Healing Hearts

It wasn't the news we'd hoped for. Brian, 15, had already been through so much. In the past two years he'd nearly died over a dozen times. He was in the hospital more than at home. I stared at his lifeless body, hooked up to so many tubes, wires, monitors, and I.V.'s.

Tears streamed down my cheeks.

Here it was a week after his 5^th open-heart surgery and he still couldn't breathe on his own. Normally he'd bounce right back. Not this time. When they tried to take the ventilator out, he flopped like a fish.

I told the nurse right away. "That's not normal. He doesn't usually breathe like that. Something's wrong." But she insisted he'd be fine. Later, they took an x-ray.

"His diaphragm was paralyzed during the surgery and now it's pressing up against the right lung," the heart surgeon said. "Usually the diaphragm will come back and begin working on its own. We'll give it a few days."

But later that day, Brian's heart rate dropped down to 23 and they nearly lost him. Apparently the special mapping they tried to do during the 16 hour surgery hadn't worked and his rhythm problems were even worse.

"We'll need to perform emergency surgery," the surgeon explained. "It's risky, but he needs a pacemaker and he needs it now. Once they get that placed, he'll have the other surgery on the diaphragm."

Three major surgeries in one week. Wow! He was already in such a weak, critical state. All any of us could do was pray. And we prayed hard.

 Brian was born with only two chambers in his heart. At that time doctors had told us he'd only live to be a year old. Although he'd been critically ill for the first two years of life, he had surpassed all the odds. And by the time he turned three, he was raring to go. He rode his bike, rollerbladed, and swam like a fish.

Then, at 13, all of that suddenly changed. He started getting winded just walking up a few stairs, and had to stop frequently while we were out on family bike rides. His heart, we learned, was only functioning at 40%. They claimed he needed another surgery. I figured, he'd have it, get better, go home, and he'd be as good as new again.

Sadly, after that surgery at 13, his condition only grew worse. No one in the family had a clue. No one that is, except for our formerly abused, rescue dog, Snickers. He would not leave Brian's side for a second. He slept in his bed at night, stayed with him during the day on the couch, and even followed him to the kitchen. 

"You know the rules," I scolded. "Now go lay down!" But Snickers was persistent. He hovered right by the doorway to the kitchen on all fours. His eyes fixed on Brian. I was starting to lose my patience with that dog!

Just as Brian tried to eat his macaroni and cheese, his head flopped onto the table. With bright red cheeks, sweat dripping from his forehead, and hardly able to speak he gasped, "I can't breathe!"

While I ran to the phone to call 9-1-1, Snickers ran to his side and stayed there until the paramedics arrived. I was surprised to find the macaroni and cheese still on the plate at the edge of the table when I grabbed my purse to follow them out.

That's when I realized Snickers wasn't interested in the food at all, he was concerned about Brian. He knew long before I did that something was wrong and he was trying to tell me.

Brian continued having close calls and bouts with tachycardia (heart rate above 200) and even bradycardia (heart rate under 50). Again, during that two year time span, Snickers rarely left Brian's side.

Strange, Snickers had ran under my van a few months before Brian got sick. I had said we would only keep him for the night. Back then I tried everything to get rid of that dog. I called the pound, they were full. I tried to lose him on a walk, he found his way back. I placed an ad in the paper, and by the time his real owner called to claim him, I was totally and hopelessly in love with him, as well as my entire family. Thankfully she allowed us to keep him.

But never in a million years would I have imagined what a huge healing role this new member of our family would play in Brian's healing.

Back in the waiting room at Detroit Children's Hospital, the surgeon finally came out. "Everything went well," he said. "The pacemaker's in, the diaphragm fixed, and Brian's in recovery. You'll be able to see him soon."

I breathed a sigh of relief.

We couldn't have gotten better news. We hadn’t been home in nearly a month, and I knew we needed to pay bills. So, after seeing that Brian was stable, we went home to take care of business. I decided while we were there to make a family video for him. I went all over to see his cousins, grandparents, aunts, uncles and taped everyone I could think of. I even did a small clip with Snickers.

When we returned to the hospital, things didn't look good.

They had weaned Brian from the ventilator, but now he was hacking and coughing uncontrollably, from the fluid on his lungs. He began vomiting too. The doctors ran more tests. With those tests came more bad news.

"I'm sorry," the doctor said, "but your son has Pancreatitis." He explained that it was an inflammation and infection of the pancreas and could be quite serious, especially with Brian's underlying heart condition, and all the surgeries he'd just been through. They went on to say that he might not pull through. Every day was touch and go.

We soon learned the only way to cure pancreatitis is to not eat and wait it out. Brian hadn't eaten for nearly three weeks. When I told him he couldn't eat, he cried and begged me to take him home. "I just want to see Snickers, please," he said in between coughs. "Can't I go home, please?!"

"I know, honey," I said, giving him a huge hug. "I want to take you home to see Snickers too, but you need to get well first."

