Bite Prevention

When we are invited to visit schools and libraries with The Love Shack Pack, we never leave without teaching the children about bite prevention.  This information is not just for children.  We believe that if more people were given these basic facts, it could prevent these incidents from occurring at the rate they currently do.

And after our incident in our own yard last week (People that own dogs that kill people, kill people), we wanted to share this with you too.

There are two different types of situations in which people are typically bitten.  The first is when they approach a strange dog.  So, let's dog about the proper way to do that first.

Assuming the dog is with its owner and on a leash, the first step is to ask the owner's permission before touching the animal.  Should the owner say "no" simply accept their answer and move on.  If permission is granted, you should roll your hand into a fist and allow the dog to smell the back of your hand.  People identify by sight.  Dogs identify by smell.  This is just a courtesy and basic way to say, "hello".  Should the dog appear afraid, back away.  Otherwise, it is ok to pet the dog.  You should, however, give it a friendly scratch on its chin, chest, or just behind its front leg.  You do not want to quickly lift your hand above the dogs head as it may become startled and bite.  Sound simple enough?  Good.  It is!

The second circumstance in which people are most usually attacked is when a loose dog approaches them.  Make yourself aware.  If, for example, a Golden Retriever is running towards you, usually its purpose is to lick you to death (and if it is one of mine, possibly knock you to the ground in excitement).  However, if the dog is snarling, showing teeth, or growling, its intentions are not good.  Know the difference between friendly and threatening.

If the dog appears to be threatening - DO NOT RUN.  This is the most important thing to remember.  If you run, the dog will pursue.  You should NEVER turn your back on a dog that you think will attack you.  Instead, stop in your tracks and "be a tree".  Place your hands in front of you and look at the ground.  Slowly back up towards your home or vehicle - but again, never turn your back.  Chances are after a minute, the dog will become bored and go on its way.  Do not make eye contact with the dog.  This is important because the dog could see eye contact as a challenge.  Do not hit, kick, swing at, or throw things at the dog.  Again, these things could be taken as a challenge causing the dog to attack.  If you are holding something in your hands (a jacket, book, toy, food, anything), try throwing it to your side.  There is a good chance that the dog will choose to check it out giving you the opportunity to back away.

Should the dog knock you to the ground, be a rock.  Roll onto your stomach, pull your knees in under you, put your forehead to the ground, and cross your hands over the back of your head.  This way your body is in a compact position not leaving your limbs or neck exposed for the dog to latch on to.

These simple tips could save a life.  Please share them with the children in your life and other adults, as well.  The more educated we are, the better equipped we are.

Becoming a Responsible Dog Owner

We promised after our post Saturday, "People with dogs that kill people, kill people", we'd devote this week to sharing about being a responsible dog owner and bite prevention.  We're jumping into it a bit later in the week than we'd initially planned - so let's get right to it!

A responsible dog owner is much more than someone who feeds and shelters an animal.  A responsible dog owner is someone who has done their homework and chosen to commit their life to a pet owner long before ever acquiring an animal.  A responsible dog owner does not get a dog on a whim.  A responsible dog owner realizes that depending on the animals age when they bring it home, this is a commitment that could last up to fifteen years or more.

Becoming a responsible owner begins long before you ever bring your pet home.

A responsible dog owner knows about the breed they have chosen before ever beginning their search for the perfect dog.  This is a lesson that is personal to mom, as she had to learn it the hard way.

In her early adulthood, mom purchased a pair of huskies - red, Siara and white with bi-eyes, Cool Whip.  She knew little more about the dog's breed than that they were quite possibly the most beautiful breed of dog around (second only to Golden's, of course *wink*), and that they served as sled dogs.  It took an unplanned pregnancy when the dog literally escaped through a wire crate to learn that huskies are escape artists.  And it took the mauling/killing of a litter of foster puppies to realize that huskies have very high prey drives.  Ultimately it took one suffering a heat stroke in our Mississippi backyard to learn that huskies do not always acclimate well to our Southern climate.  (Yes, the dog was provided water and shelter.)  After this series of events, our pawrents realized as much as they loved this beautiful breed, Siberian huskies were not suited for their lifestyle.  They were very blessed to be able to place Siara in the home of a lady who had just lost her husky of seventeen years and was well acquainted with all of their mischievous ways.  However, because of their naivety, Cool Whip lost his life.

(Before you lose all respect for my mom person, please understand that where she started as a pet owner has brought her to where she is now.  And if even one dog's life can be spared because of her honesty, she's willing to lose a bit of respect.)  

This brings us back to the "Bully breeds" that was the topic of Saturday's post.  It is an ignorant person who chooses one of these dogs without knowing their full capabilities.  It is an irresponsible person who allows such a dog to run loose - especially after it has demonstrated their desire to kill.  And again, this is not meant against the breed, but the owner.  Being responsible for this animal means containing them at all times.  If you cannot do that, you should not have one.

The decision to rehome Siara was a hard one for my family as they loved her very much, but to redeem the irresponsibility of owning a dog that they knew little about, it was the right thing to do.  Siara is still a much loved member of her second family.  Her story had a happy ending, but most similar do not.

Of an average litter of six puppies, only two will go into their furr-ever home straight from the breeder's.  Two will be swapped around multiple times during their life.  Two will end up in a shelter and depending on the shelter's policy, will possibly be euthanized.

Have you done your homework regarding the breeds you own or are interested in?  If so, congratulations!  You are well on your way to becoming a responsible dog owner.  If not, please educate yourself.. for the dog's sake and your own.

Tomorrow we will focus on ways to be a responsible owner after your dog has come to your home.

One Happy Camper

One last post about camp from Mom this time. 

So last March I was asked to be education director for our animal rescue league. Having no idea what that entailed, I just knew I wanted to work directly with kids and dogs. At the beginning of June (2010) I went to our board president and said, “I had this idea for a summer camp. We’d have to plan it for next summer though cause there isn’t time to put it together this year.” She said, “Nope, put it together and do it this year.”  In five weeks, I pulled it off. It was not nearly as grand as this year, but was still great given the short notice.

We live in the “Bible belt” and our BARL president is a Christian, so I was given permission to put a Christian twist on the camp. Our theme this year was D.O.G.- depend on God and our camp song was GoD and DoG by Wendy Francisco.  I was able to look each child in the eyes and tell them that God made them special and that He and I love them and were always there for them. As simple as that sounds I hope and pray that I sowed seeds into the lives of these precious children that will reap a harvest in their lives in the years to come.

It is my desire that this thing will grow and be bigger and better each year. I also want to pursue other outlets to make the lessons we’re teaching in the camp available to more children. As I shared with media last week: “Education is key to preventing children from being dog attack victims. If they knew how to react in that situation, they’d be less likely to be injured badly. And if we can teach the kids responsible ownership, we are training the next generation to have reliable canine companions that will be an asset to our communities rather than a threat.”

And so my heart is being turned again - in addition to continuing therapy work with children and adults, education has now become a strong heart's desire.  With that I am hoping to turn some of the lessons we have started teaching into a children's book series featuring Boondocks and The Love Shack Pack.  I have no idea how to begin but am pursuing all avenues to see this through.  I'm excited to see where God is leading and to continue following the path He's set before us.

For your viewing entertainment, I leave you with a video montage from our camp week featuring three of our favorite dog songs.