- Happy (4th) Birthday, Tango! -

[Tollers-n-Dobes]

Thanks everyone!!

Joyce, I tried to take her somewhere that I knew I would find kids about twice a week (usually around a school, or a park or something) and then I'd play with her away from them so that she knew she could still have fun without the kids getting close. Gradually, I'd take her closer to them without having them touch her, just to get her even more comfortable playing closely around the kids where she could realize that they weren't going to hurt her. Eventually, once she was comfortable being near them, I got the kids to throw the ball for her (that wasn't a problem, as I'd get swarms of kids asking to throw the ball). Not long after that, she realized that kids weren't so bad after all and it was ok to play with them. At that point she still didn't want to be touched by them, but a few weeks after they started throwing her ball, she gradually became more trusting and comfortable around them and allowed them to touch her. All in all, I'd say all of that probably took about 3 and a half months or so (maybe a bit more) and now she get's extremely excited to see kids. It was all just a matter of desensitizing her. Tennis balls are like her security blanket and she'll do almost anything for them. I hope that made sense. It's hard to explain exactly how I did everything over the internet.

Val, I just have Kodak cx7430. It's about 2 years old now, and discontinued. It's a good camera for still shots, but not much else.

[K9karen]

ACK! Only a tummy virus could have kept me from seeing this yesterday!

Honestly, when I see Tango, her beautiful, expressive face, with those wonderful fuzzy ears, it brings me to tears. She is absolutely one of my most favorite PT dogs too. All her wonderful progress is due to your patience and insight and love. From what you've said, it has been worth every second. She's awesome in every way. PLEASE smother her with kisses and hugs from me, won't you?

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY WISHES, SWEETHEART!!!

[Ginger's Mom]

Actually that makes perfect sense, thanks Devan. I do the same thing with Ginger, sort of. If we are in an area where I can let her off lead I tell the child that she won't let them pet her, but she would love it if they would throw the ball for her. That usually makes them happy. But maybe this just doesn't happen often or consistently enough to have her change her attitude toward children. I guess we will just have to spend more time at the park this spring, that will make her very sad .

[wolf_Q]

Happy Birthday Tango! You sure are gorgeous, I'm sure you had a special day!