I voted.

A week ago I got my new property tax bill.   It had gone up over a 1,000.00 per year!   WHAT??!?   I dont have a fancy house.    I have lived in it for 21 years.   Upon looking closely I can see all these little extra charges that apparently were voted in or legislated in by my County.   So apparently we are being hit from all corners.   Sales tax only goes up, property tax is subject to change, income tax is a moving target but never going down, and a myraid of taxes masked as fees for use of services.  It is a minefield out there!!!

Everyone is screaming we need more money.   It IS a giant pyramid scheme.   The past umpty nine years of lawmakers who allowed this should be jailed alongside Bernie Madoff.   ....and Yes it WILL crash if we stop feeding it.   Yes we will suffer if we stop feeding it.  It will be mad because it has grown dependent on us as have its suckling babies.   Keeping this dragon at bay by feeding it our children's financial future will only prolong the pain and put off the inevitable.   This country needs a brave strong Knight to slay it and release us from the oppression.

Our population is larger than ever so one would think we have more tax revenue than ever coming in.   I can only assume that there are more people who need help than ever or that we have fewer tax payers than ever.   WOW   I do believe that dependency breeds dependency.   I worry that when you support someone (or a country) for so long and then you pull back they get MAD!!    I also believe if you make a dependent, honor dictates that you continue to help even if you should not have helped in the first place.  It can be a viscious circle.

My opinions:

Schools:  The biggest problem with schools is parents and breakfast.   Parents need to be more involved in their kids lives.   Parents need to support the school system and teachers and help their children succeed at school.   Parents are the key to a child becoming a responsible, thoughful and intelligent adult.   The best schools are the ones where the parents have the most interraction with their children and support learning and good school ethic.   There may be good excuses but there isnt any good enough for not helping your child succeed at school, their future (and possibly yours) depends on it.   Children are more apt to learn if they are not hungry.   I am not even going to get into this topic because I know there are a million excuses why "my kids are hungry" but honestly none are acceptable particularly with the amount of Gov 'entitlements" available. 
  
Medical: The insurance industry is partly to blame for the medical mess we are in, the system of judicial blame is also to blame but so are the people who no longer know basic medical skills and are using the Emergency Room for basic medical care.  How to treat and help your child and yourself for the most basic medical problems is a lost art.  People need to read and learn how to care for themselves.  People should know their bodies better than the doctors.  Insurance should be for major medical not every little thing.  Health care is a lifestyle choice.   I know many very wealthy people who will not go to the doctor for anything and I know many very poor mothers who take their kids in for a sniffle.    As a society we should not have to pay for certain things.   As sad as it is not everyone should be medically propped up unless someone can afford it.    Death is part of the wondrous circle of life.  We should learn from the past and embrace and prepare for it rather than constantly fight it.

Debt:   How was it approved for us to go so deep into debt?   Between all of the check boxes on my ballot wanting more money for one thing or another and all the myraid of taxes and fees not to mention the ginormous amount of money we have borrowed you would think we would be set up forever!  Why is it even considered acceptable to go deeper into debt?   We literally have nothing to show for all this debt.   See above plus a whole bunch of other stuff.

Social Security and Medicare:  These are not entitlements.   We have paid into Social Security because the Gov thought we were not responsible enough to save for our own futures, guesss who is not responsible?  Social security is OUR money it should have never been used for anything else but like a giant pyramid scheme there there was plenty to skim because there was always more coming in.  Well guess what a whole lot more seniors are retiring now than the number of younger people paying in, this is basic simple mathematics!!!   We aren't called the Baby Boomers for nothing.  What the heck happenned?????    We are forced to pay for Medicare as a deduction from our social security even if we want and can afford another health care of our own choice.   Stop calling these entitlements.  We do not have our hand out for these, this system is forced on us. 

BIG Corporate bad guy:  Stop asking the Gov to fix the big rich guy problem.  The masses have much more power to hit them where it hurts.   Stop buying their product and start buying your own politicians.    You can start by concentrating locally.   Farmers markets instead of Walmart, throw away your cell phone and dont buy another, every time you pick up a product see who makes it and who you are supporting and try to find an alternative.   99% can move a mountain if they want to.  I have learned that the 99% just wants to bitch at someone else to fix it. 

So, I voted.    I voted NO for anything that costs communities and taxpayers more money EVEN if it appears that it will cost more money not to.   I voted for those people who I feel are brave enough for the challenge of getting us out of debt.  In the end I dont mind paying taxes.  I dont mind helping those who need help.  BUT I really hope that there will be something left in my pot so that I can continue to personally help my community, my family, my friends and the animal world.    

