Jack Stands Tall

My beloved Gabriel passed over the Rainbow Bridge exactly 12 weeks, 4 days, 21 hours and 20 minutes ago.  That date was May 17, 2010 at 6:30pm.  As they say life goes on and it certainly has, although a little less rich perhaps.  I want to emphasize the importance of not forgetting the other pets in the home during times of distress.  Too often when we are in some kind of crisis we are so busy trying to make things better that we can forget our pets may be suffering too. As I dealt with Gabe’s cancer, his oncologist appointments and the devastating news that the cancer had spread to his lungs, I needed  to remember the other Gaber members of the family.  Orzo my beloved Bengal cat, Noah and Jack my pooches were handling this too weren’t they?  My dogs were very bonded with each other and seemed more distressed as Gabriel’s lung cancer advanced.  I admit during this time I hardly noticed it as I was in Superwoman mode to save Gabe.  I contacted an Animal Communicator, Sage Lewis (www.dancingporcupine.com) to help me understand what Gabe needed and she guided me to understand that Noah and Jack were experiencing feelings of distress as well.  What I learned through Sage is to talk to your animals…no REALLY talk to them.  Tell them how your day was, tell them when you are coming home, and tell them you want to know how they are feeling.  Noah, my Ridgeback became very distressed after Gabe passed away and Sage said he told her it was because he thought he would now be in charge of the house.  Way too much responsibility for him and my other dog Jack…well…just not the right dog for the job.  I tell Noah every day that he is not in charge.  Mom J and dad are in charge and he doesn’t need to worry.  He now has less angst when he is home with Jack and Orzo.  The thought of being in charge was a big stressor for Noah and through my talks with him I know he understood. Connect with your beloved four-legged friends today and have a conversation.  It will change both your lives.

Influence Positively Questionnaire - Jack Gaber

Reposted from www.grouchpuppy.com

Jack Gaber is a six year old rescued Weimaraner residing in Phoenix, AZ with his humans Pam and Mike Gaber. He also has a Rhodesian Ridgeback brother named Noah and a cat named Orzo.

Below is a beautiful poem written by Gabriel’s Angels Therapy Team volunteer Lisa Lerner to my mom on 6/16/2010.  I crossed over to the Rainbow Bridge on May 17, 2010.  ~Gabe

He leaves a Legacy

Your four legged Gabriel forged new paths ahead

He opened a world to many

Where safe, fun, learning and warmth came instead

Thank you for sharing his gift of a connection

For showing all of those children love’s protection

To those might have been unsteady, without an anchor

To open their eyes, that not all life is anger

So each day as I sip my coffee, I look down by my feet

There sits our lil’ doggies, our puppy babies, our sweets

A million smiles in their eyes, their tails a waggin’,

Their gentle, oozing love such a treat

Can we, too, “pay it forward” to more and more kids as did you?

To let the young ones know, not every minute is blue

So we hope to always be present for these life altering moments we hold so dear

It was THIS thought we had when we heard of Gabreil’s passing, and of this it was clear

He made such a difference with so many, your lives touched not just a few

He was tears, he was laughter, he was a special soul among us and born to share

We learned from his magic, his gifts keep moving along

Pam, you shared this gift with the world and gave others a way to be gentle, to be strong.

Written by Lisa Lerner to Pam Gaber 6/16/2010

And from Lisa and Nelson Lerner and Ben and Jerry, pet therapy partners for Gabriel’s Angels

It was January of 1999 that I brought home the most adorable weimaraner puppy born in…well…the universe!  His ears were like velvet, his feet were so chubby and the puppy breath was to die for.  My husband and I named him Gabriel although thought Trouble would have been a better name.  I sensed he was special plus he was sooo cute!  Isn’t he cute?  Isn’t’ he just sooo cute?

