Just about anyone who owns a dog or has been around the dog-show world has seen the quirky parody “Best in Show” (2000) and walked away roaring at the outrageous, neurotic and sometimes affectionate characters and scenarios.

“Show Dog,” by Josh Dean (It Books, $24.99), while much more serious and gritty, ushers you behind the scenes while tracking the exploits of Jack, a challenging Australian shepherd, on his first year in all-breed competition.

Dean, too, is a newcomer to the sport, but by the time you reach the end of this 394-page volume, you will feel well-acquainted with the extravagant characters, complex relationships, diva trainers and one-upsmanship associated with this sub culture that is both a sport and major business. For instance, did you know the American Kennel Club sanctions more than 11,000 shows, and an estimated 2 million of the 20 million purebred dogs in the U.S. participate in them?

Dean, a longtime contributor to dozens of national magazines, says in the Preface that for five years he has yearned to tell the story of a show dog team’s fortunes and frustrations on the circuit that puts serious points chasers on the road 40-plus weeks a year. “The real problem,” he says, “with embarking on such a project was that I didn’t have the slightest idea how to focus on one specific individual. . . . And that’s where I was when I wandered into the 2009 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show with no clear plan, without even the vaguest notion of how it all worked.” Two years later, “Show Dog” wraps up at Westminster, the second oldest continuous sporting event in the country.

Josh Dean follows Jack, an Australian shepherd, along with his owner and handler, around the country for a year, in collecting informationl for his colorful portrait of the dog-show culture, touching on judging, training, naming, promoting, hairstyling, kennel-owning, traveling and even treat-selection.

Jack is first and foremost a family dog and a sound representative of the typical show dog, challenging to present in the ring and with an owner on limited funds. Smith is new to the sport and lives it at a distance behind the lead of Jack and Bremmer one weekend after another. The owner-professional handler relationship, like most in the sport, is built around the dynamics of endless hope, frustrating reality and occasional near-combustible angst.

Smith’s world centers on Jack, but this hair-trigger herding pooch is one of 10-20 the couple might be presenting on any given weekend. Smith describes her Velcro-like relationship with Jack: “He was very quickly my shadow. Get an Aussie and never go to the bathroom alone again.”

If you’re looking for “Best in Show” in this clear, crisp narrative, forget it. “Show Dog” is the real thing with focus, frustration, commitment, passion, ambition and a bit of celebration at times. In the process, it is remarkably informative while delivering vivid, priceless, behind-the-scenes snapshots and a few bizarre characters from small-town America to Manhattan.

Dean carefully steers the reader through the dog-show world, taking care to explain the sport’s nuances while following Jack’s exploits, mostly in the Northeast. Outside the ring, he explores origins of the dog, Jack’s flings with mating, costs and commitments of advertising in show-dog magazines and the investment of campaigning a show dog.

The author’s choice of experts is terrific: David Frei, Westminster Kennel Club communications director and longtime voice of the famed show on USA Network; Billy Wheeler, author of the popular Dog Show Poop blog; highly respected AKC judge, author and lecturer Pat Hastings; noted Poodle handler Kaz Hosaka; former handler and Canine Chronicle magazine publisher Tom Grabe; and many others.

Dogless in Brooklyn, Dean says, “There are people who claim that dogs are our greatest invention. Having spent more than a year observing, reading about, and generally obsessing over them, I find it hard to argue this point.”

After Jack finishes his championship in four months, Smith becomes almost giddy with her first show dog’s potential, but the sharp-focused Bremmer, who Dean describes as a “small person with a large personality” isn’t quite so certain. Add that Jack is a semi-regular (because of Smith’s finances) on Bremmer and Bendar’s show train and you have all the ingredients for conflict between owner and handler because of the dog’s lack of focus and fitness.

Advertising plays a key role in campaigning show dogs like Jack. This one ran in Canine Chronicle in 2010.

Following a solid Award of Excellence performance with Jack at the 2010 AKC/Eukanuba National Championship in Long Beach, Calif., late in the year, Bremmer says, “Of all the dogs I’ve ever showed – ever – he’s the hardest I’ve ever handled. One day he’s phenomenal – the next day he’s a mess. If he was like this every day, I could take him to the top five easily, maybe No. 1.” Later, she adds, “He’s always better in groups. I do think maybe he doesn’t take it seriously unless it’s big.”

While following Jack from adolescence to maturity, Dean discovers, for followers, dog shows can be addictive, from the standpoint of chasing points and fame to establishing friendships. But make no mistake about it, there is no shortage of conflict and politics, either.

From the challenging intricacies of Poodle styling to chiropractic manipulation on an Aussie shepherd, Dean’s lively narrative, detailed description and engaging scenarios connect the reader nicely to the eclectic landscape and dynamics of show dogdom.

This is the sign that greets visitors to the vacant store front in the Redmond Town Center, where Reading with Rover sessions are held twice monthly.

By Ranny Green

On a cold, damp early December evening they headed up the stairs of the Redmond Town Center, which was brightly accented with holiday décor, with a twinkle in their eyes and pleading with their parents to walk faster.

Mostly 4-to-8-year-olds, their destination wasn’t Santa Claus’ lap. It was a vacant store site, home to a nourishing Reading with Rover program. Inside were 11 owners and their highly trained dogs of all ages, sizes and breeds, including mutts, stationed around the walls of the room on mats, blankets and large towels.

Alex Jajewski, left, and his brother, Brett, of Kirkland, get in some reading time with handler Brian Daly, of Lynnwood, and Silas, a Labrador retriever mix.

Co-founder of the 20-year-old literacy program Becky Bishop, of Redmond, says, “Thanks to social media, improved communication and passionate volunteers, we have managed to continually grow. We started with three teams (owner and dog) and now have 110. Our dogs are kind of like the Eagle Scouts of therapy dogs. The handlers come from all backgrounds, including education.”

No stress here, as Penny Gabriel, of Kirkland, reads to a relaxed Reese, a Bernese mountain dog owned by Julie Hembree, of Sammamish.

Brian Daly, a Kirkland second-grade teacher and longtime Rover handler, says, “Rover serves as a ‘bridge’ between my professional and private lives. Many of my students, struggling and sound readers alike, faithfully attend Rover nights at the Redmond Town Center. This allows me to interact with them in a less formal way than I can at school, sometimes almost in a mentoring capacity, which translates nicely into better classroom relationships.

“When the parents of my students see me functioning in my volunteer capacity, it demonstrates to them that I don’t just talk the pro-literacy talk, but that I put my money where my mouth is.”

As handler Sherry Lebed Davis, of Lynnwood, and 5-year-old Simon, a bearded collie, listen, Kaelyn Billington, of Kirkland, enunciates a word.

Daly adds, “I love how the kids’ faces light up when they see their favorite Rover dog arrive at my school (Rose Hill Elementary in the Lake Washington School District) Tuesday mornings and on Rover nights at the Redmond Town Center. I also love the way the kids collect the Rover bookmarks like baseball cards, sometimes proudly displaying them on the top of their desk or on the front of their take-home folders at school.”

Daly’s wife Cathy, a first-grade teacher for 26 years and Rover handler, adds, “Aside from good instruction, time spent practicing  new skills seems to be the leading indicator of how a child’s beginning reading experiences will be. Families are busy these days and finding time to practice a new skill can be tricky. Reading with Rover provides this opportunity for children to practice in a way that is fun, motivating and unique. My students cannot wait for Rover nights and cheer when they see it on our monthly calendars.”

Parents tell her that Rover nights are the highlight of their child’s week. “This seems especially true of boys,” she adds, “and I’ve been able to hook several of my first-graders into the program.”

After finishing a reading, each child receives a bookmark with a photo of the dog, its breed name and information about the program on the flip side.

She adds, “Kids practice diligently, knowing that the dogs are coming at the end of the week and that they will get to read their stories to them. Last summer we had a boy who was afraid of dogs and only wanted to watch from a distance. He started out looking through the glass as others read to them. Pretty soon he was at the door and before we knew it, he was sitting with a dog reading his story. He spent the next half-hour moving from dog-to-dog, reading. Two breakthroughs were made that day – he was able to practice a very difficult skill while experiencing the power of the Rover dogs. By day’s end, he was hugging Jett (a 4-year-old black Labrador retriever) and giving him a good-bye kiss.”

