Speak! Jennifer McCarthy's Blog: At Home Archives

At Home

Breeding Elvis...

Posted by jennifer on May 19, 2010.

I am pleased to report that this fall I will be purchasing a GSD from West German show lines in Germany to breed to Elvis. This will be his first litter on the ground for spring of 2011. Since mentioning this to a small batch of clients who know Elvis, there is already a waiting list! He is not only a wonderful family protection dog but perfect in temperament, health and in great looks (hence the name "Elvis", he is the king!) I'll keep you posted through the process as well as give inside tips on how to pick a great dog. He has already begun training for Schutzhund again and is building up muscle mass following me on my mountain bike at 9,000 ft. elevation for endurance work. The female I will be purchasing will be nothing short of a world class dog!

First Tip On Obtaining The Right Companion:

Whether you're adopting or purchasing, don't be in a rush! Too many great adoptable dogs are put down every day when others come out with severe health and temperament problems. I believe in doing your homework and never, ever rush into anything as a pet is a lifetime responsibility! More to come...

Elvis at play in the snow:

Comments (0) | email to a friend | permanent link

Denver- ABC 7 News: "Grand Junction Man Indicted In Dog Dragging Death Suspect's Sister Also Indicted For Covering It Up"

Posted by jennifer on January 27, 2010.

To read the full story, follow the link below... This is in regard to the German Shepherd named Buddy who was dragged behind a car on purpose recently in Grand Junction, CO.

http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/22346556/detail.html

Comments (0) | email to a friend | permanent link

Knowledge of Nature

Posted by jennifer on November 15, 2009.

As a primitive species I feel we have such an urge to move fast and forward with technology and yet at the same time, forget about the most basic principals to respecting our animals and our earth. It is my belief that the very elements we wish to move beyond, we forget about what got us there. I think we become so wrapped up in our own paths that we forget to stop and smell the roses. Here in lies the path of discovery and teachings of nature...
In order to find oneself, I have taken to the woods to quiet my thoughts, tune in to animals and tune out the sounds of a busy planet constantly on the move. I have taken more to books than television and my only resource at times is my internet to connect with the outside world. I spend everyday hiking alone in the Rockies with my dogs, watching, listening and learning. How we work with nature, can be an unbelievable tool to creating a life of everlasting peace and harmony within oneself and the planet upon which we reside.
The insightfulness of observation, the power of inter-species communication and the teachings of basic morality can form a new relationship- a relationship beyond stress, beyond anxiety, pain, anger, fear and resentment.

These topics are some of the most crucial elements coming into light in the future of our society and some are already here:

- Over population
- Endangered Species
- Lack of habitat
- Climate increase/ Global warming
- Lack of individual responsibility
- Running out of resources

Man has to obtain a greater connection to our past as well as our future. Questions like: How did we get here? and Where are we going? are some of the most thought provoking, unanswered questions that can be obtained through observing all life- not just our own. To better understand this, we must understand how the basic principals of our planet and how the system works. For some, this cause and effect principal is often over looked. Occasionally, remaining "detached" is a way of comfortable and easy life. Everyone however, should feel at peace alone with themselves and no other distractions- truly being "in the moment" on the earth. It is very hard for particular individuals to be comfortable alone with their thoughts. I believe this happens more frequently, the more our technology advances and we become less focussed on our basic elements such as plants, animals, minerals, our ecosystems as well as ourselves. The chatter of TV's, radios, etc. can be an escape from reality. Over population is clearly one of the biggest concerns at this time and threatens all our resources as well as the planet as a whole. Can you imagine a world where water is like oil?
So, what can we do to evolve as a society in a more positive direction? One is to live by example, without the need for materialism, power or self gain. Seek wisdom above all things. I have lived two separate lives. One of being very wealthy and the other being very poor. The later is by far, the most freeing. We need stewardship in environmental concerns and other issues and teach people that it's not just about recycling your plastic bottle- it's much more about how ALL life is connected. The average person does not realize that the fish they eat is due to the wolves that make the elk run, so trees can grow, to provide shade for the stream and cool the temperature for the water in which is suitable conditions for the fish to live. (Trophic Cascade) This is just one example of cause and effect spreading throughout our lives and universe all the way down the line on a daily basis.
I have found that the most important asset to being human is our mind. The power of thought is operating on a different level. Your thoughts are directly connected to results in which you have the power to change. An example of this would be using self-hypnosis, sports psychology and meditation before dealing with an aggressive dog. This mindset is crucial for the animal as well as the person to have positive results obtained.
Body language is universal. Thoughts you place on things are universal. All plants and animals can respond to these universal languages. An example of this was the Japanese scientist who did an experiment labeling bottled water with words and the water changed to different colors dependent upon the word or "thought" projected onto the bottle.
All people have in them a connection to the basic principals of nature though this sometimes has to be "woken up". Everyone has the opportunity to grow spiritually within themselves and we all need to live more truthful, level of existence to obtain responsibility for the world in which we share.
This, I have learned through my surroundings. I have found an equal respect among life in the woods that has taught me great lessons far beyond cell. phones and debit cards. I hope to educate and share with the world a new knowledge of nature.

