Sit Means Sit of Palm Beach County presents
Pawsitively Amazing
Month, Year - Vol 1, Issue 1
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Dear, Pet Enthusiast |
Welcome to this edition of our electronic newsletter designed for dog lovers who might want some helpful tips on training. This is also to help keep our Palm Beach clients informed on what's happening in our local area. To manage your subscription to this newsletter just scroll over to the sign up section. If you feel that your friends could use some information, or our services, then forward this to them. Bob Burnell Sit Means Sit of Palm Beach County 561-543-5583 RobertBurnell@sitmeanssit.com
|
Sit Means Sit Spotlight- Saying goodbye to my partner
|
It saddens me greatly to announce the passing of my K9 partner Sabre. Sabre was an 8 yr old German Shepherd that served as a Police Dog for the Boynton Beach Police Department for 5 yrs. Sabre was a great friend and partner and will be missed greatly. He succumbed to a tumor on his heart that was undetectable. He passed quickly and painlessly. At least we were together in the end as it should be.
I want to express my gratitude to members of my department for their condolences and to the staff of Simmons Veterinary Hospital. Your compassion and assistance during this time was greatly appreciated.
I would also like to extend my condolences to one of my clients, the Wish Family. They also are grieving over the loss over a beloved pet and family member.
|
|
|
|
PET LOSS
Angell Memorial Animal Hospital
General Practice & Preventative Medicine
|
COPING WITH LOSS
The
loss of any close friend can be devastating, and pets can be among our
closest companions. A pet frequently provides unconditional love,
emotional security, and loyalty. Routine activities with an animal
companion often provide structure, fun, relaxation, and social contact
in our daily lives. The death of a cherished pet can mean the loss of
an entire lifestyle as well as a devoted companion. Lack of
understanding and support from people around us can make this period
even more difficult.
BE PREPARED
In
some instances the death of a pet can be anticipated; the animal may be
very old or suffering from an extended illness. Other pet owners may
face a sudden loss - the result of an accident or short-term illness.
Things that will need to be considered with a gravely ill or seriously
injured animal include the pet's quality of life, emotional and
financial cost, and when or if euthanasia should be considered. It is
best to have contemplated these difficult matters beforehand.
ACCEPT AND EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS
It
is important to understand that grief is a personal experience and
there are no right or wrong ways to feel it. The most important part of
healing is to acknowledge what you are feeling and somehow release it.
Try writing your thoughts down in a journal. A good long cry can help,
too. Don't be afraid to reach out and talk to your friends or a
counselor.
YOU'RE NOT ALONE
Seek
out support. Well-meaning friends who don't understand the bond between
you and your pet may say, "He was only a dog." Others may encourage you
to "get another one," as if your lifelong companion could be easily
replaced. This can make expression of your pain even harder. It is
important to realize that you are not alone. A support group can act as
a wonderful resource for consolation and affirmation.
DO WHAT YOU CAN TO EASE THE PAIN
Share
your thoughts and feelings with others. Talk. Write. Many people find
comfort in rituals, like paying their final respects with a brief
service or setting up a small memorial with photos and objects that had
significance in the pet's life, such as a collar bowl, or toy. It's
important to set aside time to think about the good times and remember
to pay extra attention to surviving pets. They may need consolation
during this difficult period too.
SPECIAL FRIENDSHIPS, SPECIAL CONCERNS
The
death of a long-time companion can be particularly painful for those
who shared a unique relationship with their pet. This includes anyone
whose pet was the sole or primary companion, or who was either
physically or emotionally dependent upon their pet. Children, the
elderly, and handicapped pet owners often have unique bonds with
companion animals and may need special attention and support when a pet
dies.
Recognizing the tasks of grief can give you landmarks on
the path to resolution, and help you recognize that your feelings are
normal. The term "task" is used rather than "stage" to avoid giving the
impression that grief is something marked by well-defined milestones.
The mourner should not feel that he or she must follow some pre-set
list, each lasting a determined period of time.
Remember that
the grieving process for each individual is as unique as each lost
relationship. There is no set pattern or time period for recovery, but
there are some general patterns.
Denial. Most people will
experience a period of denial, refusing to believe the pet is dying or
has died. Denial is usually strongest when there is little time for
acceptance, such as with an accident or short-term illness.
Bargaining.
For pets facing imminent death, many people will try to make a deal
with God, themselves, or even the pet, in a desperate attempt to deter
fate.
Anger. In frustration, anger may be directed at
anyone involved with the pet, including friends, family, veterinarians,
and even the pet owner himself.
