We share with you another beautiful story that we know will bring a smile to your face of the amazing impact an Assistance Dog makes to the life of the family they join. Luis and Piper....Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Assistance Dogs are sometimes referred to as Psychiatric Assistance Dogs. Luis has come a long way. He is an ex-policeman and was diagnosed with PTSD in 2017. He was medically retired from policing a year later. With the life-saving help of Piper, the PTSD Assistance Dog, Luis can look back on his journey and be proud of how far he has progressed. At Luis’ lowest point, there would be days where his wife, Paige, was not able to go to work. She was too worried about leaving him alone for the whole day, fearing the worst. PTSD took control of Luis’ life, especially in quiet night-time moments. Luis said, “I used to have really graphic and horrible night terrors 3-4 times a week. I would sweat through my sheets and wake up choking and struggling to breathe.” Luis tried for so long to feel better. He did the PTSD therapy and treatments the doctors and specialists told him to do. But he needed something extraordinary to have the breakthrough he desperately needed. In July 2019, Luis received his highly-trained PTSD Assistance Dog, a loveable chocolate Labrador named Piper. The main skill Piper does is “Visit”, which is where Piper lays her head in Luis’ lap and releases the weight of her head, which helps ground and relax Luis when he becomes overwhelmed. Luis said, “I use ‘Visit’ a lot, both at home and in public, as it helps me to relax and feel more secure because I can focus on Piper and not get overwhelmed by all of the thoughts that start swirling around in my head when I get stressed or anxious.” Having Piper by his side has been a huge help to Luis when his PTSD has caused him to feel extremely distressed when he is out in public. Luis said, “Sometimes when I run errands in town I can get really panicky all of a sudden out in the open. I focus on Piper and pet her and look at her for five minutes and then I don’t have to go home straight away and can usually finish my errands.” At the end of the day, it is Piper’s unconditional love that has been a life-saver so many times for Luis, he said. Luis calls Piper his “offsider”, which is what police call the officer who backs up another. She has brought so much joy and peace to their lives, and enabled Luis to feel safer, less anxious and much happier on a daily basis. With Piper in their lives, Luis and his wife Paige can get their lives back on track and feel better about the present – and future. Want to know how you can support Assistance Dogs Australia? There are more options then just giving a donation. Check our their website HERE for the many ways you help support the amazing work that they do. You never know how much of a difference you could be making in someone's life!
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Along with many other conditions, epilepsy is not just limited to humans and can be found in our pets too. What is epilepsy?Epilepsy is when a seizure is caused from a surge of electrical activity in the brain. This is shown physically by a dog in mild to severe ways, including twitching, body shaking and/or tremors, body spasms and convulsions. Epilepsy is diagnosed when a dog suffers reoccurring seizures without a known cause or trigger. The brain appears to be normal without any damage but functions in an abnormal way. What causes epilepsy in dogs?Some dogs are born with epilepsy while others can develop it later in life, often without a cause or reason for it. Epilepsy can also be caused by trauma to the head or brain tumours. Seizures can also be caused by toxins or some form of poisoning, abnormal blood sugars or kidney or liver disease. Symptoms of epilepsy.Some dogs can have very mild versions of the below symptoms whilst others can be quite violent and confronting. Should your dog every display any of the below symptoms, they should be taken to a vet immediately.
Your dog is not as risk of swallowing their tongue and can accidently bite you during a seizure. You should ensure they are safely away from any objects that could harm them (if they knocked into them) and leave your dog be during their seizure. They can also be very confused as they come out the seizure so it's best to remain calm, as confronting as the situation is, and give them time to approach you. Treatment of epilepsy.If your dog is suffering from symptoms of epilepsy, it's important to have them seen by your vet immediately. They will conduct tests to establish the cause of your dog's seizures and if they do in face have epilepsy or another health condition causing their seizures. Treatment will vary depending on what the vet discovers and their results may be 'epilepsy of unknown cause' if there is no damage or growths on your dog's brain. Dog's can live a relatively normal life on anti seizure medication once the correct dosage is established. This medication will need to be given at the same time every day for the remainder of the dog's life. Diet has also been shown to play an important role in epileptic dog's lives and this is also something your vet will discuss with you. A low fat diet is usually recommended. Are breeds prone to epilepsy?Research has shown that there is a higher rate of dogs diagnosed with epilepsy within some breeds.
