Last year, two fishermen were fishing a mile off the coast of England in the North Sea, when they saw something furry in the water. Naturally, they thought it was an otter and were later surprise to find a small terrier paddling for his life. They lifted the poor, wet dog into their boat, and ordered a lifeboat to carry him back to shore.
The 14-year-old dog, Freddie, belonged to a 73-year-old woman named Jean Brigstock. Jean had taken Freddie out for a walk on the beach. Apparently poor Freddie became confused by the fog, and he wandered into the water. Jean had been frantically searching for him. When Freddie attempted to swim back to shore, he apparently was swimming the wrong direction and traveling farther and farther out to sea.
“He looked like a drowned rat when they found him,” Brigstock told the Daily Mail. “I’m so grateful to the two fishermen, the Coastguard and the inshore lifeboat men who took so much trouble to find him and take him to safety.”
Although Freddie was shaken by his adventure at sea, he was in perfect health. After recovering from the cold water, he was up the next morning, bright-eyed and busy tailed…ready for his breakfast!
K9 Cuisine is a provider of premium dog food. We’re committed to providing our customers with the knowledge, and the products, to help their faithful friends be the best they can be.
K9 Cuisine: What is your story-how did you get into pet rescue and writing?
Stephanie: I have had a Poodle since the age of four, when my mother gave in to my pleas for a pet. I started writing for pet publications when I was in graduate school. I wrote about dogs because that was what I knew about. I joined the Dog Writer’s Association of America (DWAA) because someone who was a dog writer mentioned it to me and helped me join.
When I got a dog who was more than a little crazy from the local pound, I started in obedience. I then got a Poodle to compete with, and finished a CDX with her. Through the obedience, I met someone and started doing Pointer field trials and hunting tests. I ended up hearing about all the Pointers needing homes, and started working with local shelters. I finally, after 12 years and several moves, had to stop doing rescue because of health problems. That also ended my obedience career. However, I still train my dogs in house manners, and trained my service dog, a Standard Poodle. She acts as my hearing and mobility assistance dog, while my pet dog, an Australian Cattle Dog, provides the comic relief when we are home and watches the house when we are out (usually lying on my pillow).
K9 Cuisine: What is the secret to your success with the your organization-how have you gotten to where you are today?
Stephanie: I am a member of the Board of Directors for DWAA because I wanted to make a difference. Someone mentored me and I feel obligated to give back to others. I train my dogs because that is part of my responsibility as a dog owner. I write because I enjoy it, and it is an excellent way to educate others on a variety of topics. I have lots of opinions, and writing them down is as good a way to express them as any.
K9 Cuisine: What makes you different?
Stephanie: I have a Ph.D. in clinical psychology, write, train my dogs, do woodworking, and am a master gardener. I have lots of trivia swirling around in my brain and can pull up a tidbit on most topics.
K9 Cuisine: What is it about dogs that you love?
Stephanie: They return your love so gratefully and bountifully. I have only met maybe three dogs out of all the ones I have rescued that could not be saved because of behavioral issues, and that was because they had been treated horribly. All the others, even the ones that had been mistreated, responded to love. Not all were placeable – some lived out their lives with me, but they responded.
K9 Cuisine: Where do you see the pet rescue/pet writing industry going?
Stephanie: There are more people than ever that are obtaining animals as pets. Most of these people have no idea what is involved in properly caring for the animal they just brought home. Pet writers must better educate people through general purpose media as well as pet oriented media or more animals will be discarded because they are too much trouble or unmanageable. Rescue organizations are all ready overwhelmed and undermanned. We have to educate people or the animals will pay.
K9 Cuisine: How do you fit into that-what are your future plans?
Stephanie: I intend to continue to educate people through the written word whenever I find someone who will let me. Now, writers have to eat too, so I cannot do it without being paid. I will continue to be creative in finding ways to both eat and to educate people about how to care for their animals whether they consider them family members or livestock.
K9 Cuisine: How can people find out more about you and the your organization?
Stephanie: My website is www.lambdafarm.mysite.com. I do freelance writing on practically any topic. People can find out more about dog rescue organizations through the American Kennel Club website, www.akc.org, and about Dog Writer’s Association of America through their website, www.dwaa.org.
K9 Cuisine: Tell us a little about you!