Copyright 2013 Ciera Reflections. All Rights Reserved.

Pure Breed Rescue Groups

TO: ALL PURE BREED RESCUE GROUPS

Don't claim to be a Rescue for your breed and raise money for rescue and post your success stories and efforts and maintain a web page if you don't answer the email specifically created for rescue issues.

I am aware how hard the job is.   I know you can't save every dog.    I know you probably don't want mixed breeds.  I alaso know that there are not always resources in every corner of the country.

I do know that you probably have leads for people who want to rescue one of your breed.   I know you probably have an online listing of available dogs around the country.  I know you have a resource of members all over the country.  I also know you probably have financial support for the dogs you accept.  

I also strongly believe that if it is one of your own you should not let us volunteers and tax payers do your dirty work.   If the dog is too old or too sick for you to be interested in, then please send someone to get it and take it to their own vet for euthansia.     

You make us AKC people look bad to all those people in our communities doing the heavy lifting!!!!  

Sincerely,

A Pure Breed dog lover, Member of pure breed dog clubs and Community Rescuer


Copyright 2013 Ciera Reflections. All Rights Reserved.

TYPE! Temperament Soundness

Form and Function in animals have been a large part of my life since I was very young.   My only challenge in the dog world is understanding and memorizing each breed standard and learning what “type” is for each breed.  Type is what makes each breed different. 

It takes three things to make a Stafford: 

TYPE * TEMPERAMENT * SOUNDNESS

A pet only needs a good temperament.   A performance dog needs temperament and soundness.   A Stafford needs all three,

Once my bitch won the breed at a large prestigious event with a foreign Judge.   After the judging he made mention that there were a lot of nice moving dogs in the ring but only a few that looked like a Stafford.  

Another Judge told me once that when the exhibits walk in the ring he immediately discounts the ones that do not look like Staffords and then judges the rest.   This could explain why a beautifully structured dog loses to a lessor dog that has more bred type.   This is funny to me because I have watched a lot of judging over the years and I always had a suspicion that 90% of the time the good judges are picking the dog the minute it walks in the ring and the rest of the time they are confirming their decision.   A good eye can spot the winner immediately.   Going over the dogs is just a formality to make us entrants feel better about spending the money to be there.

Copyright 2013 Ciera Reflections. All Rights Reserved.













 

the 5 virtues

Many years ago an interesting exchange happened between my mom and me in regards to two dogs.  It was so eye opening that I would like to share it.

First some back ground, my mom is no stranger to dogs.   She knows "her" breeds well but is not exactly up on the Official Standard for my breed at the time and most of her experience comes from one classy little dog who had done quite well in the show ring.   This dog has some outstanding features and we were very proud of him.   From now on I will refer to this beautiful boy as 1st Child.   I acquired a bitch of the same breed that I will from now on refer to as 2nd Child.   I chose this bitch in my head months before the breeding ever took place.  After 2nd Child arrived in my home I began to watch her with keen interest as she grew and matured.  I was worried about ears, and bite, and tail, you know, the usual stuff.  

At about 7 months old it all started to come together and I mentioned to my mom "wow, 2nd child has a better head than 1st child. Her ear carriage is not so good but it doesn’t matter, one of the key elements for this breed is outstanding on 2nd Child".  

She said: "uummmm   I just don't see it.   She looks too different for me.   1st Child is better.  Why just take a look at all the Judges critiques you have and all his purple and gold ribbons.  

I replied:  "without a doubt 1st Child has a beautiful head, but 2nd child's head is a little better." 

There was no doubt about 1st Child's head being exceptional.  It was confirmed time again by breeder judges and even all round judges.

Over time my mom would make mention that she did not get it and then the light bulb went on in my head!!  I had the answer!  I explained to her this was because she had imprinted on 1st Child.   To her he was the ultimate example of this breed.  This was a classic example of Kennel Blindness.   Oh the horror!!   Kennel blindness cannot be right under our nose!!   ....but yet we were looking it square in the head.

