Dog Abuse Story: My Reality Check

September 2, 2015 by Fanna Easter

Helping an Abused Dog Named Noodle

Dog Abuse — Noodle, the female Pit Bull Terrier.

The last few days are a blur. A very skinny and severely neglected female Pit Bull Terrier came into my life and my world has been spinning ever since. While my soul still aches, I want to share her story with you not to make you sad, but to empower you. We all need to help.

The Story of Noodle

My day started like most days, sipping coffee and typing away at my next article. Then, an early morning phone call sank my heart to my feet.

A dear friend arrived at work earlier than scheduled on a hot and humid Friday morning. As he approached the front door, he was greeted by a malnourished female dog that was tied and duct-taped to a massive tree log. She had dragged this log for miles, as there were no homes or businesses close by. She dragged this huge truck for so long that the bottom was sanded flat.

She was filthy and extremely skinny, and her breasts told of a recent litter of puppies. Her feet were red and blistered and her neck was bleeding. She was exhausted. She could barely stand or walk. She collapsed at his feet.

My friend slowly befriended her with his breakfast and removed the log. Next, he freed her from the thick rope and duct tape choking her. It seems the duct tape was freshly applied probably within eight hours, which sickens me because some horrible person must have recently touched her and did it in pure cruelty.

Fighting back waves of nausea, I had to sit down while listening to the dreadful details. My friend grasped for words followed by long pauses, as we both fought back tears. He was begging for help. We had to save her. Then, I asked for pictures, hoping with every fiber of my being that it wasn’t too bad. After viewing them, I wished I’d never seen them. Those pictures can never be unseen. They’re burned in my eyes and soul forever.

A rage filled me unlike anything I’ve felt before. I cried and screamed inside and out–how could this happen? Another wave of pure disgust fueled my rage. This poor Pit Bull girl had pulled this log along aside a busy road and no one stopped to help her! I know someone saw her. It was during rush hour for Pete’s sake!

No, I will not let her down. Cruel humans have done enough.

Stepping Into Action

Used My Contacts

Thankfully, I’m blessed with a hefty number of dog-loving contacts, so I started using them all. I begged for help on Facebook and made hundreds of phone calls. As kind souls began arriving at work, they pooled funds together and purchased her a dog crate, food and treats. She was safe, but I needed to find her a safe place for the night.

Fostered the Dog

Noodle’s story spread like wildfire. Two kind souls offered to foster her until she was able to find her forever home. Now, fostering is not for the faint of heart. It’s mentally challenging for both humans and their personal dogs. However, the reward most certainly outweighs its challenges.

Contacted a Local Veterinarian

I begged and pleaded on social media for funds, which I knew would be desperately needed to save this girl. She has probably never seen a veterinarian in her life. While the outpouring was massive, there was a delay in fundraising. Folks were unsure about donating to a website, so we set up direct billing to a local veterinarian.

Why I Didn’t Contact Animal Control

Many of you are probably asking, “Why didn’t you contact rescue?” Well I did, and they’re drowning in abandoned dogs. Pit Bulls are usually the first dogs euthanized at animal control because so many idiots are breeding them and no one adopts them out.

Time and time again, local and national rescue organizations rejected me. After hearing “Sorry, we’re full” 15 times, I learned a very valuable lesson. The problem is not rescue. It’s us. We’re asking others to clean up our mess–out of sight, out of mind, right? Well, not anymore.

Everyone, including non-pet lovers, needs to roll up his sleeves and help every animal in need regardless where it happens. We must take action and quit passing the buck. Don’t look away.

It takes a village to save a dog.

Six Days Later (8/27/15)

Noodle has gained 10 pounds, learned to play with toys and experienced sleeping on beds, which she loves. She used to be scared she’ll never eat again, but she’s learning to eat slower. She’s causing chronic stomach distention, as she drinks every water bowl dry, including the toilet. Keep in mind she’s never had unlimited access to resources. She’s scared of male dogs, which makes me think she was forcibly bred for puppies over and over again.

She loves people so much so she would rather sit in your lap than eat her chewies. She’ll probably develop separation anxiety, but I’ll see her through it. Her foster Momma is teaching her crate training skills and polite leash manners.

From a health perspective, Noodle is heartworm positive. Her vet estimates her age between one to two years old, but couldn’t give a specific number. Her young body aged fast due to a hard life. As I type, I’ve scheduled a local dog trainer to temperament test her today. I’ll follow up with phone calls.

