Scruffy, the "Miracle Dog"
Can you imagine a puppy traveling from May, Oklahoma to Yorktown Heights, New York, and this same puppy, parading on the Polo Fields of Greenwich, Connecticut?!!
Can you believe a one year old puppy, near death from poor vet practice, and this same puppy survives to bring "healing smiles" to so many people?
AKC papers indicate that our puppy, "Scruffy" was born on 4/29/96 in May, Oklahoma. I tried unsuccessfully to contact the Oklahoma breeder.
Then I spoke to a May, Oklahoma Deputy Sheriff, and she said, "Scruff" most likely came from a "puppy mill." If the breeder could not sell her puppies, she'd be seen giving them away outside a local convenience store.
Can you imagine these puppy babies taken away from their home, isolated in a crate or box and shipped from city to city?
Can you understand a social being, cut off from other creatures, and the puppies wanting to be held and loved?
As an example of the horror of pet shipping, my friend, Laura, worked as a groomer in a pet store chain. One hot August day, Laura went out the pet store back door on her break. Laura noticed a large truck parked nearby and she heard small sounds coming from this truck.
Laura climbed inside this truck to investigate. Horrified, Laura found the truck lined with small drawer type boxes, with puppies in each drawer. These puppies had no air conditioning, no food or water! Laura immediately quit the pet store.
I found an adorable white cottenball puppy in a mall store. (I call her a "rescue dog" ) I named her "Weber's Scruffy Critter" or "Scruff."
Sadly, the vet who spayed Scruff gave her too much anesthesia, which put Scruff into a coma. When Scruff awoke, she was blind and couldn't walk, due to brain swelling. A vet neurologist saved Scruff's life. The recovery was slow, but Scruff willed herself well.
Several years later, through the Good Dog Foundation, Scruff and I were certified as an Animal Assisted Therapy Team. Scruff began to help humans heal and feel.
Also, Scruff "gives back" with local charity events, ie: Mid-Hudson Animal Aid, "Strut Your Mutt" for the Putnam Humane Society (a human/animal walk-a- thon, New Canaan Society for the Arts-"Unleashed" event benefiting animal rescue, Silver Hill Hospital benefit at U.S. Gold Cup Polo match, etc.
Suddenly, December 2003, Scruff became totally paralyzed on her left side. A vet speculated that Scruff had a blood clot to her spine. A spinal tap, spinal xrays and a milagram were all negative. By coincidence, Scruff was given a contoversial Pro-Heart vaccine, which has been linked to paralysis and death in dogs.
When Scruff was released to us, still paralyzed, the vet assistant said, "Scruff is lucky to have you do all this stuff for her."
"No, we are the lucky ones. She's added a lot to our lives." I replied.
Three months later Scruff was better, but unfortunately, she was left with a permanent limp.
I was worried the patients would not accept Scruff's handicap. However, the young patients wanted to make a blue and white dog handicap sign, so Scruff could park in the hospital handicap parking!!
I thank God for allowing Scruff more time to complete her work. In 2004, Scruff received a volunteer appreciation certificate from the Paul Newman Points of Light Foundation in partnership with Make a Difference organization for,"..making your community a better place to live....."
I've always been an introverted, shy person, but Scruff has led me into wonderful contacts with strangers. What an exceptional gift Scruff has given me!!! Our pets benefit us in so many ways.
In June 2005, with the support/cooperation of the Good Dog Foundation, Scruff was nominated for the prestigious AKC ACE (American Kennel Club Canine Excellance ) Award. Scruff's photo can be seen on the AKC website under 2005 ACE Nominations - Pet Therapy Catagory.
It is estimated that Scruff has met 3800 patients/people in her 6 years of pet visits.
Scruff's "life lesson"; Through tragedy there's an opportunity to find meaning in life. Anything is "Pawsible."
She not only works miracles; Scruff's whole life is a miracle!!
Scruff was surely meant to live!!!!
Scruffy, The Miracle Dog!
THE BICHON FRISE
The Jaunty Little Breed
Scruffy's Loving Visits
Helping People Heal!
Dr. Francis, Silver Hill Hospital, said,"We had a breakthrough with a young male patient, who was hostile and noncomunicative. As soon as the dogs started to visit, he slowly opened up. First he talked to the dogs, then he started talking to the nurses."I gave Scruffy pictures to the kids. During the next visit, one young boy told me,I have Scruff's picture above my bed, and each night I look at it before I sleep. Then I sleep good."