With other options like video games, TV, sports and music, the challenge of interesting a child in reading is formidable for most parents today. Jennifer Wardwell, of Kirkland, has fought that battle with her first-grader, Gage Neuenschwander. After moving from half-day kindergarten to all-day first grade, Gage gradually warmed up to the new environment in all aspects but reading.

“I heard about Reading with Rover and wanted to see if that might encourage him,” she says. “He resisted, but I stood my ground and listened to him tell me all the reasons why he can’t go on the drive to the Redmond Town Center. As we got out of the car and walked up to the front door, I saw him give in, realizing there was no escape. I knew he was not pleased but I thought maybe if he just gave it a try he might like it. And to my shock, he did not like it, he loved it!”

Christina Nis, 7, of Redmond, gets an attentive nudge from Olive, an English pointer owned by Gina Kimble, of Duvall. (Photo - Jerry and Lois Photography)

“Rover has given Gage the confidence to believe in himself that he can do new things and succeed. His reading ability has soared and with that his writing skills have improved, too. For Gage, this program has tapped into something very special,” Wardwell smiles.

Owner/handler Marydell  Rarick, of Kirkland, says the program has taught her “to think of my dog first, not me. I want the kids to feel comfortable with him, so I need Cole (a Labrador retriever) to feel comfortable, too. My favorite moments are when Cole will lay his head on the reader’s lap, and the child will begin to pet him. Cole will just stretch out and relax and the child feels he can relax and read without thinking about making a mistake.”

Reading with Rover is as contagious for owner-handlers as the youngsters. For instance, Gina Kimble, of Duvall, almost decided not to attend the early December event, after a tiring day at work. “Olive (her English pointer) so enjoys coming, and I knew this would be the last session for the month, so how could I pass it up,” she says.

Olive was her “silly self” that night, and met one big challenge head-on. Kimble explains, “We had a father and son sit with us, and Olive offered her usual hello kiss and settled in. The father had chosen a very difficult book for his son and expected him to read it. It was hard for me to remain silent because I could see the boy’s uneasiness. While he stammered and struggled through a page, his hand slowly reached over and began to stroke Olive repeatedly. It was his way of asking Olive to help him through a difficult time. Dogs and kids are similar in that neither judges others.” That night the two connected beautifully in a calm, non-threatening environment.

Some of the dogs, like 4-year-old Ruby, a golden retriever, owned by Patty Day, of Issaquah, are rehomes and trained by program founder Bishop.

Ruby has blossomed into what Day describes as “one of the best judges of character I have known.” This is reflected with adults and children alike. One of her most stirring RWR memories involved a boy who started the year pointing to pictures and telling Ruby what they were in a soft voice. He ended the year reading with a strong voice and brisk pace.  “As I was about to point this out to his mother, she turned and said to her son, ‘Remember when you could only tell Ruby what the pictures are?’ She then looked at me and added, ‘Look at him now!’ Need I say more?”

For Sherry Lebed Davis, of Lynnwood, the intuitive skills of Simon, her 5-year-old bearded collie, are key. “Simon seems to know the children that need him most and will put their head in their lap, his paw on their legs, kiss them or simply watch them as they read. He creates an instant comfort zone for them to read.”

Ollie, a Labradoodle, owned by Cindy Pigott, of Bellevue, manages to separate work from play without a hitch. “He is a true male dog – always looking for a bunny to chase, grass to roll over on or a lake to leap into,” says Pigott. “However, once I attach his special leather leash onto his collar, he knows that it’s time for school.”

“Reading with Rover,” Bishop smiles, “is one of those rare win-wins for all involved – the parents, child, volunteer and the dog.”

Protective and passionate best describes Bishop’s ties to this program she has nourished for two decades. “We take great care to make certain we have the right dogs and the right people in place,” she emphasizes, “with proper training.”

At a time when it is difficult to attract volunteers, Reading with Rover is thriving, which speaks volumes for its effectiveness in the community. “I knew this program had potential when we started it,” Bishop concludes, “but it has exceeded my expectations, thanks to the commitment of our incredible team.”

Thirty years ago, Elena Landa experienced a dramatic change in her life and that love affair with a new fun-loving dog breed has continued to blossom ever since. 

An attentive Ch. Doubloon's Salt of the Earth (Morton) seeks to get owner-breeder-handler Elena Landa's attention following a short grooming session at an American Kennel Club-sanctioned all-breed show recently in Ridgefield, Wash. Morton is the No. 1 Wheaten in the AKC all-breed standings the last two years. Photo courtesy Randy Roberts

She and her parents, Jorge and Shirley Landa, of Bothell, owned Bouvier des Flandres for years.

“I never read dog books,” she says, “since I was raised working with various trainers, groomers, breeders and others that came through my parents’ kennels, to the people that took me to dog shows to learn about different breeds.  I just absorbed it all.”

One day while walking through the family’s kitchen she spotted a book her parents had received from a publisher. (At the time, they were writing a weekly column for The Seattle Times and were recipients of review copies from numerous publishers.)

The volume, “Soft-Coated Wheatens,” by Maureen Holmes, hooked her.  “I loved the Bouviers but I liked that the Wheatens were smaller and possessed a great sense of humor. The Bouviers were so serious after they turned 3, since they had a job to do in life. I wanted a dog that seemed to laugh its way through life and I thought I had found it.”

Landa’s affinity for Wheatens and her enormous contributions to the breed’s welfare will be recognized by the American Kennel Club Dec. 18 as one of seven group recipients for the Breeder of the Year Award at the AKC /Eukanuba National Championship Show in Orlando, Fla. All seven will receive medallions honoring their nomination, with the winner being named moments later. 

A surprised Landa received notification of the honor last summer via phone call from an American Kennel Club official. “I was so shocked,” she recalls, “that I did not really believe what I was hearing. I kept thinking. I heard it wrong and I did not know how to reply.

“I have watched the Breeders of the Year walk out to get their awards every year and I thought how awesome and always wished that I could be one but never believed it could happen. The honor is the biggest one that a breeder can achieve and I’m still a bit overwhelmed.

“I have always believed that you go along in your own little world trying your hardest to do all the right things to be ethical and true to yourself no matter how hard it is sometimes. That means sticking to your beliefs and honoring the dogs that you breed. It never occurred to me that anyone would notice.”

As the show and ceremony edge closer, her excitement is building.

“The award means so much since it comes from the most respected people in the dog world, those who I have looked up to and learned from. It is dream come true and something I thought was unattainable. I am thankful to everyone who has taught, helped and supported me through all the years. This award is for them, too.”

Landa credits her parents with the ethics and “old-world wisdom” they instilled at childhood, which included sportsmanship, honesty, hard work and responsibilities of being a breeder.

Her efforts with Wheatens extend far outside the conformation show ring. She has trained in tracking, backpacking, weight and travois pulling; participated in school events and parades; breed rescue; meet-the-breed gatherings; guard work; go-to-ground competitions; agility; and obedience.

More than two decades ago she initiated a kidney ultrasound screening for renal dysplasia in Wheaten puppies, after hearing about its use in Canada. The information collected by her veterinarian has prompted other practitioners and breeders nationwide to begin their own programs.

Landa’s resume includes the following: 10 dogs for a total of 44 specialty best-in-show; multiple best-in-show dogs; six dogs with a total of 11 national specialty best-of-breed titles; five No. 1 breed winners in seven years; dogs in the Top Ten AKC standings for 17 years since 1990; the top winning female of all time Jolie (Ch. Doubloon’s Ultimate Player), an honor her dam (Ch. Doubloon’s Playing the Field) held before her. Both have two all-breed bests-in-show.

Judge Loraine Boutwell examines Ch. Doubloon's Ultimate Player (Jolie), a soft-coated Wheaten terrier, in the terrier-group ring at the 2010 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, as owner-breeder-handler Landa watches. A Wheaten has only won the terrier group once at Westminster. Photo courtesy Westminster Kennel Club / Mary Bloom

She will be showing Ch. Doubloon’s Salt of the Earth (Morton) at Eukanuba and the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City in February, but plans to take her young female Ch. Doubloon’s Extreme Play (Derby) as a backup. Morton is the No. 1 all-breeds soft-coated Wheaten for the last  two years.

Landa limits the litters of her “girls,” to one to two litters in a lifetime, explaining “I like to spread that out so there is no more than one a year or one litter every two years. The pups require plenty of attention and to do it right, it takes total commitment on my part.”

