Ruby and her new ball

1 Step at a time

Hi Everyone,

 

Bill & I just came home from the Multiple Sclerosis Dinner.   When we arrived, they checked us in and gave me my award.  A  clear latex foot!  It represents the motto "1 Step at a time"

 

There were about 15 other people who also raised $4000.00.   We were all called up on the stage.  Then they took pictures.  I gave the photographer my email address, he said he would send it to me. 

 

They were proud to announce that our Chapter raised over 1 Million Dollars last year!!!  Less than 10 chapters in the whole country raise that much! 

 

Bill & I were eager to tell story of Sable.  I told all the wonderful things she has been trained to do; like retrieving things I drop, bringing objects I ask for & dragging the laundry bag up & down to the laundry room for me...But  Everyone was stunned & pleased to hear my favorite; getting the portable phone for me IF I fall.  Several people asked for the trainers information.  I will be sure to pick up more business cards from C & G  K9 School .

 

* I asked if there was someone who could help me write a book about Sable, and how she helps me.  They will look into it.  This is a great  resource and People with MS should be aware of it and who that help is available.

 

 I an so proud that my Team of Family, Friends & Sponsors could help to  accomplish this 'feat'.

 

Janette

Obedience rules

Hi, just wanted to say thanks for having an easy to maneuver site regarding rules and descriptions on obedience.

I have sent your site out numerous times.

Is there a chance you will offer the same for CKC rally?

 

Margaret Ekosky
WINNIPEG K9 EDUCATION CENTRE
http://members.shaw.ca/wpgk9

Halifax Kennel Clubs show (Mutt won her class)

Mutt was entered in the Halifax Kennel Clubs show on the week end, she won her class and also got (RWB) “Reserve Winners Bitch”.  She will not be entered any more until late summer, giving her time enough to have her pups and regain her “girlish figure” J

 

db

Sable update

Hi!

Bill just got back from taking Sable for a walk and run at the local ball field.

She was great. There was another man with his dog, all he could talk about was how beautiful and well trained Sable was.

He kept saying how pretty she was and that she had a great gate & ran just like a race horse.

He kept going on and on...

Bill said he was getting embarrassed!

Bill told him the story of how we got her to be a Service Dog for me. He told about Don the Breeder and his dogs, Jessie the puppy raiser, Joe and Pro the trainers. They all have a hand in making her the great dog she is.

Sable had a great time!

Every time Bill threw the ball (and he can throw very far) she would run like the wind and bring it right back.

People were very very impressed! She came back to him with no hesitation, sat at his feet and dropped the ball for more.

He would put her on a sit stay and went about fifty yards away, called for her to come, she was perfect.

She did this while the other dog was trying to play.

Joe, next time you visit we will go there to play. Also thanks for the patients and hard work.

Don, thanks for the great dog.

Jessie thanks for all the work it is paying of.



Thanks to all,


Janette

Mud's Pups at 4 weeks

Maxwell

Hi Don,

We enjoyed ourselves last night and will practice this week. I am
attaching a few more pictures of Max that you had requested.

Our camera is in the shop getting fixed so these will be the start of
many. Before you say anything about him on the couch just remember, he

is mommy's little boy! HA

See you next Monday.


Jennifer

obedience classes

Hi Don

Let me first say that yours is a wonderful Website, I enjoyed toggling about and reading lots of great info....well done!

 

 While at the Westwood Vet clinic yesterday, I noticed a sign regarding upcoming classes. I am interested, but unsure of my ability to attend the information session...a conflict with my sons swimming lessons in Halifax the same night.

 

I am wondering about the methods you'll be using throught the classes. Many years ago, I trained a dog (a simply crazy mix of Black lab & springer) in Lessons with Don & Gladys Gates using a choke collar and this past fall tried clicker training at the Pawsplex with my youngest springer. These are clearly two very different approaches to training, and I must admit I preferred the choke method...maybe because I am more comfortable with it or maybe I didn't give the clicker a fair trial. This springer ( field type), now about 10 months old is one of John Mitchells dogs and as such certainly has a lot of drive. He is a machine...stong and fast yet eager to please. I would like very much to try his training professionally once more....with out a clicker and a mitt full of kibble. My other Springer ( also Field & now 6 yrs old ) was never quite as driven or headstrong as this youngster, and has never had formal training and yet she is simply a pleasure.

