To Skype or not to Skype, that is the question.

 So I was recently asked to Skype.  

I thought to myself I don't think I am set up to do that.  I knew my business workstation could not but I turned to my right and looked at the applications on my Mac and low and behold there is something called Facetime.   So I turned it on and there is a little window on my laptop watching me in real time and presenting me back to me.    So I said "eeuuuu that is awful".    It reminded me of the time I first heard my voice on a recording and was shocked only much worse.   I resisted the urge to turn it off and remove the application never to be opened again.  So I said to myself let me make this tiny window a bit bigger, that must be the problem, but alas, it was the same scary person looking at me that I did not recognize at all.   So after sitting and contemplating this phenomenon all the while watching this stranger in front of me that was actually me, I decided to try it on the big dog 27” Mac Thunderbolt with the best resolution and real life colors blah blah blah screen, because obviously if it is scary on the laptop, well, making myself bigger is bound to turn me into a movie star!   Right?   Well think again…..

So I sat back and had to think about this whole concept.   Is this where we are headed?   Is this part of the one world, no borders concept I keep hearing about?  Is this the next step that will remove more of the touch and feel and fresh air of relationships but in doing so bring us closer to other countries thousands of miles away from the safety of our own reclusive office?   Is it possible to be close and yet so far?  Yes, I do realize that FB and email and other networks have already brought us close but this is pretty big step. The beautifully sexy eloquent woman who is really a pot bellied, beer drinking, farting, middle aged man will become so passé.   

We as in My Company, used to do business on the phone and fax.  We entered our orders on dos workstations and still did a lot of our accounting manually.   This was a good way to me because I gave good phone and I knew numbers.    I could always make friends and make sales while I was at it and I knew the company finances because it was all in my head.   I remember well when our biggest clients started to send faxes and we were to respond back via fax.   I thought to myself aahh, smart, the big corporate guys are trying to take the personal away so it will become all about cheapest price….   Ok, we are lean and mean, we can do that.   We could deflect any blow corporate America would send us right back at them.    We could quote cheap and buy cheaper because we were the best.   So this fax game worked well.     They then turned to email.   You would think email would be the very same thing as the fax, sell cheap, buy cheaper.   Well no, email enabled the buyers to add more and more vendors so they could make a few clicks and send a mass email to a private much larger group of vendors.   This invisible competition made the market stiffer and stiffer.    It became a contest of fastest and cheapest quotes.   So now not only did we have to be cheap we had to get to the buyers FAST.   This meant short lunches and no breaks.  The volume increased and the pressure to buy fast was on, as soon as a price point was met the purchase was made.   As usual we zigged and zagged thru the race like a Cheetah after its prey and consistently came out ahead.   Over the years many things have happened to make our business scary but interesting.   This is what happens when a scrappy little sales company is chasing business at the biggest high tech corporations.   Cell phones had a hand in ruining personal relationship because the reception was so bad, but it enabled us to work 24/7 which has its benefits in customer satisfaction.   Our buyers started working from home and then our buyers started working in other countries.   This was particularly upsetting because there went all of our great relationships to some strangers in Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, India and who knows where.  These people did not know how amazing we were or how to speak our language.   Now we are ruined….oh woe is us….  Much to my surprise and a bit of chagrin the foreign call centers were people just like us.   They had senses of humor and were also under pressure and stress just like us.   

I worked at a bank when I was young.   I dressed for success every single day.   I was in the heart of silicon valley.   My customers were today's high tech giants only they were young and scrappy in blue jeans working out of their garages.   Yes, Steven Jobs was a customer among many others.    For the last 30 years tho I have been removed from customer face to face and have been able to wear jeans and a pony tail to work.   I could even smoke a joint which I did while my mind was sharp enough to handle removing a bit of the edge.   Today never,   I do not have enough of an edge left to get high and be productive.  Since I have a home office I can work on my laptop from bed, or at my desk in my pajamas. I could walk off and make breakfast while checking back and forth for business. I can see that this Skype thing is eventually going to set me back 35 years to the days of banking when I had to be presentable.   I am going to totally miss my whole work from home in my pajamas, messy hair, no makeup, I think I will go make some toast, routine. 

