Service Turf

Just FYI, here is a great artificial turf supplier. They offer non-profit and Costco member discounts!

Service dog Info Guide

What disabilities qualify?
Any life-limiting disability (physical or mental) that could be helped by a service dog qualifies. Examples include visual impairments, hearing impairments, mental illness, physical impairments etc. Being on SSDI does not automatically qualify or disqualify you under the ADA’s definition. The best way for you to figure out if you are disabled is to talk with your doctor and ask if they think you are disabled.
http://www.dbtac.vcu.edu/whatsada-defini... In depth explanation of a disability
http://www.opencrs.com/rpts/RL33304_2006... A report to congress on the implementation of the ADA definition of disability

How can I find out more?
The best way is to ask questions! Find other service dog handlers online or in person and talk with them. I have a few groups and listservs listed, but there are many more on yahoo and MSN. Bear in mind that there are some definite rifts in the service dog community, so don’t take it personally if you are denied membership from some groups—just look elsewhere for your information! Here are some links that I find helpful:
http://www.deltasociety.org/ The Delta Society has a lot of general information
http://www.psychdog.org/ The Psychiatric Service Dog Society has great information including an extensive FAQ, public access standards, service dog etiquette, a listserv for people with invisible disabilities using service dogs and much more
http://www.psychdog.org/listserv.html This is a direct link to the PSDS listserv for people with invisible disabilities. A great source of information for those considering training their own service dog
http://www.dogster.com/forums/Service_an... This is a public forum on dogster.com where you can chat about service dogs of all types and training and read questions and answers from other members.
http://www.dogster.com/group/Service_dog... This is a private group on dogster, where you can ask more intimate questions and talk about all types of service dogs and training. You must have a dog on dogster (it’s free!) to join this group, but you can at least access the links without joining the group!
http://www.service-dog.org/ Canine Caretakers for Life
http://www.iaadp.org/ International Association of Assistance Dog Partners is an organization you can join
http://www.paws-up.net/EtiquetteforSDHan... A great etiquette document
http://www.deltasociety.org/download/sd_... Another document about service dog standards
http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/svcanimb.ht... The Department of Justice’s flyer about service animals
http://www.iaadp.org/maze.html A guide to the maze of laws about service animals
http://www.box.net/public/qe956unssp A flyer I give out to educate people about Sabrina
http://www.servicedogssavelives.org/ Service Dogs Save Lives

Fabulous Beach Wraps!

Here they are, modeled in style!

Costco beach towels, slightly reconstructed.

Looking gorgeous on the runway tonight in orange floral ...

She turns and is back up the runway ....

Land of Pure Gold Blog

Thought this blog was rather interesting ...

Puppy Training

A Collection of links to great sites:

Web Sources:

Ultimate Puppy
Sirius Pup
Clicker Solutions

San Diego Specifically:

The Uncommon Canine
San Diego Dog Trainers

Update: Aquarius and Zen

Update 4/08. Bellatrix has been adopted, too! Yay!

Both Aquarius and Zen have been adopted! Bellatrix is still available ...

"Bellatrix is a two year old beauty that found herself lost at an LA County shelter. She is as pretty in personality as she is in her good looks. Bella is confused as to why her people never came for her, but she is looking forward to a life filled with all things good from now on. Friendly with other dogs, and lady like in the car, Bella is searching for a full time family that will include her in outings and fun stuff. A positive training class with her new people would be delightful. As a shelter stray, we have no history for Bella with cats or small children, so she is looking for a home without them right now. If this young beauty plays trix with your heart, contact Denise at: mailto:ripcurl8@adelphia.net?subject=GRCGLAR_Bellatrix "

Uncommon Training

I'll admit - I've walked through my son's school and right past the super-well-behaved Gus hundreds of times. Having some dog experience, I have even thought about how well-trained he is and wondered about how he got to be that way. But most of the time his sweet, calm demeanor simply doesn't even catch my eye.

And that's the secret, isn't it?

I've been reading (no surprise there!) and wanted to share a few good resources:

The Uncommon Canine ... I took classes from Joella about 10 years ago. She is wonderful and truly shows what can be accomplished with positive reinforcement!

The Book of Levels ... for some serious WOW!