Accepted Into a Local Rescue

Due to our fundraising efforts and attempts to find her a kind foster home, a local rescue (Lake Charles Pit Bull Rescue) accepted her into their program. You know why? Because we didn’t dump her. We took action and asked the experts to help find her a home.

You see, I did all of this from my home. I live six hours away.

It takes a village to save a dog and we need to all step in. You can do this too.

Please Help Noodle

If you would like to donate to Noodle, as her veterinary bills are huge,
please contact Gill Bright Animal Hospital at (337) 477-4252.

For checks, please add Act #14292 in the subject line and
make the check out to Gill Bright Animal Hospital. Please mail to:

Gill Bright Animal Hospital, Care Of Noodle LCPBR
406 W. McNeese
St., Lake Charles, LA 70605

Take a moment and thank Lake Charles Pit Bull Rescue. They’re located in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Also, thank Samantha Collins for donating her time to temperament test Noodle. She owns Companions TLC in Lafayette, LA. Don’t forget to like their Facebook pages too.

Find a Dog Sitter Tips

August 26, 2015 by Fanna Easter

How to Find a Fabulous Dog Sitter

Having moved to a new state recently, I’m trying to find a dog sitter and it’s stressful. We’re planning a trip to Hawaii, which means I’ll be far away if something should happen. So, I started the process and finally found the best dog sitter–we love her!

Of course, I’ll share these tips with you. Follow these steps to narrow down choices and help you find the perfect trusted dog sitter who your dogs will love too.

Ask Dog Professionals

Ask your veterinarian, dog trainer and fellow pet lovers for recommendations and, then go one step further, ask how their visits went while away. Don’t stop with just one referral. Keep asking until you have several leads. If a specific dog sitter is really good, you’ll notice his or her name popping up often.

Refrain from finding a dog sitter online–either independent or through larger companies. I’ve been burned. My dogs were fine–it didn’t get that far thankfully–but I noticed miscommunication, lack of follow-up and complete lack of professionalism in the beginning.

As a pet professional, I’ve heard horror stories of multiple dog sitters visiting during a single day and mixing up prescription dog food resulting in very sick dogs. Could this happen with anyone? Maybe, but the chances are less likely if pet professionals recommend a pet sitter instead of selectively gambling an unknown person online.

Run a Background Search Online

Now turn on your computer and search each individual’s full name online. I recommend Google, as it really narrows down searches to specific criteria. Many years ago, someone recommended me a specific pet sitter and, after a simple Google search, I noticed three major complaints stating she never showed up for any visits over a four-day period.

If it’s just one complaint, maybe it was just a disgruntled person. Four complaints though? Something is terribly wrong. When digging in, I noticed this person changed the name of her dog sitting company, which is another red flag. When I informed the person who recommended the baby sitter, she set up a hidden camera and was shocked. The “dog sitter” walked up to my friend’s front porch and sat in a rocking chair, chatting on her cellphone for an hour and never went inside to take care of the dogs. Yes, true story!

Check Better Business Bureau (BBB) for any complaints. Do your research until you uncover any and everything.

Screen By Phone

Once you’ve narrowed down your referred list even further, give each person a call. Tell the potential dog sitter who referred you to him or her, and explain a bit about yourself and your dogs. Now, ask the person to tell you about his or her background, experience and services offered.

As you’re chatting, listen closely to this person’s voice. Does he or she sound happy, patient, trustworthy and kind? Happy folks sound like they’re smiling while talking and easily elaborate answers to all your questions. Stay away from someone giving short, curt answers. That’s never a good sign.

Meet in Person

Once you’ve shortened your list further, schedule an in-person interview preferably with your dogs present. Meeting a potential dog sitter face-to-face does not guarantee acceptance. It’s so important to watch him or her interact with your dogs before signing any paperwork or exchanging keys. If needed, take a day or two and think it over. Take your time–your dogs and home are depending on your decision.

In-person interviews usually narrow down my list quickly because having a 120-pound Rottweiler slobbering all over you and a Miniature Bull Terrier looking up your skirt can be intimidating to say the least.:) Some dog sitters state their hesitance immediately and others fumble around, trying to remove slobber from their shirts and shoo Stella away. As you guessed it, the fumblers are immediately eliminated.

Watch how this person reacts when your dog jumps up into his or her lap or gets licked on the face. The person should have gentle hands, meaning he or she is not pushing, pulling or yelling. Instead he or she should ask your dog to sit instead of jump or lick, and reward with petting and treats. If someone is scared of your dog, he or she is not the right person.