I was volunteering at the Crisis Nursery.  I know you all have heard of them before.  It’s a safe haven for children who are victims of abuse and neglect.  I volunteered on “Fun Fridays”.  We would take the children to a local park or the Zoo.  I would the children stories about my puppy Gabriel.  “Gabriel had his first bath.” I would tell them.  OR Gabriel ate my shoe…or Gabriel chewed up his bed.  Every Friday the children would come running up to me, “Miss Pam what did Gabriel do this week?”  I realized the children were bonding with an animal they had never met

Later that year the Crisis Nursery had their Christmas Party.  I asked Marsha Porter, the ED of Crisis Nursery, who is here today, if I could bring Gabriel dressed as Rudolph to the party.  I remember she looked at me and said, “That’s interesting.”  Well, that doesn’t mean NO to me.

The day of the party Gabriel jumped out of my SUV in full reindeer regalia.  He had antlers, a Just Call me Rudolph T-shirt and I big jingle bell collar.  Off he went to greet the children.  I knew these kids…I knew them.  That day they were different.  They weren’t angry or violent they were kind and loving towards Gabriel.  They would gently take his velvety ear and touch it against their cheek. 

One little boy, I remember he was about 5 years old, dark hair and a Spiderman T-shirt on.  He had just been admitted to the nursery and was in his room crying not wanting to come to the party.  But he kept peeking around the corner to see Gabriel and soon he came out and draped his arms around Gabriel’s neck and buried his head in soft fur.  The boy stopped crying and began to smile and laugh.  Gabriel’s eyes were a limitless pool of understanding.  This is what happens every day as therapy dogs heal children in crisis.

As Gabriel and I prepared to leave the party. Natalie Thompson-Miles, who you heard speak earlier, said to me, “I don’t know what happened here today, but would you bring Gabriel back?”  Well for those of you who have children that is like someone telling you your child is a genius!!”  Hey, Gabe’s calendar was free so I said YES!

When I got in the car that day I sensed something happened…I saw Gabriel reach children like not human could. 

I thought I could join a group that was visiting children in crisis but there weren’t any.  But I found the Delta Society and Gabriel and I got registered as a Therapy Team in 2000.  A few friends said they had great dogs too so at the end of 2000 we had three Therapy Teams visiting Crisis Nursery.

Then the phone began to ring.  Domestic Violence shelters, Homeless shelters, other crisis nurseries and group homes all wanted to know if a therapy dog could visit their kids.  So I decide to fill the needs and obtained our 501(c)(3). And today 10 years later we have over 150 Therapy Teams healing over 13,000 children in crisis each year.

Imagine a future without child abuse…What a grand world that would be.  If that occurs we would gladly close our doors.   But sadly child abuse is not going away.  Due to the recent economic crisis more stress is put on families and more children need our help.  Budget cuts to mental health have impacted our agencies and they are asking us to visit more often.

Statistics show that children who are victims of violence may repeat the very cycle of violence they were victims of unless some unique intervention method occurs.  This is what Gabriel’s Angels does.  By teaching children empathy, compassion and trust we are preventing future abuse to humans as well as our animal friends.

In January of 1999 I brought home a puppy…that puppy Gabriel, our Founding Dog retired in January 2010 after a long career.  Many of you know he is battling lung cancer.  But his legacy will live on!  He ignited a revolution of therapy dogs healing children in crisis.  He has inspired all of us in some way because we’re here today.  All of you are Gabriel’s Angels.  Let the legacy live on!

Me and my mom

I normally answer question from inquiring pooches in my column but this time I want to reflect back on the past ten years.  I know all of you are surprised as dogs are not supposed to be able to have cherished memories - you know all that “present moment living” stuff we are known for.  Please remember that I am no “normal” dog so humor me and read on.

I have spent my illustrious career serving the children of Crisis Nursery.  My human mom has said I am like the “Curious Case of Benjamin Button” in that I have evolved into a better therapy dog with age.  Every year, I hone my skills to be able to reach the children in a way no human can (no offense to my readers).  My kids have a lot going on and it takes special skill to reach their hearts.  I have been through five Delta Therapy Dog evaluations, a requirement every two years.  That must be some kind of record!

To be honest I had no clue why my mom dressed me as a silly reindeer that day in December of 1999.  I was pretty much mortified but she looked so proud I thought I would make her happy.  When I arrived at the Crisis Nursery I felt like a rock star!  I was more popular than Santa himself!  I noticed the children and I were connecting in a special way - they began to hug me, pet me and touch my velvety ears.  It was heaven!