So I have decided to leave it on, Facetime that is, in all its glory, or rather my 55 year old morning, glory and see if there is ever a side of me that is presentable for the big screen.  So far it is a work in progress.

Today at work we do conferences and screen shares with teams around the world.   I am getting used to that and it is helping to bring us closer to the people we do business with daily and if you are in sales that is always a good thing.     We are going to come full circle back to the days of face to face with customers and I guess I need to be ready.    When will we/I need to Skype for business?  I know many of you already do.   I have always loved being amazing in business behind the safety of my computer.   Now it may be time to come out and I can thank Bri Gitte my new FB friend for gently giving me that shove.  I am not sure if I am happy about that or not.   

Epilogue: I no longer give good phone, in fact I never use the phone and if I do it is poor reception and I have become a bit bitchy in my old age and I cant keep that out of my phone voice,  Also, I no longer know numbers because I have not had to know them for a long time.  I just push buttons and the answer is there.   If it wasn't for dog shows I would never wear a dress or suit.   Make up?  What is that?  I am rusty and out of practice.   I would like to kick back and coast or better yet retire but I suspect I will continue to be pushed on by the machine being steered by Lady Luck.   Thank goodness she has been with me and hoping she continues to want to hang out.  

©Ciera Reflections

Lost Chop

Thursday night was like any other night except my mom who lives with me was out at a training session with her dog.    She doesnt usually come home till about 830pm.    So around 720pm I let Daphne and Chopper out to do their last potty and go for a short walk.   Chopper went running down the stairs as we both saw car lights entering the driveway.   Oh my god I thought she is home early, this does not bode well for us.  Chop immediately thought to himself "lights do not belong here at this hour" so he started to become aroused and ran to a better vantage point growling and barking.    I quickly hustled Daphne back in the house and ran down calling Chop back to me.    Meanwhile the gate is opening and the car is coming up and Chopper is getting more agitated.   He starts to run down and greet the car but came back to me as I shouted for him but ran right by me so he could meet the car in the driveway, and meet the car he did right at the precipice where the car starts to level out after going up.   This precipice is also a blind spot for drivers.   It was here that he was sucked right under the car and out the back and raced down the hill barking like mad and straight into the darkness.    I started screaming his name as he faded out of sight.   There was only two ways he could go and one was under the fence that crosses the creek and off the property or curve around and be somewhere on the property.    I was worried because the creek is low right now and easy for him to leave. 

 I raced back to the house to get my flashlight, jump in the mule and started driving all around the property looking for him and calling him.    I called Yanni to come over asap and bring a flashlight.     By the time he got there I had felt that Chop was no longer on the property.    The creek section is the only real place the dogs can get out and it is hard to keep closed up due to the water levels and debris that comes thru in winter.  Normally the dogs don’t care about it but apparently an adrenaline inspired LS was drawn straight to it.    So we headed out beyond the property to search and knock on doors.    How far could he go, how long does the adrenaline burst last, was he hurt, are the coyotes in the neighborhood now, were all questions in my head which was causing me to freak out more.   It was also raining.    We searched until about 11pm to no avail.    Yanni went home because he had dogs to care for in the morning.   He promised to be back at dawn to keep looking.  

I didn’t sleep a wink and kept going to the door see if Chop had come home and if not I would holler for him.   He was not coming home, I knew that.   I also knew that injured dogs might go and hide and sleep it off.   So I figured there was a chance we would not find him until he roused and started to wander.    I hoped he wasn’t so far away that he could not find his way home.   I hoped he was not curled up in a ball dying.   I kept thinking to myself how I would get so mad at him for being an LS, how many times he has been a bad boy but I also remembered how proud I have been and that he is my sunshine.    We were so bonded to each other and I was going to be crushed if something happened to him.  Morning came none to quick and Yanni was here ready to start the search again.   I started making flyers and hanging them up.    I was convinced that someone was going to find him and call me or take him to the shelter or a vet.  I faxed all the vets my flyer.   I posted more flyers around my area.    I contacted both shelters and the Sheriff and Animal Control.   My sister ran the FB campaign.   She had every Nevada County group alerted.   I actually got a call from a woman who told me her story with a happy ending.   The hours passed, Yanni kept searching, the rain kept falling, my partner Ron was also on his ATV and searching the area.    I was alternating between searching and working and being a command center of sorts.   