Schedule a Trial Vacation

Once you’ve selected a dog sitter, set up a mini vacation and see how things go. This could be the perfect spouse getaway you both need. Stay overnight at a high-end hotel or visit family over the weekend. If all goes well, then you’ve found your perfect dog sitter. If not, at least you were close by, and you now know how to find the right one!

Good luck and trust your gut!

How to Choose a Good Dog Trainer

August 25, 2015 by Fanna Easter

Choosing a Dog Trainer: Cheap is Never Good

How to Choose a Dog Trainer — ChristinLola/iStock

It’s time. You’ve been pulled into your neighbor’s bushes for the last time. Your dog needs to learn how to walk politely on leash. Now it’s time to find a good dog trainer. Before you sort by price, take a moment and learn why cheaper is not better when choosing a dog trainer.

If The Price is Too Good, There’s a Catch!

Remember the saying: “If it’s too good to be true, it is”? Well, this certainly pertains to cheap dog training. When polled, many dog owners were asked the top three reasons they pick a dog trainer and I was shocked by their answers. Their main requirement was bargain basement prices. What? Allow me to explain why this will cost you more money in the long run.

While I understand most of us are on a budget, choosing a cheap dog trainer is never a good choice–there’s a reason he’s so cheap. Usually, these folks have very limited experience if any really. Their cheap prices are luring unsuspecting dog owners, so inexperienced dog trainers can “learn to be a dog trainer” with you and your dog. Yikes!

Working with an inexperienced dog trainer will not only cause extra time (which is money), but you’ll probably also need to find an experienced dog trainer to remedy unresolved or incorrectly handled issues.

RELATED: Not All Dogs Like Dog Day Care

Perception is Not Reality

States don’t require licensing for dog trainers, so anyone can call himself or herself a dog trainer–and it happens a lot!

Don’t believe me? Well, I interviewed certified dog trainers for an extremely large national company and we had set requirements before applying. All applicants had to have a minimum of two years of dog training experience, preferably teaching group classes. Then, I asked candidates typical scenario questions in my private and group dog training classes, using a standard questionnaire. I was floored by their responses.

The failure rate was absurd. It hovered around 53% to 60% weekly. Thirty percent of these applicants couldn’t answer one question correctly. Every applicant felt strongly he or she was qualified to teach dogs professionally, but they were far from it. If this scares you, it most certainly should.

Plus, dog training is new to many people and it certainly evolves yearly with newer and more effective methods, so it’s foreign to most. If your dog trainer was clueless, it would be hard to recognize it unless you have previous dog training experience. Also, some dog trainers have really good poker faces and are good at making things up on the fly, so buyer beware.

A Good Dog Trainer is Worth Every Penny

Yes, just like all smart investments. You’ll probably attend fewer classes while learning more because you have an excellent dog trainer. If you don’t pay it now, you’ll end up paying for it later, which is true for most anything. Check out my recommendations and websites for finding a dog trainer.

You may also like: 3 Dog Obedience Training Styles

Dogs Die in Hot Cars

August 20, 2015 by Fanna Easter

Dogs Left in Hot Cars: We’re Everywhere & Watching You!

Dogs Die in Hot Cars — rezkrr/Deposit Photos

There’s an angry movement popping up in your neighborhood. It’s happening right this moment and you need to be very concerned. Don’t look away. You need to understand the consequences of leaving your dog in a hot car. Be prepared for a broken car window and confrontation with a concerned pet owner. You’ve been warned.

Why You Need to Stop Leaving Dogs in Hot Cars

It’s Cruel and Illegal

When the thought of leaving your dog in a warm or hot car pops in your brain, don’t do it. Don’t convince yourself you’ll only be a few minutes. We both know this is not true. Besides, cars can heat up within seconds. If you do decide to leave your pet, concerned pet owners will be standing right there dialing 911 because what you’ve committed is cruelty and illegal in 17 states and counting.

Never leave your dog in a hot car–not even for a second. Take an extra few minutes to drive your dog home or have a friend sit inside the car with your dog while the car is turned on and the AC is blowing.

Don’t Be Surprised If Your Car Window Breaks

Leaving any living being in a hot car while you run to fill-in-the-blank is cruelty. There’s no excuse that will rectify the situation. If your car window is broken because a concerned pet owner wanted to save your distressed pet from dying in your hot car, it’s your fault. You should’ve never caused this situation. This is not the concerned pet owner’s fault who simply noticed your panting dog locked in a warm car while you were walking toward the grocery store.

Trust me, we as pet lovers don’t relish in stumbling across a distressed dog. It’s gut-wrenching to see a dog suffer. So, when we see dogs in hot cars, we take a stand against this horrible act. Leaving dogs in hot cars needs to stop now.

