Created by dweber (contact me)
Volunteers give the time of their lives! Since I retired, I have volunteered for many organizations. However, I love Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT)... (more...)
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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 3200 patients/people in her 5 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!
Scruff 6
Scruff 5
Scruff 4
Scruff 3
Scruff 2
Scruff Main photo
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.
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!!!!
Scruff: Keeping Kids Safe From Bullying
What will matter most in your life is what you taught!!
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.
SCRUFF'S SECOND AKC ACE AWARD NOMINATION
Scruff: Pawprints on Hearts!!!
The ACE Award recognizes the innumerable ways dogs contribute to our lives.
"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 quietist and most depressed ot our youngsters", Mrs. Kurian says.
Ms. Jan King, Director of Silver Hill Hosp. writes,"Scruff's life, not unlike the lives of our patients, has been beset by challenges. She always finds a way to come back. She provides a wonderful role model for patients who are trying to put things back together." By example, Scruff has taught many patients the meaning of the will to live and the perseverance of the soul.
Scruff visits Silver Hill Hosp., Four Winds Hosp., a local elementary school and Wingate Nursing Care Center.
Ms. Geri DelPriori, PTA Safety , writes,"The dog teams visited 22 classrooms. Scruff was key to the success of the program."
Several teachers sent notes of thanks stating,"The children are spreading kindness around. We are working 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."
Every year Scruff participates in fund raising programs, ie: local ASPCA human/animal fundraising walk-a-thons, attending health fairs representing Good Dog Foundation booths, etc.
Scruff may retire from AAT activities this year as she is 11 years old now. This would be a great accomplishment for her retirement.
PAWPRINTS: WE WILL BE KNOWN FOREVER BY THE TRACKS WE LEAVE BEHIND!!
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
- Paw-tography
- good pet cards and photos
- Beastie Bags
- Beautifully hand made small tote bags
- Photography by Sheila B.
- True art photography located in the Hudson Valley, NY
Reader Feedback
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!
Posted February 13, 2008
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.
Posted January 26, 2008
I am passionate about animals and your lens is a solid 5 stars. I have just completed a Bird Rescue Lens ~~ Just click on Karendelac above, to view it.
Posted August 26, 2007
New YouTube vids
My favorite Tubes
No More Turning Away ~ An animal shelter video
You can make a difference. Through adoption, fostering, volunteering, donations (whether it be money or something you don't need anymore that the animals will benefit from), and even just educating people about responsible pet ownership and the pet overpopulation crisis, you can help these animals. The animal shelters are not the bad guys. They are just doing what they can. Not having animal shelters would not keep animals from dying-- it would just keep them from dying humanely.
Runtime: 5:39
22633 views
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