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MAX

June 21, 2015 | 3 Comments

A ‘Must See’ Summer Movie!

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I feel honoured to have been invited by Warner Bros. Pictures Canada, to attend an advanced screening of  “Max,” a family action adventure presented by Warner Bros. Pictures and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures. 

You may have seen trailers for the movie, during which, we are introduced to a precision-trained military dog, Max, who serves on the frontlines in Afghanistan alongside his handler, U.S. Marine Kyle Wincott. When things go terribly wrong on maneuvers, Kyle is mortally wounded and Max, traumatized by the loss of his best friend, is unable to remain in service.

Sent stateside, the only human Max seems willing to connect with is Kyle’s teenage brother, Justin, so Max is saved when he is adopted by Kyle’s family. Justin has issues of his own, including living up to his father’s expectations, and he isn’t interested in taking responsibility for his brother’s troubled dog. However, Max may be Justin’s only chance to discover what really happened to his brother that day on the front, and with the help of Carmen, a tough-talking young teen who has a way with dogs, Justin begins to appreciate his canine companion.

Justin’s growing trust in Max helps the four-legged veteran revert back to his heroic self, and as the pair race to unravel the mystery, they find more excitement—and danger—than they bargained for. But they each might also find an unlikely new best friend…in each other.

“Max” stars Josh Wiggins (“Hellion”) as Justin Wincott, Lauren Graham (one of MY favourite actresses from TV’s “Parenthood”) as his mom, Pamela, and Oscar nominee Thomas Haden Church (“Sideways”) as his dad, Ray.

ABOUT THE PRODUCTION

When people connect with an animal there’s a primal bond that often goes beyond what we experience with other people,

says Boaz Yakin, the co-writer/director/executive producer of “Max.” That was the initial inspiration for the movie, which follows the journey of a MILITARY WORKING DOG (MWD) whose U.S. Marine handler loses his life in Afghanistan. Traumatized, the dog is adopted by the family the Marine left behind.

Yakin, a self-proclaimed dog-lover attests, “I wanted to tell a story that was emotional and heightened, while still keeping it rooted in reality.”

He turned to longtime friend Sheldon Lettich, who co-wrote the screenplay.

Sheldon is a Marine Corps Vietnam Veteran and brought in the idea of using MWD’s. These dogs risk their lives, or have their lives put at risk, going far ahead of their units in order to literally smell out danger,” he adds.

That instinct was reinforced when Yakin and Lettich watched one of the many viral videos of MWDs lying mournfully beside their handler’s casket at their funerals, loyal to the end and beyond. Such videos have touched a deep chord in millions of viewers around the world.

The decision to make Max a Belgian Malinois, instead of a more familiar breed such as a German Shepherd, was informed by the fact that the Malinois has become the breed of choice to serve as MWDs for military forces and law enforcement agencies across the United States and throughout the world. Leaner than a German Shepherd, the highly focused dogs, when trained, can smell drugs and bombs and find bodies. They can be deadly and are trusted to guard the White House and the President of the United States.

Before writing, Yakin and Lettich observed the dogs in action at the Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base K9 Unit in California. Driven to hunt and capture prey, the Malinois has a 270-degree field of vision and the force of its bite equals 1,400 pounds per square inch. It can run 30 miles per hour and withstand the heat of the desert.

But what happens when a MWD is unable to work anymore due to injuries, stress or trauma, which can cause Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)? Thanks to Robby’s Law, which went into effect in 2000, MWDs are no longer simply euthanized. They can be adopted by their handlers or other former handlers.

They also found that some MWDs have also been adopted by the civilian families of dog handlers who had been killed in either Iraq or Afghanistan. That interested Lettich, who has also owned several Belgian Malinois, and knows from personal experience that the breed is highly energetic, intelligent, and extremely task-oriented. “It’s like a human coming back, it’s an adjustment. We wanted to follow a fictional dog home stateside after his handler’s death and see where that took the dog—and the family,” he explains.

(see link for information about adoption process)

Military & Law Enforcement Working Dog Rescue and Support

Producers Karen Rosenfelt and Ken Blancato were intrigued by the idea of a retired military search dog and the family who takes him in, and how the unlikely strangers interact to get past their loss.

Part of that vision was upping the stakes for Max, the title character, who, after losing his handler, Kyle, on the battle front finds a new friend in Kyle’s younger brother, Justin, on the home front.

Life after the U.S. Marine Corps is an adjustment for the elite, trained canines, but in Max’s case, it is particularly difficult. The trauma he faced in Afghanistan has not only left Max with PTSD, but the mystery of what happened to Max and Kyle that day inadvertently entangles Justin and his friends in a dangerous situation that escalates quickly, and tests Max and Justin’s fragile new relationship.

“The military aside, people connect with dogs so strongly,” says Yakin. “We often are able to relate to animals, and allow ourselves to be vulnerable with animals, in a way that we don’t with people.”

He continues,

Max became a metaphor for loss and for getting this family to understand and deal with that loss. And to discover what they need to do in order to reconnect with each other.”

Military handlers and their dogs are in it together. The oath says it all: Where I go, my dog goes. Where my dog goes, I go.

But for Max, the problem is he can’t go where Kyle goes anymore. Sent back to the U.S., Max is between worlds, no longer doing the job he is trained for and unfamiliar with life in a domestic setting.

Yakin notes, “Usually there is a 12 to 18 month waiting list for a civilian to adopt a retired MWD, but in our film we take some dramatic license. You usually have to jump through a lot of paperwork and hoops, even if you are a relative.”

