Lily
Lilly’s first meeting (and “Mom” Sheryl) with Miss Marie consisted of barking and running from Marie. Lilly hid beneath the table, barking violently. Every person was a horrifying monster. Lilly bit at ankles and feet when visitors tried to move throughout the house. With herbal treatment, nutritional support and lots of acupressure; Lilly began to settle down. The next step was to teach Lilly to wear a Gentle Leader and to walk without lunging at every dog that came near.
After meeting Enya and Ranger, and several of Miss Marie’s staff and students, Lilly began to understand that the world did not exist just to frighten her. Gradually Lilly began to trust and accept strangers. After trying to bite Miss Marie repeatedly, Lilly finally realized that being nice was much more productive. Eventually, Lilly was able to join Socialization class and graduate with honors. Lilly was voted the most improved dog in her class. Lilly is now a happy, mostly well-adjusted source of pride for her “mom”.
Kingston
Loved to run into the street and chase other dogs. His folks called Miss Marie, and Kingston tried to lunge at Ranger during his first lesson. After much hard work, and “re-education” with Ranger and Moira, Kingston finally learned his place was NOT with the big dogs. He stopped lunging at other dogs on leash just in time to graduate from Good Manners class. Kudos to his folks, Edith and Scott, for being persistent.
Tigger
(Most Improved Dog Runner Up 2010) History: Very reactive and aggressive towards other dogs and children. Bit at least one child. Outcome: Although Tigger is still learning, she is much calmer on the leash, only barks at few dogs, and can be petted by children. She will be making her first visit to a dog park soon. Photo Unavailable.
Motley
(Most Improved Dog 2010) History: (Mastiff Mix) Rescued in 2010, Motley was very difficult to handle, he pulled dangerously on leash, lunged at other dogs and growled when approached by certain humans. Outcome: Motley graduated from Star Puppy class, love to walk with his owners, and even plays well with other dogs. Photo Unavailable
Angus-our first winners circle addition for 2011
Angus was a neglected and virtually discarded dog when adopted by his family. He was extremely fearful and chased shadows uncontrollably when he began working with Miss Marie. Angus tried to bite his vet on his first visit.
In just 2 months, with a lot of work and patience from his devoted parents, acupressure massage, a change in diet and supplements, Angus is meeting new people and dogs. He has become more confident and secure.
Photo (Of Angus with his “parents” Phil and Shelli) was actually taken at a veterinary clinic that he had never been to before, where everyone loved Angus! Photo currently Unavailable.
Maxx
Most improved dog therapy dog academy (May 2012).
When I first met Maxx, he literally could not sit still. He obsessively mouthed people, ran in circles, and jumped on people. He was a bulldozer in a china shop. Multiple trainers could not bring Maxx under control. Maxx could not be around other dogs without trying to bite them. Now, Maxx has doggy friends, is an obedient (mostly) boy and greets people politely. He has not only learned self-control, and is off of all medications, but is also learning to help his “Aunt” as a service dog. Maxx is also preparing for his therapy dog certification.
Velvet
Most improved dog Canine Good Manners class (May 2012). Velvet was actually thrown out of his Vet’s office for biting staff members. He was posing as a “land shark” during her first meeting, snapping at anything that moved near him. After diligent work with his Mom’s (Crystal – left and Sue – right), Velvet not only passed his Canine Good Citizen test, but returns to help inspire other dogs to achieve better behavior.
Merlot
Most improved cat of 2014! Merlot hated everyone except her “Dad” Evan. She charged and bit pet sitters, friends and even Evan’s parents. Merlot would not allow anyone to touch her. She spent time around visitors hiding under the bed, hissing, and then attacking their ankles as they tried to leave. After a year of hard work by Evan, her pet sitter Lauren and Miss Marie, Merlot will actually come into the living room with guests. Some, including Evans family, can even pet her. However, she still hates Miss Marie.
Roo
Rescued from an Indian reservation and placed in her forever home in 2013, Roo liked to challenge her new Mom. She did not come when called, pulled violently on leash and generally ignored evey command. After Mom was educated in dog language and expectations, and Roo counseled by Miss Enya – forever is looking pretty happy. Roo now walks beautifully on leash, comes when she is called and no longer obsesses over squirrels and prairie dogs.
Arrow and Jupiter
Arrow (Great Dane) had a happy family life and Jupiter (and his human) moved in. Within months, Jupiter and Arrow were fighting. Of course, Jupiter’s size (as a Shiba Inu Mix) did not deter him from “getting it on” with 100+ pounds of Great Dane.
The dogs had to be separated at all times. The the humans decided to call Miss Marie. She helped the humans understand each dogs needs and body language (Arrow says; “I wasn’t starting it”).
Miss Enya demonstrated proper greetings and interaction. Within 1 month, Arrow and Jupiter were able to share their home with their humans – at the same time, without fighting. Each dog learned to respect the others’ boundaries. The humans learned how to be better dog parents.
