The Sludge of Life

Today I watched my oldest son walk down the driveway with an eight week old pup. That morning, when the pup opened it's young eyes, it had no idea what was in store for him. He did not know that he would be going on his first plane trip and leaving behind all that he ever knew. Nor could her predict the two hour car ride from the airport. He did not understand or comprehend that in the morning he would be in one state, and in the evening he would be in another.

My son Joe has been anticipating the arrival of this pup for quite some time. He is full of expectations and hope for this young dog. As I watched this new pup willingly follow him down the driveway, I thought how pure and simple the human-dog bond can be. They spent the next three or four hours just walking and hanging out in the woods getting to know each other. Building the foundation of a bond that will last a lifetime. Forging a love that will cause both of them to protect and watch out for each other...and also, just as important, to simply have fun together.

I always tell folk that "we train from the inside out." With so much chaos and evil going on in the world, it did my heart good to see that little tail wagging away next to the legs of his new friend.

All was okay...all was right in the world.

My son is seventeen years old and still looks at alot of things in the world with young eyes. He has not been sucked in to the sludge of life that we adults accept as normal. It happens to all of us as we grow up.

But why do we have to get so wrapped up in useless worries? Why do we put value on things that are not worth anything? Why don't we open our eyes and look around us...and see, really see what's there?

I admit, I wallow in the sludge of life from time to time. But...I always wash it off sooner or later. Seeing the beginning of a lifelong friendship - like I did today, that is like a crystal clear, fresh waterfall washing away the built up sludge of life that was on me. It felt good...I needed that.

Searching for Sasquatch

From the title one would expect that this would be an article on tracking. "Searching for Sasquatch." Using dogs to track this elusive creature that some say exists, while others say...prove it. Well...

Let me tell you of something that happened to me when I was in Northern Minnesota with my dog. Now, you might not believe me but... every word of this is true.

We were hiking in a pretty desolate place, simply enjoying the quiet and beautiful scenery. Oliver and I, that's my dog, did this from time to time. We enjoyed getting away from so called civilization, the rat race and mostly... a lot of the people. It is not so much the buildings, cars, pollution and crowds of people, it's the characters of the people that are in the buildings, driving the cars, polluting the land and that make up the crowds.

I have no scientific way of proving this statement but... I believe people - on average - are getting worse and worse. Meaner, more prideful, and over all treating each other badly. So Oliver and I , we go out there and soak in what's real, what really matters.

That's when it happened. We were walking down a trail as we rounded a bend... Bigfoot was standing right in front of us! Now, out of the 3 of us, Oliver, Bigfoot, and myself, I appeared to be the only one who found this one of a kind encounter shocking. Oliver did not bark, run away, nothing. In fact, he actually looked at this gigantic piece of carpet and wagged his tail.

Then something happened that I will never forget. This thing... Bigfoot, spoke! English too! He looked down at me... looked me in the face and said, "Hey." I absolutely did not know what to do so I said ," Hey."

Now everybody has heard of Sasquatch... Bigfoot. There are countless eyewitness accounts, sightings. There are fuzzy photos, video tapes and even weird sounding audios. We even have some footprints to analyze but... no actual proof that they, "Sasquatch" exists.

But Oliver and I are actually standing in front of one now! And speaking with him... or her. I haven't figured that out yet. Finally,after what seemed like an eternity he said, " Hello, my name is Dick." I said, "Hi, Dick, my name is Tony and this is Oliver, my dog."

He then goes on to explain to me how he knows that many people are searching for him and the other Bigfoots. He explained to me how that they just choose not to associate with mankind. I did not know what to say, except to say, "That is why I am out here with Oliver, to get away from the two-faced people I do not care to be around." Dick says, " I know, I have seen you and Oliver out here before."

Oh, by the way, all the stories about how bad Dick... I mean, Bigfoot, stinks... all true. Dick tells me that the "Bigfoots" are all well aware of all the advances and progress that mankind has made. They just choose to stay away. They want no part of a society overflowing with hypocrisy. Two-faced people stabbing each other in the back. Smiling to your face and cowardly cursing you behind your back. Lying to you... stealing from you... spreading lies about you.