The reason I am telling this story is because by seeing the virtue in other dogs we are better equipped to see where we need to improve in our own.  This was such a super example of harmless kennel blindness it was funny, eye opening, and disturbing all at the same time!  I can think of a hundred reasons why this is a good story to tell.  We simply cannot move a breeding program forward if we do not see our own dog's faults as they relate to the Standard.   Seeing the virtue in 2nd child allowed me to see where 1st child could use improvement.  Conversely knowing where 1st Child could use improvement opened the door to see that improvement in 2nd Child.  Very Exciting Stuff

Seeing virtue in others is a difficult task because I think we have been programmed to criticize.  I am not sure why, maybe it is our own insecurities leaking out.  I learned a lesson from a respected Judge and breeder many years ago and it has changed the way I see other dogs and in doing so it has improved my ability to pick a winner and move forward with confidence.  The lesson is simple, when standing ringside say five nice things about a dog before you say one bad thing.  I have found that by the time I get to number three the perceived fault is diffused and doesn’t matter anymore.  I cannot tell you how many times I have heard (and even said) unkind remarks about dogs in the ring or outside the ring at dog shows. I look back now and I cannot think of a single good reason to ever discuss another dog's faults right at the ring.   Experienced enthusiasts should be setting examples for good behavior; new people should be able to learn from observing good sportsmanship.  It is extremely hurtful to hear your dog being discussed by strangers or worse, people you look up to.  If you are asked for an opinion find the five virtues first.  We always look much more wise and intelligent if we discuss other dog’s virtues at ringside.   This is not to say I discount the value of sitting ringside with a respected breed specialist waxing philosophical about the Standard and dogs being judged for the day.  Everything has its time and place and some opportunities cannot be passed up. Just be super careful you are not criticizing someone's pet within ear shot of anyone.   When in doubt shut up.   People really love their dogs. 

My Rules:

·         Stop discussing your dog's faults with anyone who will listen, it sounds like you are making excuses.  

·         Say five nice things about a dog before you say one bad thing.

·         If it is necessary to discuss what you would like to improve on your dog, say to a stud dog owner, sell it like an enhancement.   For instance 1st Child's head is gorgeous but I could see where he could be improved.  Then be careful what you wish for, exaggeration of any kind should be avoided.   

·         Do not ask judges or others for their opinion of your dog.   A lot of people will disagree with me on this one, but I hold firm.  I have seen enough judges, AKC and KC alike with such differing opinions that at times it is a matter of preference rather than fault or virtue.   I do have an exception to this rule and that is if you are discussing with your breeder or someone close and truly knowledgeable and trustworthy.

·         Do not ever fault judge another person's dog in person, in the vicinity, or honestly even at home.   Look at your own dogs first.

·         If you must have a discussion with a judge, talk about the Standard and the breed in general rather than your dog. 

·         As a breeder, virtue judge others and fault judge your own, always based on the Standard. 

·         Know your dog's virtues based on the Standard not your opinion or what you prefer.   It is honestly ok if you prefer a sweet feminine head that is a little snipey, or the tick tock movement of straight shoulders but that does not make it correct to the Standard.

·         One of the best ways to see where you need to improve is to be open to the individual virtues in others.

Develop your own opinion by learning the Standard and being super observant.  If you need help understanding the Standard you should ask the questions as they relate to the Standard and not your dog.   Memorize the paragraph and ask your mentors to explain and show examples of correct.   If you are still confused, ask for clarification.  Don’t move on until you get it.   I do not mean you should look for your dog's faults by asking everyone you know and then discuss them ad-nauseum.  In fact you should NEVER discuss your dog's faults. Discuss their virtues but keep the faults in the back of your head for what you would like to improve on.  I really do not think you learn anything by having another person fault your dog for you.  You will just walk away feeling bad.   You would be better off asking what is good about your dog.   At least then when you start repeating what you were told, and we know you will, it will be virtues!  There is no quick path to knowledge.  You must work hard for your answers.  

In the old days there was not an experienced breeder who would answer a novice's question without first asking, "What does the standard say?"   If someone says to you, "Well, it says this in the Standard but I prefer this other thing", RUN!  Everyone should be directed to and respect the standard.  It is the one thing we have in common.    I can look at our Stafford Standard right now and then in the ring today, and tell that we have plenty of people (Judges included) who need to be pointed back to the Standard in regard to the most basic fixable issue, weight!  Weight is important because it relates to Balance and Balance is a key element to Stafford "Type".    

My observations from the dog show world:

·         People repeat what they have heard regardless of the source, it only has to sound half way reasonable and then just like the child's game of telephone it can evolve and eventually it may even become a new truth.

·         Most people do not know your dog's faults until you tell them and then they cannot wait to repeat them as if they are so clever for discovering your dog's fault and if you told them it must be true. 

·         People are too willing to discuss what they were told without truly understanding it. 

·         Many people don’t thoroughly know and understand the official standard for their breed.  (One time I asked a question about a passage in an official Standard at a seminar and I was told that the passage was not in the Standard by a breed judge!  I was right and he was wrong.)

·         Having a few litters and a following of puppy owners does not exempt one from novice status.   