Comments (0) | email to a friend | permanent link

"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I... I TOOK THE ONE LESS TRAVELED BY, And that has made all the difference." - Robert Frost

Posted by jennifer on September 30, 2009.

Hello Out There~
I have been on the road now for over two weeks traveling everywhere from Los Angeles to Phoenix to the Wet Mountains and Mission: Wolf in Colorado. I am home temporarily as I leave soon to live with the wolves again for a week. Next I'm off to the Gila National Forest to dive into the Mexican Wolf controversy and from there I will hit the Defender's of Wildlife Carnivore Conference. Home seems to be where my suitcase is and going from all different climates, I take a variety of gear including two different sleeping bags, one tent, extra blankets, flip flops and my snow shoes. Then again, I could be hiking in rattlesnake country on the outskirts of Scottsdale. My theory is, I never know just quite where I'll be until I get there.
Included in this blog are photos from today in the mountains near Westcliffe, Colorado. I hope you enjoy them.
Soon, there will be some interesting information here on my website for those thinking about purchasing a wolf or wolf dog. I hope you'll come back to view it as it contains fascinating data regarding behavior, financial responsibility, fencing, etc. After reading it, those thinking about getting a cute, cuddly, wolf puppy may want to reconsider as the implications can sometimes far outweigh the rewards. I am not an advocate of owning these animals as pets but if you are considering adopting an unwanted wolf dog (best case scenario), this is something you should definitely read. My thanks go out to Mission: Wolf for allowing me to put it on the website and also Annie White for re-editing and doing such a fantastic job putting it together.
In the mean time, I finally get to sleep in my own bed. It's such a reward for a long journey in one big loop to L.A., Phoenix, New Mexico and up into Colorado. Home sweet home! "Life is about the journey... Not the destination.."
Best,
JMc

Comments (0) | email to a friend | permanent link

This Has Been A Very Long Journey...

Posted by jennifer on September 6, 2009.