"You see," he says, "So many people are filled up with pride that they think they are something, when in actuality... they are nothing. They think that they are better than everyone else. And if you think I stink... that stinks! They just can't seem to keep their noses out of other people's lives. They don't have much of a life themselves, so they try and get into other people's lives."

Dick gets a smile on his face and says, "Out here in the bush we respect each other. We don't lie or pretend to be something we are not. We do not talk bad about other Bigfoots to other Bigfoots. If another needs a helping hand we gladly offer it. We find it honorable to help each other out."

Dick looks me square in the eye and says, "We realize that our Creator is really the only SOMETHING in this world. We are his creation and we are all created equal. We like it out here in the bush because we get to enjoy all of the simple treasures that he has made."

I said, "Dick, for a big, ugly, smelly, hairy creature... that was beautiful. I have to live among those types of people you just described. That's why I come out here to the woods."

We both agreed that most likely those people will not change how they are or how they treat others. When they gather together -3 or more - they feed off of each other's "stinkiness." It is actually quite sad. They are actually quite sad.

Then Dick says that he has to go. Him and some other Bigfoots are getting together and picking the ticks off each other. A real bonding experience, he says.

I said, "Dick, ticks and all, you probably have it better living out here in the bush then to deal with all the hypocritical people of today's society." He just looked at me and smiled.

So he petted Oliver and said good-bye to us. He said to me, "Tony, don't take these people seriously... they are just like ticks. Blood sucking, disease spreading, good for nothing creatures. Pick them off... keep on living."

I smiled and waved. "See ya, Dick!"

Dogdom Land

When I first had the interest to train dogs, I was privileged to be on the same field of one very unique individual. It wasn't until later on, that I realized what a "controversial" figure this guy was in Dogdom Land. But when I first met him, I got hooked on the type of training he was showing me. I remember saying to myself, " I love this!" It made so much sense to me. Pure and simple. It felt very right. But I also asked myself, "Why? Why aren't there more people training here? " I remember how odd that seemed to me, considering what great stuff I was experiencing and learning.

As time went by I heard others in Dogdom Land speak very badly of this guy. They said all kinds of things like, "He was crazy" - "Did not know what he was doing" - "Was one of the worst trainers in the country". It did not make sense to me though. I had just spent one of the greatest weeks ever in my life at this "crazy" guy's place. Why did so many Dogdom people hate him? This crazy guy indeed did things opposite of them. But who's way was the better way? The vast majority of people in Dogdom Land said this crazy guy was wrong! Was it possible that all of "them" were wrong instead?

As time went by, it became clear to me why so many were against this guy. This type of training is not for everyone. First off, it is a physical thing. You don't have to be an Olympic athlete, but you do have to be able to get around well. You can't be afraid to get dirty, wet, cold, hot scratched, bit, bruised... You have to be able to function in the natural world around you. Second, it will test and build your character. This is the main reason I fell for this type of training. One is just not dog training...but...living...with dogs. You not only learn about your dog, but learn more about yourself...who you truly are. Not what we sometimes pretend to be.

So it started to make more sense to me. This training was actual, real honest to goodness, old fashioned...hard work. So much of the other training in Dogdom Land was only for show. It did not make a difference if it did not produce results, just as long as it looked good. There were plenty of excuses for why it did not work. There were plenty of people willing to agree with those excuses. Ego, money and foolishness abound in Dogdom Land.

So, I have finally settled with the fact that I train the way that I do because...I simply like it. I know it produces the real world results that I am looking for and as crazy as it sounds, there is something special and magical about it at times. It is a mindset, a way of thinking...how you think about and approach training a dog.

Life truly does go by quickly and I will not get caught up and entangled in the jungles of Dogdom Land. I will not offer up any excuses or apologies for training this way. I don't have to. The more I learn, the more I am shown how much more I have to learn...it's a wonderful thing.

