I’ve replaced the old, glitchy albums and added three new ones including our neighbor’s absolutely amazing sunflower patch and two sets of Texas photos, San Antonio and Padre Island.  I did not include the large desktop wallpaper images this time around, they’re not high enough resolution or the right ratio for today’s wide screen monitors.  The albums are now located at:

Albums

I used the desktop version of Jalbum software to create my photo galleries.  Jalbum is a terrific freeware program (though donations are appreciated) with an enthusiastic support community and hundreds of gallery skins to choose from.  Please note, I chose the simplest skin and then simplified it even more, there are actually some very sophisticated, feature-rich, customizable gallery skins available - don’t judge the selection by my gallery!  They also offer a very inexpensive photo hosting option.

The first time I heard of Dog Scouts of America I thought it sounded like just about the most fun you could have with a dog.  I wanted to join soooo bad.  But I figured something like that would only be for normal dogs.  You know the kind of dogs I mean.  Happy, well-adjusted dogs that you can take anywhere.  Not neurotic, snarky, fear aggressive, painfully shy, trembly, incredibly stubborn dogs.  I was pretty sure there was no way they were going to let a dog like mine come play.

Still, I enjoyed nosing around the DSA website.  I couldn’t give up the idea that one day we would work through enough of her issues that some day she could belong to Dog Scouts, maybe even go to Scout Camp.   And then while I was reading about camp I read this:  “Yellow Bandannas are for dogs that don’t like other dogs in their face.  Please respect this unspoken request to keep your dog back.”  Whaaat - less than perfect dogs, dogs with issues, dogs that need a little space - they can join Dog Scouts? OMG, seriously?

Now, I’m definitely not saying that you should just bring an aggressive dog to Dog Scouts and expect everybody to welcome you with open arms!  But we’d been working really hard, Misha was improving and I’d learned how to manage her environment well enough that I felt safe and comfortable taking her to various dog training classes.  Meetings with Troop 184 weren’t all that different from a class, we felt very welcome and everyone was very considerate about giving her the space she needed.

We’ve met so many amazing dogs, from mutts of questionable ancestry like Misha to Champions with lots of letters before and after their names, but at a troop meeting we’re all equal.  Dog Scout humans are just as wonderful as their dogs.  Bewildered folks like me, who found themselves with a troubled dog and the sudden need to learn more about training and behavior than they ever wanted to know.  Highly competitive people showing in conformation and earning performance titles but still finding time for Scouts.  Training geeks, fascinated by how dogs learn but without any desire to compete.  And of course those seeking no more than to spend quality time with their dogs.  What do we have in common?  We love dogs.  We aspire to teach them without fear or pain.  And along the way we hope to give them a fun, fulfilling life.

What do we do at troop meetings?  Sometimes it’s fun and games, sometimes we try new dog sports, sometimes we practice to earn the Dog Scout Badge.  Once in a while, if all dogs are amenable, it turns into a play date.  At a troop activity day I watched Misha forget all about the monster that lives in the agility tunnel because she couldn’t resist following a zoomy Border Collie puppy through it.  When we practiced for a badge called “The Art of Shaping” she painted me a pretty picture.  (She also painted the garage floor.  And my left shoe.)  During “All Dog Band” badge practice, my fearful, sound sensitive dog happily bonged a cowbell with her nose (More Cowbell!) and pawed at noisy maracas.  We’ve gotten lost and befuddled on back yard RallyO courses, and enjoyed urban walks and mountain hikes.  We’ve tried some sports we never would have considered.  The last time I looked there were more than 75 badges we could try to earn, certainly something for any and every dog.  But the best part - the atmosphere is always non-competitive, low-key, and full of laughter.

Two years ago I didn’t really think we’d ever pass the Dog Scout Badge test, and now with the help of our troop we’ve done almost all the steps.  You know what though? Even if we don’t pass, it wouldn’t really matter.  I think the saying is something like “It’s the journey, not the destination.”  And Dog Scouts has been one heck of a great journey.  They’ve been instrumental in helping me bring my scaredy girl out of her shell, and helping her learn dogs and humans are not to be feared.

Here’s Misha with the picture she painted for me for the Art of Shaping!

We’ve always been curious about Misha’s heritage, we even did a Canine Heritage DNA test on her a few years ago but it came back “No tested breeds identified”.  What a disappointment that was!  I always kind of thought we’d try the Wisdom brand of test someday because it tested for more breeds, but it was really expensive and required a blood draw at the vet’s office.  We were really excited to find out they now offer an inexpensive cheek swab test that analyzes for a whopping 185 breeds!

The Wisdom Insights Panel DNA results say Misha’s grandparents were likely (Tah Dah!):
25% Alaskan Malamute, 25% American Bulldog, 12% Whippet with low certainty, and the remainder unknown mixed breed.