At that moment I felt totally helpless.

Later that day I remembered the video I'd made. I thought it might cheer him up to see everyone. So I plugged it in and pressed play. He didn't seem too enthused by it at first, until it got to the part about Snickers. When he saw Snickers sitting on his bed, wagging his tail, tears rolled down his cheeks.

Within twenty-four hours of watching that video, Brian's condition greatly improved and he was moved out of ICU. One week later he was even discharged from the hospital. Our three kids threw him a huge homecoming party. All our close relatives were there. When he opened the door they all yelled, "Surprise!"

But the best surprise Brian got was Snickers bolting to the door, so excited to see him, he licked his entire face.

I'm not going to tell you that life has been perfect for Brian or us since then. Actually there have been some really rough times. Brian was on the heart transplant list for five years, but thanks to Snickers, he became fairly healthy and lived at home most of that time. At the age of 22, Brian was healthier than he'd been in years! He was working out at the YMCA a few times a week, walking Snickers around the neighborhood every day, and he'd even lost 42 pounds!

Sadly, Brian suddenly passed away one morning due to a blood clot in his leg. But even then Snickers was right by his side comforting him. He even attended the visitation and funeral, giving love and affection to all who were there.

I know now with all my heart that Snickers was born to bring healing and comfort to others. I'm so glad he chose to run under my van that day!

Snickers has been a Certified Pet Therapy Dog through Therapy Dogs International for seven years now. He's won numerous awards for his therapy visits, raised over $20,000 for needy and abused people and pets, but his greatest gift to others is that fact that he continues to heal hearts everywhere his paws go.

Bully Dogs or Healing Dogs? You Decide

Amazingly enough, dogs are just like people. When trained in a loving, caring home with the right discipline, your dog will most likely be well-mannered. However, if a dog is left untrained or the owners use abuse tactics as a form of discipline, they can easily end up with a BULLY DOG.

Speaking of bully dogs. A couple of weeks ago I was out with one of our volunteers walking our two small dogs, Lover, our 7-month-old Yorkie and Baby Ruth, (pictured right) our 5-year-old Min-Pin, Rat Terrier, Chihuahua mix.

It was hot day, 85 degrees. A real scorcher.

In desperate need of shade we crossed the street to where we could see some trees overshadowing the sidewalk. We hadn’t walked a block and all of a sudden out of nowhere I heard two pitbulls barking ferociously and growling. I spotted them behind a fence in a big back yard.

Then, before I knew what had happened, one of them cleared the 5-foot fence and pounced at my feet with its mouth wide open, ready to sink its jaws into my 3 ½ pound Yorkie. It all happened so fast. I quickly pulled Lover by the leash and harness into my arms, snatching him out of the dogs reach. But then the pit bull jumped up on me, still trying to get at the pup. I pushed him away. Then he lunged at my volunteer, now going after Baby Ruth.

“No!” I shrieked, trying to hide my fears, while yelling (some not very kind words!), hoping the people who owned the dog might hear the ruckus and come running.

No such luck.

My whole body quivered, thinking this dog was going to tear us apart and have us for lunch. 

Finally the trainer inside of me took over and I gained my composure. “Go home!” I commanded sternly. Holding out my arm I pointed back toward the house. “Get! Go!”

The dog actually heeded to my commands and circled the yard, trying to get back into the fenced area. Seeing our chance to get away, we quickly crossed the street. Still shaking, I called the police. Strangely I haven't heard a word from them since. However, I did read an article in the newspaper about a man being attacked by a pit bull in the same area of town on the same exact day this happened to us. Coincidence? I think not.

Do I blame the dog? No! Do I hate pit bulls? No, not on your life! Do I think that this dog’s owners should have taken better care and precautions? Yes, absolutely! 

As a dog trainer, people come to me all the time and want me to fix their dogs. I’ve heard it all… “My dog barks.” “My dog bites.” “My dog jumps.” “My dog runs away.” “My dog won’t come when I call it.”

Nine times out of ten, it’s usually the owners who are to blame for their dogs unruly, bad, or bully behavior. However, there are certain dogs, that have been rescued from abusive lifestyles that are much harder to train and break of bad behaviors. I have worked with many.

Baby Ruth (pictured above) was a BULLY DOG. She was the worst dog I ever had. During her first year she wasn't housebroken, she chewed up everything, barked non-stop, and wouldn't come when we called her. I wanted to get rid of her a million times. But instead, I loved her, disciplined her, and worked with her and worked more with her. And because I did, today she is so much better and wonderful to be around!

I've found over the years that consistency, along with a balance of reward and discipline go hand in hand, to train up a good, safe, healthy dog that won’t bully.

Like people, all dogs are different.

My formerly abused, runaway pooch, Snickers, passed the therapy dog test after just ten days of training. (pictured left)  He's very obedient and would do anything to please me. We have that sort of connection and bond.