When Good Men Do Nothing

"Because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold." The Word of God

For those of you who are familiar with God's Word, you know that this refers to the moral state of mankind near the end times. It plainly says what it says. Because iniquity... which is the bad moral behavior that people used to be ashamed of. Things accepted now were not even tolerated in time past. Because iniquity...more and more people doing worse and worse things. Truly the moral baseline has dropped very low. Because so many people are doing, participating and accepting sinful behavior...the love of many shall wax cold.

Recently I was contacted by an animal control shelter that had a dog that a couple had purchased from me. They would have faced criminal charges had they not surrendered ownership of the dog. This dog, who was once robust, healthy and full of joyful energy had become malnourished, aggressive and very skiddish. This was accomplished by tying up the dog with no human contact and only feeding him every 3 or 4 days with hardly any water at all. When any interaction was made, it consisted of mental and physical abuse such as kicking and hitting the dog. This dog, who once was so loving and playful, had become aggressive and nervous because of this prolonged, cruel treatment.

Abuse like this has always been going on, it is nothing new. However, today it is much more prevalent. Much more widespread. Much more accepted and tolerated. This couple who bought this dog and promised to give him a good life are grossly overweight. That in itself speaks volumes of who they are. I observed their children, who were misbehaving the entire time and speaking very disrespectfully to their parents. There was no discipline from their parents. Again, this speaks volumes of who and what they are.

Sadly, this couple represents a vast majority of what America has let itself become. Their love for each other, themselves and their children has, "waxed cold." They do not treat each other or their children with respect or love. So, to treat a dog cruelly does not bother them at all. They do not loose any sleep over the cruel treatment they have inflicted on one of God's greatest gifts to us...the dog.

Look around and see how people treat people. Is it no surprise then that animals suffer cruelty at our hands.I understand spiritually why this is happening. I don't like it though. Especially to the innocent...children, the elderly, those who cannot take care of themselves. Dogs are way down on the list. But it does not lessen the fact of how wrong and cruel it is. I will not accept or tolerate this and will always do what I can to prevent and change this. I pray that others will too.

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." Edmund Burke

.."

A Special Mirror

One of the cool things about training working dogs is that it is very self-revealing. It is as though a big mirror is held up in front of you , for you to view. Not just any old mirror that merely shows one's reflection. This is a special mirror. It will show you your insides, who you really are and what you are. Now, this can be a really good thing or a very bad thing. It is solely up to the person in the mirror.

All too often this special mirror will reveal to me that I am too impatient, too quick to get angry while training my dogs. Being a typical dork human, sometimes when I see that not too pleasant - but honest - reflection of myself, I ignore it. Pretend that I did not see it, or make an excuse to justify the reason for the reflection. Sometimes though, I step back and appreciate what the mirror has just revealed to me. I then make a conscious decision to change me, so as to change that reflection. These are the good and bad points of this special mirror.

When I am honest with myself and see an image in this mirror that I know should not be in there, I can change it right then and there. Right then I can make that decision. This I know, dogs are very good at reading our body language and looking at our insides and knowing what we are feeling. If we are angry...they know. If we are happy...they know. Scared, excited, hesitant, fearful, tired ...they do know. We cannot hide it, but...that does not mean we have to be that way. For example: When your dog does something or does not do something we want, do we always have to get angry? No. Do we get angry at times? Yes. But can we train and condition ourselves not to get angry? ABSOLUTELY!

This special mirror not only reveals if you are angry, it shows when you are impatient, miscommunicating, or treating your dog unfairly. It also shows you when you are happy, patient, communicating correctly and treating your dog fairly. The key to benefiting from this special mirror is to simply be honest with yourself when looking into it. This is a very valuable mirror if used correctly. On the other hand, if one disregards what they see in this mirror, soon their reflection will start to fade and eventually the mirror will not show you anything. This very useful tool will be gone. It is very hard and humbling sometimes to honestly look at the reflection that is presented to us. But in order to better ourselves, it is needful.

