Speak! Jennifer McCarthy's Blog: Las Vegas Base Archives

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Hello From The Wilderness...

Posted by jennifer on November 4, 2011.

Hello Everyone-
I'm sorry it's taken me so long to write a new blog. I have been working with a ghost writter in Los Angeles on a book that I think will make up for all my off-line time and I think it will be well worth the wait!

In the mean time, there has been so much to report from the year 2011- so many things that I don't even know where to begin. For starters, I moved from high up in the Rockies to a horse barn outside of Prescott, Az. Quite literally- I lived in the barn and if I opened up one of the windows, a horse could stick his head inside and eat hay in my living room!

What was so fascinating about this experience was that I was actually able to document a pack of coyotes on the ranch and the resident dogs communicating to one another. It was one of the most amazing things to hear- coyotes that learned to bark like dogs and dogs who learned how to yip!

I worked on the ranch with the horses, dogs and cats and from there, I was able to get a 5 acre property to run the K-9 Ranch Training Center in Prescott. This has given my clients amazing access who live in California and Nevada and I've had a lot of customers wanting to make the drive out here.

I have also had the opportunity to live side by side some of the world's most venomous creatures- scorpions, rattlesnakes and tarantualas which has given me a lot of appreciation for these other species in the high desert.

I have been actively following the Mexican Grey Wolf program, attending meetings and staying in touch with what's happening on the front lines.
In my spare time, I've done more natural hosemanship and have gone riding quite a bit in both Az. & Co.

This past year has certainly brought a lot of opportuniites for my on-going education
as well as taught me more about living in a new environment.

As we enter 2012 I think it's important for me to talk a little about our relationship with the natural world. I know that times are tough for a lot of people out there and although I've seen both sides of the coin, I have also chosen to live a life closer to mother nature- whether in a tent, in a tee-pee or in a house at 9,000 ft.

I often talk a lot about the human species dllema as it relates to people's pets but I think now it's time to broaden that message to engulf many of our friends in forest, ocean, etc.

The one disadvantage our species has is our need for self fullfillment, growth and expansion. We seem to have a hard time with simplicity. It's really hard for us all to slow down, make compassionate choices on a daily basis that really will be affecting the very lives that walk this earth in the future.

Non-human animals have this advatage. For example, the wolf who has done it's job so well, that it was able to survive the ice age. Other animals are more intellegent than the human species in ways in which we cannot understand. For example, meet the dog who can sniff out a seizure well before it happens, meet the horse who can see the slightest movement in a tree or the shark who can smell 10,000 times more than we can ever comprehend!

If there's one thing I have learned, is to view various creatures using these different senses at higher levels to actually learn from them. My brain may not be able to process a smell like a dog's brain can, but I have figured out exactly what they are doing through their nose just by merely spending time watching them. I took this knowledge and used it to smell plants & trees in a way I had never thought of before which helps me understand the way they think to assit them in tracking, scent and search work at a higher level.

I believe that by allowing oneself to step into this role as an equal and sometimes a student, not as a superior, can bring more appreciation for the natural world. Animals do things for a reason- humans do things for a need and that need is no longer survival it's consumption, growth and expansion. All resources are finite. They will not last forever and if there comes a time when you have to feed your family, step into the backyard and create a vegtable garden, it's a step towards getting back in touch with the natural world.
Change can be terrifying but also at the same time an opportunity for a new beginning.

It is my hope that through everything that is going on in our economic climate, we can all get back to the simple things in life because that's what helps species survive in the long haul. I believe we are on the verge of something great that has already started to be more concious of our environment, the choices we make and why having other animals around such as wolves, mountain lions, sharks, coyotes, etc. is so important. I encourage all who wish for adventure to embrace each circumstance, look for the good in everything and take great appreciation for our mammal and non-mamal friends as we can certainly learn a lot from them!

Best to you and your dog (or wolf/wolf-dog!) from Prescott, Az.
Jennifer

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Thanks :-)

Posted by jennifer on October 30, 2010.

Hey Everyone-
Thank you all for the beautiful messages and support I've been receiving from the airing of the Wolf-Dog special last night on the National Geographic Channel. There's much more to come as things are moving quickly in a bigger direction... With that said, I have many more research projects I'll be talking about, my work with coyotes and ranch dogs, horses, the Mexican Gray Wolf Program and much, much more! So stay tuned in here to my blog to get the latest news and I look forward to meeting more of you out there on this wonderful journey of helping animals. Howl and woof to you all!
All my best,
Jennifer

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New Adventures...