During a nursing center visit, I met Herb. He loved dogs, and he had pictures in his room of the wonderful animals he owned during his lifetime. Sadly, Herb was now in a wheelchair, suffering from the effects of a stroke. He couldn't speak and could only move his right side. I placed Scruff's paws in his fingers and Scruff gently licked his hand. A tear fell slowly down Herb's cheek.
One young boy carried around a little, stuffed soft toy dog. He'd bring the toy dog into the room with our AAT dogs. We asked,,"What did you name your dog?' "I named him Scruffy!",he joyfully yelled.
"Hey, watch me go to heaven!", a boy yelled. Then he buried his face in Scruff's soft cotton fur.
During a Critical Care Unitvisit, a 23 year old patient was very drugged. She was so drugged that she kept spilling her water. She said,"Do you know why I'm here?" "No", I said quietly. "My fiance had a heart attack several months ago. I'll never get over it. I can't stop trying to kill myself" She held Scruffy and cried.
I love when a child holds Scruff, and I see the child relax. The child says, in a very calm, loving manner,"I love this dog." During these moments the child is relaxed, calm and most importantly the child is loving and kind.
I've learned that a therapy animal can extend a silent kindness to help soothe a saddened soul. It's awesome to touch people's hearts, even for a moment in time.
SCRUFFY WEBER - 2008 AKC ACE AWARD HONORABLE MENTION RECIPIENT
Award for Canine Excellence
We are thrilled to announce that Scruffy Weber has earned Honorable Mention in the 2008 AKC Awards for Canine Excellence (ACE)!!The ACE Award recognizes the innumerable ways dogs contribute to our lives.. To be considered, by the AKC, as one of the top seven therapy teams in the country is a wonderful honor!
Mr. Ronald Rella, AKC Director, said,"Scruffy Weber was selected from a large group of powerful nominees and you have every reason to be extremely proud."
Scruff embodies the survivor in all of us. Her persistence and love of life helped Scruff battle back from a coma and, later, paralysis. Scruff went on to work as a "Pet Therapy" specialist for 6+ years.
Scruff and I have worked with patients in many facility settings from cancer units, rehab centers, psychiatric hospitals to nursing care centers.
"Scruff's life, not unlike the lives of our patients, has been beset by challenges. She always finds a way to come back, and her perseverance provides a wonderful model for patients who are trying to put things back together, a day at a time,"explains Ms. Jan King, former Silver Hill Director of Volunteer Services.
Scruff was nominated by Mrs. Barbara Kurian, former Director - Education, Four Winds Hospital. Barbara Kurian writes,"Though Scruff is the smallest of the breeds in the program, she is the largest in her abilities to cause joy and laughter in the quietest and mot depressed of our youngsters. From the little 7 year old who never fed a dog before to the angry teenage boy who knelt down with such tendernss to pet Scruff, and she helped others to do likewise. Scruffy wags her tail with complete love tor the kids with whom she interacts. And Scruff is a perfect lady, allowing patients and staff t interact with her without any signs of being disgruntled."
Over the years, Scruff has softened the hearts of even the most skeptical people that pet visits can benefit people. Many have witnessed and learned that an animal can extend a silent kindness to help soothe a saddened soul.
We are honored to have served the patients/hospital staff members, The Good Dog Headquarters and most of all the children.
To learn more about the AKC ACE Awards and see the wonderful winners/honorees go fo AKC.org and click on ACE. (Scroll to the bottom of the 2008 Therapy Category and view our beautiful Scruff)
Scruff's ACE Award
The reverse engraved side of the ACE Award
Scruff's ACE Award - engraved side KID WHISPERERS
Gently Teaching Children
Touching the lives of children has become Scruff's and my passion. We believe what will matter most in our lives is what we gently helped to teach children.Jan Weido, from Astor Home for Children, expressed the dimensional work with children best during a public speech, given at The Stissing House, November 2007:
"The common denominator of the children in our care is that they have been traumatized, mistreated, neglected, sexually and physically abused by the adults in their lives that should have been caring for and loving them. If I recounted the details of their histories, a great dark sadness would come over you - you wouldn't sleep well for weeks."
