My Very Good, Very Bad Dog

by Amy Newmark

  So it was with her bonding tasks. Initially, it was a meltdown just waiting to happen. But after a few months, my daughter began to accept the dog. Now she will calmly correct Teddy if he doesn’t listen when she tells him to sit. And she can bathe him without gagging at the texture of his soapy fur, laughing as he shakes water all over her. She seems to walk taller and more confidently with Teddy by her side.

  The first formal class Teddy attended introduced him to the most important and oftentimes most difficult lesson a service dog can learn: to lie down and wait calmly until released, no matter what. Young as he was, though, Teddy’s energy was quickly expended, and soon he began to use class time to take a nap. Many times, he had to be woken to take his turn at a task!

  From that point on, obedience and socialization were the name of the game. As Teddy learned a few commands, my daughter gained a greater rapport with him. Puppy nipping had made my daughter wary of much interaction with Teddy for a time, but his new and improving manners did a lot to help restore my daughter’s confidence, and she learned how to politely tell him no. My daughter began doing her “reading aloud time” with Teddy snuggling by her on the couch. To further increase their bond, she worked while tethered to him as she sat at the table for school.

  Teddy went out with us as much as possible. Now there were new rules for him to obey. No personal grooming, scratching, or shaking in public. No sniffing, particularly at any food. No eating any food from the floor or offered by strangers. Only greet people when given permission. I started with low-traffic stores that had little to no food around to tempt him. From there, we worked our way up to grocery shopping and, finally, restaurants. Although Teddy was not always perfect, his eager-to-please disposition helped us greatly with teaching and correcting him. I was often surprised at how easily he handled new situations and stressors.

  I have been amazed at the difference Teddy has made in my daughter’s life. One day, while running errands, my daughter was tired and resisted going into a store. She was pulling me toward the door and getting louder by the second. I quickly found an empty aisle and had her sit on the floor with Teddy for a moment. He leaned against her side, their preferred method of deep pressure. After about a minute, she began to calm and pet him. I asked if she was ready to continue, and she said she was. Just like that. Nothing had ever worked so quickly to calm her in the past. What could have become a major meltdown was alleviated in a minute. Not only did she complete the errand after that, but she was laughing and happy.

  After this first year in training, my daughter is already so much calmer about dealing with loud noises with Teddy around. In the past, we have barely succeeded in getting my daughter to enter a theater because of the loudness. This time, she went in confidently with no hesitation. Despite this being Teddy’s first experience, he didn’t hesitate either. At one point during the movie, I moved Teddy down to a lower step from where we were sitting, thinking he was squishing my daughter’s legs. My daughter responded to this by moving onto the floor to sit beside him. I got the message. She wanted him touching her. She needed that reassurance. I felt hope blossoming more fully in me as I saw one of my dreams realized in the wonder of having the whole family together at the movies.

  For months after the event, my daughter still talked about her experience at the movies, often saying, “What’s your favorite movie?” — her way of asking us to guess her favorite movie. And what movie did we see that is now her favorite? It is called Max, about a boy and a German Shepherd.

  ~Kristin Stuckmyer

  Our Rescue Dog Rescues My Wife

  Fun fact: Seizure alert dogs sense oncoming attacks so people can find a safe place or seek help. Some dogs are even trained to press a button to contact emergency responders.

  Our dog jumped on the bed at 4:00 a.m., stepped on me and continued to paw at my face until I woke up. He knows he’s not allowed on the bed, but he knew he had to wake me: My wife was having a seizure.

  My wife Brandy suffers from lupus, a chronic illness that takes its toll on her body daily. To exacerbate her disease, she was also recently diagnosed with epilepsy. A seventy-two-hour EEG showed she had at least ten seizures within three days, mostly late at night while sleeping. This night, however, the seizure was the most severe.

  Porter, our chocolate Labrador Retriever, had been very anxious before we went to bed. He paced the floor, went outside only to come back in moments later, barked at random, licked my wife’s hand, and would do pretty much anything for attention. Little did we know, he was trying to warn us.