These include; Beagles, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Border Collies, Boxers, Cocker Spaniels, Collies, Dachshunds, Golden Retrievers, Irish Setters, Irish Wolfhounds, Keeshonds, Labradors and Poodles. This is in no way to say that if you own this breed that your dog will suffer from epilepsy, however these breeds have had a higher rate of diagnoses. This is why is it always important to do your research before purchasing a dog, knowing of any common hereditary issues with a breed and insisting on full health records of breeding parents to be provided. Origin:
One of the oldest spaniels known, the English Cocker Spaniel was originally known as the general spaniel and the only one recorded as being imported into England many centuries ago. They were then separated into 7 different individual spaniel breeds. These were; - English Springer - Cocker Spaniel - Clumber Spaniel - Sussex Spaniel - Welsh Springer Spaniel - Field Spaniel - Irish Water Spaniel All of which are still well-known and kept breeds todays. It was not until 1946 that the Cocker Spaniel was first recognised as two separate breeds, being the American and English Cocker Spaniel. Their name comes from the bird the Woodcock, a bird that the breed was fantastic at flushing out, leading them to be named the ‘Cocker’ Spaniel. Purpose: The Cocker Spaniel was breed for a working dog. They were used as hunting gun dogs and were able to travel easily through wet and dry land and harsh environments. Their key talent is to flush out and retrieve game very gently and without damage. Along with hunting and retrieving, the Cocker is also great at agility and obedience work as well as making a brave watchdog. Coat care: The Cocker Spaniel can be kept in full coat, breed cut or trimmed all over. When kept in full or breed coat, they will require daily brushing, sometimes twice daily, to avoid matting especially around their pants and underbelly. Being low to the ground they can pick up burrs and twigs very easily. They can also matt very easily on their feet and between their toes so special focus should be made on these areas too. Their long ears can also pick up grass seeds easily so should be checked after being out in any areas of long grass. They can also hold a lot of moisture so should also be checked often for signs of infection. They should be bathed only as needed. Health & Temperament: Don’t let their small side fool you, the Cocker Spaniel is a strong, sturdy and very smart little dog. Being bred as a working dog, they love to run and play and need a decent daily walk at a minimum. They can be very gentle with their family and love to play, making them great with children. When well socialised from a young age, they make for a very confident dog who enjoys being around other people, dogs and cats. They thrive on plenty of physical and mental stimulation as well as having rules and boundaries in place, to avoid any dominance issues. They are a breed who can gain weight easily, so diet and exercise need to be well managed. They are often prone to ear infections so any Cocker owner needs to be confident in checking ears regularly and knowing the signs of an infection beginning. The breed has no serious hereditary issues and on average they live for 12 – 15 years. Along with all the other amazing groups and organizations who provide dogs around to Australia to those requiring support, the team at Smart Pups offer a life changing addition to any child with special needs. Smart Pups provide specially trained service dogs to children with special needs, with the goal to have these amazing dogs assist these children every day to help improve their quality of life. These incredible Labradors and Golden Retrievers are selected at 8 weeks old and begin training within their foster family. They are exposed to all different daily experiences and household routines. Between the ages of 6 – 8 months old they enter the Smart Pups program of General Training Modules before entering the Advanced Training Program. At this stage of training they learn task specific modules, this way, when they time comes and they are matched with their child to assist, they will meet the exact needs of that child. How amazing is that?!| The amazing team at Smart Pups train their dogs in 5 areas of assistance. - Autism Assistance - Diabetic and Medical Alert - Seizure Response - Mobility Assistance - Vision Assistance Read below, from Cody's Mum, how Smart Pup Lulu changed Cody's life from the day she joined his family! So, a little about Miss Lulu and Cody. Before Lulu, Cody was a 14 year old boy who would rarely engage with anyone in or out of the home, he was like a shell of a boy with not many words or emotions. Since Lulu, Cody has changed in so many ways… he laughs, he smiles, he plays, he goes to school, hospital appointments and all his therapies with a smile on his face. He asks every day if Lulu is his best friend and if she loves him. It makes all our hearts smile, everyone who knows Cody comments on the changes in him and that the smile he has on his face each day is because of Lulu. We never knew a dog could love the way Lulu does, unconditionally. Lulu hasn’t only changed Cody’s life, she has changed all our lives, in more ways than we could ever have imagined! Cody’s two younger brothers suffer from severe anxiety (which has stemmed from seeing Cody in emergency situations and watching paramedics saving him more times than they should have ever seen). When they are worked up or they just need a cuddle and kiss Lulu is more than happy to oblige, she has an endless supply of love to give. As for Scott and I, well she has definitely brightened our lives for different reasons. What she has done for Cody gives us relief, simple things like laying with him on the couch, sleeping on his bed and watching him overnight. Lulu does what we can’t, stays by his side overnight, being near him while he sleeps. Not only does Lulu alert to Cody’s seizures, she is so perfectly in tune with him, she has stepped into action when Cody has been upset, unwell or even just a little bit off, checking him, comforting him and making sure we know exactly what is going on. It’s truly amazing how a dog can make you feel calm, when Scott and I are feeling a little overwhelmed or down she brightens our day too. We have never seen a dog that loves as much as Lulu does, she has so much love to give! She gets very excited at the simple, “Hi Lulu!” Her whole body wiggles but nothing more than her wiggly bottom and waggly tail (we get a lot comments on her excited tail wag when we are at appointments). Kisses, kisses and more kisses is definitely one of Lulu’s quirks. First thing in the morning Lulu runs out of Cody’s room to our room and runs straight to me and kisses me until I give Lulu her morning back scratch. Then she goes to Scott waiting for him to take her to the toilet and then she comes in and lays with Cody until breakfast, it’s a daily routine and Lulu loves routine (maybe not as much as a back scratch though!) When Victoria continued to go in and out of lockdown, Cody and Lulu have had PLENTY of time to fall in love! Again thank you to all for their help and support in training Lulu to be the perfect match for Cody. Best friends for life. Want to help support the amazing work that Smart Pups does?! There are many ways you can help, including tax deductible donations, fundraising, donating your time or even fostering a puppy! Find out more about how you can help support a Smart Pup at their website here! Your help and support will make a huge difference in a child's life!