"These abuses capture the soul and light of children and steal their childhood. Trauma lives in their minds and bodies at a cellular level. The psychobiology of trauma is horrifying and difficult to overcome."
"What it looks like: Hyper-vigilance. Always on the lookout for danger, dissociation (checking out on reality and relationships), learning disabilities, limited self control, poor social skills, flashbacks, aggression-generating chaos and reenacting the trauma. These are our children."
These are the children of several facilities Scruff and I visit.
Jan Weido continues,"Enter The Good Dogs and the volunteers We talk about horse whisperers, dog whisperers, ghost whisperers...these dogs and volunteers are in fact kid whisperers. They listen and speak a language of the heart and soul to traumatized children. It's not easy work for the humans or the dogs. Some days the dogs and humans leave exhausted...but they always come back. These are not good dogs, they are great dogs and the volunteers are dedicated, compassionate people who have opened their heart to children. They are helping to heal trauma one visit at a time."
"A dog wouldn't tell anyone or tease the child. The dog gives them strength and comfort. Chhildren talk about pets as if they were a loving aunt or a guardian angel, a trusted friend. The dogs lift them up when they are down and scrared.", Jan Weido explains.
"The volunteer teams do this work, not for recognition or acknowledgement, but to help ease a shattered child with a smile, a laugh and fun in their hearts."
Scruff and I were walking through the Education Building of Four Winds Hospital and we heard whispers coming from the classrooms: "Look Scruff is here!" A teacher called us into her class to say hello. She pointed out that the children had pictures of the volunteer dogs on their desks. "The psychologist tells us the children use these dog photographs to help them cope.", the teacher told me. I left the building quickly as tears came to my eyes.
The Character Development (Stop Bullies) Program and One on One Reading Program are our most precious moments in time with children aged kindergarten through 2nd grade.
Several teachers sent notes of thanks to us stating,"The children are spreading kindness around. We are wokring every day to give kindness to others and we think of you. Thank you very much for visiting us and for teaching us the special lessons that you did."
Yes, many have witnessed and learned that an animal can extend a silent kindness to help soothe a saddened soul.
WE'RE LOOKING FOR A FEW GOOD DOGS
(and a few good people)
The Good Dog Foundation provides therapy dog services to people in community facilities in NY, NJ, Ct, and Mass.
Delta Society is nation wide. (click on links below).
Fill out the on line Volunteer forms. An interview with your pet and you will be scheduled. Then volunteers and their dogs must complete a 10 session training program, taught by professional trainers. All you need is a healthy, loving dog with a good temperament, a little time, and a passion for helping people.
REMEMBER EACH DAY YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE YOUR LIFE MATTERS!! ALL IT TAKES IS EACH PERSON TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE, FOLLLOWING THEIR PASSION, EVERY DAY. AND TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A BETTER PLACE FOR ALL LIVING THINGS!!!!
THE VALUE OF ANIMALS IN OUR LIVES
Quantifying the Human-Animal Relationship
Think about what pets mean to our lives: companionship, unconditional love, seeing the joy of life, responsibility for another loving creature on earth, nurturing another being, sharing walks and fun.... Recently, a fellow volunteer said her pet visits were pretty basic and they didn't really heal. My reponse is that every visit a team makes does have healing qualities - they just may not be visible. Even if it is just a few moments that your pet inspires conversation or a distraction from a person's stress or pain, that moment is magical - however subtle it may be.
If you have questions or suggestions, please sign my guestbook or email me. Thanks for participating!!
Scruff: Keeping Kids Safe From Bullying
What will matter most in your life is what you taught!!
A local elementary school has a serious "Bully" problem. A boy was stabbed to death and another youngster committed suicide.Peg Munves, The Good Dog Foundation trainer, with the help of volunteers Geri and Lynne, developed a humane educational program.
Humane education provides moral and character development relating to humane care. Through our efforts, we strive to instill empathy, kindness, compassion, tolerance and responsibility, which will lead to self respect and respect for others, moral judgment and decision-making and critical thought. By teaching children kindness or responsibility, we are promoting good citizenship and breaking the proven link between children who abuse classmates or animals and adults who commit violent acts against others.
Some students had an outpouring of "bully" stories for us such as:
"A boy on the crowded bus won't let me sit down. He spits on the seat, then makes me clean it up!'
"I was pushed off the slide many times."