Although his handler’s family wants to take him home, Max is uncertain how to interact in his new setting. He doesn’t trust anyone. His handler’s younger brother, Justin, is just as distrustful of the dog his parents put in his care. 

That’s where their bond—and their adventure—begins. “They don’t realize it, but they have so much in common. They both feel isolated,” Yakin states.

The filmmakers cast Josh Wiggins as Justin. “Josh is terrific,” Yakin acknowledges. “He was immediately able to walk in Justin’s shoes. He’s very comfortable with the animals and he’s a very natural, truthful actor with an instinctive sense of what works. He was able to really ground the film.”

Wiggins immediately related to the story. He not only hails from Texas, where the film is set, but has a brother who served in the army, three dogs at home, and a father who trains bomb-sniffing dogs for the Houston Police Department.

The young actor describes Justin as “a rebellious kid. Justin feels like his older brother was the trophy son and he’s overshadowed by him, so he sees himself as the outcast in the family. I think he resents his dad because his dad was a soldier, and that inspired Kyle to go into the Marine Corps. Now that Kyle is gone, Justin blames Ray in a way.”

Yakin adds, “Justin and Ray have a contentious relationship. He feels the expectations are being placed on him to live up to his father’s and brother’s ideal. He’s trying to figure out his own way and separate himself from their orbit.”

Wiggins agrees. “Justin is so unlike Kyle and so unlike Ray and doesn’t want to be what his dad wants him to be. So they clash in that regard. He wants to make his dad mad so he revolts, but he doesn’t really think about the risks involved.”

Thomas Haden Church stars as Ray, who is grieving the loss of the son who followed in his footsteps as a Marine, and having a hard time dealing with the son at home who overtly tries not to be anything like him.

“It was important that Ray have an authoritative sensibility, but also undercurrents that indicate he never quite figured his life out. He’s a frustrated ex-Marine,” notes Yakin.

Like Wiggins, Church, also a Texan, related to his character. “My dad was in the military and wounded in combat, so I drew from that. He was always looking at things from a tactical vantage point,” he shares. “Ray was wounded in Desert Storm and he carries that identity around. He’s not the most personable guy. Add to that a major shift in this nuclear family unit and suddenly no one has the old machine to rely on in relating with the other members of the family.”

Yakin says, “Sometimes you find someone and honestly can’t picture anyone else playing the role. That’s how I felt about Thomas playing Ray. He has a unique combination of vulnerability and gruff power that you see at the same time.”

The complete opposite of her husband, Pamela Wincott is the glue that’s keeping what’s left of the family together.

Lauren Graham, who stars as Pamela, was intrigued by her character, a woman who has suffered the ultimate loss—the loss of a child, with no one to comfort her. “She is in the middle, a difficult position,” Graham relates. “Ray can’t communicate and Justin is hiding behind his video games and his bad attitude. Their connection is there, but they have to be vulnerable enough to reach out and say, ‘I need you.’ She gives them a little push, but it’s definitely their process.”

Graham describes Max as “the last piece of Pamela’s son. That’s why it’s so important for Pamela to keep him safe and in the family. It’s all she has left of Kyle, whether it’s rational or not. Max challenges Justin to stop rebelling just to grow up and take care of somebody else.”

Church adds, “They are already struggling as a family and then a new element comes in, this dog. It complicates the dynamics.”

In more than one way.

Justin is having a hard time handling Max, who is also displaying behavior that speaks to his underlying trauma, such as aggression and hyper-sensitivity to loud noises. Whatever transpired that day in Afghanistan unsettled Max to his core, and no one has been able to connect with him to figure it out or help him work through it…until Justin.

Wiggins says, “To me, Max is symbolic of Justin’s brother, Kyle. He has Kyle’s character traits of honor and loyalty, and he teaches Justin to have honor and to be loyal. The closer Justin gets to Max the closer he feels to Kyle and the better he understands why Kyle wanted to be a Marine, and why he left Justin to serve his country.”

Part of Justin’s rebellion involves bootlegging video games and selling them to his friend Chuy’s thug cousin. Dejon LaQuake plays Chuy, who LaQuake describes as “the middle man. Chuy’s family is more in the hood whereas Justin is more suburban. He’s funny and cool and has Justin’s back.”

He’s also somewhat of a third wheel when Justin meets Chuy’s other cousin…a tomboy who has been kicked out of her house and is sleeping on Chuy’s couch. Mia Xitlali plays Carmen, who has a way with dogs…and Justin. “All she’s ever known, growing up, was dogs—rescuing strays, and training them, which she learned from her own brother,” Xitlali explains.

She’s tough on the outside, but when she and Justin meet, there are sparks, although neither will admit it. Xitlali says, “Justin has no idea what to think. She has a bike, she’s hanging with the guys, definitely not a girly girl. She challenges him and he doesn’t know how to respond to that. Carmen and Justin relate because she also has no one to really turn to, no guidance, no one she can really relate to except animals.”

Yakin says, “Xitlali was great. Carmen, Justin and Chuy are an interesting trio of friends going through what teens go through and she brought a lot to that. She was also a natural with the dogs.”

Carmen shows Justin how to gain Max’s trust and train him. “She realizes it’s time to be leader of the pack and show the boys how it’s done, “Xitlali smiles. “She knows Justin really wants to get to know Max because it’s all he has left of his brother.”

Just when Max seems to become calmer, the arrival of Kyle’s fellow soldier Tyler Harne re-triggers Max’s PTSD. Justin, too, becomes agitated because Tyler has the easy relationship with Ray that Kyle had, reinforcing Justin’s feeling that he is the outcast in the family.