It’s a Herculean task for an owner-breeder-handler to put a best-in-show on a Wheaten, and add to that, a shoe-string budget, the task becomes even more monumental.

The Breeder of the Year award was launched in 2002 by the American Kennel Club. Here are the criteria for nomination:

• Twenty years-plus dedication to a specific breed.

• A dog from breeder’s line has qualified for the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship Dog Show. 

• A substantial number of champions bred, especially when compared to the litters/puppies bred.

• Active member of a specialty breed club.

• Regularly performs breed appropriate health tests.

• Breeder of integrity and good sportsmanship.

• Breeder of dogs that achieved AKC titles other than conformation.

Landa enjoys a moment of play time at the Ridgefield, Wash., show with Ch. Doubloon's Extreme Play (Derby), a promising young female that finished her American Kennel Club championship at 9 months of age. Photo courtesy Randy Roberts

• Performs dog-related community services.

• Has multiple Top 25 breed winners over many years.

Occasionally the AKC receives suggestions for potential nominees from the public, according to Lisa Peterson, AKC communications director, adding, “and if the breeder that is suggested meets the criteria then he/she is added for consideration.”

The award committee composed of AKC board and staff members, reviews the previous year’s best-in-show and Top 25 breed records, identifying quality breeders. Each committee member suggests a minimum of one candidate in each of the seven groups. Next, Top 25 breed and breeding records for previous years are reviewed, and then the committee will vote for one honoree in each group, plus the overall winner.

Now the dedicated Bothell breeder is in a countdown mode until the big event, which she concludes,”There is nothing that will ever compare to this in my lifetime. I just want to savor every moment.”

It’s not too early to begin thinking about holiday shopping and what to get that friend who has everything. If he or she is a dog owner, a book is always a popular choice.

Publishers gear many of their top releases each year to the holiday market and here are several worthy of strong consideration. Each feature/review captures the essence of the work, giving you a feel if it will make a suitable gift for that friend, relative or family member. 

All are available on Amazon and most can be found at major book stores in the area. Additional recent releases can be perused on Picks of the Litter archives, plus several more will be featured Dec. 1 on this web site.

This month’s books are:

• “The Puppy Diaries: Raising a Dog Named Scout”
• “Part Wild: One Woman’s Extraordinary Love for a Creature Caught Between the Worlds of Wolves and Dogs”
• “Dogs Make Us Human: A Global Family Album”
• “Love at First Bark: How Saving a Dog Can Sometimes Help You Save Yourself”
• “All My Patients Kick and Bite: More Favorite Stories from a Vet’s Practice”
• “Pure Gold: Adventures with Six Golden Retrievers”
• “Faithful Friends: Holocaust Survivors’ Stories of the Pets Who Gave Them Comfort, Suffered Alongside Them and Waited for Their Return”

As Daphne Berry, 16 months, probes for a food item, her standard poodle Neo watches. Daphne is the daughter of Tiffany and Jason Berry, of Newcastle.

Mary Berry, a Bellevue mom, grandmother, dog trainer and school librarian, wishes she had understood basic learning concepts, namely the instructor or parent must present the lesson or command clearly, then follow it with opportunities for the behavior to occur, when her children were young.

“The lesson can be sit/stay, raising your hand before speaking or saying please or thank you,” says Berry. “With both children and dogs, if incorrect behaviors persist, the teacher must ask himself or herself if the desired behavior was completely understood.

“If not, the instructor must make the lesson clearer. When it is apparent that the desired behavior is understood and it does not occur, it is incumbent upon the teacher to begin asking herself: Is the child/dog afraid, anxious, too tired, not present in the moment, in a strange environment or worried?”

She emphasizes that only after considering these aspects of non-compliance should an instructor offer some form negative re-enforcement, which might range from a look, an ah-ah or a timeout to a collar correction for a dog.

At Family Dog Training Center in Kent, instructor Christine Fitzpatrick watches as her son, Spencer, 5, attempts to get the family’s Belgian Tervuren Kitty to shake hands.

Fitzpatrick adds, “From a training perspective having a new puppy or a baby is about the same thing. Both are clean slates waiting to pick up whatever information you give them. One has the choice of promoting good or bad behavior, “she explains, “by lack of attention or socialization.”

But for Fitzpatrick well-mannered is the only option. “Had I not trained with Family Dog’s philosophies of positive behavior modification I would not have ended up with well-behaved dogs and a well-mannered child (Spencer, 5).

“Spencer learned quickly that getting cranky and throwing fits didn’t get him anything. But calming down and telling us what he needed got him what he needed a lot more quickly. He learned that crying did not get him back to mom and dad, but being calm did. Much like a puppy or dog when it discovers that whining in a crate to get out doesn’t open the door, but being quiet does.”

Another similarity between dog training and infant learning falls in the correction technique. There are consequences in both corridors, Fitzpatrick reflects, for not following a command. “At Family Dog we don’t repeat commands. We say it once, follow through and help the dog do it if it does not comply. The same goes with kids, although I did increase that to three times when Spencer was younger and have tapered down to once now.

Before a lesson, Stephanie Jackson, of Federal Way, gets a few laughs as her son Cole, 8, plays with the family’s Basenji-Chihuahua mix, Latte.

If you remain composed, she says, it removes the prospect of overwhelming either the dog or child and allows you to explain to the child why it was a bad action and enables you to keep a dog’s respect and confidence.

Fitzpatrick and her husband, Bill, own two Rottweilers, Bruno, 3½, and Tucker, 10, and 3½-year-old Belgian Tervuren, Kitty. Young Spencer interacts closely with all three and is learning to deliver basic commands to each.

He’s discovering body language, tone of voice and what it takes to get each dog’s respect and response. It’s educational as well as part of the building process of cementing a bond between him and each dog, says Fitzpatrick. These skills are helping him communicate with other children and adults, as well.

For Tiffany and Jason Berry, of Newcastle, dog training and child rearing have been a way of life since October 2008 when they began basic obedience training at Family Dog Training Center with their standard poodle puppy Neo. One year and nine months later, their first child, Daphne, was born. Since then, the two have been virtually inseparable.

Following a few moments of play, Cole, 8, and Sydney Jackson, 6, take a break with Latte.

About three months after Daphne’s birth, Tiffany and Neo resumed classes at the Kent facility. Because Daphne preferred being part of the action or a spectator and disdained being put on the floor, Berry placed her in a carrier, forcing Neo to adjust his gait and ability to heel during exercises. Now that she is walking, Jason watches Daphne while Tiffany works Neo in class.

Keeping the entire family involved has been key throughout the process. During the standard puppy and home-obedience courses, Tiffany and Jason alternated handling Neo in class, but she has done all handling for competition obedience.

Daphne, 16 months, loves Neo, and the dog is well-behaved around her. “But he has his limits on just how much ‘gentle patting’ he wants from her,” says Tiffany. Their playtime together has her throwing a ball for him and he will retrieve it, or he will hold one of his toys and they will play tug.

Finding a suitable timeline for activities between the owners and dog and child has been challenging, the couple admit. “There has definitely been a learning curve between toys and food. We have a clear rule: Daphne’s toys are not for him to play with. She can play with him with his toys, but they are primarily his. He doesn’t have to share,” adds Tiffany.

Command consistency and behavioral boundaries are facets of dog training she has taken forward to child rearing.

Training a puppy or young dog and rearing a child in tandem, should not be a cram session, emphasizes Fitzpatrick. She recommends a two-year window for bringing a new dog into a household ahead of child birth. “It’s difficult to establish a set rule because every dog and every family’s dynamics are different. But two years gives you time to get suitable training, correct problems and establish a comfort zone for the dog ahead of the baby’s arrival.”

Sydney Jackson has the full attention of Kathy Lang's Belgian Tervuren puppy Breeze, at the Family Dog Training Center.

“I knew she would have to be trained for it to be a positive experience for the entire family, plus I wanted the kids (Sydney, 6, and Cole, 8) to be involved and to learn how to treat dogs appropriately,” explains Stephanie.

When they are not in school, they accompany Stephanie to training classes, watch her work the dog at home and under mom’s guidance perform some basic training exercises with Latte.

While both youngsters were pleading their case for a dog, a family discussion was conducted on the responsibility of pet ownership and role the two would be expected to play, i.e. be daily members of the Poop Patrol, feed the dog, interact with it daily (even during school days) and treat it gently.

