Giving Praise Where it's Due:

One Amazing

Cavalier

I won't say that I've trained countless dogs, because that's not true; I remember every one. And every dog is special. And then there's Portia. I really am in awe of her abilities. Yes, I am her handler, but much like a horse that you can't force to drink, you cannot force a dog to participate in therapy work. They need to decide.

Not only did Portia decide, she excelled. Now, 600 visits later, having earned the AKC Therapy Dog Supreme title, she is a working dog in a class very few other dogs have reached. From listening to young children read to her, to visiting in local nursing homes and the Ronald McDonald House, to helping make hospital stays a little easier, to giving comfort to victims of crime when they have to testify in court, to visiting hospice patients, Portia has done it all!

And along the way to Therapy Dog Supreme, Portia has also earned her AKC Championship, an Intermediate Rally title, an Intermediate Tricks title, 3 Canine Good Citizen titles, a Novice Scent Work title, and advanced titles in Container and Buried Scent Work. All of that makes her officially CH Dreamvale Diverse Portfolio RI SWN THDS CGCA CGCU TKI FITB SCA SBA!

It's been quite a ride over the past 9 years and we're not done yet! Thanks, Portia, for all of the thrills!

Betsy

Red Fern Group Walk:

Summer Solstice Stroll

Mark your calendars and join us for our first group social event of the year: Summer Solstice Stroll.

Where: Wildwood Nature Center

When: June 20th @ 7:00 pm

Come enjoy the longest day of the year as we stroll the lovely Main Loop at Wildwood.

If you've never been before, check out Wildwood Nature Center here.

All dogs must be on lead for this nature walk and we recommend that you bring water for yourself and your pup. Can't wait to see you there!

Is it a tick?!?! What kind of ticks do we need to worry about? How do I know?

Sound familiar?

Pennsylvania has a high instance of tick activity and it isn't unusual to find a tick on yourself, or your dog, after a walk outside.

Ticks can be anywhere. Even if you haven't been on a hike in the woods, it's important to check yourself and your pup to keep both of you healthy.

Thankfully, here in PA, we have a little help. If you find a tick, don't despair. The Tick Research Lab of Pennsylvania is offering FREE basic panel tick testing for PA residents through funding provided by the Pennsylvania Health Department.

If you find a tick, go to www.ticklab.org/test-my-tick.

CLASS SPOTLIGHT:

Out & About

Want to up your obedience game and your fun factor at the same time? We've got you! Out & About is the perfect next step after Mannerly Mutts to challenge yourself and your pup here, there and everywhere. In other words, training outside the Training Center.

After the initial class at Redfern, we meet at a different location each week, including local pet-friendly stores, parks, or other locations, to practice loose-leash walking, and basic obedience skills in the company of the other dogs in the class, customers in the stores, and other distractions.

This is the perfect class for owners who love taking their dog with them to public places. This is also THE class to take in preparation for evaluation as a therapy dog.

Sound like fun? It is! Get more information and sign up here. But don't delay; our next session begins on May 5th.