Bailey's Training New Leash on Life

A New Leash on Life

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A foundation that gives freedom to their clients.  

A New Leash on Life, Inc.  improves people’s lives by utilizing the special abilities of dogs. New Leash trains Assistance Dogs for people with disabilities; 

Therapy Dogs to cheer the elderly and motivate children learning to read or in therapy; 

and Companion Dogs for adoption from unwanted shelter dogs through an inmate training program at a local correctional facility.

Bailey's   2 1/2 years of training was done by A New Leash on Life!

Learn More at  A New Leash on Life 

First Trip In my Service Vest- Bailey

Lets Go for a Ride

 Ace Hardware and The Post Office

Bailey at Ace Hardware

Hammers, Nails, 2x4's and Puppy Paws 

Step One:  Vest & Gentle Leader

Step Two:  Potty Break.. No embarassing mishaps needed here, Thank you!

I took Bailey to the grass to see if she needed to potty 
before going into Ace Hardware... 
She was so excited about the smell of the new grass she began rolling all over and almost pulled me down with her...   AGHHH!    

Step Three: Shopping

Once she figured out where we were headed she was right on task...  Into the store we went. 

Umm. By the way, a hardware store is 
much louder than Petco... 
(Her only other in-store adventure place
 because she did not have a vest until now).  

She naturally stayed next to the edge and tight against the isle.  If I stopped - She stopped.  And by the second isle she wanted nothing to do with smelling anything and only wanted to focus on where I was headed. 

 Scott bought the items we needed and 
Bailey and I met him at the door...

Short - Sweet- Task Complete!

Yea Success!!!  Not really a celebration of success for Bailey but more so a feeling of gratitude that I was not hounded for bringing a puppy into the store.  

I am not sure what I expected really,  but there are places it is socially acceptable for dogs to go and many places they are not.  

I have heard and read many stories about challenges with service dogs and store personal so I have to admit I was nervous.  I did not want to have to explain why she was with us.  I was hoping and praying that she would behave herself... I mean she is a puppy and her real training is just now starting.  

Other service dogs are started earlier in most situations but our story is different.  

Bailey found us before we found a trainer.  

We did not do a lot of the social training with her as a baby that she would have received in a
Puppy Raisers Home... 

So for Bailey and Me this simple trip 
was a great Success!

Both Bailey and I felt pleased as we got in the car.  Scott reminded me that today is a "Good Day" for her and that I need to remember there will be "not-so-good-days" as well.

I had only planned on taking her to Ace but because she did so well when we arrived at the Post Office, I offered to go in and get Scott's mail.  
Bailey was more than ready and excited to accommodate.

She pranced her self right in through the door and 
followed me to get the mail as if she had 
done it a thousand times.
 

"Here Kitty Kitty".... "Ruff"... "Ruff"!

Said the Man at the P.O. Box behind us,  as he squatted down to get his mail from his box... 

Seriously?!  Great... Here She goes!  I figured she would run right up to him and try to kiss him to high heaven- 

"What did Baily do?" you ask.   She took two steps towards him, turned around to look at me and came back and sat down!   

What a good girl!  

 I kindly thanked the man for being a good training distraction.  He smiled and said "Anytime..."   


I was a little taken back that a grown man would tease so much...  
What was he like as a school boy?  I bet someone has some good stories on him!

Scott and I had a good laugh when Bailey and I got back to the car.  We were both very proud of our service dog in the making.  

**As a side note - Bailey will wear the "In Training" Vest for a year.   

Life with Bailey - Assistance Dog in Training

Eggs - Almond Milk - Juice - Bread - etc... Simple enough. 
Just a quick little trip to the grocery store.

Not so simple when the juice in on the bottom shelf!

After I've squatted as low as I can ---- If I am lucky enough to still be on my feet, which most of the time I am not!  --  I will kneel on all fours get that (now stupid- "why do I really need this") bottle of V-8 Splash...... Take a huge deep breath and use the shelving to pull myself back up to a standing position.... 

 I am sure the many silent bystanders  were certainly baffled as to why I did not just bend right over and pick it up..... is because I am not able to!

Looks can be deceiving!   I no longer have a surgery boot, bruises, crutches, wheelchair or a large brace on my back but my body was left with permanent damage.

It has been almost 3 years since my accident. 

Gone are the Olympic Dreams of Grandeur.... Here are the days of living to enjoy each moment of a lovely life. 


 I have adjusted to new goals in life.

Physical Therapy Exercises and walks around the block are my new workouts.  Concentrating on not dropping a glass of water has become my new Mental Training Session.  And snuggling with my family is now my best Post -Work- Out Recovery Time.

Reality is...  Life for me is VERY different than before my accident.  

Things I never had to put thought into when doing before, like laundry, cooking and cleaning now have to be planned out and scheduled.  

Needing to have a family member with me or staying close to home is not going to last forever.  As my children and my husband will not and can not be with me all the time,  I now turn to my next best helper...

Meet Bailey!

   

Bailey is a Lab -Mix. 
Dang they are so cute when they are small. 
Bailey joined our family as a little 7 week old puppy.