  When Porter woke me, the bed was shaking vigorously. I called Brandy’s name repeatedly, with no response from her. I turned on the lights and saw Porter lying across Brandy’s lap as she seized, trying to comfort her. I could see a scared look in his deep, golden eyes. He wasn’t sure what was wrong, but was trying his best to help her.

  When my wife came to, she had a crushing headache and a temperature of 105 degrees. I wasn’t sure if it was the epilepsy or the fever that caused the seizure, but we immediately went to the emergency room. Brandy was admitted to the hospital for observation, fluids, and treatment for the flu. After a few days, she was released and sent home. To this day, Porter does not leave her side.

  Curious, I did some research on service dogs and how they may benefit epilepsy patients. Surprisingly, about fifteen percent of dogs have an innate ability to predict seizures before they occur. Labradors are a common breed for “seizure alert” animals, in addition to German Shepherds, Setters, and Border Collies. While there isn’t really a way to “train” a dog to provide an alert for a seizure, some will warn their owners by pawing, barking, or licking them. This allows the owner to prepare for a seizure by sitting down or getting to a safe place. A few dogs even respond by using their body to brace their owner if he or she falls down.

  When we first got Porter, I knew he was special… I just never knew how special he would turn out to be. As a friendly stray, he showed up at our house the evening of an ice storm. He was cold and hungry, so he claimed an old couch in our garage for the night. The next day, I posted his photo on numerous local Facebook groups and Craigslist. He had no collar, no microchip, and, sadly, no owners. I often ask myself how someone could throw away such a beautiful animal.

  I had been looking for a dog, and Porter was the perfect fit for us. His presence even helped me work through some anxiety and depression issues I had been suffering for years. His companionship was far greater than any medication the doctors prescribed. In short, he was my new best friend.

  He came to us looking for a family, and I am glad he made his way into our garage that night and our hearts forever. I like to tell people that Porter is a rescue animal that decided to adopt us. While I’m away at work and the kids are in school, I know that Porter is on constant watch while my wife is home alone. He alerts us to people at our door and keeps the kids warm at night when he sneaks into their rooms. And now, when he starts acting out of the norm, we pay close attention to my wife for possible signs of an oncoming seizure.

  Researchers aren’t exactly sure why or how seizure alert animals respond. Some suggest it’s a unique smell as the body chemistry changes before a seizure. Others say there are minor changes in a person’s mood or body language that dogs can sense. Whatever it is, I’m a believer.

  ~Sonny Cohrs

  Paying Their Respects

  Fun fact: In 1896, a veterinarian allowed a friend to bury her dog in his apple orchard in Hartsdale, NY. The Peaceable Kingdom now holds the remains of more than 80,000 pets.

  If dogs have been an important part of your family as they have been for my family, then you know some dogs seem to have a special sixth sense about things. While for the most part they try to keep their special gifts to themselves, every now and then they slip up.

  That was the case with two of our dogs, Lucky and Lil’ Bit. Lucky was the black sheep of the family, not only in color but also in temperament. She loved to find ways to leave the confines o
f her indoor living routine, which made her a masterful escape artist. Lil’ Bit, on the other hand, was a near angel of a dog, doing exactly as she was told, never straying, always staying close to home… except when she came under the influence of Lucky, the wandering black sheep.

  Whenever the two got out together, they could be seen high-tailing it out of sight and often staying away for hours. More often than not, they’d arrive home near suppertime, covered in mud and leaves and smelling to high heaven from their afternoon jaunt in the woods.

  I remember one such occasion when they had once again mysteriously escaped, except this time, they returned clean and no worse for wear. It wasn’t until a few days later that we learned why.

  My wife ran into our neighbor Carl, who lived a few houses down from us.

  “Saw your two dogs the other day,” Carl said with a smile.

  “Oh, yes, I’m so sorry. They had been so good lately, so it was such a surprise when they got out. I sure hope they didn’t cause any trouble,” my wife replied.

