to slow down wild play (as a way of taking breaks), either way it’s a useful cue for your dog to learn.
Stanley LOVES water… Any form. Pools, buckets, bowls, and sprinklers! Available for adoption at Manatee County!
I just heard a statistic (I’ll look into it) stating everyday, across the country (U.S.) atleast one dog is killed at a dog park. EVERY day. I’ve also, come across countless fight videos, taken by bystanders at dog parks. And this is why I say, again. STOP taking your dogs to dog parks. It’s not safe. It’s not professionally regulated or supervised. And you have no idea what you, or your dogs, are walking into. Got a dog-social dog? Find friends with socially appropriate dogs if you want to have a safe alternative for play dates. And please understand, not all dogs want to party with others. Structured activities without direct contact can be just as valuable. -Pack-Walks -Group classes -Solo playtime at home with just the family is ALSO always a win. Stay safe. 🎥 ft. Púa [wht] Available for adoption And Na’vi [blk] *Not all dogs can handle toys together either, these 2 can.
Rio distributing toys this morning… Púa was happy to oblige… and then some 😂
Did I mention Púa hasn’t had any issues sharing toys??? Available for adoption! Ready for meet & greets! Will be ready to go home as early as the end of this month (March)! Message for inquiries Dogs ✅ Cats ✅ Toddlers ✅ Teens ✅ Strangers/Guests ✅ Crate trained ✅ Potty trained ✅
Charlie & Norman are staying with us for a week, they get some out-time together and will hang with a couple of mine throughout their time here. We do still offer boarding (when I’m here and available), limited spaces so book in advance to guarantee a spot, and just for the record, we only board current/previous clients, and when possible will schedule evals to ensure a new boarder meets the requirements for a safe stay with us. Our boarding suite is: -Climate controlled -Video monitored -Calming music/ambience -Secured and on site #OverNighters #TheUsualSuspects
I cannot with these two… This is how far we’ve come, sharing tight spaces, toys and bones around, gentle play, genuine relationship building. Púa will be available for adoption, if anyone local opts to adopt I will also offer discounted boarding (when I’m in town) where she can come stay and play. Message for details or questions and process!
Púa has such a strong connection with Na’vi, and Na’vi has been so accepting of it. It’s so interesting to me that based on history (Púa being attacked by a female) and Na’vi being a larger female, I would’ve expected a bit more of a challenge integrating the two. Na’vi is solid, I just didn’t think Púa would take to her so quickly. But she did, and they just vibe together. This is a huge step though, Na’vi is totally comfortable sharing a space, and Púa seems to seek that out. Meanwhile, Kenai’s just sprawled out doing his thing.
We’ve reached the point where Púas able to not just go hard and play but also relax with her buddies. She’s definitely more drawn to Kenai for cuddles but enjoys her play time with Na’vi just as much.