Hey, did you know that I turned eleven years old last year?  I am pretty much eighty years old which leads me to this conclusion:  Retirement in early 2010.  At first I thought I should keep going even though I tired easily and have the typical achy joints.  I did not want to disappoint my mom because we have been at this a long time. But she and I have such a deep bond I knew she would understand.  The reason I feel so good about this is Gabriel’s Angels has the most amazing cadre of therapy dogs to continue our work.  Did you know there are over 130 of them in Arizona?  Maybe that is what I am most proud of…all the wonderful humans who are sharing their dogs with children in crisis…all because of me, that one December day in 1999 when one gray dog was able to reach a bunch of really cool kids.   Hey!  I was that gray dog. 

Thank you for all this community (both two and four-legged) has done to support Gabriel’s Angels.  I hope we have done you proud.

Gabriel

My mom and I hiking to stay in shape

Dear Gabriel,

I heard that you are almost eleven years old and still visiting the children at Crisis Nursery.  Wow!  I am seven years old and want to be a therapy dog but my mom thinks I may be too old to start working.  I feel great and would really like to do something that gives me more of a purpose…you know besides being a member of the family.  I do admit to having a few pounds to drop and am willing to do the work to get them off.  Being that we go forward with getting me registered as a Therapy Dog what do you recommend I do to stay in shape?  I am not getting any younger and I would like to work well into my preteen years.  You look great…so what’s your secret?

Signed, Chunky in Cincinnati

Dear….err…hate to call you Chunky but you said it first.  For starters, I would like to commend you on your desire to make a difference in the lives of people by becoming a Therapy Dog.  It will be such rewarding work…both for you and your mom.  Did you know “seven” is the new “three” in the dog world?  J  Because of better food, exercise and enhanced medical care we are living longer than ever.  I do agree that the old metabolism slows down every year.  Once you shed a few pounds you will have more energy and that will be of great benefit once you begin working.  It does also help to have an addiction to keep you thin and I am NOT talking about drugs here. I happen to be a charter member of “Ball Anonymous” because I am crazy about fetching a ball.  Heck, I could do it for hours.  Every night my human mom and dad throw it for me until I am dog tired.  Lately, they hold their hands up and say “You’re done” because as I get older I tire a bit sooner.  I suggest you find yourself a fun way to exercise.  Give your humans a hint and how can they say NO to you when you look at them with such sorrowful eyes?  Also, stay away from the desserts and you will drop those pounds.  Keep me in the loop as you go through the process to become a Therapy Dog.  

Signed, Gabriel - C.E.D. of Gabriel’s Angels

Here is me and my mom at Crisis Nursery with my kids!

Dear Gabriel,

I am confused as to how a “therapy dog”, like me stacks up against a “service dog”.  I know dogs such as guide dogs for the blind have way more training than me and more is expected of them.  On one cold winter day driving home from my therapy visit I saw a dog go into the grocery store with its owner! When I looked out the window I noticed the dog had a vest on and a special harness.  I was really upset that I have never been allowed in a grocery store or any other store for that matter, except a pet store.  After all, I am a working dog and have a vest too.  Can you explain this to me?  Signed – Confused in Phoenix

Dear Confused,

I feel your pain!   I too was confused about my status as a therapy dog in my human world.  I called The Delta Society and they helped me with your question.  Here is what I found out:  According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA, 1990), a dog is considered a service dog if it has been “individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability.”  In other words, you don’t perform anything for you mom that she can’t do for herself.  Federal laws protect the rights of individuals with disabilities to be accompanied by their service animals in public places. Service dogs are not considered “pets.”  

Therapy dogs are not legally defined by federal law.  They provide people with contact to animals, but are not limited to working with people who have disabilities. They are usually the personal pets of their handlers like you are, and work with their handlers to provide services to others. Here is the reason you haven’t been in the grocery store:  Federal laws have no provisions for people to be accompanied by therapy animals in places of public accommodation that have “no pets” policies. Therapy dogs usually are not service dogs.  So there you have it my friend.  I hope this helps and keep up the good work with your kids!