This has been a very long journey for me that seems to have been a life long process over the years. I'm somehow unsure how I've gotten here besides just putting one foot in front of the other but this journey has led me every where from training Coon Hounds in Florida to working side by side sharp shooters in L.A., to hiking off leash with wolves and dogs in the back country of Colorado. If only I knew as a young girl obsessed with animals and horse back riding, teaching my dogs tricks in the kitchen and learning from my Mom how to take care and train all of our dogs, well..., I never thought I would be here.
I would say that the circle of life- how to pull this all together across many fields is what interests me the most. I believe we are all animals and I believe there is much to learn from animals beyond our comprehention. They are invaluable teachers. I don't beleieve we are greater nor less but as equals. We are coming into a time to bring us back to basics- the wind, the sun, the earth are the very resources we need to partner with to sustain our existance for a brighter future. As basic as it sounds, Native Americans had this whole thing figured out long before we did. The difference is we never stopped to listen. With that said, animals- play an imporatnt role in sustainable living, teaching and growing our relationship with them is an important one in the future of a new planet. We have to be careful to sustain balance. Humans love to tip the scales.
Now that I think about it, the most peaceful place on earth to me is in with the predator. I feel truly connected to something greater- almost as if my alignment goes out of whack the more humans I'm around, the more I become centered- the more wolves I'm around. A true sense of peace. The same with scuba diving- I'm always the last one up because I hardly waste any air- just purely relaxed underwater around sharks or when a Rottweiler has my arm in it's mouth & viciously shaking, I relax my arm and he let's go. If that makes me weird- so be it. I have always felt different around animals.
And then there are the dogs. I am still a dog trainer but enjoy educating people on my latest research as it pertains to their given situation is the essence to my philosophy- thinking "outside the box" and being creative.
I would love to do more nature therapy for dogs and their owners. I recently had a situation in L.A. with a woman who had no respect for me as a person- forget about what I do. She had two assistants, a housekeeper, etc. and was hiding behind this mask or wall in which she created for herself that I could see right through. I thought to myself, if I could put this woman in generic clothes, no makeup, no brand names to hide behind- just a backpack made of tarp and a seatbelt, gave her a leash with her dog and sat her down after a long hike to talk, she would have let that mask begin to come down and I would have seen a real human being.
Everyone is affected by their childhhood just as animals affected for life by theirs. There are good mothers and bad mothers across all lines- life is funny that way. It does not hold preference to species. The thing that most people fall into is the trap of, is time. Animals have all the time in the world. If you take away time, take someone into the woods and break them down to build them back up- having to survive to care for the basic needs if themselves and their dog, you have a human being not associated by job, rank, money or fame. To learn to be a good parent, I truly believe one has to have the experience of caring for an animal. If you can protect your dog, surely you can protect your child. The power of nature is beyond comprehention and most that get to experience it on a deep level, will never forget it. Get outside!

Comments (0) | email to a friend | permanent link

A Few More Pics....

Posted by jennifer on September 6, 2009.

Last Trip For Macho At The Grand Canyon:

Snow Shoeing In The Mountains:

Snow Shoeing With Elvis & Lola:

Elvis Tired After A Storm:

My Tent: Yellowstone

My Tent At Mission: Wolf-

Hiking With The Dogs In Winter:

Colorado Blizzard In The Mountains:

Backpacking The Sand Dunes With Sandrine (Friend Dog Trainer From Paris):

California:

Back Country Yellowstone:

Sleeping Under The Stars:

Searching For Tracks:

Dog Sledding: Telluride

Backpacking Sand Dunes With Elvis & Lola:

Snow Angel:

Hiking With Elvis: Colorado

Wolf Research:

Feeding The Dogs:

Back Packing: Colorado

Captive Wolf Research:

Comments (0) | email to a friend | permanent link

Posted by jennifer on September 2, 2009.

Venice, California:

Se: San Diego-

Johnny Cash: Newest Addition To the Pack-

Juno: Phoenix, Arizona-

Co-Pilot:

Juno: Tired From Road Trip...

Juno At Home In Phoenix:

Sleeping On the Floor In Vegas-

Lola & Elvis In the Woods-

Lola & Elvis In L.A.-

Living With the Wolves: Lola & Max Hunting

Lola & Elvis In The Pond:

Lola Hunting For Mice:

Lola In The Snow:

Snow Face-

Traveling To Save Wolves-

Comments (0) | email to a friend | permanent link

Pictures, Pictures, Pictures...

Posted by jennifer on September 1, 2009.

In My Tent: Yellowstone

Jeep In the Snow: Colorado

Jeep On the Road- Mission: Wolf

Splash Magazine Photo Shoot: Los Angeles-

Splash Magazine: Los Angeles-

Workin' Like A Dawg-

Mission: Wolf- Fall 2008

McKinley Wolf Transport: 2008

Hangin' Out In the Tipi:

McKinley- Mission: Wolf

McKinley-

Two Story Tipi- Mission: Wolf

Camping With the Dogs: Colorado

Searching For Mountain Lions: Colorado

San Diego-

Comments (0) | email to a friend | permanent link

Posted by jennifer on August 31, 2009.

Las Vegas-

Getting Hair Done In L.A.-

Got Snow?

Lola & Elvis In Beverly Hills-

On the Strip...

Elk- Yellowstone

Elmo & Ghandi- Phoenix, Az.

Jumping Out of the Jeep...