Posted by jennifer on June 14, 2010.

Today I am heading home after spending some time with my friend Henry (a high percentage wolf-dog) as he recovers from an injury from hiking last week. It's one thing to get a 100 lb. animal that is pretty much all wolf, into the back of my Jeep and into emergency care. It's another thing getting him down the mountain, into the emergency clinic off a high traffic area street, going through surgery and then successfully adopting a lamp shade collar. Then after this, having to take him back to the emergency clinic after he figures out how to chew through the collar and pull out his drainage tube. I am happy to report that Henry is now doing well and is no longer resisting the lampshade although many objects tend to fall or get knocked over in his path.

I have a busy next two months ahead of me- I am leaving for Africa in two weeks, packing up a lot of my things into storage and when I return, heading to Arizona to begin a journey back to horses, coyotes, the Mexican Gray Wolf and coexistence issues between wildlife and ranchers. You may be wondering why I do all of this and you will soon find out as I launch a new behavioral concept this fall right here on my website based on four years of research. Don't worry, it still has to do with dogs but on a much broader spectrum.

After heading to Az. for one week, I am then in L.A. to meet with clients then up to a horse ranch where I will be living at for 1-2 years. I will still have my current locations and will eventually be heading back to Colorado but will still be there to meet with clients as I do in L.A. & Vegas in the meantime.

This is good news for those in Los Angeles and in Scottsdale, Prescott & Phoenix as I will be in these areas more often now to service those that need my help.
With all of this research, I have come to find some great advancements in the world of non-human animals so stay tuned for some amazing new information coming soon!
I am off to pack and gather up my equipment for some tent living in the bush of Gorongosa National Park as I document the re-introduction of species similar to that of the wolves in Yellowstone. I will be gathering information on local struggles between wildlife and livestock and see if they are having success with the Hyena and Wild Dog packs that run through the park and into local communities.
Off to pack and will blog from the road!
Best wishes,
Jennifer

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Is The Lemon Worth The Squeeze? March '09

Posted by jennifer on September 9, 2009.

Man can create some of the most beautiful things yet we destroy what we do not appreciate. We seem to have lost our connection with the earth...

Someone once asked me "Is the lemon worth the sqeeeze?" I of course repled yes. When I think of all the places I've been, people and animals I've met and roads that lead back and forth over the west, I realize that I've led a life most people my age would be lucky if they lived half of it. I pay attention to things like watching wildlife and being the ultimate observer. My TV is reality. Tonight I sleep in my car but getting here I crossed through a horrible blizzard over the summit, saw two highschool kids having fun in their muddy, lifted pickup in Utah, ate dinner with a bunch of highschool kids that were in ballroom dance competitons and met a young police officer who was nice enough to give me a ticket. I love the saying that life is about the journey and not the destination.
I feel so blessed. I work hard and I sometimes do better on my own. I can travel anywhere, do any thing by myself. There's a certain sense of freedom in that. My dogs and cat are my heart. I love them more than words can say, I am so lucky to have unbelievable friends who have given me the shirt off their back and then some many a time. My parents have taught me so much but they have both earned my highest respect as human beings.
So as I sit here being locked out of my house, after driving 12 hrs, crossing four states and driving through a big blizzard, sleeping on a couch instead of a hotel room in Vegas, doing an interview, training lots of dogs, sitting here in 20 degree weather waiting for a locksmith to arrive, yes- even after all that, life itself is one beautiful journey.
Looking forward to learning more on the next big adventure...
JMc

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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-

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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-

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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

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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-

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Its important to socialize your dog everyday!

Posted by on April 27, 2009.

Alright, you've got a well-trained dog. However, you failed to socialize him as a puppy, and he's a bit stand-offish with other dogs. Because of that, you are afraid that there will be a dog fight. Having a large dog might pose a problem. Small dogs are also dangerous when they are aggressive.

This is only a rough guide for dogs that aren't aggressive. If your dog shows any willingness to bite another dog, don't hesitate to contact a professional. It's best to admit that you need help with your dog than to have him put down for mauling another person's pet.