Tyler comes back from Afghanistan—wounded—so now he and Ray have another bond: they’re both wounded soldiers. Yakin observes, “They can relate on a whole new level. And that adds another layer of frustration for Justin, and puts another kink in the family dynamic.”

Luke Kleintank plays Tyler, who was not only Kyle’s best friend but joined the Marines with him and served in the same unit. “Kyle was the good boy. Tyler was the bad boy. I think he always wanted to be like him, that’s why he was over at Kyle’s house a lot with the family. That was essentially something he yearned for and never got in his own family,” says Kleintank.

Rounding out the human cast are Robbie Amell as Kyle Wincott; Jay Hernandez as Sgt. Reyes of the Marine K9 unit; Owen Harn as local law enforcement official, Deputy Stack; and Joseph Julian Soria as Emilio, Chuy’s cousin, and the gang member whose illegal activities cause trouble for Justin and his friends.

And then there’s Max…

It was important Max’s markings allow for his expressive face to be seen because so much would need to be emoted through his eyes. While the classic Malinois has more of a mask, Yakin wanted one that had less black around the face.

Having worked with Forbes on “Marley and Me,” Rosenfelt was confident he and his team would deliver. “He finds and trains the best dogs and his humanity with the animals brings the best atmosphere to making the film,” she attests.

Forbes searched nationwide for a young canine that could be trained and had that specific look. He found a 2 year old dog in Kentucky, named Carlos, who was lovable, curious, and so focused he had been named after Carlos Hatchcock, the Vietnam War sniper who had 93 confirmed kills and was known for his incredible concentration.

Forbes flew to Liberty Dog Camp in Kentucky to put the dog through some paces and decided Carlos was trainable. He sent photos of Carlos back to Yakin, and Yakin flew to meet the dog. “I loved him,” says the director. “He was our Max. He got all the close-ups and is the face everybody will recognize.”

Supporting Canine Cast…

Next, Forbes had to find stunt doubles for Max. “Each of the dogs is proficient at different things and were used for that specific behavior. But because the film is so dog intense, they were also cross-trained and switched out to ensure their health and safety,” explains Forbes. For example, when it got too hot out, or when a dog had exerted himself enough.

Pax and Jagger were used almost as much as Carlos, because, says Forbes, “there’s so much action in this film that three or four dogs are required to play the lead part. For instance, Jagger did the scene in the cage when Max gets upset and backs away from Justin.

Dude was chosen because he is a great stunt dog who can jump over fences and knock guys down. Chaos was chosen to run. “He’s the fastest we have and sometimes the camera couldn’t keep up with him,” Forbes attests. Pilot was chosen for her youthful exuberance.

In addition to the Belgian Malinois, the script called for two Rottweilers. Atlas plays Draco, the predominant foe Max comes up against in an effort to protect Justin and his family. Atlas runs with another Rottweiler, named Loki, portrayed by Odin. The Rottweilers also had doubles so the dogs could be switched out and rest. Ebony doubled as Draco; Loki’s doubles were Ursa and Greta.

And last, but not least, Ruscoe, Angel, Daisy, Dane, Mo-Mo and Blaster portray very engaging Chihuahuas that Carmen has rescued and trained.

Once the dogs were cast, Forbes and his team started working with all the canines about sixteen weeks ahead of principal photography. And, while he enjoys all the breeds, Forbes says of the Belgian Malinois, “They are incredible and the most athletic dog I have been around. Malinois have three drives, each to a different degree: hunt, prey and defense. Trainers use the hunt drive to teach the scent, and the prey drive for the attack work. Defense is barking, holding their ground. For the film, we’re teaching them to sit, stay, go hit your mark, look at the actor—very trained and very specific, intricate behavior, whereas in military and police work they’re actually teaching them to do a job, like sniffing bombs.”

In the film, Max is a specialized search dog. A MWD with this specific skill is trained to go out 300 yards in front of his handler off leash. Forbes and his team worked for a month on just the basics to prepare the dogs to work off leash like a MWD.

Training extended to the actors as well, to teach them how to work with the dogs. “For us it’s always a very collaborative thing,” says Forbes. “To make it look real, we need the actor after every scene to recreate it again for us and ‘pay’ the dog, so that the dog starts to relate to the actor.”

Wiggins worked with the animal trainers on the film to learn how to motivate the dog in each scene, and how to reward him. “You put a treat up on your forehead so the dog will make eye contact with you and then you feed the dog,” the actor details. “These dogs are geniuses. They are so well trained, they are amazing. We had so much trust in them and in the trainers.”

He laughs, adding, “Sometimes when the dog was off camera, they would put a big stuffed animal for me to react to instead, which was weird, but funny.”

Additionally, Wiggins accompanied his father to the Houston Police Department dog training facility and ran with the dogs who were training in the bomb scenarios to get more comfortable with how they worked. “It was really cool,” he relates.

Forbes felt the young actors were well-prepared and did a great job with their four-legged co-stars. “To be honest, it’s hard to act with an animal in a scene because we’re over there making gestures, being in eye-lines and talking to the dog and sometimes talking over lines,” Forbes explains. “Josh was so gracious. He was great with the dogs, and so was Mia. Her character is somewhat of a dog whisperer, so we worked with Mia early on and spent quite a bit of time with her and the dogs so she felt comfortable. The dogs really took to her.”

Mia particularly bonded with Carlos. “Working with the dogs just added to the fun of doing the film,” says Xitlali. “I love dogs, so seeing all the different dogs and how they work was cool. They all have their unique personalities, and Carlos was just a sweetheart. We became besties during rehearsals.” 

