Brandy and Val

It’s no surprise to us all that Jane Goodall, the woman who taught us all about the lives and world of chimpanzees, likes dogs.   My presumption is,  and I am hoping this is not a stretch, that she like most animals.  In any case, I was reading an article in the FINANCIAL TIMES about her yesterday and thought I’d share with you some of the great things she does say about our canine friends and her philosophy:

Since our mission at Brandy and Val, LLC is “to do good where good is needed,” we love that she says that “each of us can make a difference every day” She has recently focused her mission on conversation through a global program called ”Roots and Shoots” where she urges the under 20+ set to help other animals and the environment.  Since they are the next generation inheriting the planet and being responsible for what happens to it, we say, you go girl!

With regard to dogs, we’ll just simply quote:  ”…dogs are my favorite because of the deep relationship they have with us.  There’s something about having a dog in a room full of people that just illustrates that so well.  It opens the heart.  And if it doesn’t they’re not the sort of people I want to know.” I’ve always wondered who you can like or trust people who don’t like animals or plants.

Try this on for size:  ”I get so upset by the way people think that in order to train a dog you’ve got to have dominance and that you’ve got to have instant obedience.” Despite what everyone says, I personally have never had any animal where I stress dominance.  I really try to create a symbiotic environment where I’m thought of as the pack leader and mutual respect and boundaries are fostered.   Somehow it works.  I, for one, also really get upset with the crating mentality.  Sorry to you all who truly believe in it and give me the mantra that their dogs “like it” because they know it’s their space and they have to have a safe zone.    Guess what?  Brandy and Val each have their own beds and when they want their own space, it’s all theirs.  They also have never been crated in our house.  Try giving them a room when you leave if being cordoned off is required.  I don’t know and  maybe it’s just dumb luck but they are very well behaved and when in public areas, my husband and I are always being complimented on how calm they are.  Perhaps it’s the love, attention, respect we give them, in addition to the training they’ve had that creates this environment and adds to their happiness and well-being?  It’s worked for me and all the other pets/dogs I’ve ever had.

And finally, remember this one as your pup chases after the rabbit or chipmunk in your yard: “He’s not naughty, he’s just being a dog.” Brandy and Val like that one the most since I tend to get a little flustered when they try to play cat and mouse with the locals!

Ms. Goodall, thanks for all the work you do and the wise, insightful world you’ve opened up to us all on how we look at and treat animals.  To learn more about her work, visit the site of the Jane Goodall Institute.

Brandy and Val work hard to make the world a better place for its’ current and future inhabitants.  It is through their work as pet therapy dogs and through the sales of their books and toys that benefit animal shelters that they try to accomplish this.

Summer is finally here, although, at times, it doesn’t much feel like it.  There’s been lots of rain throughout the country but we try to focus on the sunny, warm days that we can all be outside to play!

Brandy and Val wrapped up their pet therapy school year on a very positive high note.  The kids really responded this year and were much more comfortable and interactive in the pups’ presence.   The strides taken are a cumulative process and  we can’t stress how important we think our work is to the kids.  They have really warmed up to them and we can see how much they appear to enjoy having Brandy and Val around and interacting with them.

Our work on the top of pet therapy was featured in two articles this past spring.  One on the website Acting Balanced which is hosted by a mom with a child who has Autism Spectrum Disorder.  The other appeared in the Calgary Herald.  We are grateful for the opportunity to speak about what we do and spread the word about how pet therapy dogs enhance the lives of others.

Continuing on with that theme, Brandy and Val will be making another appearance at the Center For Independence camp the end of the month.  The campers are comprised mostly of children who have CP (Cerebral Palsy) and MD (muscular dystrophy).  We enjoy bringing added happiness to their day.