What Caused This Movement?

Concerned pet owners have had enough. Countless dogs die every day due to foolish decisions made by humans. Concerned pet lovers are tired of it and finally taking a stand. Yes, we shop at your grocery store, eat at your restaurants and visit your local malls, and we will make a scene if your dog is locked in your car.

You can’t say you didn’t know about dogs dying in hot cars. Social media and daily news programs beg you to keep dogs at home during extreme temperatures. Celebrities have locked themselves in hot cars and documented their tortuous experience to raise awareness. Millions of pamphlets are distributed on car windshields and PSAs flood Facebook and Twitter feeds every day, and yet it still happens.

If you do this, don’t be surprised when you’re paged in the grocery store or return back to a mob of concerned pet lovers trying to free your dog. Don’t put the blame on anyone else. This happened because of the choice you as the suffering dog’s owner made. Save the victim act for the police. It’s your fault and you were caught.

Why Am I Angry?

I’m infuriated because people still choose to leave their dogs in hot cars at an alarming rate. Just this weekend, three dog-loving friends made a stand at their local shopping centers where they found dogs sitting in hot cars. In each instance, these concerned pet-loving citizens were met with hostility from returning dog owners who mumbled ridiculous excuses.

I’m dumbfounded that the dog owners who made these horrible decisions lash out verbally and sometimes physically toward citizens taking a stand. Is it because you’re embarrassed? You should be. Trust me, concerned pet owners will stand there and watch you make a total fool of yourself while dialing 911. We’re not scared. We’re taking a stand.

As for dog owners throwing out phrases like “Everyone is offended nowadays,” it’s not that. Concerned dog owners are not offended when we see dogs left in hot cars; we’re beyond even angry. Offended and angry are two different worlds. We’re way past insulted. We’re downright furious, which means we will take a stand. So save that excuse for the police because they are on the way.

You may also like: 11 Common Questions Dog Trainers Are Asked

11 Common Questions Dog Trainers are Asked

August 19, 2015 by Fanna Easter

From Your Dog’s Perspective: 11 Common Questions

Dog Obedience Class — HighwayStarz/Deposit Photos

As a dog trainer, I’m frequently asked the same questions over and over again during my dog training classes. Hey, it’s OK to ask since you’d never know the answer if you didn’t! Interestingly enough, many of the same questions are usually asked during the first or second class. This is because dog behavior is totally different than human behavior. So check out 11 of the most frequently asked questions below and understand what’s really going on from your dog’s point of view.

1. Why do dogs pull on leash?

Because you follow them. 🙂

2. Do dogs feel guilt?

Nope, they don’t. Instead, they react to your stern body language–basically, you’re scaring them. Please stop all the shaming photos. It sends the general public the wrong message.

3. Why do dogs bark at doorbells?

Someone (or thing) is on the other side and they are alerting you. Teach your dogs to do something else, such as lying on their bed, rather than bark.

4. Why does my dog pee in the formal dining room?

Dogs are smart. Thick carpet and rugs adsorb pee quickly, so they prefer to potty in rooms with that surface. Never punish your dog for peeing. Train your dog to potty in another room or outdoors.

5. Why does my dog walk in front of me and stop?

Dogs have never been taught to not walk in front of you and stop. Dogs are like toddlers. They do the same thing until they’re taught differently. Train your dog to step back or come around by luring a treat into place.

6. Is treat training considered bribery?

Not at all. Lure reward training is a very effective way to teach new behaviors.

7. If my dog doesn’t learn, is he stupid?

Far from it. Dogs are super smart, and it’s our job to figure out how to teach polite behaviors effectively. Take a breather and look at it from your dog’s perspective. He’s probably confused and unsure of what you’re asking. If you’re frustrated, find a positive reinforcement dog trainer.

8. Should I train my dog to protect me?

Oh my gosh, no. Dogs should alert humans about situations, but not attack. Please don’t ever teach your dog to protect you, children or family. This is a dangerous game.

9. Why is my dog hyper?

Because he has never been taught to self-settle. This is a common issue with children too.

10. Will giving my dog people food cause begging?

Nope. The act of giving any type of food from your plate or dinner table causes begging behavior.

11. Should I act as alpha?

This is a myth. Forcing, staring, pushing, pulling and physically correcting dogs is extremely confusing to them. Picture yourself in a foreign country where no one speaks your native language. Now, imagine people trying to communicate with you–yikes! Throw the “alpha status” stuff out the window. It’s old and useless.

Do you have a question? Leave them in the comments section below!

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