Aside from the training, Forbes and his staff also made sure all the canines’ needs were well cared for, including setting up their own kennel on location, and building their own dog runs.

Another issue was making sure the dogs were taken care of in the heat. Shooting conditions were not ideal due to inordinately high temperatures, and the team very often coped with severe weather conditions.

“We had a tent set up with air conditioning, so that as soon as a scene was done we’d take the dog in,” says Forbes. “We also had our vans close by and they were always running the air conditioning; we could put the dogs inside for awhile to cool their body temperatures back down.”

Ron Simons was the animal and safety representative for The American Humane Association. “This set was extraordinary,” he states. “Both the director and the second unit director are very animal-conscious and both bent over backwards to make sure that the animals’ comfort was taken into consideration. The cast and crew was also incredible. There was quite a bond between them and the animals.”

In the story, as Max begins to trust Justin and bond with him, the dog’s instinct to protect and serve resurfaces—and he does just that, defending Justin and his family. One sequence in particular shows the loyalty Max has begun to feel for them, though, ironically, the filming of it was anything but defensive in terms of the animals’ behavior.

Forbes describes the scene, in which Max is fighting the gang-owned Rotweillers to protect Justin and his family, as “play fighting.” Pilot, the female Malinois and Odin, the Rottweiler, simulated the fighting. “Pilot was about 9 months old and Odin was about a year-and-a-half old, and they just loved each other and loved to play. Dogs tussle when they play; they roll around and are expressive with their teeth and mouth. If you lay in the right sound effects to that, it looks and sounds like a ferocious dog fight, when in reality they are just doing what they do in the dog run every day. Having fun.”

Yakin says,

There’s something about identifying with an animal that allows us to drop our judgments and inhibitions, and often our cynicism. And if we can drop those, we can bridge whatever gap there is with the people in our lives, as well.”

Also worth mentioning; The Imagine Dragons, who’s song ‘Aloha’ is part of the film’s soundtrack, are animal lovers.  They sponsored a rescue dog named ‘Waggy Draggy.’

Thank you Kenn Bell, creator of ‘The Dog Files’ for inviting us to share this information with our followers.

The Dog Files

We can’t wait to attend the screening of this movie to be released June 26, 2015

IMAGE

#MaxtheHero

Max – The Movie

US War Dogs

FYI- please make sure to understand all the facts, a situation has been circulating and has gone viral, I would like to…

Posted by Retired Military Working Dogs on Saturday, February 25, 2012

Categories: BOOKS & ENTERTAINMENT Tagged: Beautiful, Best Friend, Faithful, Family, For a Cause, Loyal, Max The Hero, PTSD, Rescue, Safe, Trust

A DOG’S PURPOSE

March 21, 2015 | 2 Comments

A Dog's Purpose
Who says only cats have nine lives?

In this beautiful story ‘A Dog’s Purpose,’ written by W. Bruce Cameron, we learn of one dog’s many lives; some lives are brief, and others end tragically.  Each glimpse of a lifetime, however, is heart-warming and provides insight touching on everyday, real-life situations lived by dogs we all know or at least know of.

The story is told from the dog’s perspective.  Perhaps that is why it is so emotionally powerful.  Although there are several laugh-out-loud moments, be warned, this emotional story is a real tear-jerker.

You will want to put this book down several times while ready the story. ONLY to hug your dogs and hold them close

So far, ‘A Dog’s Purpose’ is my absolute favourite book – of any genre.  This book is not ‘a loaner,’ you will want to read this book more than once (and I RARELY read a book a second time).

The Purpose of a dog (no spoilers), is to love and to be loved.

Thank you, Mr. Cameron for writing and sharing this book – such a beautiful gift to the world.

Categories: BOOKS & ENTERTAINMENT Tagged: Adopt, Beautiful, Believe, Best Friend, Cuddles, Dogs, Enjoy Life, Faith, Faithful, Family, Inspiration, Journey, Life, Loyal

A SAFE PLACE

March 9, 2015 | 26 Comments

INTRODUCING REDROVER

Domestic Violence

What would you do if your safety meant risking the life of your best friend?

When facing difficult times, we are lucky to have friends to turn to. Sometimes, it’s our animal companions that bring us the most comfort (no judgment, no discussion, just a friend to sit with us in our times of need). In the case of domestic violence, victims become alienated from friends and family members;

Abusers will often move their victim and the children away from the victim’s family and friends.

Abusers encourage, coerce, limit contact with and lie to alienate their victim from their support systems (friends and family). These tactics give the abuser the ability to maintain control over their victim

We are quick to judge, wondering why victims of abuse don’t just leave! Abusers take away a victim’s confidence; they make victims feel the abuse is justified, and the victim is at fault. Abusers convince victims they are the cause of the attacks. Abusers threaten to harm or even kill animal companions if the victim leaves.

So they stay.

A few months ago, I was contacted by a follower (of my blog) who was brave enough to make the decision to leave an abusive situation and wanted help finding resources. Although she was made to feel insignificant, she found the courage to ask for help.

We judge people who surrender their animal companions, without considering that, in some situations it is actually the best thing to do. Sadly, for too many people this is the case. They make the difficult decision to say goodbye in order to keep them safe.

Thankfully, there is support available for victims of violence AND their companions. I was so glad to know of one such organization that could help her. SafePlaceforPets.org connects people and pets with a safe escape from domestic violence. SafePlaceforPets.org is a RedRover project with the National Link Coalition and Sheltering Animals and Families Together (SAF-T).

