McMuttigan's

It drives me nuts when it seems to take an eternity to do things, and lately either time is flying or I am in slow mo... I finally got all the wonderful dogs of this class online. I am amazed at how wonderful they are. They range from young to older, brave to scared, beautiful to beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I know their personalities, so they are all gorgeous to me. Most all have known love at some point. I say most all because some don't understand it yet.

Wiley, the class phenom, was a shelter dog pulled at the last minute because another dog fell through (Thank you Stephanie for picking such an awesome dog!). He has proven to be one of the smartest dogs I have ever seen. I seriously don't think there is anything he can't do, once he sets his mind to it, consider it done...and he is a well socialized dog. Some of the kids are just that, silly youngsters that are learning to grown into their adult personalities. While others are a bit older with awful scars on their hearts due to neglect and abuse.

Heidi and Pepper are prime examples of dogs that people would never think end up in rescue or shelters, but they are all too common, and just as often abused. Heidi was abandoned, and Pepper was found on the side of the road, matted and confused, mind you these dogs are Toy Poodles, topping out at a large 11inches tall. Abuse knows no size I suppose, but it was a shock to me as to the extent of abuse and neglect.

The rescue did all they could for these pups, but people overlook a dog that is shy. That is what the program is all about. The dogs with a story that deserve their little voices be heard. They are the survivers of the worst conditions possible, the puppies that were dumped because no one wanted to spay their female dog, the mutt that just wasn't cute enough, and the dog that has lost its home due to foreclosure, or divorce.

The saying bad things happen to good people goes for dogs as well. Every one of these dogs is a GOOD DOG!!! Yes, they have their quirks, but whose perfect and how boring would that be?? They have sad stories, but are looking at life through new eyes and knowing the future is brighter. I know this because each week they become a little bit braver, a little happier to see me, more prone to acknowledge a stranger, and more willing to step outside of their safety net. Once they are in the prison, there is no escape of noise, or hustle and bustle. Many professional trainers start dogs with no distractions, these dogs don't get that...distractions start day one, and all the dogs adjust in their own way. I am so proud of these inmates and these dogs for what they accomplish. Each pairing is not by chance, but by who can learn the most from each other, and how they can benefit each other. I have NEVER seen an inmate give up on one of their dogs, and I have NEVER seen a dog not do all the inmate asked of them. It is a true story of a loving bond. They help fix each other and this class is no different.

I was asked by one of my trainers, "Ms Donna, why did you give us such a shy dog?" I asked if she was willing to learn and the response was, "We've already taught her all of her commands but she is so scared." I told them, "If she has learned all of her commands in a week, you know she isn't stupid...It will just take her a little longer to come around to being confident." With that they were satisfied, and as of a week ago, she is now playing with the other dogs.

It is not what has been done to these dogs that matters in the long run, it is the repairing and what we do in the future to prove to them, that they will not suffer again. That is why when you apply for a dog and I talk your ear off and want as much info as possible, and you may think I am taking up too much of your time.....I am not taking the time for myself, I am taking that time to make sure that THAT dog, never suffers again. I promise them....all of them....as they enter the prison, welcome to your new life and I promise you, you will never have to suffer again. I mean that, they have been through more than enough and deserve the best!! Mutt, pure bred, pretty, or homely.....they are the best dogs in the world. At least in my world.

AND NOW THEY ARE FINALLY ALL ON THE WEBSITE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOOHOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!