Stephanie: As I mentioned, I am a freelance writer, have a Ph.D. in clinical psychology, and do woodworking. I am also a master gardener. I live out in the country in Hunt Couty, Texas, with my Standard Poodle, Amber, and my Australian Cattle Dog, Sandy. I read pretty much everything but horror, but prefer forensic mysteries, history, and religion. I write nonfiction articles on most topics.
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K9 Cuisine is a provider of premium dog food. We’re committed to providing our customers with the knowledge, and the products, to help their faithful friends be the best they can be.
Amelia was a tiny 5 month old, 3.4 pound tri-Color Chihuahua. She found her way to Atlanta Pet Rescue from a local vet, where she was surrendered because her owners could not afford to have her broken leg mended. They signed a waiver to have her euthanized if rescue could not be found.
Our guess is that someone accidentally stepped on little Amelia, breaking both bones in her left front leg, very close to her “ankle”. This was a serious fracture, and we were not sure if her leg could be saved, as she came to us on a Saturday. We got her in to Paces Ferry Animal Hospital as soon as we could for further diagnosis and a prognosis for recovery for Miss Amelia.
Dr. Whittle at Paces Ferry Veterinary Clinic, said Amelia needed surgery to have pins put in her broken bones to stabilize them and allow them to heal in the correct alignment. The location of her fractures was very near her ankle joint, and getting those bones to heal would be very, very difficult. The splints placed on her leg previously did not stabilize and immobilize the fracture sufficiently to allow the bones to heal, so surgery was essential if her leg was to be saved.
Thankfully, Dr. Whittle was able to re-position Amelia’s broken bones and obtain a good positioning of the bones without surgery. This was very good for little Amelia, because there is research that indicates that surgical repair in tiny tykes like Amelia can cause sufficient disruption in blood flow to delay or prevent the bones from healing.
Because the fracture was in a precarious location, good healing was very, very important. We were so pleased that Dr. Whittle was able to avoid surgery on Amelia’s leg.
About three weeks later, Amelia had her leg checked and new X-rays taken. Everything was showing to be healing beautifully. She would need the splints for six more weeks.
Six weeks later, the splints were removed, and Amelia was adopted shortly thereafter! Yay for Miss Amelia!
K9 Cuisine is a provider of premium dog food. We’re committed to providing our customers with the knowledge, and the products, to help their faithful friends be the best they can be.
K9 Cuisine: What is your story-how did you get into pet advocacy?
Jessica: I knew from the time that I was a young child and was performing routine physical “exams” on our family cats that I would be in the animal field. I had always planned on being a veterinarian, however, and even started volunteering my weekends at a veterinary hospital while in high school. Once out of high school, though, I got my first job in advocacy, working at a Humane Society, and I was hooked.
K9 Cuisine: What is the secret to your success with the your organization-how have you gotten to where you are today?
Jessica: I was never afraid to take a step-up into a position that seemed beyond my abilities and area of expertise. If you have the fundamental context of the job down, you can learn anything new within it. I always say: as much as you advocate for the animals, advocate for yourself.
K9 Cuisine: What makes you different?
Jessica: My approach to advocacy. I firmly believe that animal-rights groups, and even rescue groups, can be somewhat militant in their beliefs and approach. I find that this tends to turn-off members of the public who may have otherwise been willing to step-in and volunteer. So what if a volunteer isn’t a vegetarian or a vegan? They are there to save a life; let’s not make them feel badly for not believing everything in which we believe. Ironically, this gives us less volunteers which in turn actually causes us to save *less* lives.
K9 Cuisine: What is it about dogs that you love?
Jessica: Dogs do not have complex, over thought, emotions. They pretty much either love and/or fear. There are obviously other traits that we can see in them, but it is all very basic. How many humans, children aside, have that kind of emotional simplicity? I think there is a lot to be learned there!
K9 Cuisine: What is the neatest part about your work?
Jessica: That moment when I have educated someone to an issue and you see that “light bulb” go off in their head that shows that they really get what you are saying. It’s an amazing feeling to share that knowledge with someone else!
K9 Cuisine: Where do you see pet advocacy going?