Elvis & Mitten-

Elvis & the Wolves-

Elvis & Henry Chasing Max: Living With the Wolves-

Elvis Swimming-

Elvis-

Max Following Elvis-

Elmo & Ghandi- Phoenix

Ghandi-

Grand Teton-

Grizzly: Yellowstone-

Grizzly-

Life On the Road-

Henry & Clide: Boulder

Henry & Elvis: Living With the Wolves

Comments (0) | email to a friend | permanent link

Posted by jennifer on August 31, 2009.

Cowgirl & Juno- Phoenix

Coyote- Lamar Valley, Yellowstone

Daisy- Mission Wolf, Colorado

Daisy

At Home In Colorado...

Elvis & Lola Searching For Mountain Lion Tracks-

Elvis & Lola Hiking-

In Vegas-

Comments (0) | email to a friend | permanent link

A Sad Day at the Park

Posted by on March 1, 2009.

So today, on my daily romp at the park with my dog Kenzie...a strange Dalmatian that I have never seen before in the 3 years Ive lived in this neighborhood came up along side its owner. I proceeded to ask her if she was new to the area? Which she replied "no, Ive lived here for about 4 years." Confused (because I am at the park everyday with my dog and I have yet to see this dog here) I said "Oh Ive never seen your dog before." As I got closer to her dog I immediately noticed something horribly wrong with him. Slouched over, his head hung low, unstable as he walked ... I asked her if he was always so lame. She said he didnt feel well. I dug a little deeper and soon found out that the reason for his odd behavior wasnt just because he was a an older dog, but because he had gotten into some wire in the backyard and had made a meal out of it !! She continued to tell me that he eats everything and this is no different than what he does every day. From blankets to wires, leather car seats to shoes if its not one thing its another. She also said he had not eaten or drank anything in 4 or 5 days. By the looks of things this was very apparent! His rips were very prominent ,his side sunken in, his hip bones protruding out and his poor tail tucked far between his legs. It was quite obvious "Barren" was in some major pain. This was no ordinary snack.
I asked her what she planned to do about it, and she hesitated for a bit, then said "Nothing?" as if she was asking a question. "Hes such a bad, bad dog! He eats everything!" I said, I think you should take him to the vet. It was pretty clear to me from the short conversation we had had that she didnt have the money to spend on this dog. Nor did she have the time. (She has 3 dogs, a cat and a new baby) All the while she is moving from one house to another and leaves the animals at the old house to tend to themselves until she comes by for her daily visit. Not to mention Barren keeps a muzzle on him to avoid any unnecessary chewing, which as you know doesnt allow for any necessary chewing ie.food/water.
Long story short, I persuaded her to get him to the Vet asap. Upon our arrival, the Dr. immediately called for an x-ray.
Well this is where it get emotionally difficult. The woman had to get permission from her husband to spend any kind of money on this dog. From what she told me, he was never too fond of the dog to begin with, not to mention he had eaten everything they own. So he was upset that she had even gone to the vet for his problem. He said "I do not want to spend anything on that dog!" And therefore she was forced not to. She denied the xray (knowing that 98% likely that he was going to have some sort of obstruction which would then lead to surgery- causing more money to be spent and in turn a very upset husband), but she also did not want to put him down. Dilemma right?
Well the dog was signed over to the vet in hopes that the right thing would be done. Ill end it at that, because honestly I do not know what actually happened to Barren from there on. I do wish him the best!
The point of my story is as an owner of a "pet" it is important that you make sure you have enough time and money to care for this animal. Your pet did not choose you as a life partner, you chose him/her. Therefore give it your best to give them the best life possible. There are never bad dogs, only bad owners.

*TIP TO STOP CHEWERS FROM CHEWING*
Spray Apple Bitters on a cloth and hold it in the dogs mouth (about 30 secs). They will hate the taste of this but will never want to taste it again!! Now go spray it on the things they chew that you want to deter them from chewing. This should keep them away from those items. They will smell that smell and remember how horrible it tasted.
Goodluck!

<3
Dana

Continue reading "A Sad Day at the Park" »

Comments (0) | email to a friend | permanent link

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Posted by jennifer on December 25, 2008.