A funny thing about this special mirror is that if you choose to ignore the reflections presented to you, it does not prevent others from seeing them, including your dog. So, humble yourselves and look closely at this mirror. Not only will your handling skills increase for the better, you just might become a better person. You just might become a better husband, wife or friend.

Young Eyes

"The dog is the most faithful animal , and it might be held in great worth, if it were not so common. Our Lord God has placed the greatest gifts in the most common things. The eyes are the most excellent gift given to all the animals. The small little birds have the most clear eyes, just like asterisks; they see a fly a room away. But we do not recognize this common gift. We are clowns and fools. But we will see that future life; then and there we, like the birds, will have those beautiful, clear eyes ourselves." Martin Luther



I came across this quote the other day and it really had me laughing! How true! Just think, if there were only 1000 dogs in America instead of 53 million, not one of those dogs would be homeless and roaming the streets. If one did get loose and were roaming about, someone would surely stop and pick it up. We would do that because they would be so valuable to us. We would not take them for granted.



Or,what if there was only one dog in all the world? How people would be amazed at all of the great things this creature was capable of. You could tell it to search for a lost child and this creature would enthusiastically search and find that child. Or the sense of security those blessed with having this one dog would feel. A guardian of the night to warn them and protect them from danger in the night. How many millions of people worldwide would wish to have this creature called a "dog".



So, when you are with your dog - take stock in exactly how marvelous he really is! Appreciate their natural, God given abilities. When I was a young child, I embarked on a lengthy campaign to convince my mother that I needed a dog. I spent weeks trying to convince her how emotionally scarred I would be for the rest of my life, if I did not have a dog to grow up with. She could not resist my arguments and finally gave in. To this day I have not loved a dog more or had a closer bond to any dog than that dog - Shotzie. I did not want her for hunting, protecting, tracking or any other particular reason. I just wanted a dog because my young heart and young eyes saw clearly the wonders of "dogs." We had such a strong bond between us because of the value I placed on her.



Being a kid myself once, and being blessed with raising 5 right now, has taught me this: Children naturally look at the world around them with young eyes. They see the wonders of God's creation and get great joy from it. It is as we get older that we take all of that for granted and lose that joy which is all around for us to freely enjoy.

Show me an old person who is genuinely happy, and I'll show you a person who believes in God and still knows how to look at things with young eyes.

So, all you old and young farts out there, try looking at your dog with "young eyes" again. Fully appreciate the great gift from God that they are. Then, don't stop there. Look at your spouse, children and your life with those same young eyes. The smile on your face will do your heart good.

Thanks

Many have taken pen in hand to express how genuinely grateful they are to those who have earned and to those who preserve our freedoms. To give honor and recognition to their sacrifices and to acknowledge their service to our country. I also will stand in line to say, "Thank You!". "Thank You" to everyone who has worn the uniform of the United States Military.

But now, even now, with the wars going on, I believe that the majority of Americans take their battle fought freedoms for granted. I know this from the very fact that little concern is voiced as these liberties are being taken away.

Just imagine how the Patriots who won the Revolutionary War would have reacted if they had the foresight to see just how much the average American is taxed. Wasn't that one of the main reasons for which they whipped Britain?

What about the soldiers who fought in World War I and II, Korea and Vietnam? What and how do they feel when they see America dealing with our enemies as "friends"? American companies knowingly selling their advanced technologies to these enemies of ours, fully aware that they will be used against our men and women in uniform. And for who? And for what? More money! What happened to the true, old fashioned "American Spirit"? Where is that unity that once was commonplace in America?

This know for sure, that without Almighty God and the American Soldier, the United States of America would not exist today. If you do not believe that statement, you are an ignorant fool. Make no mistake, America has many enemies, within and without. Many of whom would rejoice to see America burning.