Would I have guessed any of that?  No, Malamutes and American Bulldogs are pretty good sized, next to them she’s a petite 60 pounds.  But I always thought a Husky and a Boxer got together somewhere up the line, so another Arctic breed plus a Bully breed - that’s not much of a stretch at all for my imagination.  Whippet simply never occurred to me.  Pluck a few genes from each of those and mix them up together?  Yep!  I can definitely see it.

But those EARS - without a hint of German Shepherd in the mix those ears become a brand new mystery all their own!

Arctic breed mixed with Bully mixed with Sighthound.  No wonder she’s a handful!

Yesterday, Timid Dog got scritches from several people, one was a stranger she met for the first time that day. She didn’t hide behind me or dodge away from their hands.

Yesterday, my fear reactive, dog aggressive girl was off-leash in a room with five dogs, one she’d never met before.  Not a hint of snarkiness.

Yesterday, I didn’t think twice when I handed my leash-shy dog’s leash to someone else.  And neither did she.  She didn’t panic or try to back out of her collar like she used to do if someone besides me or my husband took her leash.

What does this have to do with Blog the Change? Yesterday we went to a Dog Scouts of America troop meeting.

A huge percentage of the dogs found in shelters and rescues were surrendered for behavioral issues.  Dog Scouts is a non-profit organization that works to educate people about responsible dog ownership.  The website contains a wealth of information about dealing with behavioral issues in a positive manner. Here’s a quote from their site:

“DSA will offer a membership program for people who advocate the concept of people learning to become more responsible dog owners, trying to replace the attitude of dogs being “disposable,”  and recognizing individuals who help our cause by similarly educating the public at large about the joys of responsible dog ownership and the concept of dogs and people learning new things together for the betterment of society.”

Members can work towards the Dog Scout Badge and then earn merit badges in dozens of different dog sports and activities either with their local troop if there is one or by video if there isn’t.  Community outreach is encouraged and there’s even a special merit badge for community service. Our local troop offered us the opportunity to learn and socialize in a safe, positive, fun atmosphere.  With their help, support, guidance, patience and love Misha has blossomed.  Timid Dog hearts Dog Scouts.

1. When did you begin your blog?

I wrote my first Timid Dog post in July 2008.  Before that I had a blog for my scenic snapshots and for family stuff.  I’ve had some sort of site on the web for several years, my first one was when iVillage had free website hosting in the days of “the busier the background and the more animations the better”.  I’m trying to figure out what’s salvagable from the past and merge everything together here.

2. What was your original purpose for starting a blog?

I wanted to share stuff that the Timid Dog and I have learned together.  In particular (because she is pretty much the poster dog for all those studies that talk about what might go wrong when you train with corrections) I wanted to share the possibility that there are other behavioral techniques that might work for dog’s with issues.  Yes, even if you’re dealing with aggression. And of course, like every dog person, I think my dog is absolutely fascinating and can’t imagine that the whole world doesn’t want to know everything about my beautiful girl, from her goofball moments to her fear issues!  I also love to take photos and it’s also a place to share my albums.  Plus family stuff, and anything else that might cross my mind.

You know, I’ve always had a bit of a conundrum when it comes to my blog/website.  I really want to share - about my dog, my family, my photos, etc.  Yet I’m a very private person and I get a little nervous and vaguely embarrassed when anything I write actually gets any attention.

3. Is your current purpose the same?

Yes, plus I hope to drive a little traffic to my Zazzle print on demand shop.

4. Do you blog on a schedule or as the spirit moves you?

I think I write better if I write when the spirit moves me.  When I TRY to write (like making myself take this challenge. . .) it usually winds up being kind of lame.  That said, I’m trying get in the habit of writing regularly even if when I think I’m writing junk because “You can fix anything but a blank page.”

5. Are you generating income from your blog?

A little, selling items with my photos on them through a print on demand shop at  TimidDogDesign@Zazzle.  It’s not much but I get sooo excited when I get a “Sold!” email, even when it’s just a ten cent commision for a postcard.  But honestly, even though I always had high hopes for some residual income, this is essentially a vanity site.  2010 was the first year it’s even come close to paying for itself.

6. What do you like most about blogging in general and your blog in particular (bragging is good!)?

I love to share.  (Even though sharing makes me nervous.  Hah!)  And of course I adore my blog mascot.

7. What do you like least?

Marketing and trying to generate traffic.  Ugh.  And I hate that I lose my train of thought so easily - I have a dozen drafts started that may or may not ever get finished.

8. How do you see your blog changing/growing in 2011?

Hopefully there won’t be such big gaps between posts!

What-EV-er

Misha would like to wish everyone a very happy National Mutt Day!

Let me tell y’all the story of her mixed breed DNA test. We get lots of guesses about her ancestry.  We were told that she’s a Labrador/Australian Shepherd mix but I don’t see much of either in her physical appearance or her mannerisms.

