Bark Radio

Far too often these days stories emerge about poorly trained service dogs. Whether it’s a service dog sent off to the classroom with a child far too young to be a dog handler or a service dog delivered to a family obviously unable to do the job they paid high dollars for, the end result is never good. Why does this happen? One reason is there is no certification process for service dogs in the U.S. The Americans with Disabilities Act opened the door for service animals in public. Now it’s time to set a national standard. Dee and Terry discuss all of this and more in today’s episode of Bark Radio.

Hear all about Hector, the former Vick dog. He’s a therapy dog now. GO Hector! And what happened to that bunny eared Easter special, anyhow? Learn what’s going on at Bark Radio these days.

What’s up, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals? Dogs and cats into rescue WITHOUT an adoption mechanism? In with no out? Wrong wrong wrong! But then after a deep breath, Terry and Dee move onto a happy tale, that of Baxter the therapy dog. Baxter started his career as a therapy dog late in life, so yes … you can teach an old dog new tricks. Fabulous story! Last but not least, a reminder of ways to get Fido out in the world during the long winter.

Happy first anniversary, Sparky!!

Dee and Terry discuss the difference between therapy and service dogs. Hear why Dee considers therapy dog work the best volunteer gig ever. Interested in learning more? Join our Life’s Journey Therapy Dog group on Facebook. Need a trainer? Check out Dee’s website or go to APDT’s site to search for a positive dog trainer near you. Therapy dogs are registered, in the U.S., with one of these organizations: Delta Society, Therapy Dogs International, or Therapy Dogs Inc.

Denali & Baby Noah carting at Christmas

Looking for inspiration this holiday season? Two women, two dogs, two amazing stories. Terry and Dee caught up with Desiree, the long distance trucker, whose story touched their hearts earlier in the year. Since that original interview in July, Desiree and her dog Karma have shared their story with nearly 5000 followers on Twitter and appeared on national TV. Desiree is an advocate for distance truckers and Karma is her constant companion. Follow them at twitter.com/TruckerDesiree. The second conversation on this holiday special is with Jamie Whitt, first interviewed by Bark Radio in May. Jamie is a hero. And Ceasar is the man! Well, actually Ceasar is dog. A big, beautiful Pit Bull with a face to melt your heart. When these two met, Ceasar had been thrown away – no longer useful as a bait dog in a Texas dog fighting ring. He had horrible injuries including a mangled front leg. Jamie rescued Ceasar. Jamie fell in love with the big lug. Ceasar had that mangled leg amputated, healed physically and emotionally, and earned his AKC Canine Good Citizen certification. What’s next on Ceasar’s agenda? Testing to become a therapy dog. Follow Jamie and Ceasar at http://twitter.com/WeblogofWeeds.