Jessica: Pets are quickly taking on a whole new role in society. Whereas when I was younger and dogs were provided with basic needs: food, shelter, and water, dogs today are treated like actual family-members. Especially as young couples are opting to hold-off on having children to focus on their careers; their dogs really do become their “children”. As the emotional ties to dogs grow strong in society, it’s fair to say that our desire to protect our furry family-members will only get stronger.
K9 Cuisine: How do you fit into that-what are your future plans?
Jessica: I am currently working on a business metric, The Stout Change-Profit Formula, which is aimed at changing the strategies behind animal advocacy to offer less antiquated techniques. Through my 12 years in the industry, I have seen many people not get involved out of frustration over extreme strategies and view-points. It will be rethinking traditional advocacy strategies that may have worked well in the past when people were less aware of animal issues, but are now dated in a society where people are talking about these issues more, and wanting to get involved on a grassroots level. My plan is to unveil a strategy that allows for the most efficient means of advocacy, and to include a broader range of people. In this way, we have more people involved, and more lives are saved. I am currently working with a data-collection firm for further insight into this issue, and plan to launch it by June of 2010.
K9 Cuisine: How can people find out more about you and the your organization?
Jessica: I am the founder of www.animaladvocating.com. I have been in the animal care profession for over 12 years, with an emphasis on animal rescue and advocacy. I began my career at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, before becoming a veterinary technician and staying in emergency medicine for 5 years with several organizations, including the San Francisco SPCA. After several years as Animal Care Manager for Solano County Animal Control, I went on to manage a veterinary hospital, before becoming General Manager for Wag Hotels, a start-up chain of luxury pet hotels.
I have always been an avid rescuer/foster-Mom; mostly focusing on Chihuahuas, rabbits, and Pit Bulls.
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K9 Cuisine is a provider of premium dog food. We’re committed to providing our customers with the knowledge, and the products, to help their faithful friends be the best they can be.
K9 Cuisine: What is your story-how did you get into working with dogs?
Beth: I have shared my life with dogs since early childhood. They were my playmates when I was young, confidants during my youth, and constant companions through my adult life. I began teaching pet manners classes through a local obedience club in the early 1980s. This has progressed to a full time career working with family pets and performance dogs.
K9 Cuisine: What is the secret to your success with pets-how have you gotten to where you are today?
Beth: Because I love the dogs and the families that I work with, I use a holistic approach to training. There is no secret to what I do. My methods are based on scientifically proven dog friendly techniques.
K9 Cuisine: What makes you different?
Beth: Many of my clients have found traditional training methods have not been successful in helping them reach their goals. I believe that every situation is unique and deserves individual attention. Through careful observation, I identify the issues preventing the pet from reaching the goal set by the family. Once these issues have been identified, I can begin to work with the pet and the family to eliminate problem behaviors and build positive behaviors.
K9 Cuisine: What is it about dogs that you love?
Beth: What’s not to love about dogs? Where else can you find a companion that will give you unconditional love, keep every secret, never question the wisdom of that second scoop of ice cream, and greet you each day as though you are the center of their universe? They come in every size, shape and personality. Whether you enjoy curling up on the couch with a good book or spending your spare time involved in sports, there is a breed that will enhance your lifestyle.
K9 Cuisine: What is the neatest part about your work?
Beth: Without a doubt, it is meeting such wonderful people and their canine companions. There is no better feeling than being able to help a rescue dog find its place in a forever home, solve a problem allowing a dog to remain with the family that it loves, or to help a performance dog compete with enthusiasm.
K9 Cuisine: Where do you see the pet training industry going?
Beth: Pet owners today demand quality products and services for their pets. National certification will help promote skilled pet training professionals who understand and utilize humane training methods that promote the bond between pets and their owners.
K9 Cuisine: How do you fit into that-what are your future plans?
Beth: Continued education is essential for professionals in all walks of life. I will continue to stay abreast of current animal behavior research and innovations through professional organizations and self study.
K9 Cuisine: How can people find out more about you and your business?
Beth: I live on a small farm with 4 dogs, 1 parrot, 3 sugar gliders, and a variety of livestock and native creatures. The dogs and I enjoy romping through the fields and quiet walks in the forest. Many weekends are spent competing at agility trials throughout the southeast.
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K9 Cuisine is a provider of premium dog food. We’re committed to providing our customers with the knowledge, and the products, to help their faithful friends be the best they can be.
