The PAWspective

Walking in the rain this morning with my dog, Simon, I was in a contemplative state. Simon was enjoying off leash freedom and my mind was free to wander. I began thinking about the dogs I met last evening, the start of the new class session. In particular, I was thinking about meeting Libby and Theo. Two dogs who had been kept in cages early in life. Libby’s cage was so small that she could not stand up. Both Libby and Theo’s bone structure was significantly affected by living in such poor conditions. Both had other challenges to overcome as they adjusted to living with humans who would love and care for them. But, what struck me was the great resiliency both dogs displayed. Their ability to love (and I do believe dogs experience feelings- if you doubt it, check out Patricia McConnell’s and Marc Bekoff’s work) their people after experiencing abuse at the hands of other peopple was stunning. Their ability to be around other dogs and participate in class was also apparent. As I walked, thought about these two dogs. and watched Simon display the pure joy of being out and about in the world- I was grateful once again to be able to share my life with dogs. I was grateful that dogs are so adept in adjusting to living with another species (us!) and mostly, I was grateful that they give us a second chance when we mess up. Read the rest of this entry »

Peaceful Pack has a new home! Our own training facility centrally located on Route 3 in Trenton, Maine. I will spending the rest of August to get our training area ready for our new classes that will begin in September. I am excited that we will have a large arena to work, play and learn new things in. If you would like a schedule of classes please email me at info@peacefulpack.com and I’ll send some information right out to you. Also, make sure to watch this blog for news about our grand opening celebration this fall!

This is a fun product from Premier that promotes mental stimulation for your dog. I found mine at Green Acres Kennel Shop in Bangor. Not only do they have the most friendly staff, they also have great prices. Stop by and visit them if you are in Bangor!

Peaceful Pack Dog Training in pleased to announce the start of our next session of dog training classes. Classes include Manners 101; for dogs and puppies new to training and Manners 201 & 301 for dogs and puppies who have had some previous training. Classes will take place in Sommesville and Ellsworth  beginning on March 28^th and registrations are now being taken. Please contact Tracy at 664-2994 or tracy@peacefulpack.com if you would like more information or to register for class. 

Hello Everyone, I received a phone call from a woman named Kathy Pratt. She has lost her two nine month old dogs when they got away from their home. One of the dogs was dragging her leash when she left and both are wearing collars with their vet’s info. attached. The dogs are both lab/hound mixes, black in color (one with a white stripe on her), both are females and their names are Thelma and Louise (Kathy hopes they are not trying to live up to their names!) They have been missing for about a week and were last seen this past Wednesday near Northern Neck. They initially disappeared near the Cape Road end of the Pretty Marsh Road. Kathy has contacted all the authorities and vets and is now asking that other folks keep their eyes out for the girls. If you see them please call Kathy as soon as possible at 244-0558. Thanks, Tracy

Start the new year off with fun for you and your dog in Peaceful Pack’s next session of dog training classes. They will be held in Ellsworth, Me at the VFW Hall. Pre-registration is required, so contact Tracy by e-mail or phone soon as each class will be limited to 5 dogs.

I am very excited to announce that Peaceful Pack will begin offering intermittent group classes this month!! The first class is full and I am not sure when the next will be scheduled, but if you are interested please send me an e-mail and I’ll put you on my “to notify” list.  Woofs!Tracy  

I was fortunate enough to be contacted by Linda Clavette Quigley who paints wonderful Pet Portraits right here on our own Mount Desert Island!! I encourage you to check out her website at  lindaspetportraitsandmore.com Enjoy!Tracy  

When Simon and I headed out to walk yesterday morning the temperature was clinging to the ten degree mark - one certainly does not think it a good day for swimming. Simon, on the other hand, thought it a marvelous day for a plunge into the refreshing waters of the stream we were passing. Thinking he was going down to have a sniff, I let him continue down the bank to the sides of the stream. On his return I noted a dampness about him, ah, yes my little fella had gone for the Labrador plunge, and then a zesty slither through the snow! What could be better if you happen to be a dog that was bred to plunge into the icy waters off Canada.  It was a wonderful morning for a walk and today was as well. Keeping a brisk pace kept me warm and so I was delighted to watch Simon explore smells, hop about and practice our off-leash recalls. We also like to play hide-n-seek and he finds me every time! I actually must be quite sneaky if I am to successfully hide at all, which is great as it shows me that the time we have spent on developing focus is paying off. I love having a dog that, when walking off leash, likes to keep tabs on where I am and frequently checks in with me - critical skills to have if we are to one day compete in agility trials.