Gabe

Well, it is that time again…when I get to answer a question from my mailbag.  Here is one from an inspiring Therapy Dog.

Dear Gabriel,

I would like to become a Certified Therapy Dog but I don’t know much about how to go about doing it.  I am bored being home all day alone and when I am restless I get into trouble.  I think having a job would be right up my alley.  Can you help? 

Signed, Bored in Phoenix.

Dear Bored,

First of all you have to have the support of your human guardians.  Although it is me that does all the work, I couldn’t do it without human help…hard to admit but true.  My human guardian, I call her Mom, prepared me for the certification exam by teaching me manners, how to walk on a leash, to stay when she says “Stay” and other stuff like that.  I am not allowed to bark when I visit because it scares many of the kids.  No jumping up either. She took me to basic obedience when I was young but you can teach an old dog new tricks.  She took me places so I was used to being around people and other dogs.  The first time I saw an automatic door at Petco I freaked out but mom just calmly petted me as the customers went in and out.  Soon it meant nothing to me, like elevators, and now even escalators!  I rode the one at the Scottsdale Galleria! 

You have to have a really dependable human to drive you to your visits.  Once I thought about taking a cab when mom was sick but my toes were too big to dial the number.  We never miss our visits unless there is an emergency because I do not want to disappoint my kids.  Oh yeah, the kids.  They are really cool and love me like you can’t imagine.  You really have to like kids to be a Therapy Dog with Gabriel’s Angels.  It is cool because you’ll feel like a rock star when you enter the building.  The children scream my name with delight and shower me with hugs and kisses.  I am very tolerant of their loud voices but usually I bring a sense of calmness and serenity when I am there.

Have your mom call my mom and they can decide if you are Therapy Dog material.  Hopefully you are because it will change your life in a really good way.

Gabe

Dear Gabriel,

The holidays are finally over and I am happy my silly reindeer antlers are put away for another year.  I have always felt dressing dogs up was just plain silly and somewhat embarrassing…for the dog.  One time as I was trying to shake off my antlers, my mom said, “Well, just for your information, the organization you and I volunteer for was founded in 2001 because Gabriel wore the very same antlers to the Crisis Nursery’s Holiday party and the kids loved it.”  She then told me you also had on a red “Just Call Me Rudolph” T-shirt and a big jingle bell collar.  All I can say is, “what were you thinking, dude? Didn’t you feel totally humiliated?  Well, no matter what, I must admit that I really do respect the fact that you and your mom started Gabriel’s Angels because of how the children enjoyed those antlers you wore proudly that day and showed kindness and compassion toward you, possibly for the first time in their young lives.  But, I still can’t help but wonder if dressing up is contrary to the canine psyche.  Any comments?

Signed,

Artie, Anti-Antler Advocate and Therapy Dog for Gabriel’s Angels

Beagle mix and proud of it

I am very busy answering questions on my blog

Dear Artie,

Thanks for your letter and comments about dogs in duds.  I can’t say I felt much different the first time my mom came home with a smile on her face and reindeer antlers in her hand.  I actually thought she had a new toy for me so I picked them up in my mouth and ran around the house with it.  She shouted, “No, Gabriel, that is not a toy!” as she chased me around the room, which of course made me run faster and faster!  I finally gave in and she put the antlers on my head.  Weird feeling for sure.  Then came the red T-shirt and jingle bell collar.  There I stood in all my glory and my mom just beamed with pride.  The day we went to the Crisis Nursery, I had no idea what to expect.  But I never felt so loved in all of my life.  The boys that were normally rough and tough gently caressed my velvet ears.  Children that were crying began laughing at the silly dog they saw.  Now, Artie, today when I visit the kids I rarely get dressed up except for my therapy vest.  Occasionally I don a bandana and on St. Patty’s Day I even wore a big green leprechaun hat.  Silly yes, but fun for all!  So, my advice to you is to lighten up a bit on the antlers and just watch the glow on the children’s faces when you first arrive at your facility.  You’ll soon see that their priceless smiles make it all worthwhile.

Signed,

Gabriel, C.E.D. (Chief Executive Dog, Gabriel’s Angels)