"This one boy is mean to everyone and pushes us around!"
"He's mean and pulls my hair when no one is looking!"
"Some boys stuck my head in the toilet!"
"The boy always gives me wedgies."
We want to help children feel good about themselves - this is the most awesome power. Today you could use your power to change a victim into a friend. What an incredible opportunity!!
The children listen intently to our message because they love our dogs so much!! Spend time teaching a child about the importance of gentle care and sensitive treatment towards all animals.
An acknowledgement from the District PTA Health and Safety Program Committee states,"The dog teams visited 22 classrooms. Deb and Scruff were regular visitors and key to the success of the program."
"With Deb's wonderful gentle way with the children and Scruffy's extraordinary capacity to draw and keep the children's attention - the feedback from the principal, teachers and children has been extremely positive."
William Wordworth once said that the best parts of a good person's life are "the little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and love." I'll take issue with the poet on one count. You'd be surprised how many little acts of kindness you'll remember forever.
ONE ON ONE READING WITH A GOOD DOG TWIST
Child Character Development
High compliments should be paid to fellow Good Dog Foundation volunteer: GeriChildren with learning problems often have low self esteem and often speak in whispers. Geri taught me to let the children give sit, stay, down or trick dog commands at the end of the reading session. We emphasize giving simple commands in a "...clear, firm voice.." and "...this is not a mean voice, just clear and firm..." We also have the children say,"No" and repeat the command if the dog gives wrong command/no command responses. I see my students reading louder and speaking up more effectively. They even speak up more in class!! Hopefully, "...the clear, strong/firm voice..." will carry over into their everyday life.
Such a simple task with such rewarding results!!
Scruff and I have been a Good Dog Volunteer Team for six years. Our volunteer work with this innovative program is one of our most satisfying and educational experiences.
What a wonderfully rewarding opportunity to touch these young lives in such a positive way!!
My Links
- Good Dog Foundation
- Helping humans heal
- The Delta society
- AAT Certification
- Mike McCartney
- Wild characatures and dog designs
- Three Dogs Training
- gentle, positive training techniques
- Beastie Bags
- Beautifully hand made small tote bags
- Photography by Sheila B.
- True art photography located in the Hudson Valley, NY
- Liza Wallis photography
- Great pet photography in Westchester, NY and Conn.
Reader Feedback
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Reply
- Deborah Weber Deborah Weber Sep 24, 2009 @ 7:51 pm | in reply to dog-training-instructor
- Hi,
Thanks for the wonderful comment. Scruff's persistence in life has taught me many valuable lessons. I am so lucky to have found such a loving creature's soul to share my life. We have attended many dog training classes. If you have time, check out My Puli named Rasta, a Hungarian Puli which I've yet to complete her lens. Best to all of your training efforts!!! You must have outstanding patience...not with dogs, but training all of us handlers!! Thanks again, Deb and Scruff
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Reply
- dog-training-instructor dog-training-instructor Sep 22, 2009 @ 9:52 pm
- While looking for interesting dog articles, I read your Scruffy lens. I've enjoyed reading about Scruffy and I believe he is a miracle dog, too.
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Reply
- mike1947 mike1947 Apr 30, 2008 @ 7:55 pm
- 5 stars for you and your baby.
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Reply
- MaryStevenson MaryStevenson Feb 13, 2008 @ 9:16 pm
- Great job on your lens. I too am a big fan of this dog, so I am always pleased to see quality info about them. Well done!
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Reply
- LaraineRose LaraineRose Jan 26, 2008 @ 1:10 am
- Dear Dweber, I have just finished reading your lens about Scruff. I have a similar story to tell. How cruel some people are to these little creatures. We "resued" 2 such puppies. Both were terribly neglected. We already had 1 dog but just couldn't leave the puppies where they were. One turned out to be very healthy but the other (the smaller of the two) had been hurt very badly. She had an elbow that didn't connect with the rest of her - it just hung. She had number of unsuccessful operations and it was thousands of dollars later before her leg was connected with a very tiny, tiny piece of metal. Poor "Miss Twiggy." We had to keep the pups separated so, even though they were sisters, it took them a long time before they adjusted to one another again. Miss Twiggie will always have a limp but she runs like the wind now and she brings us so much delight. I'd love to show you pictures of her in her coloured casts. My blurb is too long I'm going to get cut off. 5* to you.
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