My company Christmas party was this evening.    Yanni said I should go to take my mind off of it.    I think he meant for himself too.   So far I had not cried.   I was careful to not talk to anyone who was not directly involved in the search about this.    I did not want sympathy I wanted my dog.   I did not want to hear “I am so sorry” because that meant it was over.    I did not want it to be over.   So we went to the party.     A sat across from Yanni because I did not want anyone else to see my dark circles and morose countenance.    That may have backfired on me as every time I looked in his eyes the tears started to come.   We were both in the same place.   He was as heart broken as I was.   He was as sleep deprived as I was.   In spite of everything the evening was very nice which is hard to imagine as I spent so much time choking back tears while sipping champagne.   Yanni who never drinks was even drinking.    I am not sure that alcohol helps, as it seems to magnify emotions.   It was finally time to leave so we headed back home and Yanni again left to take care of dogs in the morning.   I went to bed for another almost sleepiness night.   

This morning I woke up feeling a dread that no one should ever feel.    I feared the worst.   I started crying and the phone rang and it was Yanni telling me he was on his way.   Ron called me too to tell me that Big John’s dog was hit by a car and hid in the neighbor’s barn for 2 days until the found her.   I decided it was time to let a couple other people in to my grief.   I wrote to Jason and I wrote to Lynn.   Jason because he is my dog family and Lynn because she is the great and powerful Lynn, at least, to me she is.  Lynn called me immediately and asked if she can come over and help.   I felt so bad for wanting help and so relieved that she offered, I said yes please.    This was not a time for my usual “I can do it” attitude.    About now I felt a genuine rush of hope coming back to me.    I decided to re-vamp the flyer and post more of them and also knock on doors and give them to people.   I offered a $500 cash reward to anyone finding my boy in their barn or under their house or anywhere.    I came outside and the sun was shining.   This was a good sign.  I posted more flyers and talked to a few more neighbors.   As I was posting flyers on the road neighbors were stopping to talk to me.    I heard another story about a small dog that was hit and hid under the furniture in the house for 2 days before she would come out.    I passed the flyer to people who were driving by asking them to search under their houses and outbuildings.   Someone told me a blind Springer Spaniel was also missing and to be on the lookout.     Another car stopped and a woman got out and said “Lorelei” and I nodded.   She said “I’m Denise, do you remember me?”.   Oh I did remember, she was my PT from about 15 years ago when I had back surgery.   We reminisced for a few minutes and then she told me about her missing blind Springer.   She and her neighbors were looking up the road.   We both agreed to keep an eye out for both dogs.  So now we had 2 groups looking for 2 dogs, this was good.   Right about now Lynn was driving up with Dave who was also willing to help.     We drove back to my house so she could park.   

She got out of her car and started asking questions about the whats and wheres and whens of the events that had transpired.    She went back for her phone and called a psychic.     This was a real psychic who has actually helped in a recent case of a missing child.    Lynn gave her my name and Chopper and the psychic went to work over the phone.   She said it is a park like setting, there is a creek and homes and some culverts.   She said he got out by the creek and was around the homes for a while but then he was one the move.   She said he was alive but hurt.   The information gave me more hope.   Lynn and I started to search the neighbor’s properties that are in the path that we thought most likely that Chopper went.   One woman came out to tell how the coyotes were out on Thursday night.   Oh that was nice of her.   About now, Yanni came back from searching and started to scold us for searching areas he had already combed over.   He said Chopper is not here or there or there.   He explained that we need a plan and we need to stop overlapping.    Lynn suggested I get another dog to come with us, not so much as one to search but because if Chopper was scared he would be more likely to come out for one of his buddies.    I opted to bring the Schipperke.   So back to the house I went and rounded up the Schipp to put him on a long line.   He was none to happy about this as he is used to beating to his own drum.  I came back to hear Yanni finalizing his plans for us.   I wanted to tell him that no, Chop could not possibly be there and that I wanted to search over here but Lynn touched my arm and told me let’s do his plan and then we can do our plan.  Yanni then decided to tell me the coyotes had got the other neighbors cat on Thursday night.   Yanni and Dave got in the mule and went down to the left and we gathered up Bodie and got in the car and went to the right.   