Things you can do to socialize them:
1. Take them to parks/busy areas with people/plazas/shops (be sure you are not just walking them there but training them there!) Keep them inline at all times! Make corrections!
2. Dog parks
3. Neighbors houses (be sure they behave, do not just let them run around. Remember this is training not play time!)
4. Sporting events (soccer games, baseball games, skate parks etc)
5. Special dog events

These are a few places to socialize your dog. Do it early, its important for later!

Kenzie at a Indoor Soccer Game:

**some info from this blog has been taken from http://www.wikihow.com/Socialize-Your-Dog

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How popular is your Pets name?

Posted by on April 9, 2009.

For most of us naming a pet can be as nerve racking as naming a first child. We all come up with ways to have our pup choose the perfect name whether it is as simple as what name it comes to when you call it or to the more complicated (and usually silly) methods. The following are the top 10 dog names according to a recent survey by Veterinary Pet Insurance so is your pup popular or unique?

10 Most Pupular Male Dog Names & 10 Most Popular Female Dog Names

1. Max 1. Molly

2. Buddy 2. Maggie

3. Jake 3. Daisy

4. Rocky 4. Lucy

5. Bailey 5. Sadie

6. Buster 6. Ginger

7. Cody 7. Chloe

8. Charlie 8. Bailey

9. Bear 9. Sophie

10. Jack 10. Zoe

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Trick Training with Kenzie at Home

Posted by on March 29, 2009.

Heres a little sneak peek for you all at home on Kenzie as she practices her trick training at home tonight :)

First pic is "Sit Pretty"

Second is "Say Your Prayers"

Thrid is "Open the Fridge and get a Water"

Hope you all enjoyed the photos!

Dana

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Don't Forget!!!

Posted by on March 18, 2009.

DOGGIE BOOTCAMP TOMORROW!!! March 19th 2-3pm @ Royal Pet Resort 4700 W Russel Rd Las Vegas NV.
Hope to see you all there!!!
Also DONT FORGET the importance of recycling and you can start with your water bottles! I just got a new toy today for Kenzie - its the Bottle Buddies Toy. You use an old plastic water bottle inside the plush animal and it makes a great/exciting sound that your dogs will love. Plus you are reusing your bottles!!!
Just an FYI:
Plastic bottles are one of the largest contributors to landfill waste in the world!
- 8 out of 10 plastic bottles are not recycled
- Plastic bottles take up to 700 years before they decompose
- In 2006 alone, the average American drank 167 bottles of water and only 23% were recycled, leaving 38 billion water bottles in landfills. That about continues to grow steadily each year.
So... do your part and recycle and let your dogs be a part of helping you do this! :)

Dana
Las Vegas, NV.

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Las Vegas Doggie BootCamp March 19th DONT FORGET!

Posted by on March 9, 2009.

MARCH 19TH FROM 2PM TO 3PM
@ ROYAL PET RESORT AND SPA
4700 W RUSSEL ROAD LAS VEGAS NV
702 646 7387

BE THERE FOR A GREAT LEARNING EXPERIENCE YOU'LL BE TELLING ALL YOUR FRIENDS/FAMILY ABOUT!!

SEE YOU ALL THERE!

<3
Dana

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Doggie Sleepover Time!

Posted by on March 2, 2009.

Kenzie just wanted to share with you all that she has a friend named Puffy and hes staying over for the night. We are having a sleepover. Thats all, she just wanted me to tell you.

Continue reading "Doggie Sleepover Time!" »

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Jennifer and Kenzie on Las Vegas ABC Morning News (Video)

Posted by on February 9, 2009.

Continue reading "Jennifer and Kenzie on Las Vegas ABC Morning News (Video)" »

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New Pack Members...

Posted by jennifer on January 20, 2009.

We are pleased to announce our two latest pack members in Las Vegas, Nevada! Dana Lauren and her three year old Border Collie "Kenzie". To read more about this fabulous duo, check out the pack members section in the Gallery!

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New Las Vegas Location Opening...

Posted by jennifer on January 13, 2009.

For those of you that live in or around the Las Vegas, Nevada area, we will be opening our second satellite office there due to popular demand. It is our intention that although the City of Sin is is all about the glitz and glamour, to teach those living there about tapping into their dog's natural and wild instincts. Tune in for more to come but I will be there two times every month to meet with all new and existing clients. Viva Las Vegas!
All my best,
Jennifer

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