As our mission is “to do good where good is needed” we hope you will continue to remember that with the continuing sagging economy, many pets are being neglected and abandoned.  It is through the sales of our toys and books -BRANDY AND VAL, BRANDY AND VAL’S FAVORITE THINGS and BRANDY AND VAL’S SPECIAL STORY — that we also help animal sanctuaries throughout the country such as Best Friends and Pets Alive.   In addition, 100% of the sales from BRANDY AND VAL’S SPECIAL STORY go to support Fortunate Pooches and Lab Rescue, the shelter that both Brandy and Val were adopted from.  SOOOOOO, feel good knowing that you are helping and animal in need with every item purchased from us!

As always, thank you for your continued support and enjoy the season!

Ilene Fine, Author

Brandy and Val, Real Dogs with Real Tales

So, a few weeks ago marked the end of another school year helping out the kids afflicted with autism spectrum disorder.  We think we did a lot of good stuff and so saw major progress.  In retrospect, probably more progress than last year but we are sure it’s a cumulative thing.  Part of what goes on with these kids is that they like consistency in their lives and the fact that we are a regular part of their schedule makes them more comfortable.  The students know we are part of their routines and they love when we come into the rooms.

Brandy says: In the past, I spoke of two kids who I work with who were so afraid they would barely touch me and would often flinch away.   By the end of this year, both would take me for walks and would pet me on several parts of my body–from the head down my back.  They would also look at me and talk to me.  This was a very dramatic and uplifting turn of events.  With both of our classes, the kids had pictograph cards with multiple words or phrases.  By the end of the year, the kids had their “favorite” commands they would like to do with me, but, generally, by the end of they year, all could read and/or respond to the words and pictures on the cards.  With the more advance kids, we were able to do multiple word exercises like: “WALK” “SIT” “SHAKE” “UP” and walk back around the room.  It was fun to do a variety of tasks at one time and the kids really liked doing this.  It was more interesting to them than only doing one word commands.

Val says:  My kids are younger than the ones that Brandy works with so we like to play games that have to do with colors and numbers.  The cup game, where we hide food under a colored cup and then I get to “find” it by flipping the cup over with my nose is very popular.  The kids really think it’s funny when I find the treat.  One of the favorite activities, though, continues to be when they get to walk the hallways with me.  I think they feel important and empowered that they get to walk around the building with me and no one else gets to do that.  Also, people in the hall give us attention and we all like that!

We look forward to see where we are headed next year.  We have asked the teachers to come up with some expanded activities based on all we’ve accomplished this year.  Happy Summer!

Brandy and Val’s mission is to enrich the lives of others through their pet therapy duties and through the sales of their books and toys.  They hope to help the families, as well as the children, they work with and sales from their products benefit animal sanctuaries throughout the U.S.  To learn more about these special dogs, visit their website, Brandy and Val, LLC.

A belated rememberance (isn’t this a word?)  to all our servicemen, servicewomen and service dogs who have given their lives in the name of the United States of America and to all those who continue to do so.   Numerous memorials took place all over the Country last week,  but I don’t know if any made mention of the service dogs out there that work on military bases both here and abroad and those who see combat, too.  An estimated 2,300 canines are currently working in guard capacities and as explosive and drug sniffers.  They can be found working in Afghanistan and Iraq and closer to home on military bases in the U.S.    A dog even accompanied the SEAL Team used to kill Osama Bin Laden.  The dogs that go into combat are also outfitted in their own military gear for protection.  A previous post of ours talked about the growing use of therapy dogs to help returning vets and what an invaluable service they provide.

Dogs have been used by the military since the Revolutionary War where they were used to kill rats and in World War II, they were also used as messengers in addition to their guard and sniffing duties.

The most common breed for combat is the German Shepherd and Labrador Retrievers are also finding their way into service, as well.  Stray dogs are even being adopted by bases as companions for the soldiers.  Check out the following site for some wonderful war dog stories:

War Dog Stories of the Week

Man’s best friend is proving to be invaluable to us in so many ways.  Many many hugs and thanks to them all —  whether he or she is the one lying at your feet or helping protect the U.S. in combat.  Brandy and Val, two former rescue dogs now helping as pet therapy dogs in their community couldn’t be more proud!