We had specific instructions to search the 3 houses to the right which covered about 20 acres.    These 3 house were directly to the left of my house about 70 acres away as the crow flies.   We drove to the first house where there were 3 Goldens make a ton of noise barking and growling.  We figured there was no way Chop would be there so we walked to the next house.    A red Border Collie came running out to bark and growl along the fence line as Lynn and I walked with a reluctant and sullen Bodie following.    So we kept walking to the 3rd house.   Here at least the dogs were confined.    I handed the leash to Lynn and walked in shouting “hello”.    The resident came out and I gave him a flyer and asked him to please check all his outbuildings and told him I have 500$ cash for whoever finds Choppy.   I walked back to Lynn and we felt we had done our duty and fulfilled our end of the bargain, which was to check out the 3 houses to the right when my phone rang.   It was Denise and she said Lorelei we saw your dog.   He is running down Angie Court and on to Long Valley Rd.    I turned around to head back to the car and as we approached the car I saw a black dog.   I said Lynn that’s him.   My eyes are not so good but how many other black dogs his size would be running toward us, sort of.    He was acting erratic and did a zig toward the Goldens and then zagged away.   The Goldens started barking and freaking out.    I started calling him and running toward him.   That was all it took.   He turned and ran the other way.   But, there he was.   We saw him.   He was not in a ditch.   He was not in someone’s barn dying alone.   He was alive and vibrant and running, albeit away from us. The crazy Goldens were now between us and the direction that Choppy went.    Lynn and I turned to each other and both said “damn, Yanni was right” and sort of laughed, it figures.    I called Yanni to let him know that we had sighted Chop and lost him but we were on his trail.    So Yanni and Dave stopped searching and headed back our way. 

I was finally able to rouse the residents in the house.  Between the dogs barking and us calling Chopper I wonder why it took so long.    The lady came out and said they are harmless and I said umm ok but can you lock them up anyway and may we walk thru your property?   She obliged and we walked in the direction that Chop ran but could not see any sign of him but with each footstep we were walking closer and closer to my house.    I was thinking this is good he may be able to find his way home.    I had also hoped that hearing my voice and seeing Bodie he may be waking out of the fear that was obviously still in him.  We walked until we got to a road.   One way led up to the log cabin directly behind my house and the other way went up a hill to one of my neighbors.   I pulled out my phone to take a look and there was a missed call from my mother.  I checked the message and it said “where are you where are you there is a little black dog with a beautiful collar at the door and I let him in”.   

Now it was my turn for the rush of adrenaline.    Yanni and Dave were just pulling onto the Golden’s property and driving toward us.   I told him the good news.   Lynn discovered her phone was missing.   She told me to go to my dog and they would look for the phone.   I gave my car keys to Yanni and Bodie and I jumped into the mule to head home.     As I drove up the driveway my mom was driving out of the gate with Choppy as co-pilot.   Boy was he a sight.    She turned around and we headed up to the house and Chop and I laughed and hugged and kissed each other.   Amazingly he appeared to be none worse for the wear.    

Lynn and Dave and Yanni arrived with Lynn’s phone and they all hugged and kissed Chop.   Yanni asked Chop if he wanted to come live with him.   We felt Chop all over and he had a few scrapes and some heat spots and swollen areas but did not appear to be hurt.    Lynn helped me by making an appointment for him to be xrayed at 4 pm.   His xrays checked out and in other news he has beautiful hip sockets.   (yay!)   The vet game me some anti-inflammatory and amoxicillin and sent us home.  Choppy is now snoring in the big crate.   I hope he wants to sleep in tomorrow.   I can use the extra sleep.  

