Brandy and Val

As I sit here with no power other than that derived from my wireless card, I wonder why it is that some dogs are so terrified of storms?  It has been told to me that cats act crazy when there are fluctuations in barometric pressure so I wondered if it affects canines as well.  While I never looked into the veracity of the argument for cats, I did check into the one for the pooches since Val is absolutely terrified of storms.  Of course, he has every right to be given that he endured Hurricane Katrina and its’ aftermath.

For those not familiar with Val’s story, he is a Katrina survivor who made is way on a transport with 120 other pooches from New Orleans to the Chicago area.  Our family adopted him in March, 2006, and 7 months after the storm, he came to us weighing in at only 70 pounds with a host of other problems.  100% of  sales from BRANDY AND VAL’S SPECIAL STORY benefit the rescue we adopted him and his sister from, Fortunate Pooches and Lab Rescue in Palatine, IL.

Anyway, back to the issue of storms.  Several websites I consulted confirmed that dogs do have an innate sense of changes in air pressure and they can  develop anxieties and phobias towards them.  Because a dogs’ hearing and sense of smell is so much keener than humans, they are probably able to hear low rumbles of thunder approaching way before we hear them. In addition, due to chemical changes in the air that are associated with lightening or changes in particles from oncoming storms, they may actually “smell” the storm way in advance of when it arrives overhead.   There’s even a speculation that dogs might actually receive an electric shock from the static buildup emanating from the storm.   Fido may be reacting in advance of this by running around in circles or heading for the hills!  It has also been noted that dogs will not “grow out of this” and their panic behavior might grow worse over over time.

While our other dog, Brandy, is unaffected by these storms, Val becomes very fatigued.  His tail twists between his legs and he starts panting and shaking.  When we are not home, he used to chew on our rawhide kitchen chairs (we finally figured out this one by covering the chairs during “storm” season when we are away).  When around, he follows me around, encouraging me to go and sit in the close with him.  I often do since I hate to see him so upset and this is the only remedy I know that seems to calm him down, poor thing.

Besides, TLC, WebMD lists some remedies you can try to reduce anxiety, including putting a snug fitting garment on the pooch that makes your pet feel secure and desensitizing your dog by playing CDs with thunderstorm sounds during the “off-season!”

How does your pup cope during a storm?  If he panics, what remedies have you tried that works? Brandy and Val (especially Val) would love to hear from you.

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

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!

Have you ever traveled with your pets on board a plane? I used to commute with my cats, Oscar and Ragmonster. Both fit very nicely underneath the seat in front of me and my husband and back then (about 20 years ago) it was a breeze compared with now. I recently heard that airlines charge up to $125 EACH WAY to stuff kitty underneath…..unbelievable. I hardly would ever be charged and when they nabbed me, I don’t recall ever paying more than $50. Oscar, a long-haired tabby, was so hairy that security made me take him out of his cage so they could wand him!!!! It made for an hysterical site. Oscar, not too pleased, at least cooperated. I know that I was very lucky when I say that we never had to sedate the cats, they behaved and never got sick. At times, we would even sneak them on our laps to sleep during the flight.

I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM ANYONE WHO HAS USED PET AIRWAYS. I love the idea but I doubt I could muster the courage to use this service even though flying fidos around are their specialty. What I’d really love to have is an airline that would allow me to be with my pooches, Brandy and Val, who hardly fit beneath my seat (whether it be individually or together). I recall reading a travel article last year that spoke about this and I believe the passenger would have a seat with the pooch in a designated cargo area. I WISH I COULD REMEMBER where I read this and I should have saved the article. I think it mostly had to do with travel to Europe. If anyone knows about this PLEASE EMAIL ME at info@BrandyandVal.com. Unfortunately, a private jet is currently out of budget.

Since I would never put Brandy and Val in cargo, plane travel is out of the question but for those interested here are some articles/sites you might want to check out:

NY TIMES 5/23/11

PetFriendlyTravel.com

Brandy and Val would love to hear your flying experiences if you have any.

Brandy and Val, LLC’s mission is “to do good where good is needed” and it is through the sales of their books and toys that they hope to benefit the lives of animals and children.  Brandy and Val are also pet therapy dogs working with children afflicted with autism.   Please visit our website for more information about us!

