Maneech Of Attawapiskat

Maneech...

The evening of July 31st Maneech sustained injury on the First Nation Reserve of Attawapiskat & was tended to by medics in the community. Due to the injuries from a dog attack it was decided he needed to be vetted off reserve. Owners did not sign a surrender form and very adamantly stated they would not surrender Maneech on 4 separate occasions. They also stated they would pay for his vetting. 

Legitimate owner of Maneech as indicated by Microchip on the First Nation Reserve in Attawapiskat Ontario: Janie Wesley

Animal Rescue In Ontario who acquired Maneech without owner surrender from Floyd (volunteer affiliated with Moosonee Puppy Rescue) in Attawapiskat: Moosonee Puppy Rescue

Email correspondence between owner of Maneech Janie Wesley & Mossonee Puppy Rescue volunteer Nicole commencing the evening of August 1st & ending August 2nd. Please note that Nicole states multiple times to Janie that Maneech is 'your pup', and that Janie Wesley (owner) would need to cover the cost of transport back to Attawapiskat.

There also seems to be inconsistent information in regards to the veterinarian as to his opinion in regards to Maneech. It is stated the morning of August 2nd that the veterinarian is uncertain this dog would be able to withstand conditions on the reserve but in the August 2nd evening email Nicole informs Janie that the veterinarian will provide information on the care Maneech will need when he returns to Attawapiskat post surgery. These emails clearly indicate intent to return Maneech to his family.

Parry Sound Animal Hospital: Attending Veterinarian Dr. Ian White

http://parrysoundanimalhospital.ca

Below is email correspondence on August 3rd-2015 between Sharron Purdy, Moosonee Puppy Rescue founder & Karen Metawabin Wesley...

Please Note the following:

Sharron Purdy seems to be under the impression that when a dog is in need of medical attention and that dogs family sees him off at the airport that they have indicated in some way that they are surrendering their dog to Moosonee Puupy Rescue. This is definitely not the case in regards to this dog. There was never a signed release form stating this family had intent to sign their dog over to this rescue never to be seen again. 

The veterinarian in this case involving Maneech and the Wesley Family of Attawapiskat has absolutely no authority to decide the future of this dog. I find it very disturbing that any veterinarian thinks they have has the authority to surrender an animal to an animal rescue without just cause. This dog was sent to Parry Sound Animal Hospital for care of an injury that the family clearly stated they would pay for before his transport. The ethics of this veterinarian must be questioned and addressed by the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association. 

In the last email of August 3rd at 1:24pm sent by Sharron Purdy to Karen Metawabin Wesley she states that Maneech was given to her rescue. That is certainly a false statement as Janie Wesley and her family had never surrendered ownership of their dog in any way. It is extremely upsetting that an animal rescue can conduct themselves in this manner where they believe an owner on a First Nation reserve in this country must be giving their dog away in order for him to receive medical treatment. This an agregious abuse by Moosonee Puppy Rescue of trust.

The following picture is of Janie Wesley and her family waiting for transport of their husky Maneech. Clearly loved by his family who was seeking medical care for their dog not an abduction...

The following screen shot is of a blog entry from Moosonee Puppy Rescue on August 4th-2015. In this blog a dog named 'Van' is described as having a hole in his head, loss of hearing, pain and infection. Van is stated as being recently acquired from Attawapiskat and given the injury it is believed the blogger is referencing Maneech. This is a blatant afront to Janie Wesley and her family where their dog has been renamed by Moosonee Puppy Rescue. The arrogance, unethical conduct and illegal act by Sharron Purdy against this family and their dog is blatant. 

The following photos of Maneech were provided by his family. This is a neutered, vaccinated, happy, healthy dog that sustained an injury. In Attawapiskat there is no veterinarian so their animals must be sent off reserve for treatment. It is appalling that any rescue assumes a family is surrendering their dog in order for them to receive medical treatment. Janie Wesley and her family placed trust in Moosonee Puppy Rescue to help them help their dog, not to abduct him. 

Under Canadian law a dog is considered property, theft of a dog as proven, documented property is a police matter not a civil matter. Maneech is to be considered stolen property until he is returned by Moosonee Puppy Rspescue to his rightful family in Attawapiskat. This is a chargeable offence under Canadian law. I would certainly hope that Sharron Purdy decides to ensure this dog is returned to his family immediately after treatment. Should she not do so she has committed a crime.