 One lesson I learned is that no matter what never give up hope, it is hope that gives one the energy to keep going.   To me we found Chop due to many circumstances all coming together properly.    No one thing did it, all things made it happen.   From the blind Springer getting lost, to Bodie being a lure to Yanni insisting we search the 3 houses to the right.   Lynn brought renewed hope to me and Dave was able to drive with Yanni to the left.    We all called and called for him which may have roused him into running toward familiar voices even tho he was still scared.   

All in all this was Choppy’s craziest LS stunt ever.     I hope this is the worst because I am not sure how much more adventure I can handle. 

Care of the Dog, 3rd edition 1946, Will Judy

 

**Care of the Dog

3^rd edition 1946,    Will Judy

 

Dog Owner’s Pledge  

 

I  name here,  as a lover of dogs and all other animals, pledge myself: 

To keep my dog under control at all times and to train him to full obedience.

To respect the rights and feelings of others by keeping my dog from giving needless offense.

And as the dog is man’s best friend, even so I shall be my dog’s best friend.

 

Dog's Bill of Rights

I.       I want one large fresh bone each week for my dessert; I promise not to bury it in the flower pot.

II.      I want clean water in a clean dish twice daily.

III.     I want a dry draftless place for sleeping.

IV.     I want a collar that doesn't choke me and isn't so loose it catches on my ears.

V.      I want a quiet place in the basement on the Fourth of July.

VI.     I want every boy softly reprimanded who throws stones at me or twists my ears.

VII.    I want folks to believe in my wagging tail and pleading eyes.

VIII.   I want all persons to keep in mind that I do with my mouth, most things they do with            their hands; so, they needn't be afraid of a dog's teeth.

IX.     I want to be treated kindly, just as I treat children and all those in distress.

X.      I want my mind to be trained so that I can be of the fullest service.

XI.    I want to be considered one of the family, for I will give my life to protect it.

XII.  I want my master to be my god and to act the part. 


**Although I did not write this only copied from an old book in my library do not copy or re-use this without giving credit to the writer and publication it came from.

I have the money why cant I have the puppy?

Why should you care about who you get your next puppy or dog from?

It is what happens after you walk away with your new pet that counts the most.   You want a breeder or rescue group to provide you with a healthy dog or puppy and make sure you are aware of any problems.   You want knowledgeable support when it comes to training and behavior issues.    you need support if you can no longer keep your dog for any reason.   A good breeder or rescue group will be like an extended family.  


Good Rescue Groups:

Are very community involved so they know what you need to know about dog concerns in your areas.

Have evaluated all the dogs that they sponsor and in most cases have trained them.

Understand that stressed shelter dogs who are reactive to other dogs are not necessarily dog aggressive.

Practice positive reinforcement and desensitization of stressed and fearful dogs and are very successful at changing old behaviors and teaching you how to continue.

Enjoy staying in touch and hearing about your dog.

Will understand that they may miss a perfect home because the applicant does not fit their parameters.

Will be around for future support as needed.

In most cases will help re-home the dog if necessary.

Charge small adoption donation fees that generally cover the dogs spay / neuter and vaccinations and at times other health issues.

Work hard to match family to dog.


Good breeders:

Believe it is all about a good caring conscientious forever home.

Consider new owners like family

Do not repeat a breeding unless there were no puppies or something spectacular happened!

Help and support their breed rescue and their local community by fostering, donations, shelter help, fighting BSL, promoting Responsible dog ownership and have practices in place to ensure none of their product becomes a community statistic or burden

Do not have more dogs than they can provide quality of life for each.

Look for the best stud dog for their bitch, which is usually not the dog in their own house

Will take back their puppy/dog at any time of it's life. 

Wants to stay in touch

Have a contract which will be about the welfare of the dog and may include spay and neuter requirements

Are careful how their puppies are placed and at times will co-own or put limits on registration in order to provide mentorship before removing strings.

Can prove the temperament of their dogs is correct.

Are willing to let you meet the dam and any other examples of the breed in their home.