Guilt. Guilt is
probably the most common emotion resulting from the death of a
companion animal. As the pet's primary caretaker, all decisions
regarding care are the owner's responsibility. When a pet dies, the
owner often feels guilty about actions taken or not taken, even about
things that happened before the pet became ill. The most attentive
caretaker may feel he or she should have somehow done more. But we all
do our best with the information, knowledge, and resources available to
us. It is important to try not to second-guess the decisions you made
along the way, and to remember that you tried to act in your pet's best
interest.
Depression. Depression can indicate the start
of acceptance. It is normal to withdraw and contemplate the meaning of
the relationship in solitude. Deep and lasting despondency, however,
requires professional help.
Acceptance. Now is the time
to remember the good times. The daily reminders become a little less
painful. You find you can now start to think about the future.
WHEN IS IT TIME TO CONSIDER ANOTHER PET?
A
new pet is just that - a new pet. He or she can never replace the pet
you lost. If you decide to get another pet, you will be entering into
an entirely new and different relationship. Be sure that you are
psychologically, physically, and financially ready and willing to
commit the time and energy needed to care for a new companion, without
resentment or unrealistic expectations.
|
The Rainow Bridge- till we meet again
|
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone
here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills
for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are
warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health
and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong
again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times
gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small
thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be
left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly
stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His
eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying
over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally
meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again.
The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the
beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your
pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown
|
Dealing with Behavioral Issues
|
Continuing our series on dealing with behavioral issues
Digging Behavior
ˇThe way to deal with digging is to understand
that often digging is really not the problem at all. It is the symptom.
-The problem is that the dog is bored and
needs alternatives things to do.
-The problem is the dog associates negative
things with the back yard and needs to make a different association with the
back yard.
-The problem is that the dog does not get
enough exercise.
With some dogs, they chew, bark, jump, others
dig.
Digging takes place, usually when your not
there. It is not that they are being sneaky. It is usually because
they receive the necessary stimulus when you
are present. Do not chastise the dog, after the fact, for
digging the hole. This
may cause the dog to dread your coming home.
Boredom Digging
ˇDogs dig because they have a certain amount
of energy to expend each day.
ˇMost people underestimate the amount of
activity it takes to use up their dog's energy each day.
ˇDigging is one of those things a dog will do
when left outside with energy to burn.
ˇOn average, one 20 minute walk per day should
suffice most breeds, two 20 minute walks may be required for working breeds.
ˇTry engaging the dog in "hunting" for toys
around the yard and then hide several toys for the dog to find and play with.
ˇConsider making one bag of toys for each day
and rotating them out so as to stimulate the dog even more.
ˇAlso ensure that the dog is on a good quality
food and not one that is loaded with sugars. Hidden sugars in the form of beet pulp, sucrose, fructose,
etc., can heighten the dog's energy level and lead to digging.
Cooling
ˇA dog that digs to create cooling holes for
himself typically will not stop unless something else is done to cool him off.
ˇEnsure the dog has an area of shade to go to
when outside. Maybe have a small
wading pool available.
ˇMisting hoses will not only keep the dog
cool, but will keep the flies away also.
Escape
ˇIf the backyard is considered a place of
banishment by the dog, it is more likely that the digging will occur there.
ˇTurn his perception around by making the yard
a fun place to be instead.
ˇEscape digging can also be the result of an
unaltered dog responding to his or her natural instincts.
To be continued next edition
|
About Your Trainer
|
Bob grew up in Long Island, New York
and upon graduation from High School spent four years serving this country in
the U.S. Army. Bob graduated from
Hofstra University Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelors Degree in Business and
earned several academic achievement awards.
Bob spent several years as an Operations Executive for a major retailer
until he joined the N.Y.P.D. Bob
graduated #1 in his class from the police academy, earning the highest academic
achievement award. Bob is currently a
full time Police officer with over 6 years of K9 experience. Bob has
certifications in dog training through The Animal Behavior College and The No
Limitations School for Remote Collar Training.
Bob has worked with some of the most influential dog trainers. Bob has studied under Brian Kilcommons (noted
trainer and author) and Fred Hassen (founder and creator of Sit Means Sit). Bob has over 8 years of experience in training dogs and receives a real sense of accomplishment when he witnesses the success his clients have with our program.
|
|
Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to work with your family. We appreciate everyone of our clients and value the relationship that we have with you. The highest compliment that you can give us, is the referral of your family and friends. Remember, we are never too busy for your referrals. If you know someone that would benefit from our services or that might enjoy what we do, please forward this newsletter to them. We are always looking to improve our service. If you have any comments or suggestions, please send them to us. We are always looking for testimonials from our clients so that we can show others how our training as helped you. Please feel free to visit my Palm Beach Training Blog to obtain additional information and view some more great videos. Missed an earlier edition of this newsletter? Go to my blog and view past editions that are archived at this location.
Sincerely,
|
|
|
|
|