Bailey
Bailey thought that jumping on people, nipping at heels and barking at big dogs was great fun. After receiving some private tutoring from Miss Enya, Bailey decided that bowing to the Malamute Princess was a much better idea:) Bailey now has lots of doggy friends (of all sizes), including her classmates from Canine Good Manners. Bailey says: “Playing with other dogs is so much more fun than barking and lunging at them”.
Bailey is pictured here receiving her Most Improved in class award.
Egon and Gary – Egon (left and Gary (Below)
Our first cat winner’s circle members, Gary and Egon. These cats routinely defecated and urinated on the furniture, including their human’s beds. Egon spent most of his life hiding under the bed. After aromatherapy, enriching their environment and with more scratching posts and toys, these kitties thought their litter box was just grand. No more “accidents”. Egon is beginning to think that visitors are pretty fun to watch and, on rare occasion, will rub up against them.
Salami
Most improved dog in class! Salami began class pulling on the leash, jumping on everyone and bark…bark…bark!
Aced his Canine Good Citizen ship test!!
Eva
Eva enjoyed chewing circular holes in the furniture and had a complete meltdown whenever Mom left. She lunged at the other dogs or leash, and dog parks were not an option. After changing her diet, aromatherapy, and behavior modification, Eva can now join her friends at public events and yes, dog parks. Although she is still learning to be alone, she improves every day. Eva has become a joy for her human parents instead of a nightmare. Eva is pictured here being voted “Most Valuable Participant/Most Improved Dog” of her February 2014 Canine Socialization class.
Honey
Honey began Good Manners class hiding behind Tyler and bolting from anyone approaching her. In just 6 weeks, she was in the front of her class. Honey can now enjoy her walks, without being frightened and barking at every dog she passed. Honey was voted Most Improved in her class.
Mushu
Named after a brave dragon, Mushu was anything but brave. His first impression of Miss Marie was to bark and run to the back of his yard. With the help of herbs, acupressure massage, and lots of work on his Mom”s part, in 2 months Mushu went from scaredy dog to novice therapy dog. He is still a little unsure about tall men and wheelchairs but braved out his first nursing home visit this past weekend. Mushu aspires to become a therapy dog and help his “Mom” help people overcome eating disorders.
Punky
A definite little pink when we began training in March 2014. Punky lunged at every dog passing by on leash and could not go to the dog park. This photo was taken when Pinky graduated from Canine Socialization class in June 2014. She loves walking with Mom now on her Gentle Leader and can actually play with many dogs. She is still learning to play nicely with smaller dogs but is no longer considered the neighborhood bully. Punky was actually invited to join a seasoned therapy dog on a nursing home visit but, unfortunately, had to decline due to scheduling conflicts.
Leah
Most improved in class! Leah came to class a head strong, very bossy, little bulldog. She nipped at her humans and terrorized her “big sister”, Ava. In class, Leah learned to be respectful to her family members and other dogs.
Timon and Pumba
Timon and Pumba were “busted” for escaping their fence and attacking a smaller dog in March. After 3 sessions with Miss Marie (and Enya), these dogs avoid smaller dogs. Pumba actually ran away from a barking French Bulldog. The dogs now know how to stay within an open gate and turn away from both large and smaller dogs. As soon as they are off probation, Timon and Pumba will start learning their dog park manners.
Lexi
Lexi – most improved dog in therapy dog academy in April 2014. Lexi’s first greeting for Miss Marie was lunging at her face and snapping. Lexi was terrified, literally of shadows, humans dogs and anything that moves. Lexi began behavior modification in February and completed Therapy Dog Academy 2 months later.
Duchess (Husky) and Denver (Cat)
This photo was taken 3 weeks after beginning behavior modification with Miss Marie. Before this, Duchess’ favorite game used to be chase the cat through the house, climbing on furniture and tearing down blinds. Now, the two can watch each other from a distance, calmly! Duchess and Denver hope to be spending some unsupervised time together very soon.
Tundra
Tundra loves people but hated other dogs. Tundra thought greeting consisted of…bark, growl, lunge and snap at faces. Tundra was voted the most improved dog in March 2014 in Canine Good Manners class. After being corrected by Miss Enya, repeatedly, Tundra finally learned that turning his head to the side was a more appropriate greeting. Tundra has moved on to attending therapy dog class and hopes to play “Easter Bunny” in April.
Tundra’s (AKA; Easter Bunny) debut as therapy dog under Miss Enya’s guidance. Tundra started her training by trying to attach Miss Enya (not the smartest move). Tundra barked and lunged at every dog that entered class and was a demon on a leash around other dogs. After Good Manners and Therapy Dog class, she got to “hop” through the nursing home alongside her mentor, Miss Enya.