A Relationship Built on Trust

Because so many of you have met my Terrier mix, Annie, I wanted to share a bit of her background with you. While some of you have even asked if I would “Trade” her, she wasnʼt always a little angel!

I first saw Annieʼs picture on Pet Finders back in October of 1999. She was living at Kelly Kennels Small Dog Animal Rescue in Dexter, Michigan. This was coincidentally only 4 miles from my home, so I went to meet her! She jumped at the fence at eye level constantly, and would often jump and bank off of the sides of the kennel. “Crazy Dog” was what I first thought of her. She had been brought to Kelly Kennels from the Michigan Humane Society in Ann Arbor, Michigan where she had been for 4 months although, she had been adopted out 2 times she was returned both times and was approximately 11 months old when I first saw her. I didnʼt get her out the first time I saw her at the kennel. It was the following week when I went through the kennels, I noticed she was just sitting there staring at me. Could she have been trying a new approach to getting out of the cage? Jumping didnʼt work, how about just sitting here? This new demonstration of self control combined with her incredible stare was intriguing.

She was obviously a high energy mixed breed with some dog-dog aggression issues. After spending about 10 minutes in the driveway outside the kennel meeting other dogs, I decided she would be going home to meet my husband and 3 children!

After 16 weeks of consecutive positive dog training at Arbor Hills Training Facility we were on our way to an amazing relationship! Annie went from the “crazy jumping dog” to the most well mannered dog in the entire subdivision! She also received her Canine Good Citizen Award in the same year!

Annie moved to Cumberland Maine in June of 2006 and received her Therapy Dog International Registration in May of 2007. She has been visiting the Brentwood Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center in Yarmouth, Maine for over a year! She has received several certificates as “Outstanding Volunteer” and truly loves her work at the nursing home. Annie is currently enrolled in APDT Rally O Obedience classes and acting like a puppy again!

Annie is much more than just a wonderful Registered Therapy dog, she is also used in all my on leash dog-dog aggressive cases. Because Annie is so well socialized she is able to accompany me in all my training classes as well as my in home visits. Annie is part of the reason I began my own Canine Behavior Training Company! She has an amazing way of sending calming signals to fearful dogs such as looking away, yawning and very calmly licking her lips. Although once out of control rude herself, Annie now helps many dogs in Maine learn how to greet their canine friends in a friendly manner! The number of friends I have made through Annie is amazing to me and such a blessing! She is truly special and I owe her more than she will ever know!