“I think the most valuable lesson they have seen from our training is the benefit of hard work and consistency. They recognize that my commitment to Latte’s training has produced a healthy, happy dog the entire family can enjoy and be proud of.”

The children have learned that when Latte misbehaves, it’s not totally her fault. “Think about what caused her actions and how to correct it,” says Stephanie. “This is a lesson that applies to people and dogs alike.

“All kids and dogs crave structure and they want to know what is expected of them. We all get the kids and the dogs we are meant to have. They were sent here to teach us life lessons. How well we grasp those lessons is what’s important.”

Photos courtesy Jerry and Lois Photography

From fostering dogs for deployed servicemen to supplying others returning from a war zone with diagnosed Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, the focus at home has been buoying the mental stability of these individuals.

But what about their families?

“It’s not that they are forgotten,” says Dana Babb, head trainer at Paws-Abilities Total Dog Center in Fife, “it’s important we recognize our military families need help too in time of war.  When husbands and wives are deployed abroad, there is a void at home by spouses and children for companionship, protection and, in some cases, service dogs.”

Dana Babb, head trainer at the sparkling new Paws-Abilities facility in Fife, works with 2-year-old Piddles, an American Staffordshire terrier, on a down/stay command.

Before leaving for Afghanistan in July, Staff Sgt. Jason Sasser, stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, said, “Bailey (a young Alaskan husky mix) is going to be good for everyone in the family.” The dog is enrolled in a unique Paws-Abilities Military Family Dog Training Program that lists six participant families.  With 10 percent discounts for military families, it offers extensive Service Puppy and Service Dog programs with plenty of phone and in-person guidance by Babb outside the classroom.

Bailey has offered Sasser and his wife, Jennifer, all the predictable challenges of puppyhood. Both were involved in initial orientation, evaluation, puppy kindergarten and basic obedience with the dog.  They are, however, targeting the 6-month-old animal to become a full-fledged service dog for their son, Brady, 8, who has cerebral palsy.

With his mother’s assistance, Brady is working Bailey. “It’s kinda tough,” she admits because both Jason and I are more assertive with the dog, which is critical right now. We just need to instill some of that in Brady. Bailey is testing Brady and knows she can get away with a lot more with him right now. She prefers being around adults, so Dana is suggesting things we can do to develop a bond between the two of them.”

For example, at feeding time Brady will hold Bailey’s dish in his lap until the meal is finished.  The bonding process also calls for Bailey to be sleeping with Brady.  “We’re taking baby steps here, but every one of them is designed to strengthen that bond and respect between the two,” adds Mrs. Sasser.

Brady Sasser, 8, of Tacoma, gets a laugh as Bailey, his service dog, puts a paw in his hand following an obedience training class at Paws-Abilities Total Dog Center in Fife. The youngster recently began working the dog that had begun schooling with his parents, Staff Sgt. Jason Sasser and Jennifer Sasser.

The dog helps balance Brady when he is moving about with a walker. Bailey will also be trained to pick up items for the Tacoma third-grader at home and out in public. “She will also give him a greater sense of independence and a comfort zone outside the house,” adds Mrs. Sasser.  “Since Jason left for Afghanistan, Brady has had a fear of being left in a room by himself for a length of time.  Having Bailey there alongside him has helped him cope with that.”

That comfort zone extends all the way to Afghanistan as well. “Every time Jason calls home,” says Mrs. Sasser, “he asks about Bailey’s training progress. The dog is providing him an important link with home that we never had before.  When he returns home in a year, hopefully Bailey and Brady will be a full-fledged working team.”

A 1998 car accident left Julia Broussard, of Tacoma, in a coma for 1½ weeks, resulting in a brain injury and petit mal seizures beginning a year later. Her husband, Doug, a Department of Defense field service representative who travels six months a year, is highly concerned about her welfare.

She later obtained Miss Bailey, a 5-year-old American pit-bull terrier for her teenage daughter Heather to show in 4H and United Kennel Club junior handling competition.

After Heather moved out of the house at age 18, Miss Bailey began bonding tightly to Julia Broussard. “When I came out of the seizures, she would bump me with her nose, letting me know they were over. There was another occasion when I put a pot of water on the stove and forgot about it. She came running into the bedroom, dancing all about, which I thought she was telling me she wanted to go outside. Instead, she led me toward the kitchen where the water was steaming all about the stove area.  That was when I realized this dog has the potential to help me,” she explains.

“A lot of dogs will simply recognize a need and jump in and help,” says Babb. “They require training, of course, but when they naturally recognize a need is there for their caregiver, the training process becomes so much smoother.”

For Broussard, Miss Bailey leads her to her parked car when out in public, alerts to seizures and guides her to an exit if she becomes confused in a store.

Because Miss Bailey, now 12, is slowing up, Broussard, a Federal Way legal assistant, obtained an American Staffordshire bull terrier, Piddles, to replace her. The latter is enrolled in the Paws-Abilities military family dog training program.

Piddles, left, a service dog in training, helps Julia Broussard, of Tacoma, find her car in a Fife parking lot. Broussard was injured seriously in a 1998 auto accident and has suffered petit mal seizures since. Miss Bailey, right, a 12-year-old American pit-bull terrier, has served as Broussard’s service dog for several years but will be retired soon when Piddles is fully trained.

“Piddles is all puppy but she is learning the needed skills nicely,” adds Babb. “But Julia is very intense and needs to lighten up and make the training process fun. In a situation like this, some dogs intuitively learn from their predecessor, but it’s important that the handler try not to compare the two. No two dogs are alike, and here one is 12 and the other is just 2.”

Broussard admittedly “does not do change well.” Hence the younger Piddles’ energy level has prompted her to become more active, from trips to shopping malls or neighborhood walks to simply tossing a Frisbee or tennis ball in the backyard. And, of course, there is the training in public environments, when she is sometimes joined by Babb.

A somewhat relieved Doug Broussard adds, “Being able to rely on Julia using her service dogs, I don’t have to constantly worry about her having panic attacks due to high noise levels or everyday stressful situations. That enables me to better concentrate on my work. It is comforting to see the relationship that she shares with the dogs and how they work together seamlessly.”

For Amy Even, a 22-year military spouse and mother of a 17-year-old special-needs daughter, Camille, Murphy, a 3-year-old Labrador retriever, has become a dependable working partner. The dog, which she obtained at 11 weeks of age, is a diabetes-alert beacon, and also assists her with mobility and retrieval of household items and clothes and can even bring food to her when it is within reach.

Like Broussard, Even obtained the puppy for her special-needs daughter, Camille, but 18 months later she recognized a need for her own service dog after her physician suggested it.

Babb adds, “Murphy and Amy make a great team and both are eager to learn. They were quick learners in obedience, and Murphy has a special ability to help detect Amy’s low blood-sugar levels that cause falls and blackouts.”

Murphy, a 3-year-old Labrador retriever, receives a thank you from owner Amy Even, of Tacoma, after picking up Even’s car keys off the ground moments earlier. Murphy, a service dog, alerts Even, a diabetic, when her blood-sugar level becomes low, potentially prompting a blackout. The dog also assists her with mobility and retrieval of household items.

Even suffered a head injury in late April after passing out from a low blood sugar count while driving, resulting in her car leaving the road and striking some trees on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, where her husband Dan is stationed.  Murphy was not with her at the time.

Babb, left, commends Murphy following an exercise, as Even looks on.

On a later incident, with Murphy seated alongside her, Even’s blood sugar dropped into the dangerously low 30s and she almost passed out again. “Murphy noticed I was having trouble. He went into my purse, pulled out my blood monitor and placed it within reach. I was able to pull off the road and avoid another accident.”

“The Paws-Abilities program has been a lifesaver for me,” she adds. “It has given me motivation and helped me realize the incredible assistance dogs can provide physically and psychologically. And Dana has always been there, night or day, when an issue came up and I needed her.”

Even recalls the time when she frantically called Babb from aboard a shuttle bus on base. “Murphy became scared of the loud noise from the wheelchair lift and I knew I would have trouble getting him off. I called Dana and she talked me through what I needed to do. And it worked perfectly.”