In conclusion, it is our responsibility as a country to ensure the protection of not only the animals but of their families also. It is extremely disturbing that an animal rescue can fracture the trust established between our First Nations communities and rescue persons in Canada. For all the good that is done, all of the solid working relationships in animal rescue, for someone to commit such an offence against a dog and their family as this, I find this an abuse of ethics. 

Maneech must be returned to his family, there is no documentation that states he was surrendered to Moosonee Puppy Rescue. I would strongly suggest to the people of Attawapiskat that they seek assistance from an ethical animal rescue in their region that looks into the best interests of their community. Should you wish to do as such, I will be more than willing to provide the names of ethical, morally sound animal rescues in Ontario that will work with you to protect and serve not only your animals but you as owners also. 

L.A. BowdenParry Sound Animal Hospital Ontario

Avalanche aka Nicco: A Dog Without A Choice

UPDATE: AS OF JULY 24TH AVALNCHE IS BACK HOME IN NEWFOUNDLAND WITH HIS FAMILY!!!

I would like to personally thank everyone who has stood by Avalanche's family throughout the six months they searched for their boy. What a long road to successfully retrieve this gorgeous boy but it was well worth it. I had the opportunity to spend a few hours with Avalanche the day I returned him back to his family & I can tell you that he is one happy, affectionate boy. Having been around dogs my entire life, I can say definitively that this husky had never been abused given his sweet demeanour. The only abuse & cruelty suffered by this dog was at the hands of the suspect in this case & the lady who he was shipped to in Nova Scotia. I certainly hope all involved are charged by law enforcement with theft, animal cruelty and lying to the authorities at the very least. 

This is a link to the video of Avalanche's homecoming where he was greeted by his loving owners Samantha Piercey and Tyler Parsons & their family & friends: https://www.facebook.com/Candizzy/videos/10153476666969244/?pnref=story

Here are a few of my favourite homecoming pictures: 

Getting to know Samantha & Tyler has been nothing less than a privilege, they are beautiful people that will always remain in my heart & in my life as family.

UPDATE: As of July 5th-2015 the second home in Nova Scotia (Bedford-Halifax area) that Avalanche aka Nicco had resided in has been identified. This person has also admitted to accepting this husky (now known as Nicco) from Linda who initially received this dog from Newfoundland. 

Samantha Piercey and Tyler Parsons have had to deal with false allegations of abuse and neglect in regards to their dog over the past few weeks. In light of that, they have been collecting proper documents and statements from neighbours and the city to refute all accusations which only seek to discredit them and offer the criminals in this matter unjust validation for their actions. This act, stealing a dog without authority, is a criminal matter. It is not just, it was not handled properly from the onset. If anyone actually had a valid concern for the well being of Avalanche, it should have been addressed. It can be logically concluded from the lack of due process that the actions in this matter were not justified and any allegations against the owners should be dismissed in regards to this dog. 

Below is an updated picture of Avalanche aka Nicco during his brief stay in his second home in Nova Scotia with Darci. The owners have positively identified the husky in this picture as Avalanche but have yet to be afforded the opportunity to do so first hand. Whomever has Avalanche aka Nicco now should know that they are in possession of a stolen dog. The reward of $2,000.00 for anyone with information as to his whereabouts that leads to the successful retrieval and return of Avalanche will be paid.

The evening of January 22nd - 2015 in Conception Bay South, Newfoundland, a husky by the name of Avalanche broke off his tether in his yard and ran down the road with his owners running after him. Over five months later, Avalanche is still missing and his owners have done everything they possibly can to try to get him home where he belongs. Due to the uncooperative people involved in this open police investigation the family has decided it's time to release the evidence that has been accumulated to try to rally public support to get their boy home. 