Take heart though, and rest in this fact. For over 200 years America has produced the Warriors that she needed to protect her. It is not a job for just anyone. These Warriors are special in their own way. Your job, as an American, is to find, identify and expose the enemies within. Who are some of these enemies to the American way? Politicians; they enact unjust laws that strip our blood earned freedoms away. Businessmen; they sell the soul of America for a few more dollars. Let your voice be heard. Do not remain silent. One person can make a difference. History has proved that time and time again.

Also, keep all of these soldiers, these Warriors, in your prayers and on your mind! Thank them when presented the opportunity. A handshake, helping hand, smile, letters, donations and gift packages. They do so much for so little. Honor them by being and remaining a true American.

Remember these words you spoke:

"I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic, for which it stands, one Nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

Honor what it means to be an American.
Honor what they fought and died for.

To all those Warriors, the American Soldier, past, present and future: We here at Liberty K9 want you to know that we are eternally grateful for everything that you have done, are doing, and will be doing. You are always in our hearts, mind, thoughts and prayers.

Thank you.
Danku.
Gratias tibi ago.

May God watch over you.

Things To Consider

"It is not the critic who counts, not the one who points out how the strong man stumbled or how the doer of deeds might have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred with sweat and dust and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who, if he wins, knows the triumph of high achievement; and who, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory, nor defeat..."



"Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our greatest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is in us, and by letting our own light shine, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same."



"Every man dies...not every man lives."



"Wars begin where you will, but they do not end where you please." Machiavelli



"Empty what is full. Fill what is empty. Scratch where it itches." Dieter Dengler



"The most common thing that two dog trainers can agree on is that...the third guy is doing everything wrong!"



"It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the songs of fools." The Word of God



"Fools make a mock at sin." The Word of God



"He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty." The Word of God



"The foundation of all training is obedience." Hans



"To derive the full joy of companionship, the handler or guide too must put his heart and soul into the endeavor. The language the guide speaks to his dog should come from his heart as well as from his lips, for only in that way can the bond of companionship be lastingly strengthened." Hans



"It is wise not to regard seriously the criticism of those without actual experience in dog training." Hans



"What is...is." Mike



"Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him. Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell. The rod and reproof give wisdom: correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest. " The Word of God



"The world is a giant, confidence-eating cud chewer. It seeks our defeat. Whatever path we choose in life will be littered with signs that say, 'Closed to you; you can't do it; this is for people more talented or advantaged; you can't make a difference.' And when you believe the signs and stop to ponder, you will hear voices that say, 'You are not important; no one cares; it is not worth it; quit now.' The weak go no further. They settle down and accept the lot that is handed to them and spend the rest of their lives unhappy and unfulfilled. The tough don't believe the signs and never slow down to listen to the voices. They are the doers, the precedent setters, the pioneers. Their accomplishments may never win Nobel prizes or be recognized with applause at a banquet; but they will know in their hearts that they have run the course and overcome the hardships to conquer, even in the little areas that may only matter to a quiet few. But they were not quitters, slackers, or buck passers. At the end of life, they will have tasted of the sweetness, heard the music, and worn the crown of victory, even if it simply a paper crown given by a thankful grandchild or an appreciative spouse. The tough will earn the admiration and appreciation of the few or the many. But, in the end, they will be able to say, 'I have lived, and it was good...very, very good.' " Michael Pearl



"Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Mr. Common Sense. Mr Sense had been with us for many years. No one know for sure how old he was since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.
He will be remembered as having cultivated such value lessons as knowing when to come in out of the rain, why the early bird gets the worm, and that life isn't always fair. Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you earn) and reliable Parenting strategies (adults, not kids, are in charge.)
His health began to rapidly deteriorate when well intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a six-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate;teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.
Mr. Sense declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer aspirin to a student; but could not inform the parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.
Finally, Common Sense lost the will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband; churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims.
Common Sense finally gave up the ghost after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot, she spilled a bit in her lap, and was awarded a huge financial settlement.
Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust, his wife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility; and his son, Reason.
He is survived by two stepbrothers; My Rights and Ima Whiner. Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.