Murphy’s companionship, she explains, is equally important as his physical assistance, citing emotional support, added confidence and hilarious antics. “He cracks Camille and I up all the time. He’ll play-chase after the cats and slide on the floor at the end of his run. Or he’ll grab a towel and just start shaking it while jumping around in middle of the room.  He loves his ball and you never know when he might suddenly start tossing it the air. He helps relieve a lot of stress in the household. ”

Although the couple is separated, Dan continues to remain involved in Murphy’s continued training. He says, “It gives me a sense of relief knowing Murphy is always there for Amy and Camille. That dog is a big-time overachiever and leaves me feeling he can do just about anything, which is all you can ask of a dog.”

Babb concludes, “These families are at the beginning of an amazing adventure. I feel privileged to watch and help to arrange the quiet, magical ‘miracle’ of the dogs’ ability to work with us. Brady is starting to develop confidence and patience. His dog is learning commands and performing them for him. Having his friends notice and ask him to bring his dog to school and talk about her is a huge psychological step forward for him.

“People complimenting Julia on her well-trained pit-bull service dog is a equally fulfilling. And Amy beaming about how working with her dog is special and fun, that tugs at my heart.” From these qualities, Babb adds, flow self-assurance, success and extraordinary friendships.

Your dog destroys a household item when you are away at work. Or maybe you’re afraid to take that new pooch for a walk because you can’t control it. Or that 3-year-old rescue dog you adopted recently isn’t exactly what you had bargained for.

Sound familiar? Now what do you do? Most would seek out a dog-obedience instructor or animal behaviorist in hopes of remedying the problem. But remember: There are no easy or quick fixes out there. It takes time, commitment and consistency to repair most behavioral issues.

Since Washington State does not require a license, anyone can claim to be a dog trainer. That’s when it becomes incumbent on you to do your homework and search out the best.

To help you, here are several key questions we posed to five highly respected long time experts and their responses.

The trainers are Colleen McDaniel, Academy of Canine Behavior, Bothell; Kathy Lang, Family Dog Training Center, Kent; Dana Babb, Paw-Abilities Total Dog Center, Fife; Steve Duno, pet behaviorist/author, Seattle; Dalene McIntire, obedience class instructor and obedience chair of the Seattle Kennel Club Dog Show, Renton.

Photo courtesy Family Dog Training Center. Ingrida Robinson, a Family Dog Training Center instructor, teaches an exercise to Boddington, a Polish Lowland Sheepdog.

Q: What is the most common problem you see with new owners and their dogs? 

CM: They want the dog to love them, so they work very hard to be nice to the dog and in the process may be setting themselves up for failure. We encourage them to understand that they are entering into a long-term relationship with the dog, and the key is two cornerstones: communication and respect.

KL: Misconceptions about dog behavior, household (pack) management and the need to be proactive.

DB: Lack of understanding the creature on the end of the leash. Most new dog owners treat their dogs like disobedient children.

SD: Dog-on-dog aggression, particularly during on-leash situations. An overall inability for dogs to be comfortable in social settings with dogs and strangers. As an underlying problem, it is inability of owners to understand what makes dogs tick, and how to treat them.

DM: Lack of control of their dog and no idea what to do about it. People try to put too many human emotions in their dog and can’t understand why the dog doesn’t appreciate all they do for it.

Q: If you were asked to recommend a training book to a frustrated dog owner, what would it be?

CM: There is a big difference between a training book that delves into the mechanics of training and many of the books that explain the broader picture of dog ownership. If a person could only get one book and want taste of many things that have to do with dog ownership, including training, I would recommend “Dog Training for Dummies,” by Jack and Wendy Volhard.

KL: I have yet to find one book that applies to every dog and every dog owner. In 35 years in this business, I’ve seen distinct changes in the way people learn. Today’s clients are more visually responsive and learn best when verbal instruction is supported with live demonstration.

Photo courtesy Family Dog Training Center.At the Family Dog Training Center in Kent, these four-legged students are on a stay command in sit and down positions.

DB: My favorite book is “Dog Training for Dummies” by Jack and Wendy Volhard. The book is simple to understand. As with all Dummies books, the sense of humor is inherent, the methods are common sense, proactive and positive.

SD: I usually have them read my book, “Be the Dog,” to get a deeper understanding of what makes dogs tick and why so many neophyte owners inspire canine misbehavior.

DM: I would recommend the “Koehler Method of Dog Training,” even though it has gone out of favor with people because of some of the harsh corrections.

Q: What are the chief values a new dog owner can take from a structured dog-obedience class?

CM: There are three reasons one would want to take his/her dog to a class: (1) Teach the dog things and get instruction on how to do that; (2) They have a dog that listens to them at home when nothing is going on, but the second distractions are introduced, the dog stops being obedient.  They need to attend class to work with the dog around other dogs and people; (3) Accountability. If you are signed up for a class you are more likely to work with your dog.

KL: In terms of economic value, for less than $20 a week, an owner will receive seven hours of classroom instruction from one of our professional trainers. In terms of moral values, the new owner will learn to: (1) Respect and understand his canine partner; (2) Have an appreciation for what it’s like to be a dog; (3) Take responsibility for lack of training or guidance that results in the dog’s misbehavior; (4) Appreciate the value of being proactive rather than reactive; (5) Marvel at the intelligence and intuitive skills of every canine; (6) Enjoy a positive relationship with, and be proud to own a well-trained dog.

Photo courtesy Academy of Canine Behavior. At the Academy of Canine Behavior, trainer Chaya Anderson practices a down command with a German shepherd.

DB: Training is something the dog and owner do together, as a team. The teams bonds more closely and both learn more about each other. Trust forms. With trust comes understanding and respect.

SD:  Routine and consistency: Owners need to understand that training is more of a sport, or an avocation, than it is a psychological or educational exercise. Calm, decisive action: The class should teach them to keep their cool, to be “calmly indifferent,” and to take necessary action, when called for. Indecision is poison to owner credibility.

DM: Learning to discipline their dog in a humane way and learning to be consistent in their approach to their training so they end up with a reliable dog, one that minds when asked to. Learning to think very basically when it comes to dogs, not put human reasoning into their dog.

Q: What should a dog owner ask when checking out a trainer’s credentials?

CM: Identify your goals first. I see so many people who want to “train” their dog but have no idea what they want to train the dog to do. Once you establish what you want, you will have a better idea of what trainer will be able to help you realize those goals. As you build a relationship with your dog, you are entering into a relationship with your trainer.  Ask these questions: Is the trainer a good communicator? Is he/she knowledgeable enough to earn your respect?

KL: How long have you been training dogs professionally? What have you personally accomplished with your own dogs? What are some of your students’ accomplishments? Describe your training philosophy? How do you feel about positive reinforcement and the use of food in training? How do you feel about corrections in training? How do you deal with shy and fearful dogs? How do you deal with aggressive dogs? Can my family (children) attend and participate in class?

DB: Why are you a dog trainer? May I meet your dogs? May I sit in on a class session of my choosing? May I talk freely with your students? Do you have experience with my breed? How long have you been training dogs? What are you primary methods and why? What is your fee structure for classes?

SD: References, please? Do you have any positive press or published material? What is your overarching training philosophy?  (Look for a pragmatic approach that does not preach one method, but instead teaches adaptability/versatility according to dog, owner and environment.)

DM: Even though most people are not interested in showing, they should avoid those who say they don’t train for shows. My graduations (at the end of 10 weeks) are run like a novice class at a dog show. Those who decide they want to show are prepared; those who do not end up with a well-trained dog. People should ask to look in on a training class to see how the work is accomplished and observe the trainer’s attitude.

Q: If you had to select only one of these as the best source for finding a good dog trainer, which would it be and why: (1) friend; (2) relative; (3) veterinarian; (4) co-worker; (5) breeder; (6) pet-store manager?

CM: A good breeder understands their breed and what the genetics are going to bring to the equation. Also, a good breeder is going to be there to answer your questions about any training program in which to enroll.

Photo courtesy Academy of Canine Behavior. While trainer Becca Graham focuses on a German shepherd, another Academy of Canine Behavior instructor helps others.

KL: A friend, because of first-hand experience and word-of-mouth referrals. The “friend’ who has taken a class or private lesson from the trainer has the advantage of knowing you, as well as the trainer, and can give specific examples of how you and your dog will benefit  from that trainer’s instructions.

DB: A friend – friends are far more honest with you than a co-worker. There is a better chance to see the dog in several settings and watch how your friend interacts with the dog and how the dog interacts with the owner.

SD: A friend.

