I will be fostering Woody while he goes through his Ear Ablation surgery.  He will be available for adoption after his surgery.  Check out his profile on OBG’s website.

Woody is a 4-5 year old buff male.  Since he was a stray, we don’t know a lot about him other than that the vet has been very impressed at how good he has been at having his painful ears examined.  That is often quite the test for temperament and he passed with flying colors.  He was also a matted and stinky mess when he came in, since taken care of.  He is supposed to get along with other dogs, possibly cats, and definitely people.

Jenn & Kobe

Most dogs can be rehabilitated. There was only one exception.. a foster/rescue dog was so severely abused by its owners that he could not overcome his emotional distress.  I was bitten everyday and every step forward, we took three steps back.  This is an exception, and not the rule.

I was inspired to help dog owners with their troubled pooches after I volunteered for a local dog rescue group, Oldies But Goodies Cocker Spaniel Rescue, a non-profit group that takes in unwanted, neglected and abused cocker spaniels in Maryland, Virginia and Washington D.C.

Always passionate about animals, it is a joy to help owners understand the psychology of dogs and how they can create a positive and rewarding relationship with them without resorting to yelling, hitting, or neglecting their 4-legged children.

Most pet owners that request my services have purchased dog training books and watched the myriad of televisions shows and DVDS on dog training.   They understand the concepts but are challenged with implementing them correctly to produce the right results.

Over thirty years of hands-on experience with animals, from horses to hamsters, it’s second nature to me to help heal dogs and and help owners understand their pets needs.

I use a combination of rehabilitation methods depending on your dog’s personality and place in the pack.  These methods include but are not limited to  Cesar Millan (the Dog Whisperer) and the Monks of Skete.

Grooming doesn’t have to be a traumatic experience.

At ten years old, on our horse farm, I started clipping my seven horses for shows.  I moved to clipping our poodle in the hot Georgia summers and have been clipping dogs ever since!  Those original clippers finally gave out after 27 years of use.   Although I have no formal training, my skill has been perfected over the past 14 years grooming my cocker spaniels.

When I began fostering dogs in my home, getting them ready for adoption,  they never arrived clipped and “pretty.” Instead they were usually matted, stinky, and just in rough shape.    After a good bath and nice long air dry (or dryer), they were clipped up.     This is where I learned that many dogs that come into rescue are traumatized and there was no such thing as a “quick clip.”   They needed patience, love and understanding.   Sometimes, it would take 3 hours of work to keep the stress down for the pooch.  The reward for me?  Watching them jump and play after being groomed — they were always so happy to be cleaned up and “pretty” or “handsome.”

I love what I do for the animal world.  In return, I donate a portion of my proceeds to a local rescue group to help those in need.

Here’s to happy, healthy and good looking dogs!

Jenn

He attacked everything that moved outside; cars, kids on bikes, other dogs and people. There was nothing he would not bite.  It stemmed not from aggression, but from fear.

He had severe food aggression. This is typical from a dog that was starved or neglected.  He also had  an obsessive fixation disorder with his toys; one of the most difficult problems to overcome in rehabilitation.  And he had a difficult time bonding with people; he much preferred interacting with his tennis ball over his human companion, me.

It took over 6 months of intensive work to undo all his past trauma and create a happy balanced little cocker spaniel.   Today, he loves everyone he sees, greets them with his “jump and turn” ballerina antics,  has bonded with me, and exhibits no food aggression.

Kobe is also a special guy when it comes to grooming.  He has absolute fear of the large dryers they use at grooming salons.  I no longer take him to salons because this fear triggers some of his past unwanted behaviors which requires intermittent rehabilitation.   Instead, he is air dried and groomed at home.

What a success story he is!  He is available for meet & greets and loves to meet other dogs at dog parks in the area.

Kobe | Before

Kobe | After

A portion of your proceeds will be donated to a local dog rescue group.  Thank you for your generous support.

I should mention that the beautiful Brittany above in the banner was my “big boy,” Jazz.   I rescued Jazz from the American Brittany Rescue in 2000 and we hiked and enjoyed the outdoors together for 8 years.  He had the biggest heart in the world and was the best buddy to my Cocker Spaniel, Miles.    He was 15 years old when this photo was taken at the local Chantilly (Virginia) dog park- he was so happy that day!  I’m glad I captured it on film.

Looking forward to helping you and your 4-legged clan in 2010.

Jenn Hoskins