Where better to start this ongoing nightmare than at the beginning. I received a message on Facebook from a former friend in regards to a husky that I had posted to my social media pages. Below are the messages from my personal Facebook which commenced on January 26th - 2015:

After dealing with this message I knew without a doubt that someone had taken this dog, that he would not be found. I contacted Samantha Piercey and that is when I became completely involved and dedicated to trying to help her, Tyler Parsons and the rest of Avalanche's family find their husky. Having been through the trauma of having a lost dog in my family, I knew how they were feeling. Little did a few of us realize how incredibly corrupt a situation this would actually become. 

In April 2015 a witness had come forward to provide the following information (witness is protected for her own safety):

On Jan 26, while volunteering  at the Exploits Valley SPCA I noticed there was a Husky dog at the shelter.

On Feb 9, while volunteering the Husky dog was still there.

On Feb 23, while I was volunteering Husky dog was still there and that's when picture was taken. (see attached picture) 

My next shift was March 9 and the Husky dog was gone.

I inquired where did the Husky go and why I never saw him posted on Exploits Valley SPCA website to be up for adoption. I was told that he was sent to Halifax to a Husky rescue group.

I was told that the dog was from Grand Falls and was neglected and was taken by neighbours of the owners and brought to the SPCA, and that's why he was not posted up for adoption.

Approx. 3 or 4 weeks ago I saw the facebook page about the missing dog Avalanche.  I again inquired if the Husky that was at the shelter was the missing Husky Avalanche from CBS, I was told no the dog was from Grand Falls and not to discuss any further.

Along with this witness statement we received the following picture taken with the Expolits Valley SPCA in Newfoundland: 

Not long after this revelation, information in regards to Avalanche was starting to filter in from Nova Scotia contacts. I was messaged with the name of a woman who in fact had received a husky from Newfoundland on March 2nd - 2015 from the suspect in this case. I knew of the woman who had received this dog. Since the arrival of Avalanche aka Nicco on March the 2nd he is now in his 3rd home located in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Below are my conversations with the lady who initially homed this boy, now called Nicco, in Nova Scotia: 

In the middle of April 2013 multiple posts were discovered on Facebook in regards to Nicco. One was posted to the Wolfville, NS Animal Hospital who had posted a found husky seeking owner. Another post was on the Nova Scotia Lost Dog Network seeking owner. These posts are below:

Two days after this huskies picture was on Facebook he was re-homed. 

The below screen shot was a courtesy post and did not place Nicco, the prior owner had, the rescue simply posted upon request to draw interest. They had not known he was stolen:

Perhaps the most damning evidence is what will be posted below. After you read the following texts re-read the screen shots above between myself and the lady who initially homed this husky in Nova Scotia. Please note the date these messages were sent on the top of the first screen shot to the witness who will remain unnamed:

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary I have been told does have other evidence, there are witnesses that have yet to be questioned. With the limited evidence I have, I'm not really sure why this dog has not yet been retrieved and returned home. 

What I do know is while hundreds of people were out searching for a husky named Avalanche on foot, with drones and in cars, chasing down what could very well be fake sightings to keep the masses occupied, multiple people had knowledge of this dog and said nothing. I think that is what angers me a great deal. How could someone know this stolen dog was in their possession and say nothing? 

Another thing that bothers me, as an animal welfare activist is the amount of suffering this dog has endured in five months. He was taken, hidden, harboured, homed, re-homed & then homed again. From the pictures I have seen, this dog was not emaciated, he was clumping out. What right does someone think they have to knowingly commit a crime and laugh at the public while they are thinking they are getting away with it? Five locations in five months and why? Why was this dog actually taken? Because someone knew they could take him and not have to face the consequences of their actions because they can intimidate the people around them. 

The person who has done this to this dog has committed a far greater abuse to this husky in my personal opinion. I asked for proof of neglect and abuse, no one offered any. I asked for people to do what was right, they have failed to do so. I, along with others have notified the Justice Departments in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland asking for help for this family. People may not like the animal welfare laws as they are at this moment in time but the laws are not in place to protect the animals alone. The laws in animal welfare are balanced to protect the owners and the animals. True animal activists know that the people are just as important as the animals. There must be a balance. Balance is thrown off when people take it upon themselves to set their own standards and act on them without consequence. If you or I have a dog on a tether they are in jeopardy, it doesn't matter if you don't have a fence. If your dog or mine is not plump, are they neglected? If you see clumps of fur on my husky is it neglected? The minute we allow people to get away with acts such as the one that has happened to Avalanche we needn't bother with the law, it becomes null and void. 