During a severe ice storm in the southern US, a pack of 3 adult Beagles and 5 puppies were sighted in a rural forest in Arkansas. The people that spotted them were fortunately animal lovers, and sought out animal rescues who could help the dogs. Thankfully, Carol and Desiree, two compassionate women, rose to the challenge.
These wonderful ladies gathered their gear and drove 45 miles to the woods where the dogs were sighted. They found the dogs waiting near a plastic tarp tent with some food that a caring Good Samaritan had fixed up for them (at right; photo by Carol). Found next to the puppies were shells littering the ground near the dogs which were evidence of hunters who were shooting at the abandoned dogs.
Carol and Desiree managed to load all eight Beagles into their vehicle and drive them back to town. There they were cared for at Little Rock Animal Village and Care for Animals, two animal rescue shelters who immediately took them into their adoption programs. Thanks to these kind people, the Beagles had warm shelter, food, and affection that cold, stormy night.
Abandoned hunting dogs perish daily of exposure and starvation all across America. Please help them whenever you can. You’ll be in good company. Thank you Desiree and Carol!
K9 Cuisine is a provider of premium dog food. We’re committed to providing our customers with the knowledge, and the products, to help their faithful friends be the best they can be.
K9 Cuisine was honored to interview Marta Aldriedge of HealeyGrisham Studio – a well-known pet photography studio.
K9 Cuisine: What is your story-how did you get into pet photography and pet rescue?
Marta: I’ve been heavily involved in commercial photography for 5 years. One of the things that attracted me to HealeyGrisham Studio is their reputation for helping the community – specifically in animal rescue for companion animals. My husband and my daughter are both passionate about working with animals, of all kinds. (We’ve also rescued and rehabilitated opossums, birds, turtles, reptiles.) It has always been a part of our lives. My first rescue was a poodle that found me in 2nd grade – at school.
Hooray for the Underdog! was created by the owners of HealeyGrisham Studio. Janet Healey and Joe Grisham have been lifelong animal lovers and rescue advocates. About 10 years ago, the couple began creating portraits of rescue animals to motivate others to open their eyes and their hearts to animal rescue. In 2006, they took their efforts one step further and created a stationery/gift line, aptly named Hooray For The Underdog!. 10% percent of all proceeds from “Hooray For The Underdog!” sales is given to a national charity that distributes funds to provide spay/neuter, adoption and emergency relief services to animals across the country. Last year alone, the charity contributed 24 million dollars to more than 3400 grassroots animal welfare agencies.
Janet and Joe’s animal rescue efforts have been recognized locally on Good Morning Texas, Channel 5 news, Larry Powell.com, the Daily Candy and in The Dallas Business Journal, as well as nationally on Oprah.com and CNN.com, The Haystack Needle and in Redbook magazine.
K9 Cuisine: What is the secret to your success with the organization-how have you gotten to where you are today?
Marta: Hooray for the Underdog! is successful and growing because of the genuine desire to help grassroots rescue organizations. Along the way, there has been much support from friends and strangers who believe in the cause. When you combine something that you are good at (photography in this case) with something you care deeply about (giving rescue animals the homes they deserve), the only way you can fail is to do nothing with it. Janet Healey and Joe Grisham put a tremendous amount of time, energy, money, and belief in their idea. When they didn’t know what to do next, or how to take the next step, they did extensive research, sought out professionals, and they did it to the best of their ability. Doing their personal best – that’s really the secret.
K9 Cuisine: What makes you different?
Marta: There are several things:
1) Janet and Joe don’t just rescue pets that they get to enjoy, (these days, they have 2 rescues that come to the studio every day), they also use their talents to make a difference for hundreds, maybe thousands, of companion animals across the country.
2) In raising awareness, rather than focusing on the abuse and neglect these animals suffer, their products showcase the beauty and charm of underdogs (and cats). The backs of these clever cards spotlight the animals’ personalities with each pet’s rescue story and their unique traits, their “special power.” In addition to greeting cards, there are also journals, notepads, folders, buttons, and pet id tags. You can purchase these items at the following websites: HoorayfortheUnderdog.com and Cardstore.com, at The Petropolitan in Dallas as well as in pet boutiques across the country.
