----- Original Message -----

From: James & Carol Watkins

To: MuncieObedienceTrainingClub@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Saturday, August 09, 2008 7:16 PM

Subject: [MuncieObedienceTrainingClub] BRAG---------------BRAG--------------ALERT :<)

It has been a long time since I have submitted A BRAG to MOTC (Muncie Obedience Training Club) - and certainly not in the age of computers - and the newsletter editor will be getting it in writing too.

I am beside myself- our little rescue girl Maggie Moo Watkins passed her Therapy Dogs International test today!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!

This little girl has come a long way-------------------she is a rescue dog who has had abandonment at least 3-4 times!!!!! When we got her it was suggested we take her to the FD (Family Dog) class for her to gain much needed confidence. We had done training years ago; I had no desire to do this anymore- albeit recognizing it is veryimportant. But we entered Deb Dolak's FD (Family Dog) class, after weeks of getting her in to the building that she had no desire to enter. Ask anyone there those 1st nights - she would not greet anyone, and accepted no treats from anyone -"who me?-unh unh"said she. She learned to love training!!!! !! And she loved Deb's salami- we affectionately named her "Mrs. Salami":

So Deb asks why I don't take her into a TDI (Therapy Dogs International, Inc) class------- -you're kidding think I - this little shy dog with fear and barking issues? Deb says even if she does not take the test - it will be good socialization.

So we did it---------------and to see her zip around the building this AM with such JOY and ENTHUSIASM in her heart - 'twas truly a joy to behold. Of course it was a little hard to get her to settle down to show off the stuff she was supposed to do - but she did it!!!!!

And many thanks to Deb who hasmade this training program possible as it is now offered; and the many wonderful trainers who so willingly give of their time - expertise, with such good observations, tips, advice and confidence boosters!!!! !!!! We are happy, ecstatic campers (so to speak) here today.

Carol and Maggie Moo Watkins CGC!

** The photo is from Maggie's rescue flyer on the internet 12-07.
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**When I asked Carol if I could print her letter and what some abreviations ment she replied the following:

I am very involved with Muncie Obedience Training Club, Inc. FD stands for Family Dog class - a 1st level class after Puppy Class. TDI stands for Therapy Dogs International, Inc. has a membership of people with their dogs that do therapy work; an organization that has evaluators put your dog thru a number of tests - some very challenging - to achievethis title and ability to do therapy work.The idea is to prove the owner has control over the dog, and that the doghas the appropriate temperament to do therapy work. In thisday, people are quick to sue-------TDI carries insurance on the dogs in their program.

We go into nursing homes, hospitals schools, libraries. Carol Plye a member of 1st Pres is involved with dogs reading to children at the Yorktown Library. Another church member, Sharon Stephen,was in this class and alsopassed with her dog, Wiki Wiki (I think that is the way to spell it).

It truly is quite an accomplishment especially for Maggie - a rescue dog with fear and barking issues! Last Sundaythey bothwent to Riverside United Methodist church to greet parishioners as they left the church and in the afternoon to The Woodlands Nursing home.

Carol