Will be there for you for days, weeks, months and even years after the purchase.

Have titles on their dogs that will justify Type * Temperament * Soundness for the breed.

Health test their dogs per National Parent Club Health Committee requirements for the breed and often times more.

Will be willing to mentor you or steer you in the right direction so that you can pursue other avenues in the dog world.

Will carefully screen and evaluate the homes for their pups.

Will understand that they may miss a perfect home because the applicant does not fit in their parameters.

Are proud of the dogs they own and have bred and are active in their dog community. 


Good Homes:

Understand that a good breeder wants a future relationship and continuous communication therefore it is like interviewing for a position and you can be turned away even if you have 100 dollar bills falling out of your pockets.

Understand that a rescuer wants the best possible outcome for shelters dogs who have already had a rough start so they may make you jump thru several hoops before approving you for adoption.

Understands the importance of a strong adoption approval process

Is not offended if the breeder or rescue group does not choose them for a puppy.

Knows a breeder is invested in knowing how their/your puppy grows up so they can continue to improve their future choices for breeding.

That there are not always enough puppies or dogs to meet specific demands.

Know that researching the breed and breeders is important to get a healthy properly matched dog for their lifestyle.

Know what proper care, training and socialization are and they don't mind learning new ways of doing things. 

Know how very important responsible dog ownership is in their own community

Know their community dog laws, and what BSL is

Are realistic in their expectations of how a dog fits in their family and proper interaction between the children and puppy/dog.

Understand the importance of meeting the breeder in person and picking up their new puppy.

Do not argue over price because they know the purchase cost is the smallest part of the expense of owning a dog. 

Understand that there may be costly and emergency expenses during the life of the dog

Understand that proper health care and nutrition has a cost associated with it.

Look forward to the home visit part of the process as a way to ensure they are ready for their new dog.



Copyright 2013 Ciera Reflections. All Rights Reserved

I hate typos...

....not because I care if I make them but because my mother might see and then she will lose the entire point of what I am saying and focus in on the one GLARING error until she feels I not only understand what I did wrong but that I also realize what a savage I have become.  

It does not matter how many times I proof read, the minute I hit send or publish or print without saving I discover an error.   It almost ruins the entire writing experience.   I think it will be a huge growth step for me to accept that I am a savage and savages do not really care about grammar and typos as long as they get their point across.  Furthermore if this savage was a "real" writer she would have an editor who would take care of all that stuff with the efficiency that my 13 year old Mini Bull uses when cleaning her plate!

Instead I shall worry about getting my point across.

Copyright 2013 Ciera Reflections. All Rights Reserved

Ciera Puppy Placement Food for Thought

This is a list of questions I have been working on over the years.   It grows and evolves.   I do not think any of these questions are deal breakers but more starting points for conversation depending on potential new home and how well you already know them.   As interviewers we should spend more time listening than talking.    Having been on many many interviews it has always amazed me that the interviewer will not shut up and let me sell myself.    This list will at least provide you with questions so that you can sit back and listen.    I hope you all will add your own favorite questions too!

 I would also like to add that if you send this list to a potential home or if you methodically ask all of these questions over the phone you will scare them off.    Between your application and email correspondence you may get most of these answers or at least a feel for the type of person you are talking to.     I use this because it helps me remember things that are important to me while I am getting excited about someone who sounds like a great home.      The last groups of questions on BSL may never be an issue for anyone but some of the questions are important to get the answers to.   

Purchase and contract

Would you like or are you willing to show this dog in AKC shows or coordinate to allow me to show your pup?

If you purchase this puppy specifically for show but it does not live up to your expectations how should we handle that?

Do you have future thoughts or plans to breed? 

Would you like to become a member of the SBTCA?

How do you feel about Co-ownership and or limited registration?

How do you feel about purchase and co-own contracts?

When do you feel it is the best time to spay/neuter or not at all?

Are you aware if for any reason you cannot keep this dog, you should contact me?  

Is it possible for me to meet and or talk to all members of the household?  

If you have an existing family dog or dogs, can we set up a meeting so that I can see how the family dog interacts with a puppy?