DM: None of the above. People should seek advice from someone who has a well-behaved dog or visit some classes they have heard about. See what kind of results the students are getting and talk to some of them following class to get their opinion.

Q: When a frustrated dog owner comes to you after having met with little or no success with another obedience instructor, what is usually the No. 1 reason?

CM: They may have a problem that takes a better understanding of behavior instead of simply being a training issue. Many things factor into a dog’s behavior. Training is surprisingly only a piece.  Once you can help people understand why their dog is doing something, it takes a lot of frustration out of the problem and opens the door to more success in resolving it.

KL: Lack of expertise. Many of our clients come to us after they’ve dropped out of other programs because the training philosophy and/or techniques were ineffective for various reasons, including (1) The instructor did not offer alternative techniques when a method didn’t work; (2) The instructor did not adjust techniques to suit the breed’s characteristics; (3) Classes were too large and/or out of control; (4) There was no formal lesson plan; (5) The client’s dog had a bad experience in the class.

DB: Lack of connection with the trainer or with the trainer’s methods. “The trainer didn’t like me” or “the trainer didn’t like my dog” is consistent with this reasoning. Generally, it means that the owner didn’t understand the method used or how it pertains to his/her dog.

SD: Often, the trainer he/she tried stuck to a rigid philosophy and could not adapt to the limitations of the situation.

DM: They have gone to someone who trains with treats. It gives people great immediate success, but not reliability, especially if you forgot to bring your treats. It not only takes longer to get solid results, but the reliability is lacking.

Photo courtesy Paws-Abilities 2009. Instructor Suzanne Bolwell, left, offers praise to Diane Funai and her golden retriever Lily at a Paws-Abilities training session.

Q: List some of the values need to be a longtime, highly respected dog trainer?

CM:  Being honest with the client, even if you have to tell him/her something he/she may not want to hear. And not knocking someone else’s training program.

KL: Professionalism; integrity; outstanding communication skills; passion; respect, understanding and empathy for dog owners; respect, understanding and empathy for the dogs; excellent class-management skills; knowing the difference between training dogs and teaching people; proven personal success with his/her own dogs; proven track record of success with clients’ dogs; demonstrated willingness to “give back” to the dog world and dog-owning community.

DB: Being non-judgmental and patient and having a sense of humor. Treating all clients with respect, regardless of age or ability and working with them to develop their strengths and skills. Developing the ability to connect with clients, both canine and human, while building a sense of trust in both.  Most importantly, understanding that there are no stupid questions and having the ability to answer such a question as though it was the most interesting question you’ve heard.

SD: Success, versatility, tenacity, speed and confidence, coordination, imagination, good with people, originality.

DM: The same values you would want in anyone you deal with or in your friends. While money is involved in dog training, never let it be your top priority.

Q: What is your approach when a client brings in a young rescue dog with an unknown past for training?

CM:  We offer free evaluations so that we can see the dog and spend some time talking to the owner to get as much history and background as possible. This gives us the opportunity to observe the dog in a relatively non-threatening environment and also to get a feel for what type of person the owner is.

KL: All new clients complete a questionnaire prior to meeting with us for the first time. The questionnaire is more extensive for private lesson clients who are usually meeting with us for specific and/or behavior issues.

DB: First, observe the dog. How does it hold itself? How does it feel about itself? This can tell you a great deal about the dog’s life experience. If the dog is willing to be touched, a physical and structural evaluation would be next. If you are unable to perform a hands-on, a visual examination will still provide some information. The next step would be to evaluate the possible relationships it had with other humans.  Does it use its nose to meet someone new, or does it use its eyes? Is it hand-shy or does it come up to be petted? How does it react to a steady gaze? Does it take a treat willingly, suspiciously or not at all? Will it take a toy and bring it to the human to play? All the information gathered is shared with the owner during the evaluation. I also advise he/she take the dog to his/her veterinarian for a thorough examination.

SD: Evaluate dog and owner, behaviorally, physically, concentrating on moods, energy and attitudes. Watch posture and sociability of both. Draw upon experience to ascertain the situation and develop a training plan.

DM: Start them on a solid training program, which will enable owner and dog to bond. Do not use the fact the dog is a rescue dog as an excuse as to why the owner is having trouble training it. Dogs live in the here and now and don’t dwell on the past, except in the rare case where the animal is mentally or genetically unsound.

Q: What do you do to sharpen and update your training skills?

CM: We are active in the whole dog community, and have competed in most venues that are available for owners to compete in with their dogs. We still read books, articles and go to seminars, but the biggest teachers we have are the dogs themselves. Each one brings another tiny piece to a very big picture.

KL: I read nearly every new dog book published and subscribe to a variety of newsletters and magazines. I also read a wide range of general business and psychology materials to better understand the science of humans and how we learn. My instructors receive ongoing educational support and monitoring from me. My students are my greatest teachers . . . and inspiration!

DB: I read new training manuals, attend classes and interact with other trainers who I respect. The trainer who insists on using the one method or approach that he/she started with years ago and refuses to adapt to or recognize new approaches is doing his or her clients a huge disservice. It’s extremely important to be aware of new trends and approaches in our industry.

SD: Take on hard cases, sometimes for free, to keep sharp. Vary techniques and evaluate successes or failures. Spend time watching dogs and owners in public parks, walking out and about. Read a variety of books.

DM: I used to go to a lot of training clinics, but decided Koehler was the best and have just stuck to his training for 45 years with much success. Most of the seminars today are food-oriented and I don’t believe in that.

By Ranny Green

Gryphon's logo said it all.

He had his own distinctive logo, was known by many names to a fan club that extended far beyond his hometown Denver neighborhood and he will always be remembered as the dog that made a difference.

He was Gryphon (pronounced Griffin), The Mayor, Gritty and Grits. His logo: “Gryphon: Lived Life at Full Throttle” captured his charisma and verve from puppyhood to his final days in April 2010.

This always-upbeat Labrador retriever, owned by Heather Raynski and John Van Soest, was an ambassador for the K-9 cancer awareness movement and a participant in the Youth and Pet Survivors, a pen-pal program that pairs children and dogs suffering from cancer. Plus, he was a highly visible figure in DockDog competition nationwide from age 11½ to 13.

“I don’t think he ever met someone he didn’t like,” recalls Ratynski. “His body language, his facial expressions said it all: ‘I am your friend’ everywhere we went.”

Gritty’s life was celebrated last month at the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine annual convention in Denver, along with several other area pets, at a special Animal Survivors event, attended by his owners and his veterinary oncologist, Dr. Robyn Elmslie, of Englewood, Colo.

Several months after being diagnosed with a fast-growing oral plasma cell tumor, Gryphon became an official DockDog.

Gritty was diagnosed with an oral plasma cell tumor (plasmacytoma) in April 2008 at age 11½ years, two weeks after a routine physical exam revealed no medical issues. The aggressive growth began quickly affecting his ability to retrieve and eat without discomfort.

Ratynski, a veterinary hospital administrator, has had two other dogs with the Big C, but admits, “You never get over the shock of being told your dog has cancer, especially when it’s sudden and unexpected. But I had a terrific team with our own veterinarian (Dr. Mike Herman) and Dr. Elmslie for Gryphon, the same ones who treated the other two previously.”

Adding to the angst this time was the difficulty in nailing down a diagnosis. “Usually, it is pretty straightforward,” explains Ratynski. “A tissue sample is taken, sent to a lab, where a pathologist determines what type of tumor it is. In Gritty’s case we had three different diagnoses, all of which mandated a different treatment mode.”

After an MRI lymphoma staging and a round of chemotherapy, researchers at the University of California, Davis, determined Gritty had cancer of the plasma cells.

“John and I made a pact when he was diagnosed,” says Ratynski. “It would not be about us. We would let Gritty show us the way.” And he did for two more years.

The first step of treatment called for Herman to surgically remove as much of the tumor as possible, which would cut the impending radiation treatment to some degree. “Because I had worked at the hospital, I was allowed to sit in and observe. Gryphon’s toughness and resiliency allowed him to handle the procedure nicely. In fact, he went on a two-mile walk the next day.”

Owner Heather Ratynski and Gritty enjoyed an incredible relationship. "Even in the midst of extensive radiation treatment, he was always upbeat. The veterinary staff were his friends and he loved the attention," says Ratynski.