So, to make a long story short, can you provide me with some info regarding your upcoming lessons, just in case I am indeed unable to make it to the meeting.

Thank you,

Valerie Levy

Koda pictures

Rocky

Hi:

Took some nice pics of Rocky today. The beach is Rockdale Beach just down the path from our house. We will be spending lots of time there when the weather is nicer. Rocky didn't seem to mind.  He is 14 weeks.  He is a very calm little fella and is responding to training very well.  We will keep in touch.

Mark and Debbie

Mud's puppies

Hi Don,

 

Here's one of the photos I took during our visit.  It was nice to meet you and Pierrette, and Mud and her puppies.  We were very impressed with her disposition; she's a beautiful and lovely dog.  As you can imagine, we're getting quite excited about our puppy's homecoming.

 

Regards to you and Pierrette,

Sable today

Hi!

 
I want to share the  wonderful thing she did for me today. 

The weather is changing...that effects my equilibrium.

I was not walking well!  Suddenly, I was getting weak and started to crumble.

My knees gave out, I said " I'm falling!".  Bill came and helped me to get off the floor & sat me on the couch.

Suddenly, Sable came over with the portable phone.  I was so surprised, I hadn't said the command "get phone"

But she instinctively knew I might need it.

 I was so surprised, pleased, and very proud.  She did what she was trained to do with out being told.

 

 

Janette Simonson

My Beautiful Black Lab

My Beautiful Black Lab, Sable continues to amaze me.  I hurt my back 2 weeks ago, and Sable has 'stepped up to the plate'.

 

 

Sable helped me , by dragging laundry down to the washer.  If I asked her to 'give' a certain object, she does.

 

Sable has been helping me with lots of small jobs, too.  I am introducing them to her gradually.  Her desire to please me by doing her best, is amazing.

 

 

Tonight, We are going to a Fancy Dinner at 'TERRACE on the PARK'. 

When I was deciding on my outfit, I made a mess.  I accidentally pulled the draw OUT of my jewelry chest.  Everything fell all over the floor. I had to get down on my hands & knees to retrieve what fell...As I WAS PICKING THINGS UP, SUDDENLY THERE WAS A BLACK FURRY FACE! 

 

Sable was giving me my bracelets, etc.  She picked things up very delicately, and presented them to me!  It was as if she knew to treat things gently...and these 'things' were special to me.

 

How amazing is she! 

 

Janette

need help

I work with two animal welfare groups here in Middle Tennessee.  Labs are very

popular in this area as can be attested to by the fact that so many of the dogs that

end up in our local shelter are black, chocolate, or yellow.  Some are mixed breed,

others are probably purebred.

 

I'm searching for a video that describes a popular breed and what a buyer should

look for before purchasing. So I've selected Labs because they are so popular and

because Backyard Breeders (BYBs) are breeding sub-standard examples and ruining

the breed.

 

I'm looking for a video that can educate buyers (and breeders) on what is the standard

of a breed both physical and temperment.  People here think a dog with "papers" is a

good dog.  I'd like them to understand what those "papers" actually mean.  I realize that

breeding for conformation in some breeds like Labs is somewhat different than breeding

for field work (it can be the same but often is not).  But pedigrees list the field or conformation

classes a dog's ancestors have gained titles in.  People here don't know about titles or what

they mean.

 

I think that if buyers understood what responsible breeders do to perpetuate and ensure

the health of a breed that they would be less inclined to buy a breed dog from the guy down

the street.  And if the guy down the street realized that he would have to invest more money

into his breeding program in order to attract buyers, maybe he would quit breeding.  Most

BYBs are looking to make a quick buck on some poor schmuck who doesn't have a clue

that there even is such a thing as a breed standard or genetic health problems. So they don't

provide pre-natal care for the dam, shots or worming of the pups, veterinary health checks

on both parents before mating, etc., etc., etc.  They just put 2 "purebred" dogs together, hope

for a large litter, and plan how to spend their proceeds.