RedRover staff and volunteers provide soft hands and warm hearts when animals and people are in need, crisis and pain. We bring animals out of a crisis and into care, and discover new ways to strengthen the common bond between people and animals through these programs

RedRover Programs also include:

RedRover Relief – Provides financial and emotional support to Good Samaritans, animal rescuers and pet owners to help them care for animals in life-threatening situations

RedRover Responders – Shelters and cares for animals displaced by natural disasters and other crises, such as criminal seizures and hoarding cases, in the United States and Canada.

RedRover Readers – A unique community-based literacy program that helps children explore the bond between people and animals through stories and discussion.

Resource Video – http://www.redrover.org/redrover-relief-domestic-violence-resources

The world would be darker and colder without the many good deeds provided by the RedRover team.

Thank you Bailey Mannisto-Ichés, Marketing and Outreach Coordinator at RedRover for sharing the following information with us:

When was RedRover established?
RedRover was founded in 1987.

Mission of Organization
The mission of RedRover is to bring animals out of a crisis and strengthen the bond between people and animals through emergency sheltering, disaster relief services, financial assistance, and education. RedRover accomplishes its mission by engaging volunteers and supporters, collaborating with others and maximizing the use of online technology.

Domestic Abuse is a very delicate situation. Please describe how you learn about situations and the process of providing assistance is carried out. For example, do you work closely with a team of law enforcement officers and lawyers as well as animal control to ensure everyone’s safety?
Our case managers work directly with victim advocates to provide Safe Escape grants to victims escaping an abusive environment with their pets. SafePlaceforPets.org is an online directory connecting advocates, victims and concerned citizens to the closest pet-friendly domestic violence resources in their area.

Are you able to share an inspirational (happy ending) story with us? How is the program funded?

Clover

http://redrover.org/article/your-support-saved-clover-abuse

After living in fear of abuse and violence for months, Andrea* said, “enough.” She was ready to escape her batterer, but only if she could bring her little terrier mix, Clover, with her. When Andrea learned that Metropolitan Center for Women and Children in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, could accept pets thanks to a RedRover Relief Safe Housing grant, Andrea scooped up Clover and escaped safely to the domestic violence shelter.

Clover received lots of attention and daily walks while at the shelter, and Clover’s presence made it easier for Andrea to adjust to life after abuse. After settling in at Metropolitan Center, staff and advocates worked to help Andrea achieve a fresh start by helping her find a pet-friendly apartment and even a new job – giving Clover the chance start anew as well. When Clover and Andrea were ready to leave, the Safe Housing grant from RedRover allowed the shelter to provide Clover with a transportable kennel, sweater, leash, harness, food and toys to start her new life. Staff from Metropolitan Center for Women and Children reported, “As of this date, Clover and her mom are doing well – better, in fact – on their own.”

*Names have been changed to protect identity

For people who might be wondering how they can help – even if their time is limited, what would you suggest and how can they apply to assist?

If you suspect that someone you know is being abused, speak up! If you’re hesitant – telling yourself that it’s none of your business, you might be wrong, or the person might not want to talk about it – keep in mind that expressing your concern will let the person know that you care and may even save his or her life and the life of their pets.

We do a lot of outreach via email and social media. Each October we participate in domestic violence awareness month, and the more social sharing we have to build awareness of the issue of pets and domestic violence the better! You can sign up for our general email newsletter at RedRover.org/Email. We also participate in various third-party fundraisers and donation programs, including SurveyMonkey which brings a considerable amount of donations into RedRover yearly, simply by having our members complete surveys. It requires very little time and makes a huge difference to animals.

For more information on other partnerships and fundraisers check out http://www.redrover.org/Partnerships-and-fundraisers


What are some issues that frustrate you when it comes to the welfare and rescue of victims of abuse and their animal companions?   What are your thoughts on how these issues might be addressed and overcome?

Relevant statistics on domestic violence and animal abuse:

  • 52 percent of victims in shelters leave their pets with their batterers (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence)
  • Up to 65 percent of domestic violence victims are unable to escape their abusers because they are concerned about what will happen to their pets when they leave (Carlisle-Frank, Frank and Nielsen, 2004)
  • 71 percent of pet-owning women entering women’s shelters reported that their batterer had injured, maimed, killed or threatened family pets for revenge or to psychologically control victims; 32 percent reported their children had hurt or killed animals (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence)

Most domestic violence shelters do not provide on-site shelter for animals, which is why RedRover is partnering with SAF-T to work toward the goal of having one pet-friendly domestic violence shelter in each state. In 2014 we were able to help by funding shelters in three states. We are still working on 13 more!

More info at: RedRover.org/SafeHousing

The Link
The discovery of animal abuse – a horrible crime in itself, can lead investigators to uncover further violence within the home.  Abuse of animals may indicate other forms of abuse taking place within the home; domestic violence, child abuse and elder abuse.  This is referred to as ‘The Link.’

This link between human and animal abuse is extremely important to recognize when investigating any type of violence, as it may uncover more victims below the surface. According to SpotAbuse.org, up to 76 percent of animal abusers also abuse a member of their family.

“When we recognize ‘the link,’ animal welfare groups and human services agencies can work together to break the cycle of violence,” said Esperanza Zúñiga, RedRover Relief’s program manager and advocate for the animal victims of domestic violence.

More info at: http://redrover.org/article/what-deadly-link

Resources: http://redrover.org/redrover-relief-domestic-violence-resources

Thank you RedRover for all aspects of assistance you provide through your programs.  Thank you for providing hope to those individuals who may be without.