K9 Cuisine: What is it about dogs that you love?
Marta: It sounds cliche, but dogs love unconditionally. They are always happy to see you no matter how hard their day has been!
K9 Cuisine: What is the neatest part about your work?
Marta: Wow – you know, it doesn’t really seem like “work” at all… I think knowing that I am working with other people who have the same philosophies about the day to day – that our work and our personal lives really do have to blend in order to be truly successful on all fronts. I love what I do and so do the owners of the studio, so it is not like a typical “job”. Janet Healey and Joe Grisham found a way to integrate their passion for animal rescue and commercial photography into a business model, one that also gives back. I’m fortunate to be a part of it.
K9 Cuisine: Where do you see the pet photography industry going?
Marta: Up! There are several directions pet photography will grow. We are seeing in our portrait area that because pets are part of the family, and the emphasis on family has risen because of the economy, owners want professional, fine art portraits of their animals. A couple of candid shots at the holidays isn’t enough. In advertising, I’ve seen an increase in including pets in shots, not just for pet products, but across several consumer product lines. As consumers today, we are more emotional about the purchases we make, and whether consciously or not, we want to buy from companies that we feel a connection to. Animals, especially dogs and cats, provide a common ground for everyone. I’d venture to guess that almost every American today can tell you what type of dog, and probably his name, that President Obama has. Not because he/she voted for him, but because they relate on an emotional level. I don’t think that can be said of the past administrations pets. I believe this is due to the fact that literally everyone has been affected by the financial crisis and is more sensitive, more appreciative, of relationships – even with our pets.
K9 Cuisine: How do you fit into that-what are your future plans?
Marta: We are gearing up for growth. Our stationery business has increased 200% over this time last year. Because the demand for pet photography has risen, we are brain-storming ideas that will facilitate efficiencies in locating the animals we want to shoot, both commercially and for our stationery line. As a result of attending the NY stationery show in May, we now have 30 reps across the US for Hooray for the Underdog! We expect big things in the years to come. Joe made a comment recently that he would like to see our cards become a household brand name – not unlike Hallmark. Imagine the difference it would make to the 5 million animals that are euthanized every year.
K9 Cuisine: How can people find out more about you and your organization?
Marta: My job title is Artist Representative – I represent HealeyGrisham – a successful commercial photography studio in Dallas, Texas. I’ve been working for over 20 years in commercial advertising services: design, photography, high end retouching and pre-media support. My strength and passion is in building teams and cultures – putting the right people with the right projects, and in providing over the top customer service. I have an adorable Yorkie, Sophie, who models professionally, so I get to see that side of the business as well. She is represented by an animal talent agency in Dallas, AgentBeast. They are also very involved in animal rescue. Every day I’m surrounded by people and companies who champion rescue animals. It doesn’t get any better than that!
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K9 Cuisine is a provider of premium dog food. We’re committed to providing our customers with the knowledge, and the products, to help their faithful friends be the best they can be.
K9 Cuisine had the honor to interview Brian Pierce, an animal lover and dog walker. We hope you enjoy his story below!
K9 Cuisine: What is your story-how did you get into walking dogs?
Brian: I have been caring for pets, on and off, for over 7 years. I started my first pet care business in Berkeley, CA in 2002 and have been going strong since. In 2007, my family moved to New Jersey where I started working with animals again part time until this past January when I launched my new business here in Jersey. I began in this line of work after becoming a product of the dot-com bust in San Francisco. I was working freelance and comtemplating my career plans. I realized how much I loved walking my dog every day and began researching what it would take to do it for a living. Soon afterwards, I became a full-time dog walker.
K9 Cuisine: What is your secret to success?
Brian: Easy…treat every animal as if they were your own. This way, you know you are providing the best care possible for each of your clients. Being flexible with clients helps also. Let them know you are working for them and not the other way around. Always remember that you are providing a service, one which can be easily taken away from you if you do not do the best job.
K9 Cuisine: What makes you different?
Brian: My personal touch and attention sets me apart from other walkers and pet care professionals. I prefer to go above and beyond my particular call of duty. Not only does this please my clients, it also makes my clients talk to others about me and I get more clients to please!
K9 Cuisine: What is it you love about dogs?
