DO NOT QUIT

This was my mantra on the nights before we knew if we would be funded and I would not be able to sleep. Do not quit. Do not quit. Do not quit.
If I have ever been sure that what I am doing is God driven, this is the closest to being sure that I have experienced.
I alternate between loving this program and thinking it is brilliant, to thinking it can never really work.
One of the dogs is too young and too timid for the program. I adore him, but we need sturdier pups for this kind of work. Of course, Chowder is huge and full of himself and he presents an entirely different challenge because we can't just leave him alone with all of the other dogs because he might get too bossy (code for start a fight). Before anyone's wheels start turning, let me say that we DO temperament test the dogs and we eo ask alot of questions about these dogs before we accept them into the progrm. The shelters tell us what they know, but sometimes they don't have much information and not enough training/behavior experience to give much help. That's okay, we can handle the dogs and the boys learn what to do. It becomes apparent early that these kids are not accustomed to paying attention to anything other than the current distraction. The dogs really help them to pay closer attention and focus, but until they learn enough handle their dogs in multiple situations, Ouniel and I are BUSY.
The boys DO NOT tell the truth about how they feel about dogs. They all say they like dogs and are not afraid of them. Mostly they really are afraid of dogs. You can really tell when they pull their hands away from the dog's mouth when giving treats. Also some of the boys just can't allow themselves to really cuddle with the dog or bring them close to their bodies. What also just AMAZES me is how pristine the boys are about "doggie smells". Granted 5-6 dogs playing together, peeing in crates is less than ideal and can create a smelly environment, but if you like dogs, usually it doesn't "undo you". As a bit of a neatness freak, I understand, but I am not at all afraid of getting dirty and I have a hard time relating to not wanting a dog close to me. This is key. The boys who really like dogs and can tolerate their messes as well as enjoy their company. If the dog is a "status" dog (pit or Rottie or perceived as tough, they will always do exceedingly well in the program. Still finding kids that love dogs is harder to find that you might think. So many of these kids are conditioned to be uncomfortable with animals.
There are exceptions. Usually 1 or 2 boys in each group will be very good, some excel. Enter Darrius. His desire to work with the dogs is exceptional. His attention to detail is exceptional. He is a willing learner, he has good instincts and timing. He listens. He takes initiative. He is honest in his evaluation of himself and can say if he is not doing well in a particular area. He asks questions and wants to know how to make his training and his dog better. He is relentless in that he never gives up. The boys with lower self esteem do not seem to be able to self critique and cave easily.
Darrius is a natural and we are thinking about hiring him as our first student brought into the Loosen the Leash family. I don't know yet how far he will go because he may have other plans for his life but this I know-if he wants to be with us, we want him. I hope we grow so big that he is managing a facility, creating innovative ways to reach at risk kids and speaking all over the country/world telling his story, selling books and paying it forward.
I am back in blog mode. Been working 16 hours days and couldn't/wouldn't look at my computer unless forced.
All must party on the day we officially are able to hire Darrius. I will most definitely make an announcement!
Please send the best thoughts for his success.
Envision all the dogs being housebroken!!!
Cindy