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Dr. Radosta's note: When I met Dolores and Corey, I had my doubts if this could be done, but this little dog has such heart and Dolores has such incredible fortitude that Corey is now ready for adoption. If you have a place in your heart for a dog or if you just want to be inspired to work with your own dog, read on...
Corey's Story
Dolores Austell
Coastal Poodle Rescue (http://www.coastalpoodlerescue.org/)
It all happened so fast; fast enough to make your head spin. Sometime during the night in mid June 2009, one of God's special creatures was scooped up and taken for what must have seemed like a long and lonely ride to an unfamiliar place, a drop box at a local animal shelter. He came with a short note stating that his name was Corey (name has been changed to protect the innocent) and the reason for this sudden eviction from his home - "not good with new baby". The fear and confusion had to be unbearable as the darkness turned to light. What had gone so terribly wrong to bring about such dire straits?
That day was the beginning of a long journey engulfed with sadness and despair. It all started when I was removed from that cold, damp drop box and placed in a cage with a concrete floor and barking dogs all around sharing their own sad story. At first I didn't realize that this strange place would be the start of a new life filled with love, compassion and hope through the dedicated volunteers of Coastal Poodle Rescue.
To read the rest of Corey's Story, click here>>
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Having trouble housetraining?Lisa Radosta DVM, DACVB
Some breeds are predisposed to have difficulty housetraining. Other dogs are afraid of crates which makes housetraining more difficult. Despite these issues, for most dogs, housetraining is one of the easiest things that you will undertake with your dog. When done well, it won't take long. When done poorly, the results can last a lifetime. Click here for the recipe for perfect housetraining>>
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Does your cat want a friend?
Lisa Radosta DVM, DACVB
Judy, a stately older woman, sits in my exam room with her cats Sarah and Stinky. Sarah, a 3 year old calico cat lived as an only cat her entire life. Stinky, a rambunctious, fun loving, 4 month old kitten was adopted about 2 months ago. Judy thought that Sarah was a bit lonely because she slept a lot and played little. Instead of playing with Stinky, Sarah hides under the bed most of the day. She seems to only come out when Stinky is on the lanai or locked in another room. Sarah has started to urinate under the bed where she hides during the day. Judy has fallen into the trap that lots of people do--she thought that her cat would want a friend. How do you know if your cat wants a friend? If so, how do you know how to pick the right one?
Click here to find out>>
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Regan is a therapy dog!
Joyce Spencer
(Regan's Mom)
Regan was surrendered by a family in Georgia and spent 2 months in a shelter before Atlanta Lab Rescue pulled him from the shelter. He was vetted, neutered and placed with a foster home for a few weeks when we met him and immediately decided to adopt him.
He was a calm and gentle Labrador Retriever, except when we took him out to walk and he saw other dogs. Not every dog, but most dogs elicited a negative reaction from Regan. He would jump straight up in the air, spin, snarl and growl. Quite frightening to me and the other owners and dogs. I contacted a trainer who told me you cannot train that out of a dog and to just realize that Regan would not have any "doggy" friends. When I told my veterinarian about this, he referred me to Dr. Lisa Radosta, a veterinary behaviorist. She came to our house and spent several hours with us and with Regan and taught us how to deal with his reactiveness. We worked with him and did what she suggested and in a very short time, Regan turned around and became calm and friendly around other dogs. He also reacted to golf carts and we were able to correct that behavior as well.
Recently, I took Regan to an orientation for Share-A-Pet, a pet therapy organization. The room was full of people with their DOGS! He was fine with all of them. He was so well behaved that they suggested he take the test to be a therapy dog and see how he did and HE PASSED on the first try! Regan is now a therapy dog at Broward Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He visits the residents at least once a week and brings joy to a lot of people.
I am grateful to Dr. Radosta because Regan now has the confidence to go anywhere and it is a pleasure to be able to take him with us and know that he is well behaved!
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Lisa Radosta, DVM, DACVB
Florida Veterinary Behavior Service
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| Volume 2, No. 4: Oct 2011 |
Does your dog lunge, bark and growl on the leash?
Take the Reactive Dog Class taught by Dr. Radosta to learn how to control your dog and teach her to relax on walks. Reactive Dog Class starts January-February, 2012 For more information, Click here>> |
Body Language Spotlight: What are these dogs saying?
The paw lift is one of those body language signals that should be interpreted based on context. The best interpretation of this body language signal is that something is about to happen. The dogs is anticipating something and the dog's go button is pressed. She could be anticipating a treat from her owner or she could be ready to spring forward and bite her owner. By interpreting the rest of her body language, you can figure out which way she will go.
Click here to read more>>
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Do you have a great story of success with your pet?
Your story could inspire someone else! If you would like to share your story, write it in 500 words or less and email it to us at info@flvetbehavior.com.
If we use it in the next newsletter, we will let you know!
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Florida Veterinary Behavior Service
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