Ratynski described the walk on the Chase Away K 9 Cancer web site: “You’d have never known that he’d just had surgery. The joy he felt that day walking in the park was palpable. I was reminded that he didn’t know that he had cancer and it was my job to try and live as he does – moment to moment with no thought of what may be. “

Once his mouth healed from surgery, Gritty underwent 18 radiation treatments with Elmslie, five days a week over 3½ weeks.

“That was the longest month of my life,” Ratynski says, “and I cried when it was over. But in many ways I don’t know if I would take it back if I could. It solidified our bond. I even created a playlist on my iPod that we listened to each morning as we drove to the clinic, and now when I hear those songs I think of that time with fondness.”

Gryphon was a “fabulous patient,” Elmslie recalls. “You have some memorable cases in your career and his ranks right up there. But much of the credit goes to Heather and John and their commitment to his quality of life.

“Gryphon was always upbeat and had a zest for life. He seemed to like coming here and all the attention the entire staff lavished on him.”

Each of 18 radiation dosages were low enough, Elmslie says, to allow the surrounding normal tissue to recover quickly. “The bottom line,” she concludes, is “always about how can we do the most for him while doing the least to him.”

The treatments forced the tumor into remission, and within three months Gritty completed a six-mile hike in the Colorado Rockies and went on that summer to become a DockDog and pen pal for a 10-year-old girl suffering from cancer.

Ratynski recalls having a “crazy idea” that Gritty could qualify for the DockDogs nationals. Wearing a “Cancer Survivor” vest and jumping five times in one day he did, becoming a huge crowd favorite in the process.

He thrived on the attention. When he jumped 5 feet 11 inches, the crowd cheered. In his mind, he had soared 25 feet. “He was having fun and living life to the fullest. He thought he was a rock star,” she smiles. Gritty continued his DockDog career until he was 13.

It wasn’t always fun and games between Gritty and Ratynski. “I wanted John (the dog was his birthday present) to get a rescue dog,” she says. “But we ended up going to a breeder’s home to look at some pups that would be ready to take home in a few weeks. When we discussed the litter with her, she asked if she could show us an older puppy. She brought out this 4-month-old dog that looked like a basset hound-Lab mix that she needed to find a home for. John fell in love instantly. My heart wasn’t really in it but he was a charmer and soon I was as hooked as John.

Gritty wore a big smile everywhere he went. And in his mind, everyone was his friend.

“He was stubborn, full of drive and quite independent. You add all of that up and it spells challenge,” Ratynski recalls. Plus, he was more attached to Van Soest. Eventually, he became a momma’s boy. After he got cancer we spent a lot of time together at the vet, but it was our time to bond and be a team. DockDogs only strengthened that connection. “

Ratynski’s plan from the early going was simply to tire out Gritty, mentally and physically. He never chewed furniture, but he found plenty of other ways to get into trouble that resulted in significant vet bills. “He was like a 2-year-old child and he expected you to entertain him all the time.”

Gryphon gave new meaning to patience while producing plenty of laughter and inspiration, says his appreciative owner.

Ironically, after beating the plasma cell tumor, two years later Gryphon succumbed to lymphoma, a form of cancer known to be treatable. “We were convinced he could beat this, too,” says Ratynski.

Following chemotherapy, his strength began to gradually wane. The last few days were an emotional rollercoaster – up and down days. “He showed his ‘true Grit,’ even on the worst days,” recalls Ratynski, “but we were committed to not prolonging his agony and finally decided it was time to let go. Dogs have a way of letting you know when it is time. They’ll show it in their eyes, body language and enthusiasm. Treasure every day and never take them for granted. Our time with them is always too short.”

During a training exercise, 5-year-old Jax sniffs an overhead luggage site for hidden explosives while his handler Ly Keu watches.

ExplosiveDetection Unit.

Each has a highly trained two-legged partner, usually an ex-military, police or sheriff’s officer, works four days on, three days off and is an integral part of that officer’s family at home.

The local unit is one of four deployed in the U.S. Another is situated in Wichita; the company contracts with private security agencies for additional teams in Chicago and Southern California. The decade-old program, the outgrowth of Boeing’s need for enhanced security following 9/11, began with mostly German shepherds and Belgian Malinois and has segued to Labrador retrievers and Lab mixes.

Trained to identify and alert to 17,000 different explosive-based chemicals and compounds, some of the newest team members are former shelter dogs, says Melissa Larsen, trainer and an original team member.  Earlier ones were graduates from the prestigious Auburn University Canine Detection Training Center at Fort McClellan, Ala. 

John Decker, senior manager of the K-9 program, and Larsen select the canine candidates based on an assortment of criteria.

Larsen’s correspondence to area shelter officials reads:

“What are we looking for? Typically a Lab mix with a very high ball drive. When I test the dogs I look for their ability to use their nose to search for the ball. I don’t care if they find the ball, the main thing is they don’t give up looking and don’t get distracted. We like to take them away from their normal environment to do the testing, since this is usually where distractions will play a big part.

 “ . . . We want a dog that uses the air current rather than just nose down. It is also best if the ball is right in front of the dog’s face and I see him trying to figure out where it is without seeing it with the eyes. If the dog passes

Jax sits in front of a “find,” which he is trained to do. The dog was rescued from the Progressive Animal Welfare Society shelter in Lynnwood.

 these initial tests, I usually take it for one to two days with me to Boeing facilities to see if it has any fear of surfaces, noises, etc. If it passes this portion, it is taken into the program. We have not had any dog ‘wash out’ . . . after all of this testing.”

Pairing partners is critical but not difficult, Decker explains. “You look at personalities. You want to match a high-drive animal with a similar officer. Mixing opposites breeds total frustration and lack of production.

“Because our dogs interact with our employees and the public on a daily basis, we want an animal that has a keen, discriminating sense of smell and focus, yet is not aggressive, or perceived by the public to be that way.  The public sees the Lab as a lovable, teddy bear.”

The teams are often the public face of the company at shareholders meetings, customer product delivery events, on the field and flight lines during flight tests, at major employee forums and occasionally traveling together on commercial airline flights.

They sweep the premises of Boeing facilities for hazards or explosives along with screening incoming vehicles, abandoned briefcases and packages. They are available to be called in by outside law-enforcement agencies for bomb threats or work special events involving dignitaries. Typical finds, explains Larsen, are guns and ammo in delivery trucks or contractor vehicles every few months.

Decker refuses to place a price tag on the unit’s earlier dogs, but it is not unusual for an agency to spend $20,000 for a fully trained animal. Because today’s new members come from shelters, adoption fees are sometimes waived or don’t exceed $100.  Additional savings are recognized by in-house training.

Handler Tony Lowry holds Gizmo, which focuses on the scent of a training article. Gizmo was obtained from the Humane Society of Skagit Valley in Burlington.

Because training is key for keeping each team razor sharp, all undergo a weekly session of four hours or more. When Larsen spots an issue, that pair undergoes additional fine-tuning until the matter is resolved. Typical problems are a reaction to loud noises or surface issues, like a slippery floor.

“A team may be working well and all of a sudden a loud impact wrench or another noise may set a dog off,” Larsen says. “The same goes with the slippery floor. It’s simply a matter of rebuilding a comfort zone for the animal.”

Because weather affects dogs’ scenting abilities training takes that into account, too. Intense heat not only saps the animals’ energy quicker but hot pavement can burn their pads. Snow and cold force them to work longer and harder. Wind, however, is the most challenging element, since it can drive odor away from the target item.

Each team is recertified annually in a two- to three-day test where explosive training aids of varying weights and sizes are planted in five areas, which can be a vehicle, open space, warehouse, office or bus.  A passing score is 90 percent. Failure to attain that requires the team to be retested within 30 days, either on the entire test or one facet only at Decker’s behest.

“I don’t set a time limit for any exercise,” says Decker, “but I have a reasonable time in mind that it should be completed, depending on the size of the search area. The test is designed to challenge both handler and dog. Can the handler read the dog? Is the dog working for the handler? Are they in sync?”

 Because all dogs are retired at age 9, Larsen and Decker are afforded a 1-year window to begin shelter shopping for a replacement. “We have a good relationship with area shelters and rescue groups,” explains Decker. “It helps when we narrow the field to one breed or a mix of that breed, too.”

Tycho finds his search object atop a piece of machinery in a Boeing Co. warehouse.