 

Categories: ADOPTABLES, RESCUE GROUPS & SHELTERS Tagged: Believe, Best Friend, For a Cause, Goodwill, Heart, Hope, Love, Protect, Rescue, Safe, Trust

“if you can’t fly then run,

January 8, 2015 | 14 Comments

if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.”

– MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.

Role models - Claire and Monty show us how it's done!

Role models – Claire and Monty show us how it’s done!

Who says running can’t be fun?
Especially, when your best friend is your running partner.

I always enjoyed walking; a form of physical exercise that can also have a mentally calming, and a mind-clearing effect.  I would walk forty minutes to work and back home at the end of the day.  I would walk with my husband in the evenings and with friends and friends with dogs on the weekends.  Now, I enjoy daily walks with my dogs.

Even though he’s small, Henry has an abundance of energy, and he loves to run, full throttle along some of the beautiful trails we have in our area.  Unfortunately, he is not so good at recall (that’s me being kind; HE CAN NOT BE TRUSTED).  So, for Henry to be able to fly like the wind, one of his people has to be at the end of his leash!

Anyone, who has attempted to become a ‘runner’, knows this title is not assumed overnight.  It takes time to build speed, and stamina, and proper technique so as not to injure yourself.

I started out by joining a running group and met new friends in the process.  Such groups are becoming quite popular; if there’s not one in your area, why not start your own?  Guides and other tools are readily available online.

One such group is The Running Room.  Although dogs are not invited to participate, there are several groups you and your companion can join later.  When you’re able to keep up with your dog!

For information about upcoming workshops, visit http://www.runningroom.com/

Our friends Claire and Monty, are great examples of teamwork and as you can see from the video, both truly enjoy the experience.   Claire shared with us the following sentiment;

We have been running canicross for about 14 months now. We run as part of Ashridge Canicross Club and we run on a Wednesday night (in the dark) and Sat mornings when my shifts allow. We have competed quite a few races in 2014. 

All our runs are on the trails and many normal running races are now allowing Canicrossers to take part as it is becoming so popular.

The photo and Video is from Ashridge Club race weekend. As a club it was our first race that we had organised and it went really well. We love it because it keeps us both fit, great socialisation for Monty and the bond between us since we started running together is something I can’t really describe.

I thought we had a great partnership before but since being involved in this our friendship has gone up another level. He gives me his all when he is running and when he sees the harness coming out, he goes bonkers! And if he is happy I am happy.

https://herandherdogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/ClaireandMonty2015-01-04-10.38.32.mp4

Well done Claire and Monty; you have set a great example for the rest of us!

Photograph courtesy of Houndscape Photography – thank you Vicky Stipetic
http://houndscape.co.uk/

Ashridge Canicross Club
http://ashridgecanicrossers.org.uk/

 

 

Categories: HEALTH & WELLNESS Tagged: Best Friend, Dogs, Enjoy Life, Fun, Play, Run, Walk

puppy steps

December 31, 2014 | Leave a Comment

OUR TOP 3 RESOLUTIONS FOR 2015!

RESOLUTIONS FOR THE NEW YEAR

1. Diet

2. Exercise

3. Reduce Stress

Stress reduction is among the top resolutions in researched polls. However, I may or may not have manipulated it into  the #3 position (blogger’s right).

FAILURE IS AN OPTION –  so is success!

Based upon (many) years of personal experience, I site the following two reasons for failed resolutions:

1. Lack of preparation

2. Setting unrealistic goals

3. The third reason and my favorite, from Kristi Hedges, leadership coach, speaker and author

We fail because we always expected to. We live up (or in this case down) to our own expectations. Then we can pull out all of our familiar excuses of being too busy, overwhelmed, or inadequate to face the challenge. It also plays into the cynical zeitgeist which supports the gravitational pull of the status quo.

TIPS FOR SUCCESS

1. Visualize and stay focused on your goals

2. Eliminate the pressure by giving yourself a realistic timeline to achieve your goals.  It doesn’t have to be all or nothing – remember the tortoise and the hare?!

3. Celebrate the small victories.  How many of you have been told ‘you are your own worst critic?’  Give yourself a pat on the back for the small successes.  Recognizing and overcoming a negative thought pattern may not seem like a big deal when in fact, it’s HUGE!

Join us throughout the month of January as we put our best paw forward and share tips on health and wellness for pets and their people.

Practice makes perfect.  Puppy Steps!

http://www.forbes.com/sites/work-in-progress/2012/01/03/why-your-new-years-resolution-will-fail-by-february-1/

I love resolutions #15 and #20, and some made me chuckle (#18) – thank you to the UK survey group for your honesty!http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/best-new-year-resolutions-top-2955595

This is a great list!
http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20452233_11,00.html

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/wired-success/201012/why-new-years-resolutions-fail

http://www.statisticbrain.com/new-years-resolution-statistics/

 

Categories: HEALTH & WELLNESS, OUR PACK Tagged: 2015, Beautiful, Best Friend, Celebrate, Dogs, Enjoy Life, Family, Friends, Fun, Happy, Heart, Holidays, Hope, Inspiration, Life, Love, New Year, Puppy

YOU’RE MY BEST FRIEND

November 30, 2014 | Leave a Comment

You’re my best friend

You're My Best Friend
I can relate to the children who struggle with school.  I loved art, english, writing, and music, but math was a challenge for me.  I clearly remember an altercation that occurred one day in school; all the other children were sent out to play after lunch.  I was asked to stay behind by the teacher – Mrs. B.  To make matters worse, the teacher’s pet Tracy was also asked to remain in the room.  Mrs. B. then proceeded to point out errors I had made on a recent math test.