  “Oh, no, no trouble at all. Did you have any idea where they went?”

  “No,” my wife answered.

  “They attended my dog’s funeral,” Carl said sadly.

  “What?” Ann exclaimed. “Oh, no. I didn’t know Toby had died.”

  “Yep, died a couple days ago. I was burying him in the back lot when your two dogs came running up. They sat down not far from me while I finished burying him, then they left.”

  “Wow, that’s amazing!” my wife replied. “Toby was Lil’ Bit’s father, you know.”

  “No, I didn’t know that,” Carl replied, “but I guess that explains why she felt like she needed to be there. She had to say her final goodbye.”

  ~W. Bradford Swift

  Bella

  Fun fact: Like people, dogs with anxiety may be treated with behavior modification techniques, anti-anxiety medication, or both.

  I will never forget the day that our Labradoodle Bella came into our lives. She was crying, whimpering, and shaking as we took her home, but now she is an integral part of our family.

  Bella was the perfect addition to our family. You see, three people in my family (including me) have Asperger’s syndrome. Two of my siblings are extremely picky eaters. I struggle with anxieties.

  So, which of these qualities do you think our wonderful dog got? If you guessed all of the above, you’d be right. She’s a picky eater, only eating table scraps that she likes (read: meat products). If she were human, she would have Asperger’s syndrome because she exhibits almost every single quality of it. And as for anxieties? Well, let’s just say that’s where the “very bad” part of my dog comes in. You see, Bella has separation anxiety. When my mom is gone, she freaks out. She has done everything — and I mean EVERYTHING — you can imagine, from getting into brownies and crackers, which she doesn’t normally eat but will when she’s frantic, to chewing up my aunt’s expensive shoes, to running straight into our screen door when my mom went outside and she wanted to follow her.

  So why do we keep such a high-maintenance dog? Couldn’t we just drop her off at the shelter or sell her? Well, there’s a difference between “could” and “would.” Hypothetically, we could sell her, or give her away, but then her heart would be broken… and so would ours.

  Bella may be neurotic, anxiety-ridden, picky, frantic, and just plain psycho, but she’s our psycho dog. She’s there when someone needs comfort. She’s sweet and gentle, and has never bitten anyone. She knows how to make us laugh, even if it’s not intentional (it never is). She can be a very good dog. And most of all, she knows that she is a part of our family, just as important as any human member.

  And I guess that, at least to me, we’re all a little like Bella — we can be anxious and neurotic, sweet and gentle. We all have our very good, very bad moments. But then again, that’s an important part of us. After all, that’s what makes us human, and I have Bella to thank for teaching me that lesson.

  ~Megan Yeardley

  Meet Our Contributors

  Monica Agnew-Kinnaman is ninety-seven years old and a veteran of World War II. She served in the British Army and was stationed in London in an anti-aircraft artillery regiment. She has lived sixty years in Colorado and is the author of two other published short stories and one book, So This Is Heaven, about rescuing old dogs. (Editor’s note: We’ve read her book and it’s fascinating and beautifully written!)

  Adrienne A. Aguirre has a Master of Arts in Theology from Bethel Seminary San Diego, where she works in development. She’s also a freelance journalist and volunteer chaplain. Adrienne enjoys playing roller derby with her daughter Desirée and spending time with her rescue cat Kitty. She’s also working on her first book.

  Carol Andrews is a former television news anchor who has published three books — two for children and one for other authors hoping to turn their passion for writing into a successful business. She lives in North Carolina with, and is inspired by, her husband, son and, of course, Dora!

  Katie Avagliano is a master’s student in creative writing in Washington, D.C. She loves dogs, reading, the beach, and adding shows she will never have time to watch to her Netflix queue. She and her family raise Seeing Eye puppies, and are currently fostering their ninth dog.

  Kathryn Hackett Bales and Bonnie live in Nevada with three dogs and four cats. She spends most of her time writing her Touring With Pit Bull series, with proceeds donated to Pit Bull rescue. E-mail her at kgb@frontiernet.net.