Memorize,  Memorize, Memorize the Standard and understand each part of it.   Understand what your breed "type" is.  Get to know your own dogs and how they fit or don't fit the Standard.  Understand why your beautifully structured dog may always lose the blue ribbon to a dog whose virtues you do not see.  Stop making excuses about judges and start looking at your own dogs with the critical eye you have used on others.   

Copyright 2012 Ciera Reflections. All Rights Reserved.

 

Steps to Safely Foster a Rescue Dog.

     

Rescue groups beg and plead for volunteers all the time and much of the time we are so grateful when someone steps forward that we do not even consider how important the first few weeks of a rescued dog’s life actually are.  These first weeks begin to lay the foundation for the rest of the dog’s life.  New homes are approved as if we are giving up our first born but any old person who raises his/her hand is ok to foster.  What happens during the first days and weeks at the foster home can make or break how quickly the dog is adopted and how successful he will be in his new forever home.   A rescued dog usually comes from a stressful situation that doesn’t even include the baggage from their previous life.  It is the responsibility of the volunteer foster to provide proper interaction and socialization to ensure the dog is set up to succeed as well as ready for a new home. 

When I accept a dog to foster for a Rescue Group I want everything to go smoothly with the least amount of bother and headache.   I like to think I am only a short stop between the shelter and the new forever home.   More often than not it takes some preparation, a plan and diligence for me and the dog to be successful.  Since I am willing to foster I owe it to the dog and the future new forever home to put my heart into it.  During the last 5 years I have brought many strange dogs into my home, much to the dismay of my existing pack and human family, but I do think we are all better for it.  My own dogs are more socialized than ever.    Preparing the dog to be adoptable and desirable is always the number one objective but quick and safe assimilation into my pack routine is a close second.  To this date I have never had a fight or growl or bite that was not my fault.   Today I can claim to have a process that works 100% of the time, assuming I do not walk into the shelter and pick the most challenging stressed dog to bring home.  I also owe success to my existing pack which is generally social and friendly to other dogs.  Properly orchestrated introductions with patience must be done in order to ensure that neither the new dog nor the existing pack is at risk or that the rescue dog is damaged further.

Currently I work with a very good Rescue Group and I trust they will not ask me to take a dog unless they know that I have the ability and experience and can provide a particular dog the correct environment.   It is so important that I do not take on a problem that will be more than I can handle emotionally, physically or financially.  That is what causes volunteers to quit.   It can be the same with dogs; it has to be a good experience for me, the rescue dog and my own dogs!  Here is the process I go thru to bring a strange dog into my home. 

Before I agree to take the dog home:

·        I ask questions about health, vaccinations and find out if the dog altered.  This is important to know for the health of my pack and to also know what my responsibility and potential financial obligation will be even if I will be reimbursed.

·        I verify that the dog has a sponsor that I can work well with. 

·        I ask about the dogs potential behavior issues.  Has the dog had an evaluation and can I have a copy? 

·        Has he been in a crate and how did he do?

·        I try to get a copy of the shelter intake and health documents.

 

I get my home ready for the foster dog:

 ·        I have an extra crate, ex-pen and clean bedding ready for the dog.   

·        I set up the crate in a low traffic area of the house where the dog can participate in sights and sounds without being overwhelmed.   

·        I put the ex-pen around the crate so my dogs cannot get up close and personal (yet).

·        I also make sure I have nyla-bones and or safe rawhide chews that are size appropriate.  If it is a puppy I have puppy appropriate toys.

·        I have lots of high value treats around. 

·         I have a proper sized collar and leash dedicated to the new dog. 

·        I ask for some of his current food to transition him slowly to my diet.

 

  When I bring the dog home:

 

·        I do not allow any access to my existing dogs no matter how stellar everyone is.   I never underestimate the amount of stress a dog coming from a bad situation or into a new situation will be under or how my existing pack will feel about the intruder. 

·        For the first few days to a week the new dog is not allowed anywhere except on a leash, in a crate or in a small yard without distractions.  This is bonding time for me and the dog mixed with teaching focus and simple commands. 

·        We do lots of sits and focus and follow me exercises with appropriate value treats.  A super stressed or fearful dog will need cheese and more relaxed dog may be happy with kibble.  Some stressed dogs will need time before they are willing to take a treat.

·        My dogs are monitored to make sure the new dog is comfortable with their presence.

·        I would guess in a few days there should not be a problem with my dogs coming and going and greeting the new dog with the barrier of the ex-pen but not up to the crate yet.  I have had dogs be reactive even with the ex-pen barrier and have had to move my dogs away yet still keep the foster in the living area.

·        I always give lots of treats to the foster dog while crated to reward focused relaxed behavior and/or to teach that good things happen when my dogs are milling around.   