Instead of seeing this as an opportunity to correct my mistakes, I felt as if I was under attack, and the two of them were ganging up on me.  I tried to stand up for myself in one instance where my continental ‘7′ was mistaken for a ‘9.’  The answer was correct, but it did not matter.  I can still see the sneer on Mrs. B’s face as she turned and asked Tracy’s opinion; did Tracy believe the number was, in fact, a seven?  Of course not – teacher’s pet!

I felt humiliated and incredibly angry.  There were other 7’s on the page to refer to.  It was obvious to me that the number was, in fact, a ‘7.’

My parents hired a tutor to help me learn my numbers and would give me math books as birthday and Christmas presents.  These were not appreciated and remained unread.  I wonder where those books ended up.

Library Dogs are near and dear to my heart.  Tails are Wagging would like to become involved with and support such programs.  I have Mentioned Therapy Dog Training with Henry’s trainer and hope to get him into the program.  I also look forward to meeting with the Ontario Provincial Therapy Dog Coordinator, with St. John Ambulance to discuss the ‘Paws 4 Stories’ component of their program.   I hope our book ‘Henry says, “Hello” can help raise funds for this program.

It’s too bad there aren’t therapy dogs for math.  I would have loved a little ‘Einstein’ buddy.  As someone who struggled as a child, and understands the frustration and emotional turmoil of such struggles, I was thrilled to learn about Paws 4 Stories.  This program provides children with a non-hostile learning environment and non-judgmental, patient reading companions.  Therapy Dogs will sit and listen to a child as they read the same sentence over, and over until they get it right.  Instead of feeling stupid, ashamed and discouraged, children receive the support they need to become confident readers.

Check back later for more information about this program.

You’re my Best Friend – illustration

I adore chubby cheeks on children and could not resist exaggerating them in this illustration.

Henry meditates: he cuddles with his stuffed toy and exudes complete calm.  Sometimes I will sit with him and before long, I too feel completely at peace.  This illustration is particularly special to me: I look at this illustration and recognize the feeling of peace that Henry shares with others and the importance of encouraging children to read.

The tales on the bookshelf also have special meaning (more about these later)…

Bookshelf

http://www.sja.ca/English/Community-Services/Pages/Therapy%20Dog%20Services/Paws-4-Stories.aspx

Categories: HENRY SAYS, "HELLO" - A Must Read Children's Book Tagged: Art, Beautiful, Best Friend, Children, Children's Book, Cuddles, Dogs, Enjoy Life, Happy, Henry, Hope, Inspiration

PARTY GUESTS

November 23, 2014 | Leave a Comment

Halloween Party Guests

Party Guests

Gus reminds me of our neighbor dog ‘Chap.’  Notice the (left) paw?  It’s not a handshake position, it’s a “hey; you stopped paying attention to me” pat.  The behaviour frustrates to his parents who apologetically try to correct it.  I consider it part of his charm.

Gus

 

Gwen is quite like one of the other three Golden Retrievers  that live on our Street.  Most days when we walk Henry and Reese, the Goldens run to the fence (just as in the image below) to say “Hello” to us.  Reese slows her pace deliberately in anticipation of a group discussion.  The Golden’s family are also Foster Carers for Golden Rescue.

 

Gwen and Monster

 

Merlin (the Magician) is another story completely!

Leanne, a fellow volunteer at Georgina Animal Control was one of the first people to hear this story,  she listened patiently until it was over and then she asked ‘do you have a Merlin?’  I did not.  Leanne informed me there had been a mixed-breed adopted from our local shelter, and that he was now called Merlin.  Leanne put me in touch with Merlin’s mom Sarah, who also listened to the story, and agreed that I should feature her Merlin in the book.  Sarah informed me she is a Marketing Designer and Graphic Designer and that she and her team would be happy to help with  marketing and provide and design the book template.   It’s almost like Merlin waved his wand and everything just WAS!

Merlin

 

Eva the Ghost and Betty the Bee

When I was a little girl, my dad bought my mom a timid little beagle named Wimpy (read more about Wimpy in a future post).

BeeWitched

Henry borrowed Betty’s costume and Reese is a ‘mini’ Paige

Braids & Beagle

 

There is no such thing as white – at least not that I found in watercolour painting.  In order to show the creases and folds in Eva’s ghost costume, I had to add various shades of grey.  The same with Betty’s white bits which we can imagine were in the shadows.  I have learned a lot about the process of translating watercolour artwork to print-ready book files.  White does not translate well for a start!

See book for completed illustration.

Betty and Eva

 

 http://www.goldenrescue.ca/

http://www.eventsbysarah.ca/

 

Categories: HENRY SAYS, "HELLO" - A Must Read Children's Book, WORKS OF ART Tagged: Art, Best Friend, Children's Book, Dogs, Friends, Fun, Halloween, Happy, Henry, Inspiration, Party, Treat

AS PLAIN AS THE NOSE ON HIS FACE

November 20, 2014 | Leave a Comment

This nose!  A nose once black that is now brown.  They call it ‘snow nose’ (more about that later).

I love that Henry’s nose is a little bit crooked  and depending on the angle at which you look at him, may seem slightly too large for his face.  It suits his character.  I wanted to capture those big (often guilty-looking) eyes and the ‘extreme close-up’ of the nose.

This face was the inspiration for ‘Naughty Lamb.’

That Nose!