  Marie Bast is a retired civil servant and now an award-winning author for her first novel, The Perfect Client. She is published in newspapers, two book compilations, periodicals, and in the devotionals The Upper Room and The Cup of Salvation. E-mail her at crossohope@aol.com or visit mariebast.blogspot.com.

  A former English teacher, Irene R. Bastian loves to write and paint, and recently began drawing. Gardening and working the family tree nursery near the foothills of Alberta allow her to appreciate the great outdoors. Her two yellow Labradors love keeping her company, especially if she is driving the RTV. E-mail her at ibastian@platinum.ca.

  Carole A. Bell is a licensed professional counselor. Her ministry is helping families become what God wants them to be. She writes, speaks, and consults about parenting issues. Since 1999, she has written a weekly Christian parenting column for the Plainview Herald. Read her blog at www.ParentingfromtheSource.com.

  Kathleen Birmingham is a freelance writer and ghostwriter, and is currently working on a number of children’s books. She enjoyed her many years as the “reluctant volunteer” while her husband trained Sadie to be a wilderness search-and-rescue dog. When Sadie was not working, she enjoyed being a beloved member of Kathleen’s family.

  Caitlin Brown is a senior Cinematography major at Emerson College in Boston. In her free time, Caitlin enjoys reading, writing, watching movies, playing her harp, and paintballing. Caitlin loves hearing from her readers. E-mail her at Caitlin_Brown2@emerson.edu.

  Melody Carlson is one of the most prolific novelists of our time. With more than 250 books published and sales topping 6.5 million, she writes primarily for women and teens. And every year she publishes a Christmas novella. She’s won numerous awards, including a RITA and Romantic Times Career Achievement.

  Keysha Cass is a stay-at-home mother of four. In 2011 she published a children’s book titled A Helping Hand. She enjoys writing children’s stories, and plans to keep writing stories for children to enjoy. Keysha also enjoys spending time with her family playing board games.

  Sonny Cohrs recently retired from the U.S. Air Force and settled down in his home state of Georgia with his wife Brandy and their three children. Sonny enjoys kayaking, fishing, camping, and hiking. He has plans to work as a freelance photojournalist and hopes to one day publish a photography travel book.

  Karen Cooper lives in rural Missouri. She needs a lot of coffee because she likes to stay up late at night looking at the stars. In her free time during the day she enjoys canning, lotion making, a
nd crochet.

  Kimberly Crawford currently resides in Frisco, TX. She is an animal lover who shares her home with three Basset Hounds and two hamsters in addition to her two daughters and husband. Kim enjoys sewing, spending time with her family and snuggling on the couch with her Bassets. This is Kim’s first published piece.

  Catherine D. Crocker earned a Ph.D in education in 2011. She lives in middle Tennessee with her husband and their two dogs, Precious and Annabelle. She works as an online professional academic editor. She enjoys reading fiction and inspirational books, and writing nonfiction. She has authored one small book available on Kindle.

  Tracy Crump enjoys storytelling (the good kind) and has published fifteen stories in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. She encourages others through her Write Life Workshops and webinars, and edits a popular newsletter, The Write Life. But her most important job is being Grandma to little Nellie. Visit Tracy at WriteLifeWorkshops.com.

  Janice R. Edwards lives with her husband and two dogs on the San Bernard River in Brazoria, TX. She currently writes freelance for Image Magazine, showcasing Brazoria County. She has three other dog stories published in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. E-mail her at jredwards@brazoriainet.com.

  Christina Eichstedt began writing at fourteen and was first published in Offerings Magazine at twenty-one. Christina also wrote three books with her mother, Judy Eichstedt: Weary Souls, Shattered by Life; Whispers of Truth; and 2012: The Last Entries. She has also been published in The Poet’s Pen, Poetry Motel, and local newspapers.

  Sharla Elton received both her Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and her MBA from the University of Akron. She lives with her husband in Ohio, where she works at a school. Sharla enjoys her many nieces and nephews, traveling, writing, camping and spending time outdoors.