Brandy and Val

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

Hickory, Best in Show 2011

The finalists at Westminster

At Brandy and Val, LLC, we were SO excited that Hickory, a Scottish Deerhound, won this year’s Best in Show at Westminster. It always seems like the pretty, fancy, fru-fru dogs take home the prize leaving those of us who love the larger, home-style dogs waiting till next year.  Hickory loves the country life, chasing squirrels and whatnot and Brandy and Val love this.  While the best in group winners are usually dominated by the pretties, anything above 40 pounds seems to be a sure-fired loser.  Point of fact:  the last five winners of the show were:

2010:  Scottish Terrier (Scottish winners back -to-back!) Sadie

2009: Sussex Spaniel Stump  (so cute!)

2008: Beagle Uno (an all-time Westminster fav)

2007: English Springer Spaniel Diamond Jim (the closest for hitting the 45 lb mark!)

2006: Colored Bull Terrier Rufus ( a likeable kind of guy)

Some big pups - Mastiffs on show

It seems forever since Josh, the 155 lb. Newfoundland, won Best in Show.  It was 2004 and he was the largest dog ever to take home the prize.  Could it be that the Bull Mastiffs  or St. Bernards are just plain too drool-y? Or the Shar-pei too wrinkle-y (although he won best non-sporting group this year)?  Or the Goldens and Labs just too darn friendly and happy all the time that they’d never think to get depressed if they lost out?  We’re not the only ones who thing the jolly giants or almost giants don’t get enough respect.  Even the lab owners who show their pups at  WKC’s premier event take a rather resigned attitude to the whole thing.  For example, one states that hers “…..had spent the morning playing in Marine Park. Her owners, Micki Beerman and Linda Pensabene, did not bother to give her a bath, let alone trim her whiskers or toenails…’We just made sure she didn’t have any more sand on her face…’”

What’s your opinion as to why the more popular breeds don’t take home Best in Show?

This was my second time seeing the show first-hand and I just loved going around, watching the breeds and seeing the dogs back-stage.   A zillion magnificent dogs in one place.  What’s not to love?  It’s a terrific experience that if you have a chance to go, is highly recommended.    The folks at Westminster make a point of letting everyone know that none of the dogs were obtained through puppy mills and their primary sponsor, Pedigree, encourages adoption through their “dogs rule” campaign and charity, The Pedigree Foundation.  Also made mention of the fact is that 25% of dogs in shelters are pedigree, pure breeds. So if you are looking for a pure-breed to adopt, they are out there in the shelters and through pure-breed rescue organizations.  If you are not looking to adopt, why not volunteer?

At Brandy and Val, LLC 100% of BRANDY AND VAL’S SPECIAL STORY goes to the rescue Brandy and Val were adopted from.  A portion of ALL other sales is donated to animal sanctuaries throughout the country.

No playing in the mud today

Where's the snow

Mom loves the Clumber Spaniels

ALL THAT SNOW!  It seems to be everywhere in almost every state.  I think I heard that at one point, the only state that did not have snow somewhere in it was Florida.  This last blizzard was a whopper, affecting 30 states.  We got 20″ in suburban Chicago.  How do your pets react to the snow and cold?  Brandy absolutely adores it, the colder the better, but even this time around, the snow was so deep she couldn’t even hop through it.  Val, on the other hand, prefers the great INdoors.   For those who choose to be outdoors, just remember to protect your pups’ feet.  If you’ve tried boots successfully, let me know and send a picture.  Neither Brandy nor Val were very cooperative in using them.  Snow, ice, road salt and frost bite are the primary hazards to bare paws and this time of year, the pads can get dry and crack.   So, make sure to clean off paws thoroughly when the pooches come in, especially between the pads where stuff can get stuck.  As for the cracking, massage with an aloe cream.  Our dog walker gave us a cream that she uses on her horses and it works great.  Don’t have the name, though, but I’m sure it’s easy to find online.

Also when outdoors and off -leash, try to keep your pet away from icy patches!  Brandy’s already blown out one knee and we’re not looking for a repeat so we are very cautious.  In our case, since our driveway was a skating ring I had to think of something, so….mom to the rescue…..I shoveled a path on the grass long enough so Miss Brandy could run up and down, get exercise and play ball.  Since she’s so smart, she figured it out fast and knows to automatically head in that direction.  Up and down she goes and goes still happy.

Please share your tips with how you and your pet copes with the winter weather!  At Brandy and Val, our mission is to “do good where good is needed” and sometimes, the best good we can do is to share the tips that you post on our blog, our Twitter feed or on our Facebook page! The rest of the time, we do good participating in pet therapy programs and donating a portion of the sales from our books and toys to animal rescues throughout the country.