As I walk our residential, bucolic neighborhood with Brandy and Val, I am increasingly concerned about the seemingly growing number of unfriendly dogs I see, both on-leash with their guardians and left alone to roam their yards behind the “safety” of the invisible fence.  I pretty much get unnerved because, should one of these pets go after Brandy and Val, I’m at a loss as to how I can control the situation given my pups’ size and strength.  I am even more fearful that Brandy and Val might get pissed off enough to retaliate and who knows what would happen?   Luckily, 99% of the time Brandy and Val stare down these snarling canines in sheer contempt, never uttering a sound and walk on by.  The other 1% of the time, Brandy will bark and express her feeling about who she feels is really the boss and then move on with that, “I did good, huh, mom?” attitude.   Val always remains unflustered–silent Bob we call him for all those CLERKS fans out there.

Last year, I wrote a post about how to break up a confrontation after one the of the local dogs did take aim at Brandy and Val.  I think I’ll reread my post and its’ advice!  Either way, what I really want to know is, why are these dogs so apparently mean?  Are they really or do they just sound nasty?  Are they being socialized properly or what is the story?

Apparently, I am not alone in my concerns as a city version of my encounters made headlines in the story “Civility on the Way Out? Add Dogs to That List” Dogs being interviewed by co-op boards are not unusual now; dogs being relegated to service elevators; dogs having surgeries to remove their barks are not unheard of, as well.

But why?

We all love our dogs but, like our kids, they need to be trained, socialized and “allowed” to grow up (Get over it!  Your pooch does NOT need to be wrapped in goofy clothes and carried around like an infant in a Birken or LV).   As we ourselves become less socialized as our eyes remain glued to phones or texting as we walk down the street, do our dogs sense a disconnect as well?  Do we not mind that many may no longer be socializing our pets to get along with others?  What do you think?

ARGH, what next?

Following up on last week’s post, I went to see WRETCHES & JABBERERS this past weekend and was pleased to see the theater fill up to almost capacity.   The documentary did not disappoint and it was exciting and touching to be a part of Tracy and Larry’s world and world-wide adventure.  My husband, who did not attend the symposium with me two weeks ago, was as impressed with and surprised by Tracy and Larry’s accomplishments and achievements as was I.  We both clearly wondered how many of the kids with whom we work can achieve more than they are being given credit for?  Why isn’t more being done to  help this group forge friendships  amongst themselves and find employment in areas that don’t require strong verbal skills?

It was so emotional to watch Tracy and Larry interact with their peers who have autism, and watch them form friendships, socialize and have conversations as you and I would have.  Their abilities to type opened up their world of communication.  The people they met up with in Japan, Finland, Sri Lanka were thrilled to have met people just like them who were functioning at a high level in society .   My heart went out to all of them who clearly did not want Tracy and Larry to leave.    Tracy and Larry have become role models and world ambassadors for those afflicted with autism and I hope that the friends they met along the way who are also being misunderstood because they are non-verbal will make the cause their own in their own countries a la Tracy and Larry.

The film made me so curious to find out how people with autism are being assessed and tested in the country and what is being done to create opportunities for them.   How can I help the process move forward?  Will Brandy and Val and other pet therapy dogs have a role ?  I have a lot of reading to do!

Our mission at Brandy and Val, LLC is “to do good where good is needed.”  It is through our book and toy sales and pet therapy duties that we hope to enrich the lives of others and help animals in need throughout the country.  Want to comment or contact us?  We’d love to hear from you.  http://www.BrandyandVal.com

April is Autism Awareness Month and, as many of you who follow this blog know, Brandy and Val are pet therapy dogs who work with children who have ASD, Autism Spectrum Disorder.  We blog from time to time about the activities we do with the kids and last year we provided a bunch of links about information on autism in our first Autism Awareness Month post.  Along the way, people have interviewed us about how we help and if we’ve seen progress;  I can categorically say we do.  I always wonder, though, if more couldn’t be done to socialize the kids, what goes through their minds  and how complex their thoughts are (or aren’t).

This past Wednesday, I was completely blown away by a lecture I went to sponsored by The New York Times.  Called “Changing the Face of Autism” the discussion revolved around two men, Tracy Thresher and Larry Bissonnette, who are the subjects of a new documentary by Academy Award winning producer-director Gerardine Wurzburg.   Tracy, an advocate for people with disabilities and his friend Larry, also an advocate in addition to being an artist, happen to have autism.  They see their mission as one of  ”mopping up audiences’ old beliefs about autism” (Larry’s words)  and they want to emphatically state that:

• Even though they are non-verbal, they HAVE THOUGHTS AND IDEAS just like those who speak.  They are just unable to express them through speaking
• They are very aware of the uninitiated’s views on autism and people with autism.  They are extremely frustrated and deeply affected by it.
• People should be defined by their passions not their disabililites

Larry and Tracy were lucky enough to have found programs that enabled them to learn to type, thereby allowing them to communicate freely with the rest of us.  With today’s technology, including voice activation software, the audience was able to see and hear their thoughts as they typed them.  Their eloquence and sense of humor is amazing and their thoughts on what needs to be done in terms of autism awareness, expansive.  They also made mention that the iPad is starting to revolutionize how non-verbal people communicate.   There’s an app for that!