When she was a lanky, awkward teenager a lot of people asked if she was a Great Dane mix puppy, so her tongue in cheek designer breed is “Teacup Great Dane”.  An adorable black and tan Chihuahua mix lived next door next door that looked like her mini-me with his great big ears, so for a while she was the “Giant Mutant Chihuahua”.  She looks very deer-like when she jumps - Mule deer mix?

Guesses always include German Shepherd because of her coloring and big ‘ol ears.  Our current vet believes she’s German Shepherd/Sharpei.  My guess is German Shepherd, Husky and Boxer.  German Shepherd for her markings and her ears.  Boxer for her square nose, deep chest, short body and long legs.  And ‘cuz she boxes just like her Boxer friend Pixel when she plays.  Husky for her mis-matched eyes, pretty eyeliner and hint of a mask, and one vet’s opinion that her scrawny little whip tail would curl up if it hadn’t been broken when she was a pup.  But guesses are just guesses and they are all made with a sense of humor.  It wouldn’t change anything to know, but that doesn’t stop us from being very curious.

So I was pretty excited when I heard that there were companies testing mixed breed dogs to give you some insight into their ancestry, and that we could do it with a cheek swab.  (It seemed mean to put a dog that was terrified of the vet through a blood draw just to satisfy our curiosity.)  The Canine Heritage website was testing for about sixty-five breeds at the time, but their website said they would be adding more breeds “soon”.

I waited and waited for the deadline.  Naturally, it took longer than they thought to update the test.  I waited some more.  Finally, the new test was ready and hubby bought the the test kit for my birthday present.

I read the instructions three times, I wanted to be sure and get a good sample the first time.  I had to rub the inside of her cheek with a bristly little brush, I’m sure it was uncomfortable but she was an absolute angel about it.  I packaged it all up, sent it off, and waited some more.

Finally, the certificate came in the mail.  I was so excited!  And the results were. . .

No tested breeds identified.

Wow.  What a let down.  I was prepared for some bizarre combination that didn’t make any sense, but no results at all?  The swab was good, and all of our best “guesses” were on the breed list.  She’s unusual looking but it’s unlikely that she’s any really rare breed.  Oh well, maybe we’ll try again some day with another company.

Happy Mutt Day to our mystery girl!

In honor of National Feral Cat Day and Blog the Change sponsored by Be the Change for Animals I’d like to thank Divine Feline, Rocky Mountain Alley Cat Alliance and the Feline Fix for their help with our little feral cat colony.  Like most cities, Denver has a huge feral cat population.  Feline Fix offers a very inexpensive spay and neuter program for feral, stray and tame cats.  TNR, trap, neuter and release programs are a humane and effective way to manage feral cat populations.

I remember the day Misha found the first kitten.  She wanted to play with it so bad! She fussed and whined and cried and pawed at the chain link.  The next day I spotted another kitten, two more the day after that.  We’d seen Mama Kitty a few times, including the day she trapped Misha in the back yard but didn’t think much of it, there are lots of “outdoor” kitties in our neighborhood.  But now we realized she’d moved in to a rickety old shed in our backyard to have her babies.  I did some research and found a nice woman in our neighborhood association who helped with feral cat issues.    She came by a few days later at dusk to help us trap Mama and her babies.

What an eye-opener that experience was!   I had no idea how many cats there were in our neighborhood, sitting quietly in the back yard for an hour or two at dusk counting cats just isn’t something I ever would have done.  Besides Mama Kitty and her family, we saw a half a dozen raggedy strays, plus a few healthier looking cats that probably had families but were out wandering.

She set up an interesting contraption called a box trap.  Mama and five babies eventually gathered underneath it, nomming on a plate full of extra stinky, extra fishy canned food.  She pulled a string, the trap dropped and we had ourselves a box full of freaked out kitties!

Mama Kitty was spayed and vaccinated through a program organized by RMACA.  In exchange we agreed to let her live out her life in our shed and to provide her with food.  The nice neighbor with the trap offered to foster the kittens until they were big enough to be neutered and find homes.  A couple of weeks later we realized we’d missed a kitten.  We fostered him ourselves, it was quite an experience having him and Misha in the house together!  His story is here.  He was neutered by Divine Feline for a small donation before he went to his new home.

There were two more adult cats, a male and a female. I was able to borrow a trap and take advantage of a visit to our area from Divine Feline’s mobile unit.  So we have a little TNR feral colony of three.  They’ll never be cuddly, tame, indoor kitties - but they will have full tummies and some shelter from the elements. They will keep other cats from moving into their territory.  And most important, they aren’t reproducing any more.  Here’s a quote from the RMACA website:

“Many of the 24,000 cats euthanized in 2009 were litters of  kittens. The only humane way to lower the numbers is through spaying and neutering. An unaltered female cat may become pregnant as early as five months of age, and bear 2-3 litters per year for her entire life. Every cat we spay will prevent as many as 200 more kittens from being born.”

There are two adult female cats, and three of the six kittens were female.  There could be as many as 1000 less homeless, unwanted kittens in this world just because Misha found a kitten.  Good job Misha!