Winter is now in full swing. With shorter days, Brandy and Val continue to work hard at staying on top of their games of chasing the winter blues (some called seasonal affective disorder, SAD) away. To do this, they constantly keep to their schedule of rising in the morning, often while it is still dark, and get mom and dad up and ready for work. After a big bowl of kibble in the morning and a ½ hour brisk walk outside to make sure the “hood” is safe, they assist in bringing in the morning newspaper. Once mom has had her morning coffee, it is time for morning playtime!

Getting regular exercise is an important way to beat the winter blues and SAD! This has been shown by numerous researchers and published in peer review journals. Regular exercise has been shown to raise endorphins and serotonin levels – both of these naturally produced chemicals improve mood and are thought to produce the “runner’s high” which is talked about by distance runners. Since Brandy and Val are always in a good mood, their parents think their endorphin levels must be in good shape.

Much ado has been made over the past week about a man who taught his Border Collie how to identify and retrieve more than 1,000 different objects on command.   Truly an amazing feat and I think that it really would be amazing if Brandy and Val could do this.  Honestly.   What a show it would be and what a “proud parent” I would also be showing off my over-achieving canines to my fellow human friends.   It is also commendable (maybe?) that Chaser, the dog, never tires of the training, but I am sure there are more than a few pups out there that are simply yawning and going back to sleep.  I feel Brandy and Val are mostly underwhelmed by the whole thing.  I wouldn’t be at all surprised if they actually took a rather-cat like attitude in all this, thinking Chaser is mostly a chump.    After all, their thinking would be more along the lines of:  ”why on earth would you work so hard when you will more than likely receive the same amount of love, food and devotion without the effort?”  Having been a cat guardian myself, I also feel confident that Ragmonster and Oscar are heartily laughing and snickering in Cat Heaven at the stupidity of this dog, working so hard for seemingly no added benefit.   Again, no disrespect to John Pilley who works tirelessly with Chaser so he may achieve the status he now duly deserves.  In fact,  there is even some envy involved as I find it a struggle to teach new tricks to my overly pampered pooches.  Again, their sense of security far surpasses their incentive to learn new things.   This can get depressing, actually, knowing that my smart pooches are really slackers now at heart.  The good news in this for me?  It has been my experience that most people really don’t care how circus-like they perform (or not).  When Brandy and Val go out and about in pet therapy sessions or in our appearances, more people compliment us and are more impressed by how calm and well-trained they are in the day to day stuff.   Sure, a trick every now and then captures their attention, but it’s the fact that they’re “good” dogs who “act like dogs” rather than military-pups that seems to garner the most affection for them.  The laughter and smiles really come from the times they miss a cue rather than the opposite.

What do YOU think about all this brew-ha-ha?   Why do you love your pooch?

As for Chaser, continue on!  We are in awe of you!  As for the dog researchers out there, continue on, too!  We admire the diligent work you do.  But remember, we love our pets in many ways because they are NOT human.

Believe it or not, Brandy and Val are actual working dogs going out “doing good where good is needed.”  They work with special needs children as therapy dogs and they are the stars of their own book series:  BRANDY AND VAL, REAL DOGS WITH REAL TALES.  Sales from their books and toys benefit animal sanctuaries throughout the country.  visit:  http://www.BrandyandVal.com for details.

Welcome to 2011!  I am sure we all have made some resolutions, consciously or not,  and as I pondered mine and this time-honored tradition, I came across two really interesting articles.  Both really highlighted how much we benefit from having pets in our lives.  How many of these points can you shake your head in agreement with?  Better yet, what can you add to the list?

In the January issue the magazine REAL SIMPLE outlines 5 simple things your pet can teach you and in a blog I found from the NEW YORK TIMES, “What Pets Can Teach us About Marriage” makes you re-consider how maybe you treat your spouse vs. how you treat your pet!

1)  Celebrate everything:  How many times have you walked into your house from being away, be it 5 minutes or 5 days, that your furry friend greets you with unabashed love and celebration?  Do you greet your spouse that way in the morning or after a day at the office?   AND, how many times do you think, “boy, I wish I could be that happy all the time.”  If only we took this to heart–start NOW.

2)  Just being Present is enough:   Are you one of those who tries too hard to figure out what to do in those awkward situations?  Maybe “just being there” REALLY is enough….HELLOOOOO…..

3)  Brain size doesn’t matter:  You have to believe that “people are smarter than animals”.  Technically, yes, but sometimes, ok, oftentimes, I wonder……either way, we do share many of the same emotions as our pets. Celebrate the joy, minimize the stress!

4)  Don’t Try So Hard:  Well, sometimes, we do need to try harder, but, what would happen if we truly eased up on a lot of stuff?????

5)  You can get along with anybody:  I definitely need to work on that one

6)  After an argument, do you forgive your spouse as readily and as easily as you do your pet when he/she slips up?

So, after reading this, what do you think?

Brandy and Val makes it a mission to “to good where good is needed.”  That’s something I’ve learned from them, too!