Teaching Bailey the skills necessary as an assistance dog must be done by a professional.   And only time will tell if she will "pass the test".

I must be able to trust that Bailey will be balanced in all situations.  She needs to be comfortable with all personalities & environments.  And it is imperative that I be able to rely on her ability in meeting my needs.

HELP!!!     We speak human and our sweet little puppy speaks dog!
  

A New Leash On Life is a non-profit organization.   Staffed by a group of precious people who care about making a difference in the lives of others.   They share their love and knowledge in training therapy and assistance dogs for those in need. 

 

Let the Work Begin! 

-Bailey,  Assistance dog in training...... 

 

Dogs and Essential Oils

 What Essential Oils are safe for my dog?

So you have a furry friend and you'd like to use Essential Oils in their care.  What is safe and what is not?  

I wondered the same thing when our new puppy came to our home.  I read A LOT of conflicting information. 

I went to the pet store only to be even more frustrated when I saw so many products  laden with toxins known to harm animals!  

Here is the list of oils I feel safe using on my dog.  I only use doTERRA Oils in our family so why would I use anything different with my 4-legged family members.   

Only 7 Oils for your pets medicine cabinet.

7 doTERRA Essentials for a variety of  issues. I do not feel a need to use anything questionable when these will cover the majority of my pups needs.  

When using essential oils on your dog, please remember that their nose is a super sniffer.  They can smell smells we can't.  I ALWAYS dilute the oils!  Generally I will use 1cup Olive Oil and 3 drops of the desired oil. 

Cinnamon-

Antibiotic
Anti-diarrhea
Antiseptic
Antispasmodic
Antiviral
Astringent
Disinfectant
Stimulant

   Cinnamon can be used for things like:

Colds and Flu- diffuse or use on bandana
Constipation-diffuse or rub on tummy
Cough-diffuse or use on bandana
Diarrhea-rub on tummy
Stomach Ache-rub on tummy

Marjoram-
Analgesic
Antibacterial
Antibiotic
Antioxidant
Antispasmodic
Disinfectant
Expectorant
Sedative

 Marjoram can be used for:
Calming to high stress or anxious dogs - 

Diffuse or use with bandana

Cough-diffuse in air or rub on chest
Hypertension- diffuse
Indigestion- rub on tummy
Insomnia-diffuse
Stress or high strung - diffuse or place on bandana 

and tie around neck 

Basil-
Antibiotic
Antidepressant
Anti-inflammatory
Antiseptic
Decongestant
Disinfectant
Expectorant

Use Basil for: 
Bronchitis/ Colds- diffuse and use on bandana
Depression/ Anxiety- diffuse and use on bandana

  Earache- place 1-2 drops of diluted oil on cotton ball 

and place in ear
Insect Bites- apply a small amount of diluted oil on bite 

and rub in
Stress- diffuse and use on bandana

Oregano-
 Antibacterial
Antibiotic
Anti-parasitic
Antiviral
Disinfectant  

Oregano Can be used for:

Fleas and ticks-  using about 1/2 teaspoon of diluted oil mixture in the palms of your hands spread an even amount 

over fur or Use with a bandana

Infections- use 1 or  2 drops of diluted oil and place on a cotton ball.  Place cotton ball over infection 

and hold in place with a wrap.

Dill-
Antibacterial
Antispasmodic
Anti-tumor
Calming
Digestive
Disinfectant
Expectorant
Laxitive (mild)
Stimulant

 Use Dill to help with:

* Diffuse or use on bandana unless listed otherwise.
Bronchial mucous
Constipation
Flatulence
Headaches
Head lice -Place 1tablespoon diluted oil in normal shampoo and use as directed

Hyperactivity
Increased milk- for mamma pups
Indigestion
Liver issues- Rub over liver
Low glucose
Nervousness
Normalize insulin levels -see Modern Essentials for protocol
Pancreatic stimulant
Respiratory issues

 
Peppermint-
Analgesic
Anti-inflammatory
Antiparasitic
Antiseptic
Antispasmodic
Astringent
Expectorant
Stimulant

     Use Peppermint to:

* Diffuse or use on bandana unless listed otherwise.

 Allergies
Asthma
Congestion
Dermatitis
Diarrhea
Fever
Headaches
Indigestion
Insect Bites- see above
Motion Sickness/Nausea
Skin Disorders
Stomach Ache-see above
Stress- see above
Toothache

 

Rose-
Antibacterial
Antidepressant
Anti-hemorrahaging
Anti-inflammatory
Antispasmodic
Antiviral
Aphrodisiac
Astringent
Laxative
Stomach

Try Rose for:

Depression
Digestive disorders
Hemorrahaging
Menstrual problems
Post-partum depression
Uplifting

For more information on animal care and proper protocol please see Modern Essentials.

source

These are only listed as home remedies and are not to replace the advise and treatment from your veterinarian. The advice shared in this site has not been evaluated by the FDA or AVMA. The products and methods recommended are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease, nor is it intended to replace proper medical help.