Chells Bells

Some of you know I've been considering retiring Chelsea from Pet Therapy. If you've been following our journey you know how long we spent on a wait list to be tested, how much the actual test entailed, and how much we love the work we do at the secure youth treatment and detention center called Syl Apps. 

We had the same three kids in the program for about a year, and over that time they bonded with Chelsea and I became very attached to them.  All three have been discharged now, one was moved to the adult prison in Brampton and the other two went in to group homes/assisted living situations. I am still in contact with one of them.

Physically we had a few setbacks over the holidays. I had a seemingly neverending infection that went on for about six weeks, and Chelsea had minor surgery between Christmas and New Years.  I am much more aware that Chelsea is aging, partly because of the minor surgery and partly because she's clearly slowing down and becoming more neurotic. I feel the need to shield her more than I ever have. Thinking back I never used to have that feeling at all. She was Chelsea - well behaved, ridiculously appropriate with other dogs, and in love with every person she met. I never worried about taking her places because I knew she would behave and I knew there was virtually no possible scenario that would require me to rescue her.  I think that's changing.

She doesn't play with Lulu anymore. When Lu tries to engage her Chelsea just gives her a "piss off" bark and poor Lulu is dumbfounded, like "what did I do?".  Just to be clear Lulu adores Chelsea, she always has. It's not like Lulu's spent the past 3 years tormenting her and Chelsea just decided she's had enough. They'd run, chase, play, wrestle, they were buds. Now Chelsea wants nothing to do with her. That disinterest hasn't extended to people, fortunately, the way she follows my mom around is actually kind of pitiful. And it's interest in people that's crucial the successful pet therapy.

We're starting up again on February 28. I wish I didn't have doubts about it working out but I do. It's always been something Chelsea loved and she bonds with people very well.  Fingers are crossed, but the day she stops enjoying it is the day she retires. That day could be months or years from now, or it could be just around the corner.

jailing more people = epic fail

 Blogger Impudent Strumpet asked "What is the political motivation behind jailing more people?"

Oh boy. There's political motivation, ideological motivation, and greed motivation.

The political motivation is to appeal to people who think "tough on crime" policies will bring crime rates down and keep them safe. There's also the "fear factor", that if people are afraid of crime and believe the government will keep them safe they'll give the government a longer leash, perhaps even letting the government infringe on its citizens civil rights (ie. Patriot Act).

We have become a throwaway society.  I see it every day. If animals or people have problems, or are inconvenient, our society is more likely to put them down or away - out of sight, out of mind. Never mind that the factors that cause animal overpopulation, or criminal behaviour (poverty, disenfranchisement, racism), can be addressed but are not, so the cycle begins again.

Therein lies the ideological rub. People with conservative ideologies generally don't acknowledge that social factors contribute to criminal activity, whereas people with progressive ideologies are more likely to address these problems.

Then there's the profit motive. There's big money to be made in locking people up - if the institution housing them is privately or corporately owned. This was touched upon in Michael Moore's "Capitalism, a Love Story" but it is happening in Canada too. The secure detention/treatment facility I volunteer at is part of the private sector, not public sector, but all of the youths are there by court order.

The US model of "supermax" prisons is an epic fail.  It doesn't work. Locking people up for 23 hours a day is sure to contribute to mental/emotional disorders, and increase anxiety and aggression.  I consider myself a fairly level, compassionate person but if I had to spend 23 hours a day in a cage for years on end I might become a completely different person. 

Supermax prisons are inhumane.  I believe that most people are good.  Most people in the justice system are good, but have made really bad decisions.  I've made really bad decisions. Who hasn't?  As a society are we prepared to say that people who make bad decisions are no longer human? No longer thinking, feeling people and no longer entitled to dignity? A decent quality of life? An opportunity to overcome whatever social, mental, or emotional impediments led them to commit crimes?  I wouldn't keep a dog in a cage 23 hours a day.  I wouldn't do that to a human being either.

By contrast, there are some models in the US in which inmates with serious convictions, including murder, are detained in lower security facilities.  They have the freedom to come and go from their cells, to interact with other inmates, to participate in programs.  These are dangerous people.  So why aren't they shanking each other and rioting and attacking guards? Because they know they have a good thing and they don't want to blow it. These inmates are easier to manage than inmates in so-called "supermax" prisons.

It's time to re-think the way we view people who commit crimes, and the way they live while incarcerated.

My two cents.