 

Can you help me find such a video that I can present to local civic groups (that are largely

composed of adult males).  I'd love to stop the euthanizing of young healthy animals because

some idiot thought he could make more money breeding dogs than raising cattle.

 

Thanks,

 

Sharon

jdunkin@vallnet.com

Cooper

Don,

 

I have attached a picture of Cooper taken December 20, 2006. I had him at the vet when he was 16 weeks and all was fine and he weighed 42 lbs. He is growing very fast and is keeping our 6 yr old golden on his toes.

 

Take care.

Jake

Update on Angus

He's 18 weeks old & near 40lb. I am biased, but I think he's pretty handsome.  :-)

 

Theresa

Kona Pictures

Hi Don and Pierrette.

 

Here are a couple of pictures of Kona. She has grown so much. What a great puppy!

 

Happy New Year!

Kimberley and Steven Eddy

Sullivan's progress

Hi Don,

Happy New Year!
I thought I would follow up with you on Sullivan's progress (Roo and Jet's pup).  He's now 10 weeks old and an absolute joy to have. He's completely housetrained, sits, lays down, stays, shakes paw and absolutely loves retrieving tennis balls. Attached are a couple of more photo's of him, his colouring is beautiful and he has a wonderful demeanor. 

He's going to be a big boy, currently at 10 weeks he's 23 pounds and has a huge set of paws on him!

I hope you enjoyed the holidays and I wish you all the best in 2007.

Kind regards,

Emily

Raven

Raven, Marilyn and I send our wishes for a wonderful 2007. Raven is growing like a weed and at 9 1/2 months weighs 70 pounds. He is still somewhat of a 'humper' to his stuffed toys and he has eaten two outside dryer vent covers. He is a normal kid and is coming along wonderfully. He likes to chase crows and is friendly to all.

 

regards,
Brian

The Boys

Hi Don - hope you had a nice x-mas and happy new year.  Here are the pictures attached below.  My Boys are getting along great now.

(both pups of Doindogs Rose)

Jasper's Christmas

Hello there Doindogs Family!

So sorry that we did not make it over to see you all before Christmas!
It was such a busy time!  We have no idea where it went!

I thought I would send along a couple of pictures of Jasper from
Christmas morning.  She had a lot of fun helping Kaleigh open presents
and opening her own.  :)

Shawn is off until next Tuesday so hopefully we will have time to pop
over and see you before the New Year!

See you soon!

Angie :)

Merry Christmas!! From Doindogs Kennel!

Ruby Decorated! (above)

Hope you're having a very Merry Christmas! Sable's (black lab above) already all tuckered out.

Janette, Bill, Clark, Justine & Sable

Sable's Story

I want to tell you the story of  my Wonderful Black Labrador Retriever, Sable;

My Service Dog Sable is home with me for good.  She has been in training for 15 months.  I have been keeping a journal since her arrival from 'Doindogs Kennel in Canada.

When I approached the Trainers at C & G  K-9 school, about a Service Dog...they said yes they do that type of training.

 
But, Pro the head trainer, suggested I call Don Bates at Doindogs Kennel in Canada.  He had used some of his dogs for work with a Hearing Impaired client.

 

I called Mr. Bates.  His dogs have been used by the Toronto Police K-9 unit & for Service Dogs.  He & His Vet selected the dog they felt was right for my needs.   These are wonderful dogs.  You can look up His Kennel at www.doindogs.com.  Sable even has her own page!

 
He sent her down when she was 3 months old.  She Bonded with Me for 2 months.  Then My friend Jessie took her for 'Puppy Boot Camp'.  When she was 6 months old, Jessie sent her back to me.



That's when Sable started her Service Dog Training with Joe, at C & G  K-9 School in Uniondale.

They have taught her many things.

C&G K-9
243 Oak Street
Uniondale, NY 11553
516-489-6582
1 800 924-PAWS

I especially like when Sable picks up the things that I drop.   The Command is "get____"  my keys, glasses, books, etc.   Anything I drop.


