Hi Everyone! We’ve been busy around here between Ducky and the bees, doctor appointments, and a ten-day visit from my brother.
I’ve been focusing on Ducky’s behavior – specifically her reactions to hubby – for quite some time now with help from my friend, Janet Finlay, who owns the Canine Confidence Academy (based in the UK). Janet’s website provides so many resources and courses for guardians of reactive dogs that I haven’t had a chance to peruse them all even after more than a few years as a member. I had actually signed up for and started her original course – Your End of the Lead – several years ago and it really helped me help Ducky; but as happens from time to time, life got in the way and I had to switch some priorities around for a while.
Janet has also written a book, Your End of the Lead, which is a condensed version of her original course by the same name, with some additional newer material as well. It’s well worth the read, in my opinion, and is available on Amazon, Dogwise, and another site I can’t remember at the moment. And there are also some closed Facebook groups and a forum you can join once you become a member of the club.
Just so y’all know – Janet is NOT paying me to review her website or book. I’m sharing the information with you because I believe in Janet’s approach to training/working with reactive dogs and helping the humans who live with and love them. I believe in them because using her approach has helped me to help Ducky. (I don’t have any affiliate relationships with Amazon or Dogwise, or the third publisher, either, so I’ll make absolutely no money by promoting anything.)
Ducky is still somewhat reactive to strangers – especially here at home – but she was much more relaxed during my brother’s last visit than she has ever been.
Anyway, this past weekend found us reflecting on two anniversaries – Saturday (the 24th) was Callie’s 4th anniversary in Heaven; and Sunday (the 25th) was Shadow’s half-year anniversary being reunited with Callie. It was tough on me, emotionally; but I am thankful that my Golden Girls blessed hubby and me (and Ducky, too!) with so much unconditional love and so many wonderful memories. I’m also thankful that I was able to share their lives with you all for so many years. And, the reflection made me realize that I truly am ready to add another Golden Retriever to our family. We recently submitted an adoption application to our local breed rescue group, so please start sending us some really good vibes to help us get approved.
Well, that about sums up our lives for the past several weeks. Ducky’s doing great – watching a squirrel on the trunk of the oak tree at this moment – and enjoying life. She loves having all our attention; but she misses her sisters/favorite playmates.
Play with me, Mom! I want attention!
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in my heart 4ever 
Your endorsement based on belief is reassuring. Kudos to you for sharing your experiences that have helped out Ducky. A new Golden?? How exciting! I know the heavy heart feeling, yesterday was the 17th anniversary of my dear sweet McKenzie crossing the Rainbow Bridge. I still tear up at the thought and think of him every day. Hugs to you and ear scratches to your little Ducky-girl. 😍
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Aw, my heart goes out to you dear friend. Gentle hugs and comforting thoughts coming your way. 💗 Ducky says “Woof!” for the ear scratches and we send same for Sam and Elsa. 🐾🐾😍😍
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Thanks. I know precisely how you feel from my own loss. At least I’ve finally started smiling instead of ugly crying whenever I think of him. The Knuckleheads are wagging their tails for your ear scratches.
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such special days are like a knife in our heart… we have one of this days next week too ;O( hugs to you and power of the paw ….
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Yes they are; and we send you hugs and POTP for your special day next week.
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Always happy to hear from you. Glad Ducky did well when your brother visited. She’s come such a long way.
Sending well wishes that you have some gold in your future.
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Thanks Pamela!! Hope all is well with you, Mike, and Honey!!
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Hooray Ducky, you are doing so good handsome dude and that is really something to be thankful for. We will all be sending our best purrs and good thoughts for the adoption application to be approved soon. Thanks for joining the Thankful Thursday Blog Hop!
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Actually, Ducky’s a “dude-ette”; but that’s ok, she doesn’t mind so neither do I. Thank you and tail wags back at y’all!
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Sending you much love and many, many (((hugs)))) these anniversaries are always so hard. You are such a kind person, you will find the right pup (or the right pup will find you), when it is time. We love you!
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Awww, thanks! We love you all too!!
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Paws crossed that you find the perfect pup to add to the family!
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Thanks!! It will probably take a while as the intake has slowed down drastically these last few months.
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That Ducky is so darn cute!! Love that photo. I wish I had more time to study Janet’s book and other information too. Maybe one of these days. I wanted to do her TTouch course, but Luke was not on board with it.
I am definitely sending good vibes that you get approved to add a new golden family member!!
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Thanks, Jan!! Ducky is “iffy” with the TTouch – at least when I’ve tried to do it. Yet, when the owner of her daycare does it, she enjoys it to the hilt. Go figure!
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