Brian: Dogs don’t judge. They don’t argue (with me). They are always so happy to go out with me and love getting the chance to run and play. It makes me happy to see how happy they can be.
K9 Cuisine: What is the neatest part about your work?
"Brian's dog, Bodhi"
Brian: Being my own boss (except for all of my clients which are my bosses). I love working for myself. I feel like I have more control over my career and my success and failures. And being around dogs, I just love them!
K9 Cuisine: What are your future plans?
Brian: I can see my company becoming the best pet care service offered this side of the Hudson. I was voted Best of the Bay Dog Walker in SF in 2005. There is no reason I can’t do that again and more. I plan on growing more and more, but constantly maintaining the personal touch that has made me so successful.
Brian: I am a guy that has had a variety of careers. It’s not so much that I can’t settle on anything, but I get bored after a couple of years. But now, I have found something I love to do and I know I am good at. I am a pretty fun guy that is always looking at life thru fun-colored glasses. I see the funny in everything. I am light-hearted and goofy…which makes things more difficult for my wife! Corie is a wonderfully patient woman that understands my quirks and celebrates my weirdness…thankfully! I probably relate better to our 2 kids, Kelsie (5) and Dylan (2). Kids make more sense to me than adults! They are our whole lives and we love how silly and goofy they can be too. I am originally from Shreveport, LA and am a graduate of LSU.
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K9 Cuisine is a provider of premium dog food. We’re committed to providing our customers with the knowledge, and the products, to help their faithful friends be the best they can be.
Deborah Flick is one of those students that we all wish we had. I met her on Twitter and from there, discovered her blog about Sadie. Her posts about Sadie, their experiences, and dog training in general continually blow me away. I suppose her vivid writing style should come as no surprise, since she has a Ph.D. in Communication, but it’s just such a special treat to find great writing online. I enjoy her posts and hope you check out her website and delve into Sadie’s world.
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When Nana Will, our dog trainer, said reward-based clicker training was the way to go, and the only way if I wanted to work with her, it was a no-brainer. You see, Nana is a “cross-over” trainer, and, to my mind, that gave her a lot of credibility. When Nana helped me train my previous dog, Morgaine, we used compulsion techniques. I remember Nana saying to me when Morgaine was about 6 months old and ready for her first lesson in ‘heeling,’ “You’re not going to like this,” meaning I wasn’t going to like the choke-chain-collar-pop correction ‘necessary’ to teach Morgaine that not heeling was not good. She was right. But, by compulsion standards, Nana’s approach was mild and Morgaine was a confident, resilient dog.
Then along came fearful, reactive Sadie in 2006 and, again, I called Nana. In the meantime, as she tells it, Nana was blessed to have been able to study with some of the greats, including several years with Marian Breland Bailey before her death in 2001.
I’ll never forget Nana (who has been training service dogs for over 20 years) telling me this story: After teaching her service dogs to do EVERYTHING using reward-based clicker training she said she noticed a huge difference. “The compulsion trained dogs did their jobs–opening doors, picking up keys, delivering the telephone to their person’s lap, and so on. But, the positively trained dogs not only did their jobs, they were really HAPPY!” I wanted ‘happy’!
During our weekly private sessions, Nana tutored me in using a clicker and rewards—I was all thumbs at first and my timing was miserable. But, with practice and Nana’s guidance I caught on and Sadie advanced despite my fumbling. And, because Sadie is fearful and very sensitive I know working with her will be a life-long undertaking.
So, at Nana’s urging I immersed myself in the works of Patricia McConnell, Jean Donaldson, Ian Dunbar, Karen Pryor and many others. Now, for me, like Nana, there is no looking back.
You can find Deborah Flick’s entertaining and educational blog about Sadie here or follow her on Twitter: @boulderdog1.
K9 Cuisine is a provider of premium dog food. We’re committed to providing our customers with the knowledge, and the products, to help their faithful friends be the best they can be.
We are honored to have interviewed Christine Barnett, lover of dogs and pet therapist.
K9 Cuisine: What is your story-how did you get into helping animals?