The president of the Autism Society of America, Lee Grossman, was also on the panel and what really struck me after listening to Larry, Tracy and Lee was the realization there are a lot more people with autism that are not being given the opportunity to be productive citizens solely because they are non-verbal.  Lee elaborated that it is unknown how many non-verbal people can function at high levels because programs and opportunities like Larry and Tracy’s aren’t widespread. He believes that it is incumbent upon us as a society to find ways to recognize the talents of this population group so that they can obtain jobs and make meaningful contributions to their communities.

I was so saddened to think how many ASDers are shut out of having an active life, how aware and frustrated many of them are.  With so many programs, a grass-roots effort to change the way we look at remedying the circumstances is being glossed over due to lack of funding.  Tracy commented that, as a young boy he knew he was different and that “not being able to show people I understood what was going on around him was a jail sentence, so I would throw tantrums.”   How heartbraking.

Lucky for us that Tracy is free from  his jail and  in addition to promoting the movie (which is a MUST if it hits your city) he mentors students with autism at his old high school.  He and Larry have undertaken a truly worthy mission and we need to help them change the face of autism.  For more information, please visit the Autism Society website and absolutely check out the WRETCHES & JABBERERS website where you can also find links to Larry and Tracy’s blogs.

Do you have experience working with ASD children or adults?  Are you personally affected by someone with ASD?  We’d love to hear your story.  Please comment.  Our mission at Brandy and Val, LLC is “to do good where good is needed” and it is through our pet therapy participation and sales from our children’s board books and toys that we hope to benefit the lives of children and animals.

It was with great enthusiasm that I hoped to post some “petacular” videos and photos of pets dressed up and ready for spring from Macy’s Petacular.   In it’s 14th year, the show kicks off Spring in New York along with the spectacular flower and garden show the store hosts.  While I can say it was a spectacle, the only thing spectacular about it was what a crazy scene it was.  Hoards of people and lots of little dogs dressed up way too cutesy for my taste.  So much so, I couldn’t (or wouldn’t) even choose a best of the lot since they all looked like variations of the same thing.  Dogs, with tutus, dogs with flowers, dressed like flowers, yuk.   The float/balloons and costumed humans were far more interesting.

The area was SO crowded, I didn’t even go into the store to check out the flower show.  I’ll be back, though, since in my past experiences, the array of displays are dazzling and the lineup of freebies — from gardening seminars to flower arranging — NEVER disappoints.  The flower show is in full bloom through April 10.

Brandy and Val would have been so bummed.

FYI, our MARCH MADNESS buy one book get another FREE offer expires in only 72 hours!  Visit our website for more details.  In our continuing mission to “do good where good is needed” sales of our books and toys benefit animal shelters throughout the country.  Help support animals in need and bring a smile to a toddler’s face with Brandy and Val.

BRANDY AND VAL,

REAL DOGS WITH REAL TALES

Welcome to Spring 2011!  Brandy and Val have been overcome by MARCH MADNESS and in celebration, we are offering a BUY ONE BOOK get one FREE.  Take advantage of this special, good through March 30 on our website only.

Brandy and Val have also been in the news a lot since our last letter.  ChicGalleria blog featured us as we told our story of helping autistic children.  From there, I was interviewed by the WritersAuthorsBooksandMore blog about how the Brandy and Val, Real Dogs with Real Tales series came to be.  Most recently, the Calgary Herald included us in an article about therapy dogs.

Of course, as we continue our pet therapy duties, we see progress with each session.  The kids all respond favorably when we enter the room and new activities keep everyone interested, including Brandy and Val.  Keep up with what we do on our blog, What We’re Barking About.  Comments and ideas are most welcome so please participate.  Not a blogger?  Reach out to us on Facebook or Twitter @brandyandval.

Sales from all Brandy and Val products benefit animal shelters and other good causes….an even better reason to order during our BUY ONE GET ONE BOOK FREE offer now through March 30.

Until next time, thanks for your support!

Ilene Fine, Author

Brandy and Val, Brandy and Val’s Favorite Things, Brandy and Val’s Special Story