In closing, whomever has this boy, Avalanche aka Nicco, please reach out to his family. They are good people. All the rumours, all the lies were created to make this act acceptable and that is absolutely wrong. I have listened to Samantha cry on the phone in frustration and hopelessness because the police in Newfoundland can not or will not do their due diligence in this case. There is absolutely no excuse for what has happened to this husky and his family. Absolutely none.

Avalanche's family would like you to meet their sweet boy, here are a few of their pictures: 

Please continue to share the below post that is on Facebook and help this family find their boy and get him back home where he belongs.

Thank You

L.A. Bowden

Rescue Me???

All across the World there are thousands upon thousands of animal rescues because there has become an insurmountable need to help the helpless. Our compassion beckons us to do what we can do, not just for humans but animals alike. So what exactly does it mean to rescue an animal? Is it the most humane avenue with which to help? When does rescue become a detriment to the very ideal we seek to elevate?

To rescue means to save, to remove from harm or to protect from imminent peril. We all see the pictures roll through our social media feeds of countless different ways animals are in dire need of assistance. Whether maimed, stray, abandoned, abused or neglected, our initial instinct as human beings is to help. Monetary donations, fostering, transporting, adopting, sharing posts are all ways that we show we care for countless creatures. Society has created such a vast network of volunteers to help the helpless that it has become an overwhelming machine that can hinder as easily as it can help.

Many animals that make their way into rescue are injured or suffering with an illness. Those in greatest need are tended to first. I have been a part of many conversations where volunteers debate what is most humane in regards to injured animals. Do you spend thousands healing one when you could vaccinate, spay, neuter or re-home more than one? Some will do everything they can to save an animal even if the suffering will be great and the healing time excessive. Some will let an animal rest in peace rather then watch them suffer fighting their way back from near death. How each rescue chooses to address illness and injury is very much a personal issue based on what they feel to be best after consulting with a veterinarian. If you have ever watched an animal suffer, perhaps even your own, then you have only a fraction of an idea as to what animal rescue persons are faced with on a daily basis. 

The stray by chance is an unfortunate victim of time and location. Often, owned dogs end up on the run despite our best efforts to contain them. The lost dog can be picked up by a stranger and returned to its rightful owner or picked up by Animal Control. Many of us have pounds where stray owned dogs are brought until owners pay their fine and take their animals home. What happens if Animal Control transports your dog out of your district if the pound in your region is full? This is the very unfortunate part of what is supposed to be a sound system. There is only a 72 hour hold on any animal picked up and brought to any pound, after that time limit your animal is placed up for adoption should you not make claim. So while you are taking hours upon hours searching for your lost animal, you may very well be searching in all the wrong places. After three days without any luck trying to find your dog it can be rehomed and you will never see your animal again. Once adopted, a stray by chance according to the law, is no longer a member of your family and you have lost all of your rights as their legal guardian. So, if you ever have a missing animal it is imperative that you contact every pound in your city as well as the surrounding regions because there is no guarantee that your animal will not be transported to a holding facility elsewhere. 

Legitimate strays are literally everywhere, in every community, in every region, in every county. Animal rescues focus a great deal of time and resources trying to alleviate overpopulation on First Nations reserves as well as in other populated regions. Many rescues provide education, spay-neuter clinics, supplies and vaccination clinics to not only remote regions but for low income families as well. So what about animal rescue could ever be considered wrong or misguided?

There are many issues that seem to be surfacing on a far more frequent basis with animal rescues across Canada. I'm certain these same issues will hold true for many other countries as well. For all the good a rescue can do there are also the detrimental behaviours and acts that plague them. If you notice rescues or persons affiliated with rescue intentionally trying to harm each other's credibility then that is a serious issue. Often these situations are due to jealousy over donations, publicity or sponsors. There is also the issue of piety which runs deep within many rescue persons. Some think that they do no wrong when in fact everything that they are doing is counterproductive. Dictating how you should train your adopted dog, how you should feed your adopted animal or how to care for them medically. More often as of late I am inundated with serious concerns from adoptive families about the lack of support or understanding from their rescue of choice. This is a problem. We all have our own beliefs and practices regarding animal welfare and that needs to be respected even if we do not agree. This however works both ways. If you as an adopter sign an adoption contract then you are committing to whatever that contract should detail. A rescue should always be approachable and the adopter should always feel comfortable discussing any concerns regarding their adoptive pet with the rescue. 