Together we’ve won numerous awards and made tracks all over Michigan to raise awareness about abuse, bullying and violence, but also to bring healing to others. I've come to understand that dogs can heal in a way humans cannot. Snickers has healed everyone in our family, as well as many others.

I've read that the mere presence of dogs produce positive endorphine's in the human brain, that actually promote health and healing.

During the twelve years we've had Snickers, he has not only brought healing to our lives, but he has served as the Mascot of our Abuse Bites program, won 2nd place in the Curwood Dog show, became the first Mayor of the Shiawassee County Humane Society for raising the most funds, and has worked right along side me training other dogs and handlers the ropes of pet therapy.

As an owner of three totally different dogs, working as a dog trainer, and now as an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, I believe with all my heart, that a trained dog is a happy and healthy dog. When your dog is happy and healthy, that healing pours over onto you, your family and others. Baby Ruth has been a tough cookie, but having to work so hard with her, has actually caused me to love her more and have an even closer bond with her.

Below I've listed some tips that I believe will help you train your dog. If you practice these basic obedience methods and keep working with your pup, before you know it, you'll be amazed. Instead of a bully dog, you will experience a dog with good manners and the true healing that can come from having a close canine companion. Good Luck!

(These pictures were taken during our spring 2012 obedience class).

#1 The Come or Recall Command-

This command is the most important in training your dog. To begin, use a favorite treat or toy. Say "Ruthy, Come!" When the dog or pup comes to you, reward them immediately (with a treat/toy/or something they like). Practice this several times a day. You can also use a partner, as we do in our classes, and have them hold your dog on a leash while you give the "come" command and then they walk your dog to you. After your dog seems to understand the command, back off on the treats and give love and affection. Always use positive reinforcement when they come to you. If they don't come at first, you can also use a leash and corral them around toward you. Never get angry with them. If at first they don't understand, they will learn to come, if you remain patient and optimistic. If they run from you and won't come, but eventually do come, do not scold them, instead praise them and they will want to keep coming back to you.

#2 The Sit Command-

This command is 2nd most important in training your dog. To begin, have your dog come to you and face you. While holding a treat upright in the tips of your fingers and thumb, curve your wrist, holding treats more facing you, while placing your hand in front of the dogs nose and command, "Ruthy, Sit." Typically this will cause a dog to sit back. As soon as they sit, praise them and give the treat. If they did not sit, you try to nudge their hind quarters by pressing down to help them into a sitting position. You can also put them on a leash, give a slight tug backward while commanding, "Ruthy, Sit." Give them a treat (reward/toy) as soon as they sit and praise them by saying, "Good Sit."  Repeat often, using short training intervals. Once they master this command, try to wean them from the treats and use more positive reinforcements.

#3 The Stay Command-

This command is 3rd most important in training your dog. After your dog learns the sit command you can teach them to stay. To begin, have your dog sit in front of you, put your hand out like a stop sign and command, "Ruthy, Stay!" Take one step back, and then toward them again. If they remained in place the entire time, reward with a treat and praise saying, "Good Stay!" If they get up or move, instantly correct them, put them back into a sit, and command them to stay. Then take the step back and forward as before. As they begin to understand and obey, you can move further and further away from them. Remember to always praise them, whether with a small treat, kind word, play time, or affection.


#4 The Down Command-

This command is a must for all dog owners who will want to put their dog in a long stay. After your dog learns to come and sit, "down" is much easier to teach. To begin, have your dog sit, then with a treat in hand coax them down. Start at their nose and make a straight motion to the floor while saying, "Down!"

If this doesn't work you can try to press between their shoulders, lift their front legs, and guide them down gently. If this doesn't seem to be successful, you can also use a leash and give a slight tug while instructing them to go down.  By using treats and other affirmative gestures, your dog will understand this command, then you can begin to work on the "Down Stay".



#5 The Down Stay Command-

This command is a necessity for any dog owner. After your dog learns the sit and down commands, you can teach them "down stay". To begin, command your dog to "Down" then put your hand out like a stop sign in front of you and command "Stay!" and begin to walk away. Reward them if they have stayed. When using the long stay command, dog's will also need a release command. You can choose any word that works for you, I personally use "Release" or "Go". If your dog releases before you allow them to, make them go back to the down stay position and repeat. This is great for when they need to stay for longer periods, like when you're eating dinner, have company, or someone is at the door.

Just remember, practice makes perfect, but also note, dogs have short attention spans. So try to teach them in small intervals throughout the day, rather than long lengthy sessions. And always use positive words of affirmation and loving gestures. Your dog loves you and will respond better to your love and affection than any form of negative discipline. And before you know it, your little bully, will be like our Baby Ruth, happy, healthy, and way more obedient!

Written by: Lisa Freeman, Certified Pet Therapist & Dog Trainer, AKC Canine Good Citizens Evaluator, Owosso, MI / Founder & CEO of AbuseBites.com/ Healing Projects Specialist Bully Police USA