·        I reward my dogs for nice sit stays and good happy behavior while being near the foster dog.  By doing this I am setting up all the dogs to get to know each other in a rewarding environment. 

 

  As I see the Foster dog relaxing and my as dogs are getting over the novelty of the new member of the house:

·        I remove the ex pen.  

·        I still do not let my entire pack swarm the Foster dog.  The odds are high they won’t as the foster dog is becoming family by now.

·        One of my dogs is very social and she will end up sleeping and hanging out with the foster as if they are now best friends.  

·         If I have not already done so, I move the crate into my bedroom.  I might even have one crate in the living area also so the dog is always with people when in the house.

·        The dog should have good command of sit and focus and be relaxed around my dogs that also have a good sit and focus.  Depending on how things are going, this has been about one week possible longer for more stressed dogs.   

·        I can now start to introduce my most socially respectful dog off leash while I walk on leash with the foster.   We take a walk in the largest safe area possible giving lots of praise and treats.   It is best to have a 2^nd person and both dogs be on leash but I take longer on the above steps ensuring I will be safe at this step.

·        I carefully watch for signs of reactivity, stress and discomfort and back track if necessary.  If at this point things are still stressful I probably have rushed thru the previous steps.  

·        I continue with on leash work until we are super comfortable with all dogs.   Then I carefully allow Foster off leash and my best dog on leash.   Probably another 3-7 days, depending on the dogs reactions and comfort levels.  If you only have one other dog this can happen relatively quickly. 

     

   I always keep in mind my ultimate goal is to safely assimilate this new dog as a member of my family.   I never have more dog power than I can easily handle with the number of human hands available.   I do not move forward until I am confident all the signs show relaxed social behaviors among all dogs, key word being “social”.  If I have the slightest doubt I give it another day.  Keep in mind that dogs have different play styles so the foster may never run safely with my dogs.   Puppies with improper socialization or those that were removed too early from their mother may not interact well with others.  It is also important to keep my own dogs from being stressed by the foster too.  I am always cognizant of dominance behavior and resource guarding and act appropriately.   These behaviors are different then the reactive behaviors of dogs in fear or under stress.  By following these steps I am de-stressing the foster dog and setting him and my existing pack up for success.  I am also training the rescue dog which makes him more adoptable, and I am learning a lot about dog behaviors by being extremely observant.  My dogs depend on and trust me to keep them safe.  These steps up front will make the next weeks and the adoption process go much more smoothly.  These steps may seem like a lot of work but in reality once completed you have a dog that is assimilated into a routine that is actually very easy and makes the dog really adoptable.    

 

There are exceptions to every rule and there are dogs that may go faster and some that go slower.   I may have a dog in my pack that will never tolerate the foster.   There are also foster dogs that may never become 100% assimilated.  Never underestimate the amount of stress on all dogs in new situations.  By taking my time with a lot of reward based conditioning it can be a good experience for all involved. 

My Rules:  

 

·        Make decisions with your head not your heart. 

·        Care for the foster dog with your heart.

·        Never underestimate the amount of stress a dog may be under or the time it may take to de-stress the dog.  Some dogs may assimilate quickly but signs of stress can linger for months and longer.

·        Do not have more dogs together than you can easily manage.

·        Take an active interest and pride in making the rescue dog into the best dog you possibly can. 

·        Take lots of photos and short video clips.

·        Watch for signs of stress and anxiety which will tell you how fast to move thru the steps.  i.e. lip licking, yawning, avoiding eye contact etc.  These signs are different than dominant behaviors.

·        Do not allow the dog long periods of time outside off lead without continuous observation from a distance.

·        Work on sit, focus and follow me without other dogs around often so that you are bonding with and training the rescue dog.

·        Always err on the side of caution,

·        There is no substitute for time and patience so don’t rush! 

·        Never sacrifice the safety of any dog or human. 

·        Never allow an alarming behavior to continue, i.e. fence fighting, barking for long periods, rude behavior toward your existing dogs, etc.

 

In closing there are many ways to rescue and foster an animal.  Whether you foster for one day or 3 months, this is a process that will work and keep everyone safe and happy and sane.  I am just a regular person with a full time job and a motley crew of canines and I do this all the time.   Sometimes the adoption happens before I am finished with this process and sometimes the rescue dog is a beloved member of my pack and just like one of my own when it leaves.  Every dog is different but the way I move forward with the above steps is the same for every dog.  It sets up the Rescue dog for a low stress welcome to my home and for a good start at the new home.  If we care enough to rescue, care enough to do the BEST you can.  

 

 

Copyright 2013 Ciera Reflections. All Rights Reserved.