The most debilitating issue I see on a regular basis is the piety of persons in rescue. Some can not seem to comprehend that not all people are on the same level of understanding. The majority of people in this World know that food, shelter and water are the very basics of care for any animal. Walks, playtime, treats, toys, agility, grooming, proper medical care, vaccinations, spay and neuter, these are all in addition to the basic necessities of life. Likely, half the population does the majority of the extras mentioned. If you fall into the category of the under extra you are scorned, mocked, alienated and even laughed at by those individuals who are supposed to be helping you better understand how you can elevate your animal welfare awareness. People need to understand that there are some who would rather call the animal welfare authority in your area or potentially abduct your animal as opposed to educating you. There is also the very serious issue of tethering your dog. This is extremely frowned upon by animal rescue organizations, so much so that if you do not have a fenced in yard they will not adopt a dog out to you. Not everyone has the luxury of a fence, that is a simple fact. You could be the most loving, compassionate, caring person but that may not be enough. These are all precautionary issues that need to be addressed. As a potential adopter or a pet owner you have the right to know what could cause you issue and what to expect. 

If you don't have to fill out an adoption application, supply references, have a trial period with an animal then you are not dealing with a reputable rescue. If you can not access financials then you are not dealing with an accountable rescue. If you feel like you have to hide your head in unnecessary shame when facing any issue with your adopted pet then you are not dealing with an accessible rescue. If you are picking a puppy out of a box in someone's driveway then you need to understand that is not an animal rescue. 

The great rescues are the ones who are accessible, accountable, helpful, understanding and last but not least, non judgemental. The rescues you want to deal with are those who will answer any questions or concerns you have. They will welcome you into their community where you can have all of the guidance you could ever need to succeed with your adopted animal. You will want to deal with a rescue who will understand that any dog adopted out may face issues at one point or another because that is reality. We all know that rescue animals come with their quirks just as every person does. Every being is an individual and you will want that mindset from the rescue you are dealing with. If you are faced with a mouth full of denial and promises of perfection; keep walking. Setting people and their adoptive animals up for failure is not an option. 

As the majority of the population is aware, not every animal can make their way into a rescue. So what of the animals who have to wait? What can be done to alleviate overpopulation? Strays in both the dog and cat populations are vast in Canada, animals are literally everywhere. There are spay and neuter clinics as well as a contraceptive implant project (Dogs With No Names) that are making progress with the stray and feral dog populations particularly in First Nations reserve communities. For the cats, there are Trap-Neuter-Release programs which are gaining more ground throughout Canada as a satisfactory alternative to many who will not make it into a rescue. Trying to get a firm grasp on animal overpopulation is an incredibly frustrating venture for some rescues. Day in and day out the feeding and trapping of stray dogs and cats can lead to mental, emotional and physical exhaustion. The rescues trying their best to do whatever they can for those that are truly helpless are without a doubt the most successful. These rescues do so much with so little and are seldom recognized for their efforts. Support for these rescues is critical, they need to thrive because they are looking to address the heart of the problem that has become animal rescue.

The complexities of animal rescue are vast and can be confusing to many. It is not as simple as saving a life as many state. 'Out of the goodness of ones heart' is not enough to justify letting ethics and rescue management slide out the back door. Animal rescue is a free for all, they are not accountable to any governing body nor is there an ethical code of conduct. The only body that holds rescues accountable are the citizens with whom they deal with, that is it. Humane Societies, SPCA's, independent rescues write their own mandate, set their own terms, dictate their personal views and practices. Many get this right, do as they should and honour the animals in their keep. Some do everything wrong and not every rescue is created equal despite the umbrella they may be under. 

Many rescues will tell you what they expect of you but what is it that you expect of them?