We all know the most talked about items around our homes that our dog's can't have, the chemical cabinet it ALWAYS out of bounds, no chocolate, no alcohol. But did you know there are a lot more common foods that you probably have in your kitchen right now that are also very toxic to our dogs? In this blog series we will highlight some other foods that you may not know need to be kept out of Fido's reach too!
Origin:
The exact origin of the Chihuahua is somewhat unknown, with a number of theories floating around. Some believe they originated from China, others believe they were brought from the islands of Malta and then brought to Mexico. Another theory, and given their name this is the most popular, is that they originated in the town of Chihuahua in Mexico. They are recorded as the smallest breed in the world as well as the oldest breed on the American continent. The breed was considered sacred to Pre-Columbian Indian nations and were considered a sign of wealth or status for the upper class. Purpose: The Chihuahua was bred as a companion dog and a status symbol for the wealthy. Their level of devotion and protection of their owners led for them to have a level of spiritual significance for the Aztec’s, who believed a Chihuahua could guide souls through the afterlife with protection. Coat care: The Chihuahua comes in two coat options, short or long hair. The short haired coat offers easy maintenance that can be brushed every so often or as needed and wiped over with a baby wipe or damp cloth as required. The long coat will require daily brushing, focusing under the arms and around the ears to avoid small knots. They can also be wiped over as needed to remove any mess from the coat. The Chihuahua requires bathing only when extremely dirty. They can be prone to ear infections so water should be avoided around the ears. Health & Temperament: Don’t let their tiny frame fool you, the Chihuahua is full of personality and energy. They are active little dogs who require daily walks and will also enjoy playtimes with their family. The Chihuahua is a breed that immediately from a young age require boundaries and good socialisation, to avoid neurotic issues, aggression, anxiety issues and small dog syndrome. They are a fantastic companion dog who is fiercely protective and loyal. Although this can be cute, it can lead to a dog that will bite, so needs to be managed from a young age. A well socialised and confident Chihuahua is happy to play and interact with other dogs. They have a poor reputation with children and can be known for being snappy, however this is only because of the way they are raised. Chihuahuas, along with other toy breeds of dogs, are often treated more as babies instead of dogs and this leads to serious behavioural issues. If raised with boundaries and treated like a dog that is a member of the family, not a human, a Chihuahua can be a very well behaved, loving pet. Unfortunately, as the Chihuahua is prized for it’s tiny size and over the years has been bred, interbred and cross bred to create a teeny tiny dog, the Chihuahuas of today can sadly have an array of health issues. This includes eye issues, central nervous system issues, gum problems as well as knee, joint and muscle issues. It’s essential to do your research into breeders and view their breeding dog’s health history prior to purchasing a puppy. All Chihuahua owners should be well educated in the health issues that can occur with breed, so they can be aware of signs and begin treatment as it’s needed, for a happy and healthy dog. Whilst we all prepare to eat our way through the silly season, it's important our doggies get to enjoy a festive treat too! Ingredients
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Meet Barnaby, the beautiful assistance dog for Daniel.After my long stay in hospital, after my accident, I wondered what could be out there to get me through my days where I wouldn’t be bored or have nothing to do. I soon caught the eye of a peer support worker who had an assistance dog!! I was soon introduced to Barnaby, and we clicked very soon on. It started with him coming out with Ann for some home visits and getting him used to me, then a couple of park visits where we could throw a ball and Barnaby would come back to me and bench on the side of my chair to return the ball. Barnaby helps me by assisting with pushing doors closed or tugs them open with some rope we have placed on the handles. Also when I drop things off my lap he’s first on the scene to retrieve them for me. Barnaby can assist in tugging off of clothes such as my jumper – that’s really handy as I’m always getting stuck. Since receiving Barnaby we have been shopping together, a couple of restaurants, other outings. We are going camping on the long weekend down the south coast to Lake Conjola and that we are looking forward to. My famous quote “I would be very wealthy if I received a dollar for every time we are out and someone comments on how beautiful Barnaby is.” Daniel Want to know more about Australian Support Dogs and the amazing work they do? Visit their website here!
Want to know how you can help? There are several ways you can help and support ASDOG. Did you know that the average assistance dog costs approximately $20 000 to complete its programs? With no government funding, they solely rely on donations to make it possible to continue to raise Assistance Dogs. To find out how you can help with donations to ASDOG, visit here! Donations over $2 are tax deductible. ASDOG is endorsed by the Australian Taxation Office as a Deductible Gift Recipient. You can also become a member of ASDOG – for more information on membership, visit HERE. You can volunteer for ASDOG. Your donated time can be offered in many ways, including raising a pup to offering your expertise or services including graphic design, book keeping, photography and more. If you would like to volunteer – visit HERE.
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