Pupdate (title yoinked from L-Girl at WMTC)

There's been a lot of news on the canine front over the past few weeks.  Kiera finally kicked what was ailing her - yay!  Then last week Riley fell up the stairs of my parents' deck, and completely blew his anterior cruciate ligament in the process.  He had surgery on Tuesday and is recovering well.  No complications, no seizures.  Last but certainly not least my amazing friends answered a family's call for help for their Golden Retriever Maddie.  Project Maddie, a pet food bank for pet owners in temporary financial crisis, was born. 

Chelsea and I are still doing our visits at Syl Apps every Wednesday evening.  Last night one of the youths handed me an envelope with "To: Chelsey's Owner" written on the front.  Rosie, our Therapeutic Recreation Coordinator said "I have no idea what it is, whether it's good or bad.  She asked me to mail it to you and then I told her she could give it to you in person and she said she'd rather do that".  I opened the envelope, and this what the letter read (I've omitted names and addresses to protect her privacy):

March 24 2010

Hey how are you? thanks for the worry dolls, spending time with me.  I greatly appreciate that thanks.  Maby when Im out I can come down to the shelter and see you guys.  I will miss you when I'm out, Chelsea because Chelsey made me feel like I was at home because I really miss my dog Jazmine.  Thank you for your support, your kindness cause it ment alot to me and you are a very nice person, you have a great personality.  If you want to see my dog you can come see her at (address).  That's where my foster mom (name) lives she would be good if you came to see us or see Jazmine.  Would you be able to come see me graduate from highschool.  Im graduating in April but dont know the date yet so I'll keep you posted about it ok!

Thanks
(name)

Happy Easter!!

I think that's probably the most touching and important letter I've ever received in my life.  If I could share one lesson from my pet therapy work it would be judge people not by their mistakes, but by their hearts.

nothing i wouldn't do for my Roo

Yesterday I took Kiera and Chelsea to the vet for their annual health exam. Chelsea has to be kept current on all vaccines because of our participation in Pet-assisted Therapy so her check up was pretty straightforward. And she's healthy! Yay!  The vet also said she's approximately 8-10 years old, which is pretty consistent with my guess of 8 or 9.

With Kiera, as always, it was a little more complicated. I was anticipating some blood work because my vet recommends "wellness screening" in mature animals to catch problems in early stages if at all possible.

The decision whether to vaccinate Kiera is always a struggle for me.  Kiera has problems with allergies, and hair loss previously attributed to allergies. She gets "special baths" every two week with a medicated shampoo containing salicylic acid. And you probably know I'm extremely particular about everything that goes in to her, especially food. I don't even allow her treats unless I'm sure they don't contain potential allergens. So you can appreciate that I'm also very uncomfortable with injecting her with something that might wreck havoc on her already out of whack system. I turn myself inside out weighing the pros and cons and in the end I follow my instincts and pray I've made the right decision for my dog. She don't have a voice so I need to weigh the facts, the risks, and make the very best decision I can, even if it seems to be the less of two evils, because obviously there are inherent risks in not vaccinating pets against known diseases. It  helps to have a supportive vet who will provide information, and work with me and not try to talk me out of what I believe to be best for my pets.


I would never recommend making decisions about vaccinations or heartworm prevention lightly. If this is something you're considering I urge you to talk to your vet and do your own research. At the end of the day there are pros and cons to each path, it is not black and white in any way, shape or form. There are a number of variables to consider including the pet's health, lifestyle, possible exposure to diseases etc. A supportive vet who will provide information, and work with you to find a solution you're comfortable with as a pet owner is really a treasure, please don't settle for anything less.

My vet recommended a more comprehensive screening of Kiera's blood work that would include thyroid hormone levels. I walked out of the vet clinic $370 poorer but my vet called me today and Kiera has a significantly under-active thyroid. This could explain the loss of fur over the past few years that another vet had attributed to allergies. Hypothyroidism is not uncommon among Cocker Spaniels although they usually look like little snausages. Kiera is quite lean. Other than the thyroid issue and some slight anemia (which the vet suggested may be attributed to the hypothyroidism) Kiera's blood work was completely normal. Great news.