L.A. Bowden

Dog Training Dilemma

Introduction: 

The subject of dog training is a huge issue to try to tackle given the many available options pet parents are faced with in this day and age. While I am not a dog trainer, I consult with many who are in all fields on what seems to be a weekly basis. I receive messages quite frequently from dog owners in particular who are faced with some very serious issues with their adopted or purebred dogs behaviour. After a lengthy discussion as to what is going on with an animal, I usually recommend with confidence a particular trainer to those who face a specific issue or at least two different fields of training to those who have multiple issues so they can choose which to resolve first.

If any dog is having a serious aggression issue I will advise that said dog owners seek out e-collar or balanced trainers and there are reasons for this. The main reason I refer dog owners to balanced trainers is because pure positive trainers will not help aggressive dogs. I have found through the networking I have done that pure positive trainers, clicker trainers and the like work most effectively with puppies and easier breeds such as Bernese mountain dogs, Retrievers, Labs, agility dogs such as Heelers and Border Collies. Now, this is not a criticism but it is a valid observation and something to consider when seeking the most effective training for your dog. Any trainer that thinks they have the perfect solution and method for every dog in every situation with any issue should be avoided because they are not being honest with themselves. This will lead to months and months of frustration for you and your dog without any results, as well as a spectacular financial drain for a method that is not suited to the needs of your dog. Always seek more than one opinion, more than one methodology assessment and you will know based on terms used and the knowledge of said trainers what will be the best solution for your dogs particular needs.

My Personal Pet Peeve: 

What bothers me about many a trainer is that they seek to elevate themselves by condemning others for utilizing methodologies they do not approve of. Why do they do this? Is it to gain your business? Is it because they are passionate about their selected method? Is it because they feel any training tool other than a treat or a soft spoken word is abusive? Can a trainer be truly concerned about the welfare of a dog if they refuse to train any given dog with serious behavioural issues? What of the dogs that they do refuse to help? After a pure positive trainer washes their hands of you in your dire situation where are you to turn? This is where a balanced trainer or an e-collar trainer now steps in to do what must be done where others have refused to assist. When it is discovered that you have in fact turned to an alternate training methodology, you are scolded, shamed or labelled as abusive by those who turned you away or could not effectively help your dog. Does this seem a touch hypocrital and self righteous to anyone else? As pet parents we all have every right to seek help for our dogs wherever we see fit. 

To ostercize anyone for utilizing a training method you may not personally agree with, that has not been legally found abusive or non effective is blatantly wrong. Rescues who dictate training methods who tell you they will confiscate your dog should you use any other form of training other than positive should be avoided when you are looking to adopt. Rescues who utilize balanced trainers secretly and then turn around and call those same trainers abusive? This is hypocracy in its highest form. This behaviour by rescue organizations also drives adoptive families into hiding the training they have chosen for their dogs. Good people who love their dogs, have spent hundreds and even thousands on training methods for their dogs, who live in fear that they will have their dogs taken back by the very rescues that approved them as loving, suitable homes should not be made to feel as they do. Why are people doing this? If you are one of these persons guilty of passing judgement, you need to reevaluate your position because you are creating more fear and worry than the training methods you denounce. 

The Tools Of The Trade: 

Onto the tools of the trade as this is where all of the controversy lies within the training realm. Many consider pinch collars and e-collars abusive tools that will puncture and burn a dogs neck. So is this true? I have heard of situations whereby a 'bark collar' has in fact caused burns on a dogs neck. Think about this tool for a moment. You have on your dog a device that is to sting your dog every time it barks which for some dogs is a non stop action. Of course, if triggered continuously this device can cause injury. I don't personally agree with bark collars as a dogs bark is its form of communication. Why would you want to stifle that?

Indeed, a dog could very well suffer puncture marks in their neck from a pinch collar but not from responsible use. The pictures you see circulating on social media of the pit bull with the holes in his neck did not occur via a responsible dog owner. Let me tell you how this did happen. A pinch collar placed on any dog, left on every day of its life without adjustment can have the prongs imbedded as the dog grows into the non adjusted collar. If you are affiliated with any rescue in any country you will encounter dogs that have been taken into rescue where a rope or flat collar has embedded itself into a dogs neck. I have known this to happen as rescues I am affiliated with have had neglected, abused and abandoned dogs arrive in rescue suffering this very injury. An injury that requires multiple surgeries, thousands of dollars in vet bills to correct. There is also the issue of incessant pullers who wear flat collars placing with great force on their throat which could easily lead to very serious medical issues. So, is a flat collar not just as harmful as a pinch collar? Any collar not adjusted as your dog ages and grows to fit properly can be of certain detriment. 