Are you able to come to get your puppy?  (I am in Northern California)

See attached contract for more specifics

Will you ensure that your dog is micro-chipped with your breeder’s information as well as your own and to update the information if you move?

Quality of Life and Basic Minimum Care

How many hours will your puppy be alone each day?

Who will be the primary care giver for the puppy/dog?

Where would your dog stay when you travel?

Where would your dog sleep at night? 

Where and how would your dog spend the day?

Exercise, Training, Boredom, Socialization

Can you describe how you will ensure your dog has enough exercise?

What type of mental and physical activities will you provide your dog to ensure your dog does not develop boredom or stress related problems?

Do you know that puppies and young dogs are mentally and especially physically fragile no matter how tough and willing they seem?   

Are you familiar with critical imprint periods for puppies?

Have you ever been to basic obedience classes with a dog?    If yes, was it helpful?  If not, why not?

Health Care, Diet, proper weight, Injury

What type of food do you feed and how do you ensure your growing puppy and adult and senior are getting the correct amount of nutrition?

How do you know if your puppy or dog is not feeling well?   How would you know if it is serious enough to go to the vet?

Do you see any benefit in letting me know of any health issues?

How do you protect your dog from weather extremes?

Are you familiar with joint structure and the impact that overexertion of the puppy will have on the adult and senior?

Children and puppies and adult dogs

What are your thoughts on children and dogs? 

How do you protect your child from being bitten?

How do you protect your dog from overly zealous children?

How do you avoid being bitten?

Please describe proper child / dog interaction?  

What does it mean when a dog growls?

Can you name at least 5 signs of a scared or stressed dog?

What might cause a dog to be scared or stressed?

Home and neighborhood

Do you Own or rent?   
Do you have a swimming pool?  

If own can you check to see if a Staffordshire bull terrier is excluded on your homeowner’s insurance policy or any Homeowners Association Rules?

If you rent, can you provide proof that your landlord will allow a Staffordshire Bull Terrier?  You may be required to offer renter’s liability insurance listing the dog. 

How long at your current address?

Do you have a fenced yard?   If yes, what type of fencing?  If no, can you describe how you will keep your dog confined safely?

Will your dog have access to a swimming pool?  If yes, how will you ensure your puppy is safe?

Is your home on a busy street or intersection?

Is your home near large wilderness areas?

BSL, Community Issues and Canine Good Citizen

Have you ever been inside a dog shelter or volunteered at a shelter or fostered or adopted a dog from a Rescue Group or Shelter?  

Do you know what Breed Specific Legislation is and what it means to you if you own a Stafford?

Do you plan to take your dog to off leash dog parks?

Are you aware of what draws the attention of Animal Control in your community?  

 What would you do if a neighbor complains about your dog to you or Authorities?

Do you understand the consequences of having your dog labeled a nuisance or dangerous dog?

Can you describe what it means to live in a neighborhood with dog breed prejudice?  

Does your insurance carrier allow all breed of dogs?

What does your lease agreement or HOA say about owning dogs or certain breeds?

What are your community leash and dog laws and potentially dangerous dog classifications?

How do you properly and safely confine your dog?

Can you explain what BSL is?

Can you verify that you do or do not have BSL in your community or a relative’s community or neighboring community where you and your dog may travel?  

Describe how to ensure your dog does not harass, hurt or kill another pet or livestock? 

What will you do if you are having trouble with any of the above issues?

Describe your city or county’s definition of potentially dangerous or nuisance behavior is?

If your dog becomes lost what steps will you have taken to ensure that you will get him or her returned to you?   What will you do to ensure your dog is not at large again?

What will you do if AC takes your dog and will not return it?

I have zero tolerance for “dog at large”.  If your dog is confiscated by your city or county for “potentially dangerous behavior” including but not limited to “being at large” are you willing to forfeit ownership to the breeder or local rescue group so that they may follow your city or county processes to reclaim the dog regardless of whether you feel your rights were violated.

Here are some great resources that I find very helpful:

http://www.patriciamcconnell.com/about-us 

http://drsophiayin.com/resources/dog_behavior

……and of course me!!   If you get a puppy from me I will be there for anything for the entire life of the dog!