I kind of feel like she's starting a new life today. Not in terms of age, she will still be 7, but she's been one of the oldest 7 year old dogs I've ever known. I think of Sarah/Alpha at that age and it's like night and day (though they were very different dogs in many ways). Her skin and coat will probably improve, and maybe I can even loosen my death grip-ish control over what she eats so she can have the odd treat at a dog park if someone asks. And I feel good about myself. There will be repercussions for the $400 that just disappeared out of this month's budget but I'll never have to question whether I've done everything I can to help her be healthy and happy. That's the kind of furmom she deserves and it makes me happy that I can be that for her.

If anyone is interested the outstanding vet is Sarah Machell at North Oakville Animal Hospital 
Sarah has never steered me or my family wrong. She took exceptional care of our beloved Sarah (dog) aka. Alpha in her declining years and made a generous donation to canine cancer research in Sarah/Alpha's memory when she died.  My parents' rescued Australian Shepherd Reilly is epileptic and again Sarah worked with my parents to provide them with information and options so that they can make decisions they feel good about.  And then of course there's Kiera - ruptured cruciate ligaments and now hypothyroidism, Sarah has seen us through a lot.  She even volunteers her services at the Oakville & District Humane Society.

Pet Therapy Update: Youth Detention and Secure Treatment Centre

I took Chelsea to the Youth Detention and Secure Treatment Centre for a meet and greet. We were also given a tour to get a feel for the facility. I didn't really know what to expect. Heather had warned me that it's an extremely stressful assignment and the e-mails I'd received from the guy who coordinates the programs were more friendly and familiar than I was comfortable with. Today I received an e-mail from Heather assuring me that's just how this guy is so I felt better right away. I deal with a lot of different personalities through work and I grew up around cops so I know how to handle myself as long as I know what I'm dealing with.

In person the man I've been exchanging e-mails with is much more what I would have expected and not overly familiar. I got the impression that he really understands how beneficial Pet Therapy can be and he said it would be really important to the kids. We'll be dealing with kids who have mental illnesses and are at this particular facility getting court ordered treatment. Chelsea is so intuitive and she really has a gift of knowing where she's needed. I'm so glad I'll get to share that gift with kids who truly need it so I'm looking forward to getting started. Going in there just felt right and I know this is where we're supposed to be.

Pet Therapy update

Last week Chelsea and I became a certified St. John Ambulance pet therapy team. My Dad kindly took a picture of us "in uniform" to send to Take Me Home, the rescue I adopted Chelsea from. Take a very, very good look at the dog someone brought home before deciding to throw her away. Twice. Chelsea is a wonderful therapy dog. We all have gifts to share, we just have to find them and open our hearts and use them. Have you found yours?

Test day!

Whew was I nervous! Heart pounding, shallow breathing, the whole nine yards. Chelsea being the intuitive soul that she is clearly picked up on my nervousness and was not nearly as obedient as usual.

Me: "Chelsea, sit".
Chelsea: "Piss off mummy, ask me again when you're normal".

Nevertheless, WE PASSED! There were four dog/handler pairs tested. Chelsea and I were third in line to get our results, and with a simple "congratulations" all of the tension just melted away and I realized that I hadn't drawn a normal breath for the entire two hour test! I am so, so proud of Chelsea. She's truly got a gift and I am thrilled that we'll have a chance to share it with people who would otherwise have minimal contact with "the outside world", and almost no contact with animals. Sometimes I wonder what my life would be like if I couldn't have pets due to illness or age or because I was no longer able to live independently. For me, it's unthinkable. If that day comes (and I somehow manage to refrain from throwing myself off a bridge) a visit from a therapy animal will mean the world to me.

Those who are intimately familiar with my little zoo know that when I got Kiera as a puppy my intention was to mold her in to a dog that could do therapy work. We've worked really, really hard, but as it turns out the most realistic goal we could set was helping her be a happy, confident, friendly dog. Chelsea, on the other hand, came in to my life by chance or fate or both. My only intention in adopting her was to find a great addition to our "family". I haven't put nearly the time or effort in to her training as I did with Kiera's because she's naturally such a well-behaved, well-balanced dog. As it turns out Kiera has other gifts to share, and no amount of training or socialization would have made her a candidate for this type of work. To be honest I really don't think she'd enjoy it either. Chelsea, on the other hand, is such a natural and has such a gift for relating to people that it seems like this is the job she was meant to do. I'm so grateful to be blessed with such a special little zoo. And such amazing friends! I deeply appreciate the words of encouragement and support leading up to the test. Tuesday night we'll be celebrating this milestone so if you're free and in the area pop in for a drink - it will be "Chelsea's passing party" :-)