Christine: Since the day I was born, I have always had a dog. As an only child, I counted my dogs as my best friends. My dog passed when I got divorced, and I was on my own with no animals. About 5 yrs ago, I received a surprise Christmas gift…a kitty, which was my first cat and a total surprise to me. I immediately loved her. She was a rescue and had been living as a stray at the animal shelter. She had been picked up off the street , homeless and pregnant at only 1 yr old. At the shelter, they gave her an abortion. When she was brought to me, she put her head on my chest and fell asleep. She slept for almost 3 days straight, walking only to eat and visit the litter box. She seemed emotionally and physically exhausted.
Having this close relationship and basically nursing a grieving mother back to emotional mental health made a huge impact on me and my understanding of animals and their feelings. Soon thereafter, I decided to go to a volunteer orientation at the San Francisco animal care and control where I found a tremendous need. I started working with Give a Dog a Bone, which is a quality of life program for long term, legal custody dogs. These are the forgotten dogs, the neglected, abused, brutalized, forced to fight and breed. Many people do not know about them, however anytime someone is hurt, dies, is arrested, jailed, cited for cruelty – we take these dogs. While its the most heartbreaking thing I have ever done, it is also the most important thing in my life. Many have to be euthanized, but i give them endless love as long as they are with us (and beyond – I never forget any of these dogs). This morphed into working with Grateful Dogs Rescue, a group of angels who rescue dogs slated for euthanasia. Many of the dogs in Give a Dog a Bone are rescued by GDR, and I have been able to continue my socialization and healing work that starts in the SF ACC and then ongoing after they make it out of the shelter. It’s wonderful to see the dogs outside in the real world!
K9 Cuisine: What is the secret to your success with the your business-how have you gotten to where you are today?
Christine: I am a Reiki specialist and perform energy healing for people and animals. My secret? I found my passion. My calling is to be a friend to the animals. I volunteer, take classes, and I have become a Reiki Master and a Spiritual Animal Healer.
K9 Cuisine: What makes you different?
Christine: I will never stop trying to make a difference in the lives of all animals and of all the people who have a connection with an animal. It could be as simple as talking with someone on the street and telling them that they are a wonderful guardian to their animal – this causes a mental shift for many who see animals as possessions and people as owners. I take every opportunity to better the lives of animals. I am also a licensed psychotherapist and have helped people deal with their issues for years. I believe that my background as a mental health clinician and my current spiritual practice of Reiki allows me to help people and animals from both a scientific and spiritual perspective. I am always seeking additional ways to help. I incorporate Tellington T Touch with the Reiki I do on animals, which is slightly different from what others do.
K9 Cuisine: What is it about dogs that you love?
Christine: Dogs are so zen – right here, right now. I admire their ability to forgive and trust, and find this to be the most incredible quality any being can carry. People hold grudges- dogs are the embodiment of love, compassion, joy, lightheartedness, and simplicity. Even if they have been abused, starved, or beaten, when you come to them with a loving kindness and a soft voice, their little tails start thumping.
K9 Cuisine: What is the neatest part about your work?
Christine: Helping people and animals open the only thing that really matters – love. It’s so rich to bring animals and their guardians to a place of understanding one another and respecting one another. Animals and people can have amazing experiences of the simplest, purest nature, and it is astounding. This is something I love to see: joy. Playing in the shelter park with a dog who never learned to play and seeing them bounce and chase after a ball is an uplifting feeling. Another very important part of this work is helping animals cross over. This is an indescribable experience and I am always deeply honored to be part of the transition from this life to the next realm.
K9 Cuisine: How can people find out more about you and your work?
Christine: I have a new website featuring my reiki practice and also my reiki products: www.SassyMonkeyReiki.com. You can also visit the sites of Give a Dog a Bone http://www.gadab.org and Grateful Dogs Rescue http://www.gratefuldogsrescue.org.
K9 Cuisine: Tell us a little about you!
Christine: I am Christine Barnett, MFT and DD, and a working and licensed psychotherapist for the past 10 years in SF, CA. My love for animals has been lifelong and my current focus is on spiritual animal healing (both in person and distant) and in co creating more effective human/animal relationships. I am an Usui Reiki Master who has received approximately 200 attunements to date. I am an avid animal rights advocate on many fronts from local city government to national and international issues. My specialty is in energetic healing of emotional and physical traumas and with animals crossing over. I am currently studying for my Doctorate in Metaphysics. I also a vegan chef and am more than happy to share my recipes to save more animals!
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