Being family members, the dogs must interact smoothly with small children and other pets. Hence, another reason the Labrador retriever is the breed of choice.

Huey, for instance, a 73-pound, 4-year-old yellow Lab, replaced handler Jeff Johnson’s previous partner, Yale, which continues to live with Johnson and his wife, Jennie.

Johnson joined the Boeing K-9 team in 2007 after serving eight years in the Air Force as a military police-dog trainer, where he chiefly worked Belgian Malinois and German shepherds.

“The move to Labs was a relatively easy transition,” he said, “since I had been away from the military for a short while and my wife and relatives already had the breed.”

Huey was schooled in the Auburn University program, where initial training is done by an inmate in the Georgia prison system. To determine if it is fit for the demanding explosives detection-dog work, the animal is exposed to crowds, loud noises and challenging situations. If it passes that year-long training, it is returned to the school to undergo additional testing before being

Handler Jeff Johnson and Huey search for a scented item at the Seattle Kennel Club Dog Show in March, during a demonstration that drew a large crowd. The unit makes numerous public appearances throughout the Puget Sound area each year.

matched with a law-enforcement or private company unit member.

The dog’s favorite leisure activities include retrieving a Frisbee, walking in dog parks and hiking with the family. 

“When he’s not working, he loves the public,” Johnson adds. “He’s an excellent ambassador for the program, but when he’s on the job, he’s totally focused. In that respect, Huey is the total package.”
        
      
        
      
    
   

This is an ordinary rural Congolese home with a Basenji left home for the day. Notice that there is no effort to enclose the dog.

Mecca is defined as “any place that many people visit or hope to visit.” For a Basenji fancier, Africa is a destination prominent on your bucket list.

For Campbell, a Seattle real-estate professional and 20-year Basenji breeder, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the homeland of what is arguably one of the oldest dog breeds in the world, epitomizes the heart and soul of Mecca.

The Azande and Mangbetu tribes from the northeastern Congo describe Basenjis in the Lingala language as “dogs from when we were wild” or “dogs from long ago.” Some historians suggest the breed’s origins are Egypt or Asia several thousand years ago. Cave paintings found in Libya dated between 6000 BC and 100 AD have drawings of pariah-type dogs resembling Basenjis in hunting scenes.

But modern history shows the dogs have lived in independent packs near African villages, and reproduced without special control from local tribes. And still continue to do so. Like the wolf, the Basenji comes into heat only once a year, and then for only 30 days. It’s most distinguishing feature, however is its inability to bark because of its flat larynx.

Campbell’s Basenji Safari stemmed from an invitation in 2009 from Jon Curby and Michael Work, noted breed authorities who had made several earlier trips to Africa, the first in 1987.

In the Congo, the easiest way for Basenjis to travel is via the dirt road, just like everyone else. The roads are in such poor condition that drivers can't travel more than 10 mph., however. Note the exquisite gait on this dog.

“I was giddy and felt very honored when they invited me,” says Campbell. “They were experienced and knew exactly where they wanted to go.”

Timing for the trip was tight and influenced by weather – you must avoid the rainy and dry seasons from a standpoint of travel (some roads are impassable in peak rainy months, and high temperatures send many dogs into the deep bush where it is cooler) and the ever-changing political climate as well. “It’s a pretty narrow window,” Campbell explains, “which left us with February-March. Plus, there was the matter of coordinating everyone’s availability, too.”

Prior to meeting up with seven others in the Basenji gang, Campbell spent a week in Uganda, then flew to Bunia, Democratic Republic of Congo, and then on to Dungu, a village which served as home base for their daily outings in quest of premier Basenji puppies they could purchase from local tribe (Zande) members.

A key player was John Valk, a Dutchman, who served as guide, interpreter and body guard. “He is a Rambo-like guy who the local tribesmen call ‘Papa,’ “ says Campbell. “We all felt very comfortable with him dealing with locals.”

Within their first hour in Dungu, the group saw a Basenji. “In fact, that was the only breed we saw during our stay,” says Campbell. “About 97 percent of them appeared to be purebred. They were in surprisingly good condition considering the environment riddled with fleas, ticks and worms. “

The dogs remain close to their wild roots, and are used as hunting partners by their masters, each part of the other’s life. We saw very little petting or emotion toward Basenjis, but there was no question the dogs played a very important role in their owners’ lives, Campbell adds.

There are no social expectations about maintaining safety of dogs in the Congo. This Basenji is trained to ride on the back of a bicycle clip. Note there is no leash or other restraint.

The owners feed their dogs whatever they themselves eat. That diet includes vegetables, chicken, monkey, duiker antelope or bush pig. The dogs supplement that by foraging on their own for small animals and birds.

The ancient breed was introduced to England in 1937 at the famed Crufts Dog Show, and reached the U.S. several years later. They were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1943 and since then have been bred from a limited gene pool, which can be the trigger mechanism for health problems. The Basenji was unable to dodge that bullet, and fell victim to an inheritable disorder called Fanconi syndrome, resulting in widespread kidney failure, by the 1980s.

Hence, the initial Curby/Work safari in 1987 and a subsequent one where they bought 13 puppies introduced potential new breeding stock into Western lines.

To allow more recently imported dogs to be used for breeding, the AKC in August 2008, at the request of the Basenji Club of America, voted to open the breed stud book to 1-year-old dogs from Africa with no AKC accepted registry.

“Due to the changing circumstances in the areas where these dogs thrive, this may be the last opportunity to import the breed from its homeland,” said Sally Wuornos, BCOA president, at the time.

The parent club established a 10-step process for owners to apply for foreign dogs’ registry, after which members will vote to ultimately approve the dogs’ entry into the stud book, which will remain open until Dec. 31, 2013.

All dogs seen by the safari team had obviously lived in the wild their entire lives. Six select young animals were purchased, with Campbell bringing back three females, two of which she owns. A black-and-white puppy, Makala, she owns in association with a good friend and longtime Basenji breeder, Pat Marshall, of Jasper, Texas, is the first of its color to leave Africa for the western world and their associated registries since 1959.

The breed color standard calls for red and white, black and white, brindle and white and tri-color.

Congolese hunters use their silent Basenjis to assist in capturing bush meat with nets and spears. For the men it means bringing dinner home; to the Basenji,it is just a game that they play with their people friends. The dogs wear "bells" made from the borasus pod of the akua tree, helping the hunters locate their four-legged partners in the deep bush.

Marshall has long focused on black-and-white Basenjis. “Not a day goes by when she doesn’t e-mail me or send me a photo of Makala,” laughs Campbell. “All three of these girls share a certain ‘Zen’ that is atypical for domestic Basenjis.” Each will carry an Avongara prefix with its breeding, denoting its direct African origin.

Campbell’s keeper is NazikI (in her native language that means I’ve Been Burned), an energetic red-and-white dog that has adapted incredibly well to lifestyle here after months in the bush. “I take her to work with me and get her out in public as much as possible. Socialization is critical for these puppies being brought into a totally foreign environment.”

Since Naziki is not destined for the show ring and is Campbell’s only resident non AKC champion, the extended socialization, she believes, boosts the dog’s self esteem, much like shows do for her others.

Naziki was purchased for $10 (about the price of a chicken) from an individual in a refugee camp inhabited by Sudanese, who traveled south across the border to reach the camp. The facility is about an hour from Dungu, situated near a lavish United Nations headquarters building.

One of the identifying marks of discipline on the native Basenjis, when all other methods fail, are bald spots on their skin resulting from boiling water being tossed upon the animal. Naziki’s marker is behind her left ear.

“There was very little time to sit and evaluate the dogs,” explains Campbell. “The character we saw in Africa is certainly not what we see of the breed in the U.S. show ring. We really went down there to get a better appreciation of our breed’s native habitat and to hopefully purchase some quality puppies that would be future breeding candidates. Temperament will hopefully be their No. 1 contribution. Yet, all of us knew the possibility that the ones we selected might not be accepted into the registry.”

In the months Naziki and Makala have been in their U.S. homes, both are much healthier, claims Campbell, chiefly due to medications, vaccines, stable home environment and top-rate nutrition.

In more than a month, the confident 10-pound newcomer has segued from a wild animal to a confident household companion that trots down the city sidewalk on a loosely held leash with every bit the bravado of a top show dog that quickly owns the crowd. “To me, Naziki is truly one in a million,” concludes Campbell.

Above Photos Courtesy of Katie Campbell