The following article was written by a chairopracter. It details the cause and effect of various collars and the physical issues your dog could be facing when wearing them: 

http://drtereo.com/resources/research-articles/for-your-information/the-well-adjusted-dog.html

The Most Utilized Collars & Harnesses:

The E-Collar: 

I would like to be very clear with this next training tool as there is a lot of misinformation circulating through social media which looks to falsify the benefits of this particular device. The e-collar is not a shock collar. Anyone who references an e-collar as such has absolutely no idea that the two are entirely different nor have they likely ever experienced the physical feeling of an e-collar. If you have ever sought physiotherapy and have experienced the use of a Tens machine then you will be able to comprehend what the sensation is that an e-collar transmits. It is exactly the same. It is not a jolt of electricity that penetrates into the core of your cerebellum like that of shock therapy utilized on some humans suffering serious mental debilitation. The image of Frankenstein electrocuted into life from the table he lay dormant on need not apply. It is a buzzing feeling, that is it. I would ask this: If this device is deemed so incredibly abusive by those who do not utilize them then is one suffering abuse at the hands of their physiotherapist? 

Please note that e-collar training should be pursued from a trusted, established source. The collars you buy in a pet store are not the same as that which an e-collar trainer will provide you should you choose this method of training for your dog. A trusted, ethical trainer will not permit those not enrolled in a training program to purchase an e-collar from them. In order to understand and utilize this particular tool properly you should participate in a training program for you and your dog. Should you choose to purchase an e-collar online or the less formidable collars from pet stores you could very well cause more confusion and harm for your dog because you are not versed properly as to the tool you have bought. Proffesional e-collar trainers will not provide sub standard pet store collars to you for training purposes for your dog. 

Also, dogs involved in military and police k-9 services are often trained with e-collars and continue to utilize them throughout their careers. We recognize these dogs as working dogs, heros in instances when they have saved lives, selfless officers when they are injured in the line of duty. Never have I heard them referenced as abused. Why is it deemed acceptable for working dogs to wear these collars but not domestic dogs? Why are pet parents labelled as abusive when a working dogs human partner is referred to as their handler? Is it easier to villify those without credentials by those who consider themselves on a more elevated plain? 

What Does An E-Collar Feel Like?

My Dogs And My Methods: 

I have four adopted northern Canadian rescue dogs, all arrived as puppies under sixteen weeks of age, one a year over four years. Every single one of my dogs is different with their unique personalities as well as training specifics tailored for them. I'll begin with the youngest.

Cree (nearly 2yrs old), what I believe to be a St. Bernard-Shepherd mix given her weight, physical appearance and temperament who was rescued in Norway House, Manitoba. Cree is what we refer to as a 'lazy walker' in my home. The only person she will walk with beyond our street is me, when she walks with the boys she will sit on the sidewalk, slip her collar and head back home up the sidewalk with the boys in hot pursuit. We have zero issues with Cree so she wears a flat collar without issue as she walks by your side and is a friendly dog when encountered by man or beast.

The next dog up in the roll call is Qanuk, my beautiful, petit, white coyote-husky cross from Nain, Labrador. My only 'off-leash' dog (nearly 3 yrs old) who has incredible recall and all I have to say 'Ici La' (yes that is French) and she returns and stands right by my side. I needn't worry if she runs out the door ahead of me because she won't leave the yard. She is the easiest of my four dogs. This didn't require any great labour of training, it's just who she is.

Third, we have Alaska (nearly 4 yrs of age), another rescue from Labrador and may crazy Shepherd-Husky who likes to rule the roost. Her dominant attitude is clearly on display throughout my neighbourhood as she jumps, weaves & yip yaps the entire walk. The collar I use on Alaska depends on her mood of the day, she is the wild child. There are days where I will use a pinch collar on her for walks and days that I don't when she is calm and less reactive. 