Naughty Lamb

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Categories: HENRY SAYS, "HELLO" - A Must Read Children's Book, OUR PACK Tagged: Beautiful, Best Friend, Dogs, Family, Henry

THERE’S ALWAYS ONE!

November 17, 2014 | 2 Comments

This illustration (2 out of 3) proved extremely difficult for me.  I’m not sure exactly why; the shaded window, the folds in the car seat or the size of the piece in general perhaps.

Not only did the illustration create frustration, the words in the story also caused inner conflict.  Unfortunately, we do still see people leaving dogs in cars or tied up outside shops.  We hear of the tragedies that occur as a result.  Theft and possibly death.  Still, people continue to leave their companions.

I considered not including the section with Henry and Reese in the car at all.  This book, however, is based on today’s realities and to teach children how to be safe.  A ‘what not to do’ for adults is clearly the more difficult lesson.  I changed this section of the book close to going to print.  I had to have someone in the car with the pups!  Thank you Jill for appealing to my better senses.

Boy at Car Window

Boy at Car Window

Categories: HENRY SAYS, "HELLO" - A Must Read Children's Book, WORKS OF ART Tagged: Best Friend, Dogs, Safety

COVER PUP

November 9, 2014 | 1 Comment

The Cover Illustration – Henry and Pumpkins

Henry with Pumpkins - unfinished

Henry with Pumpkins – unfinished

 

Henry with Pumpkins

Henry with Pumpkins

This illustration was inspired by a photo taken during one of Henry’s Birthday celebrations – one of my favourite photos.

Henry is giving my friend Lourdes (the photographer) a huge ‘toothy’ Henry grin.  Those smiles are contagious!

Categories: HENRY SAYS, "HELLO" - A Must Read Children's Book Tagged: Art, Beautiful, Best Friend, Dogs, Enjoy Life, Family, Fun, Happy, Heart, Henry

FIRST AND LAST

November 5, 2014 | 4 Comments

Henry in Window

Henry in Window

This illustration (pen and ink, pointalisim with watercolour), was inspired by one of my favourite photographs.  The photo was taken at my parent’s house during Christmas holidays.  There is a big park in the middle of a crescent – I imagine Henry was watching the squirrels frolicking in the snow.  In the story, Henry is watching the children on Halloween night.  Looking to the stars, Henry makes a wish.  You’ll have to read the book to learn what that wish is.

Categories: HENRY SAYS, "HELLO" - A Must Read Children's Book Tagged: Art, Beautiful, Best Friend, Dogs, Enjoy Life, Family, Happy, Heart, Henry

WHERE DO I BEGIN – HENRY’S BOOK FOR CHILDREN?

November 1, 2014 | Leave a Comment

 Where do I begin?
To tell the story of how great a love can be
The sweet love story that is older than the sea
The simple truth about the love he brings to me
Where do I start?

Bookshelf

Henry and his sister Reese are both ‘Puppy Mill Rescues.’  For anyone not familiar with Puppy Mills, the are large breeding facilities for the manufacturing of puppies to sell for profit.  Most Mills do not provide adequate care for their dogs: hence the fight to have these inhumane farms shutdown.

Henry was surrendered by a Miller at an early age due to a medical condition.  The Miller did not want to have to pay medical expenses for Henry’s treatment.  Shortly after we adopted Henry a female puppy was also surrendered.  Sadly, it was too late for her eye infection to be treated, and her eye was removed – situations like this are not uncommon with Puppy Mill dogs.

At the time of ‘Happy-Go-Lucky’ Henry’s adoption, Miss Reese was spending her days at a Mill in a suspended wire cage with a ‘drop-pan’ below to catch her business.  She was being used for the sole purpose of breeding: her puppies taken from her most likely at too young an age, and sold.  When Reese stopped producing (puppies and therefore money), she too was surrendered.  Unlike Henry, Reese was a shell of a dog – we knew she was in there somewhere: it took us more than two years to find the real Reese.  She has come such a long way since we adopted her, however; she’s still very nervous around new people and dogs other than Henry.  Reese is what is referred to as a ‘Yellow Ribbon Dog’ as she needs extra space.

Wherever we would go with Henry and Reese on our walks, kids would run over to meet the dogs.  Some would ask: most would not!  Kids are very energetic, and I found myself explaining over, and again how Henry and Reese would prefer to be greeted in a calm manner.  I decided I needed to write this book.  I truly hope it catches on and that children will share this lesson with their friends and so on, and so forth.

When my husband and I adopted Henry, I had no idea how much Henry would come to mean to me and how he would change my life – and me; for the better.  He inspires me and brightens my every day.  Now Henry is a ‘storybook’ character.  Clever, charming, oh-so funny and very friendly; Henry is the perfect guide for children throughout the story.

Finding the right words was not an easy task.  Creating the images was even more challenging.

In the next few posts, I would like to share with you some insights into the creation of this story and it’s illustrations.


Bookshelf

This illustration was a way for me to include our beloved Charlie, Maggie and Oliver: family felines that are no longer with us.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/(Where_Do_I_Begin%3F)_Love_Story

Categories: BOOKS & ENTERTAINMENT Tagged: Art, Best Friend, Cats, Dogs, Family, Feline Friends, Happy, Heart, Henry, Love, Rescue

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We’re Sadie & Co. (her and her dogs plus the cat). Would you like to share your rescue story or tell us about an amazing service or product? We’d love to hear from you! Thank you for visiting, we hope you’ll stop by often. Better yet, subscribe and don’t miss out on the latest and greatest tips, tricks and treats!

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