Last updated Sun, Nov 24, 2024
Enhancements to our Awards and Schedule pages are done! Thanks for your patience...both are much easier to navigate now with the new links. I wish I would have added them years ago! My next project - a page with my pups including my Chelsea Golden Retrievers. Highlights of the wonderful seven generations of Goldens and their people I have known starting with my first "Chelsea" prefix litter in 1980!
Semi-retirement has arrived... The 2024 fall sessions will be my last through BCE. All good! I appreciate the trainers that have trusted me with their pet's training. This fall marks eleven years with BCE and I will enjoy the memories!
Offerings for 2025 are unknown at this time except for... Specials for Results - Pawformance Alumni teams that have completed my O&M Two will be available on a limited basis. If you and your pet are alums, feel free to inquire via email or call me. Please note your pet's name and last class completed if it has been awhile, thank you.
It will take a little time to update my web site. If you see a reference to Brighton Community Ed other than Fall 2024, please disregard same. Thanks for your patience, I have a lot of content here.
And to those that have taken time to send kind words and pictures upon hearing of my upcoming changes, I appreciate you reaching out. As you know, this is bittersweet.
Hugs to you and your wonderful pets! Thanks, Mary T.
Autumn - my favorite time of year!
Most of the time, the weather is perfect for getting outdoors with pups. The bugs aren't too bad, beach water is still warm and the dogs aren't likely to get over heated from retrieving! Perfect!
Halloween...
Just may 'creep' your pet out!! Please use common sense and don't let your pup be 'over exposed'. This is especially important for pups that may be in an impressionable stage of their life. Also remember that chocolate, raisins, candy with artificial sweetners and nuts are dangerous to pets! Keep candy out of your pets reach. If you must leave your pet(s) alone, keep lights on and music or tv volume higher than usual.
Aspirin pain relief products and Xylitol. Meds should be cleared with your veterinarian before giving. Note that Xylitol sweetner is very harmful to dogs and it may now be found in aspirin! It may cause a sudden release of insulin which then leads to a sudden drop of blood sugar. Be aware it is found in many products, check labels before letting your pet share snacks that are labeled for people. Please check with your veterinarian for a safe pain management.
Traveling Tip!
When traveling with your pet, it's best if your pet is comfortable on leash and able to potty away from home. For that reason, acclimating your pet to being on leash when relieving itself is a terrific idea. Some people never do this and their pet may resist going if leashed - so sad for the pup! Remember the 'how to do' tips shared at the end of your first class with me (if you stayed for same).
Pet edibles from China!!
This is not-so-new-news, but many well known stores have chosen to still sell treats on their shelves coming from China. There have been documented cases of thousands of pets that have died or became seriously ill from digesting food with toxins found in them in our country alone. Be sure to check labels and discard anything with "China" on it!! I find it sad what greed can do to people in the trade that we assume care about our pets... Too much info to share here on this subject - Google and learn.
Important Link Here:
FDA Pet Food Recalls & Withdrawals
DIY Long Line
If you are in need of a long line, looping two leashes together will work. Or, to save money - you may make one! Simply purchase parachute cord for smaller pets or clothesline or boat cord for larger ones and simply add a bolt snap. Adding another bolt snap at 20+ +/- intervals if longer lines are needed will save time if your pet may get tangled is a concern. Using a harness on your pet instead of a collar is recommended and be sure to supervise!
If you prefer to keep your pet in a limited area, consider an over head cable to provide for exercise. Consider ample 'head' room for people when setting this up! Again, a harness may provide a safer connection than a collar. Supervision is important, too. Pets can get tangled and visiting animals - including children - may come on to your property. : )
Donating? Keep your money local and give to the agencies that actually use the vast majority of the funds for the animals. There are many 'businesses' and even some local non profits that are skilled at taking advantage of people that have a soft spot for animals. Heart-wrenching ads on television can attract you. There is one agency that receives much money which provides their admin staff annual salaries of not only six digit figures, but high multiple hundred thousand $ salaries. TAILS DOWN!
As dynamics in organizations can change, before donating to any agency or group. Do your own research to help ensure where your money is going reflects your beliefs before sending funds.
Angel Paws Pet Rescue - Results - Pawformance trainers Beth and Jen H. have started their own rescue with a few others. They literally have decades of experience and are located in Milford. Ask for a flyer at class if none are on the table! (Note - my browser has come up with several rescues using the Angel Paws name, be sure 'Pet' is noted after Paws.) Their web site: www.AngelPawsPet.com
BradysK9fund.com Past Results trainer Tom S. ("Hercules" - Belgian Malinois now at the Rainbow Bridge) was featured on our local WHMI radio / web news in August 2024! He has been working overtime as a die setter for Ford Motor Co. to raise funds for safety vests for Michigan working K9s. K9 officers are expected to provide all equipment for their dogs and these vests are not cheap! As of August 2024, Tom has two sponsored K9s. They are K9 Gunner - Wayne Co Sheriff and K9 Zeke - Kent Co Sheriff. Tom highly recommends donating directly to: www.BradysK9fund.com (Ohio).
Please help to spread the word! There are at least twenty people advertising training in our tri-county area. It's a very competitive market and many people do not fully realize the differences in methods. As those that know me, referring people that will value this 'hands on' program will be much appreciated. Business cards are available for drop off at pet related businesses and veterinary hospitals. Please share when you can! Much of my business is word of mouth and spreading the word will help ensure I'm still running when you get a future pup and may wish to return to class with your new pet, thank you!
Enjoy your training journey and life with your pet!
My best, Mary T.
Recently lost pets, I'm hoping your memories offer some comfort.
Such a gift it is to have experienced the love and bond with a dear pet.
Sadly, not all people are fortunate enough to have this experience, be thankful for the time you have had.
When the tears start, turn them into happy tears dwelling on the memories you have...
"Mason" - American Cocker Spaniel - Carrie S. & Robert L.
"Meka" - Akita - Cindy H.
"Hercules" - Belgian Malinois - Tom S.
"Lucy-Lu" - American Cocker Spaniel & Golden Retriever, a 'Dakota' mix - Robert L. & Carrie S.