Lastly, there is Polar (nearly 5yrs of age) also from Labrador and a purebred Labrador Husky (without papers as they are not recognized by the CKC due to the fact there are only 60 left in existence). Polar descends from a wolf-Canadian Inuit dog bloodline and as his ancestry is through and through sled dog he is a puller. When I say 'puller' please note that this 90lb husky has dragged me across my road and up over a sidewalk onto a neighbours yard because he could without any effort whatsoever. This wasn't the only issue, Polar was choking himself to near death pulling with a flat collar. When you see pictures or movies where the dog owner is being dragged down the street by their dog; that was me for about two years. I tried a gentle leader, a halti, a flat collar and not only could Polar wiggle himself out of all of them but he would rub his face or body on concrete to do so and end up bleeding from the friction. Then there came 'the day,' the day that every dog owner fears, the event where all you can do is just stand helpless as your dog snaps a metal D-ring off his flat collar and barely misses being struck by a vehicle while your heart jumps up into your throat in horror. Many people have had 'that day,' and I am no different than anyone else. So what was I to do with this husky who was only 20lbs heavier than me? For the first time in my life, I purchased a pinch collar. I conferred with a balanced trainer on how to ensure it was utilized and fitted properly and since that day everything changed. Walks are now pure enjoyment rather than stress filled. 

As Polar is by genetics a bonafied sled dog via ancestry he does utilize more than one collar. At home, in the car and in the yard he wears a martingale like his three adopted sisters. Recently, I have become involved in recreational mushing so Polar can enjoy this aspect of his heritage. When we go canicrossing he wears a body harness specifically designed for mushing. Polar has always been my challenge dog. He is moody, does not want you to pet him when he does not want to be petted, he is obstinate and can not focus on anything longer than three seconds. He has never been nor will he ever be an off leash dog. I accepted long ago that he could never be what I wanted him to be, I would have to accept him as the temperamental boy he is and I am absolutely fine with that. 

In Conclusion:

If I were to listen to those who would ignorantly call me an abusive pet parent for utilizing a pinch collar on one of my dogs and pursue their preferred methods to cease their judgement, I would be setting my dog up for failure. Many people will comment that you mustn't love your dog enough if you utilize any other method of training other than pure positive which infuriates me to no end. So, all I need to do is love my dog hard enough and they will magically transform into a compliant creature? That has to be the most ridiculous statement I have heard thus far. 'All you have to do is love your dog enough.' 

Part of having a dog, building a cohesive relationship with them, is to acknowledge not what is best for us but what in fact is best for them despite judgement. Every dog is an individual, no two dogs are alike. They have their own needs, successes and challenges. To think that every dog can benefit from only one particular methodology of training is not only delusional but a fools errand. 

I know so many who are made to feel ashamed for their decisions. Good people, loving, kind, caring people who would die for their dogs and they are treated like pariahs. Who has the right to do that to someone? Regardless of ones personal feelings on any training method, on any training tool, if a dog is visibly happy, healthy, loved, can you really state they are abused? Remember, all of the training tools mentioned within this article are in fact legal. The only articles that have vilified e-collars and pinch collars have been written by positive training resources, so is that not bias? 

I for one have admitted vehemently without fear, without shame, that I utilize a pinch collar for two of my dogs when necessary. I would challenge anyone who knows me to dare utter the word abuse. I would caution you to reconsider your judgement because we can not be guaranteed in this life that we will not encounter more than we can handle.

L.A. Bowden

What Is A Labrador Husky?

For years, as I had adopted a Labrador Husky, my interest in this breed was heightened. I could only ever find one page as to the description of the Labrador Husky which was discouraging to say the least.

This past year, a few others & myself formed a sub-committee to try our best to gather the resources needed to have this breed recognized as a Heritage Animal. Through much digging & hundreds of hours trolling Google I have started to uncover the rich history of the Labrador Husky.

This media app, FlowVella, opens on their site or in a browser. There are 11 pages (much more information to include) of galleries, documentation, videos & articles.

Please feel free to 'Like', comment but most of all share. There are only 65 of these huskies left in existence & if we have any hope of ensuring they do not become extinct we need your help to raise awareness ❤️

I appreciate the time you take to look over this app

flowvella.com/s/2w3d