Whether you are celebrating Christmas, Winter Solstice, Hanukkah or another holiday, we wish you all the best from World Class Dog Training. Have a happy and healthy holiday season and stay tuned for big things to come in 2009 :-)
Sending you lots of goodwill and cheer,
Jennifer

Santa visits Orso.jpg

Abby, Sandy, Orso & Cayo- Hollywood, California

Comments (0) | email to a friend | permanent link

Passing on the Leash... A Dog Trainer In the Making

Posted by jennifer on December 24, 2008.

This is my one year old nephew Liam. He is already showing signs of animal interest. I bought him a wolf puppet from Mission: Wolf that he is fascinated by and now he's already growling at Grandma's dogs!

Here's Liam taking control of a resource...

Liam- Jolly Ball.jpg

Liam using telepathic animal communication with Denver...

Liam & Denver.jpg

Comments (0) | email to a friend | permanent link

New Fish Tank Photos

Posted by jennifer on October 27, 2008.

Here is the on going progress to my 90 gallon salt water fish tank... If anyone wants the best in Aquarium & Reptile Services, Check out Aqua Imports in Boulder, Colorado: www.aqua-imports.com. Thanks guys!
Fish 1.JPG Fish 3.JPG Fish 5.JPG
Fish 6.JPG
Fish 7.JPG
Fish 8.JPG
Fish 9.JPG

Comments (0) | email to a friend | permanent link

Life On A Mountain

Posted by on July 19, 2008.

Hello everyone~

We're really enjoying living on a mountain! The dogs are having a blast running around checking out the new area, and we've already found some great trails to explore since Gross Reservoir is so close by, as is Walker Ranch. Kona loves the mountain air-- it's MUCH cooler without New Jersey's humidity and it keeps him young. :) The scenery here is absolutely incredible and every day I can't believe I live here. Having grown up in NJ I'm accustomed to a certain amount of vibrant greenery when the warmer months come around, but the mountains of Colorado hold a different sort of breathtaking beauty for me. I've been coming to Colorado my entire life and I've always felt this way about these mountains.

I've already done a lot since arriving here. I've had the opportunity to observe quite a few different cases, as well as get experience with various breeds and personalities. It's definitely been a broadening experience! I look forward to meeting more and more challenges in the months to come. The clients I've had the pleasure to work with thus far have made the time fly by for me, which has been great. This is what I love doing, and everyday is a step closer to being the best dog trainer I can be. For now, I'm off to bed as Elvis and I have a busy day of Schutzhund training starting early tomorrow. Until next time, stay cool and take care!

~Audra

Comments (0) | email to a friend | permanent link

Dylan

Posted by jennifer on March 18, 2008.

Hello Friends- Just wanted to let you know that Dylan was put to sleep yesterday morning in his favorite bed at home. Dr, Tammy Wilson here in Colorado and her vet tech. were unbelievable through the entire process. Dylan died in peace and fell asleep in my arms. He was on his way out and ready to go. I feel truly grateful to have had such a wonderful and kind dog in my life and his spirit will be greatly missed. Thank you for all those that have known him and have sent out your warm wishes and condolences- I truly appreciate it. In rembering Dylan, here are a few pictures of him at home and at work:

Dogs playing in snow.JPG
Dylan & Gidget.JPG
Dylan- Bite work.JPG
Dylan & Macho- Flowers.jpg
Dylan in snow at M;W.JPG
Dylan- Dumb Bell.jpg
JMc & Dylan.jpg

Comments (0) | email to a friend | permanent link

The Final Frontier

Posted by jennifer on March 14, 2008.