Natures Farmacy for all supplements

 Copyright 2013 Ciera Reflections. All Rights Reserved

Adoption Contract / Promise

In Memory of Sarge, RIP 
 Adoption Contract

I require all new forever homes to agree to these requirements:

This agreement is for the rescue dog named                                    

I/we will license and microchip the rescue dog making the Lorelei Craig a 2nd

contact.                If microchip already in place put registration information here:

I/we agree to never take (the rescue dog) to any public dog park or be released where it could be hurt or hurt other dogs.                

I/we agree to never let (the rescue dog) off leash outside my home or securely fenced areas.   ____ (This would not apply to dogs competing in Obedience or Agility or other controlled performance sports.)

I understand if I/we can no longer keep (the rescue dog) for any reason I/we must contact Lorelei Craig ASAP.  I/we may be asked to foster for a short period while we make arrangements for a new home or foster.                                                                

I/we will not re-home (the rescue dog) with anyone including another family member without contacting Lorelei Craig first.                                 

I/we understand we may not euthanize (the rescue dog) for any reason without contacting the Lorelei Craig first.          _____              (This may be waived in the case of life/death situations but never due to behavior issues.)

I/we understand (the rescue dog) is not to be left with a cat or other small dog unattended.       

I/we understand (the rescue dog) is not to be left alone in the back yard for extended periods of unattended time.                        (Bored dogs become nuisance dogs.)

I/we understand the Bull Breeds were originally bred to fight other dogs and as a result I will ensure that (the rescue dog) is never put in a position where he/she can be aggressive to any other animal.

I/we will ensure that (the rescue dog) is a good ambassador for the breed and not put in a position to be troublesome in our community.  I/we will not ignore bad behaviors or potential bad behaviors and will seek help or guidance to ensure (the rescue dog) is a good member of the community. _____

I/we understand that although many dogs are great with children it takes supervision and guidance to ensure children know how to behave around dogs.  I/we understand that we must never leave (the rescue dog) unsupervised with a child under the age of 12 or any child who is not familiar with (the rescue dog).                                                                                 Please check out this website for information relating to children and dogs and signs of anxiety in your dog. http://www.liamjperkfoundation.org/talk.html

I/we are aware that some homeowner’s and renter’s insurance policies exclude some of the Bull Breeds.  I am aware if this is the case with my/our policy I/we will not be covered if (the rescue dog) does harm another person or pet or property.           

I/we have checked with our landlord or homeowner’s association to ensure that (the rescue dog) is welcome and can supply proof is requested.                        

I/we will not leave (the rescue dog) outside at night or in hot, cold or rainy weather during the day    __

I/we will provide good quality food and fresh water daily for (the rescue dog).                            

I/we will provide prompt and adequate health care for (the rescue dog).         

I/we will ensure (the rescue dog) is crate trained and will have a crate available to use as needed for time outs and to keep (the rescue dog) safe during parties or loud holiday noises or other times as necessary.                            

I/we will become familiar and comply with nuisance and potentially dangerous dog laws in my community.                 

I/we am/are aware and agree that if (the rescue dog) is picked up by Animal Control I/we may be required to waive our ownership rights and return (the dog) to Lorelei Craig. By signing and initialing this contract I/we am/are agreeing to give up ownership of (the rescue dog) if it is picked up by Animal Control and held for any reason. ______

Lorelei Craig reserves the right to waive this requirement on a case basis and only after her review.               

I/we agree to attend basic obedience/well mannered pet training with (the rescue dog).               Depending on age and evaluation of (the rescue dog) and experience level of adopter this may be waived, see following note:

I/we understand that the past life of a rescue dog is unclear.   I/we understand that because of this (the rescue dog) comes with baggage but in almost all instances time and patience and good quality life and training will take care of any problems.              

Signed                                                                    Date                              

Printed Name                                                                      

Signed                                                                   Date                                 

Printed Name                                                                           

Copyright 2013 Ciera Reflections. All Rights Reserved.