***For me the best one is 'Get Phone' .... she will get portable phone if I fall!

This is so reassuring to me, to know that Sable is there to help me when I am alone.  I highly recommend getting a Service Dog.

 
This is all possible because of the selective breeding Don Bates at 'Doindogs Kennel' and the expert training she received at 'C & G K-9 Patrol School.

 
I highly recommend Service Dogs for the M.S. Community.  This is something I want to share.

 

Merry Christmas & Happy Healthy New Year,

 

Janette Simonson
M.S. Mother of the Year 1998

Bentley

Good evening Don,

Just wanted to let you know Bentley is a very popular addition to our family. Everyone is in love with her!She sleeps in her kennel at night and sticks to us like glue all day. She has a bed in our tv room and she takes all her toys there for safe keeping. House training is going well. My only concern is how little she eats. She drinks lots of water but eats barely one cup of food per day. If I should be concerned, let me know.

Anyway, thanks again; your pups are super.

Heather

Kona

Hi Don.

I just want to say thank you for the information about the other pups. Also, thank you for Kona! She is truly an amazing pup. She is so sweet tempered and smart. I am not kidding when I say she knows the following commands; come, sit and down. We are working on ‘roll over’ and she almost has the hang of it. She is quite good about going into her crate and she is doing well at night. She’s a charmer!




Kimberley



PS~ We’ll send more pictures when we can!

Abby

Hi Don and Pierette,

 

Thought you might enjoy some recent pictures of Abby. Everything has been going really well - she's been housetrained now for over a month and has been quick to learn new commands.

 

She thoroughly enjoyed our recent snowfall (as you may guess from some of the pics) and gets just as excited about water or going in the car.

 

We couldn't be happier with her and can't believe how much she's grown already.

 

Thanks again

 

Ryan & Sarah

Jaz

Hi Don,

 

We thought you might want to see pictures of Jaz.  She met her brother Angus today at puppy training class with Lietash.  Overall, the housetraining is going really well, we still need to work on her bite inhibition.

 

She`s a lot of fun and we absolutely love her and you're welcome to come visit if you wish.  We'll certainly recommend you to other friends and family.

 

Luc & Nathalie

Casey

Hey Don,

Here are some pictures of Casey. He is actually as nice a dog as he looks in the photo's. The kids love him,especially my daughter, and he fits in perfectly with the family. As you can tell he has the run of the house (the sofa he's sitting on was delivered about 6-7 hours prior to the picture being taken). He seems to like his crate and he's catching on to the house training (most of the time).

By the way, he LOVES to run. When we go to the park he either wants to sit and look at you (as you call to him) or run at full tilt.

He's a great puppy and I can see he's going to be a fantastic dog.



Howard McDonald

Sable

I want to tell everyone about my wonderful Black Lab, Sable!

I have Multiple Sclerosis, and today is not one of my better days but, Sable is a wonderful companion.

She has been trained to pick up and give me things that I drop...my keys, glasses, my cane, and just about anything. Sable was trained at C & G K-9 School.

When I dropped a box, and with out asking Sable picked it up. She even gave me a tea bag that fell to the floor.

She paces herself to walk next to me, almost as if she has been glued to my leg. She is very attentive & Intelligent, those are things Pro felt I needed.


Sable walks next to me, even when she is not on a leash. It is almost as if she is glued to my leg.



Right now, As I went up stairs to this computer... She followed me & is laying about 2 feet behind me.

My son Clark, just walked over her to get something, then back again...she didn't move. Sable is staying with me.



My Dear Friend Jessie kept Sable for several months of 'puppy boot Camp'. She taught her how to behave in public;

The grocery store, Post Office, the Mall & Restaurants.



Then she went to C & G Canine school and they 'finished' her very well.



I cannot Thank or Praise them enough...



But Sables Breeder Don Bates from DOINDOGS KENNEL deserves some of the credit, too. Don is a great breeder of Labrador Retrievers.

His Dogs are smart, eager to please & wonderful companions. I Highly recommend this Kennel.



I am grateful to all of these people. I am very happy with my Sable. I do need help around the house....Sable is eager to help me!



THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH

Janette Simonson

Skye helping with the dishes