Over the years my affinity for dogs has become more of an obsession. And while I happily fulfill my role as the self-appointed dog greeter of San Francisco, I've learned that not all dog owners appreciate my accosting their furry friends to the extent that I do. Perhaps this is because I often greatly delay their outing.Fortunately I found the perfect outlet for my canine dependencies at the San Francisco SPCA, where I have been a well-satisfied dog volunteer since 2005. I can now not only walk, brush & cuddle numerous doggies to my heart's content, but said dogs are actually in need of my attentions.
I quickly gravitated toward dog training, particulary teaching tricks and manners to dogs with impulse control "issues." As of 2009 I began teaching other volunteers so as to help spread the fun.
My time at the SPCA has emphasized for me what I already knew — that dogs remind us of what's truly important in life: play & exercise, sunshine & fresh air, companionship, affection, love, loyalty, and, at the end of the day, good food and a warm bed.
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- Here's a mini-movie of training fun with FREDDY (requires Windows Media Player). Additional dog training videos to come.
- DOGS IN THE NEWS: Abandoned infant saved by stray dog in Kenya
Drawing of
Jonathan Livingston Beagle (1982-1996)
by JEFF JANK