I wanted to write a blog tonight like I’ve never written before. I kept going over what I would say as I passed the produce section at Target. So many thoughts ran through my head but how could I convey the feeling of watching my dog’s health slip through my fingers like quick sand? How could I express all the memories that pass through my mind like a slide show? I feel helpless right now. Almost like a person that just lost their sight. I can’t see my way out of this no matter how hard I look- there’s nothing I can do. The answers just are not there. I’m fighting an uphill battle and I’m slipping swiftly down mud. My dog Dylan is 10 and a half years old. He is my heart and my soul and a part of who I am as a person. Recently after my trip to Los Angeles, I came home to see that his health had rapidly decreased. I’ve been through this before- all the signs are there. Frequent trips to the vet, blood in his urine, straining to use the bathroom, hips are almost gone and arthritus painfully striking his every move in his back. His teeth are worn down from the bite work he loved to do most of his life but he looks like a strong, handsome old boy from all those days on the Schutzhund fields- like an Olympic Athlete in his geriatric days. I know it’s time. I know what’s happening- everything is shutting down. The whinning and feeling uncomfortable when he lays down, pacing to look for a spot and getting up again and again. I spent an hour laying in his dog bed last night just petting him until he fell asleep. I called my Mom for a second opinion but I know in my gut what I have to do.
My boy Dylan has reached for every last day he could spend with me. The sweet brown soulful eyes still reach out to invite me into his heart. He is and will always be my dog that never leaves my side. He is a dog that loves children and gets along with everyone and his best friend at one time was a horse. My duty right now is to act like nothing’s wrong, keep him comfortable and send him off to sleep where he can run and play with dogs in the mountains of heaven and look down on me here on earth. This blog is for you old man- you’ve made me proud, you’ve made me strong and you made me into a better person then before you ever entered my life. I love you with all my heart, Jennifer

Comments (0) | email to a friend | permanent link

Mosquito Magnet

Posted by jennifer on June 19, 2007.

I thought I would be highly adventurous yesterday so I went out and bought a Liberty Plus Mosquito Magnet. Have you ever heard of one of these things? It's a 40 pound contraption that has a butane tank (whatever you use for your grill) that blows out a plume of Co2 from a nozzel. The idea is that the breeding female mosquitos are attracted to this plume and hence, get sucked into a net and die. I know it sounds complicated but it is working slowly. HOWEVER, this device has caused me much anguish as to where to place it. I've researched the website, figured out where the mosquitos are nesting but I'm not quite sure if it's really working to it's full potential. I had someone set it up for me and let's just say that there wasn't much instruction on the part where you have to change the net or put in more mosquito attractant. I don't even know where that goes! Hmmm. So, needless to say, a few mosquitos have fallen to their death in the magnet but tomorrow I will be spending my lunch time wheeling it around the backyard hoping to place it perfectly near the breeding ground, upwind from the bugs and take it apart to figure out where and how to refill the mosquito attractor fluid. Let's hope it works! Isn't this exciting? Ah, life in the country... Ha!

Comments (0) | email to a friend | permanent link

Happy Memorial Day!

Posted by jennifer on May 28, 2007.

I hope everyone is having a fantastic long weekend and whether you're having a BBQ or doing something outdoors- don't forget to take along your furry friends as long as they stay cool and have lots of water :-) Socialization and exercise are key elemets to a well behaved dog....

Some of you may know that I like to run. I run for fun but secretly, I'm planning on running my first marathon next year. Currently, I run on a tread mill because it's air-conditioned in my gym and I can see exactly how far I'm running- although the scenery isn't that nice. Also, because I work outside- it's wonderful not to have to wear sun screen. I think I'm reaching that point though where I must take my running out onto the streets. Right now, I'm at 9 min. a mile but I'm working my way towards 8. This in comparison to other runners here is easy. In a place where Olympic athletes train, it definetly keeps you motivated. In Florida I used to run with Elvis at night but during the day here, it gets too hot. We go on hikes, walks, play ball and of course their favorite activity- chasing away the bunny rabbits and prarie dogs.
Next Sunday I leave for L.A. and have lots to do to prepare for my trip. Be safe, have fun and don't forget the many men, women and dogs who are fighting for us over in Iraq...
All my best,
Jennifer

Comments (0) | email to a friend | permanent link

In the Living Room...

Posted by jennifer on May 14, 2007.

Thank God for Cannon. I can't believe I actually figured out how to get my photos from point A to point B! I just got a professional camera to take some good shots of wildlife here in Colorado, the dogs and wolves for you to see. I've always had a fascination for photography but haven't had the time to learn how to properly use a camera so now I am. I'm going to start taking some classes here in Boulder and I'm very excited about it. The thing that's always frustrated me is never having enough zoom to get the shots I want so now I have that capability.
On my first experiment tonight, here are some shots I took in my living room. Many people ask me about my cat Mitten so here she is lurking across the living room floor... I hope to be showing you more this year of training, clients and life with the dogs right here on my blog!
Be well,
Jennifer

Comments (0) | email to a friend | permanent link