Hi everybody !

[Starwolf]

A good start would be introducing myself, although briefly. I have no trouble opening up. I am well aware that I have been damaged by a chaotic past (physical, sexual abuse, addiction, the feeling of always being out of place anywhere, anytime etc...).

Although a lot of work has been done on my issues, it is an ongoing process. From childhood, I have found I could communicate with animals better than I would with people. This has been my saving grace....I wouldn't have pulled through without my dysfunctional family's dogs and horses. Asperger's syndrome was unheard off in those days but hindsight and research seem to indicate I grew up with it.

For as long as I can remember, I have been trying to repay this debt of gratitude. Both professionally and privately, I have been involved in trouble-shooting for horses and dog rescue. I specialize in rehab, taking on only those who have nowhere else to go as deemed unrehomable to work on them on a 1 on1 basis. Without this motivation and responsibility, there are many days when I wouldn't bother getting out of bed. Although other areas of my life are to say the least dysfunctional, this focus on  issues beyond my own has had a positive impact both on my charges and myself. There's no way one can be a successful trainer (hate the term "behaviorist") without a lot of training work on oneself.

I live by choice in the outback. Although I wouldn't have it any other way, it does nothing to alleviate a sense of social isolation. I hope joining this online community can help. Perhaps I can also offer support to other sufferers.... See what happens !

[Guest_5218]

Agree re in-breeding.  Its not a good thing at all.  And certainly the German Shepherds have suffered from it.  As you say they have tried to improve the dysplasia issues which is now so prevalent with them. Too many 'designer dogs' being developed unfortunately.

Regarding the Tenterfield, they are usually black and white.  In confirmation they look just like the Manchester Terrier which was originally bred in England as ratters.  I am often asked if Holly is a Jack Russell. But Jack Russells are typically tan and white and are more stocky in stature.  I have been told that the Tenterfield and the Mini Foxie are actually the same thing.  But I dont think thats quite right.

It saddens me when people end up getting totally inappropriate dogs for themselves.  Working breeds for people who are away all the time and cant even walk them, a Siberian Husky for someone living in hot climates, a large breed of dog in the city in a tiny flat.  All this sort of thing is just quite silly and the dogs dont have a happy life.

Your profile dog sounds like a real success story, and looks a beauty.  I really admire what you do.

Cesar Millan is a Mexican who made it big in America when he started taking in Pit Bull Terriers which were abandoned or uncontrollable, and training them.  Thats how he made his name initially and then he had a TV show about training dogs of all types.  I think it was call The Dog Whisperer.  I know he has come out to Australia a couple of times and done training or demonstrations out here.  I am imagining that he probably has similar methods to what you use.  You should look him up on the internet.  If you do, let me know if you have similar methods.  I am interested.  Not that my little girl needs any specific training.  About the worst thing she does is bark if someone comes around.  And I dont mind that anyway, as she stops as soon as I go to the door with her and tell her its okay.  Its more of a warning that someone is there, and letting me know I think.  She never bites, and is great with the grandkids and I take her visiting when I go to visit the old peoples home.  The oldies love her, and she likes to visit them as well.  She is just a really sweet natured little girl.  A lot of little dogs can be a bit snappy, but Holly has never shown that tendency at all.  So no complaints.

How did the pack walk go this afternoon?  Should have been nice out for a walk today after all the rain had gone through.

Sherie x

[Guest_1055]

Hi Starwolf....

I am just checking on you to see if you are OK out there at your place?? I haven't seen your name pop up for a few days now on the forums. I am sending you a hug just incase you would like one. 

Much love

Shell xxx

PS.   I am not sure if you have heard of the "killer thread"it is in the community forum. It is just a fun thread really about trying to make sure you are the last one to post. But anyway I wanted to tell you, that we started a continuing story in there. And I hope it was alright ??? You are a friendly, colourful and loving character in part of the story. We just wanted to show we care about you that is all. So I am hoping you weren't embarrassed or anything. Maybe you haven't even read it and that is cool too.

OK bye now

[Starwolf]

Hi Shelley,

Thanks for caring. Yes, all is well, just very busy around the place and elsewhere these last few days. It's the nature of my work (and life in general, I guess). Sometimes it all happens at once !

So I have just posted on a couple of threads yesterday to continue what I started there. Sherie did mention the Killer thread some time ago and I did check it out at the time. Whatever mention is made of me there, rest assured I will not mind. I'm not the touchy type...

Good to know you wonderful people have noticed I haven't been on the forums as much just lately. Living on my own in a remote area means that I have to be a jack-of-all-trades and not being good at it, whatever would take someone more skilled 1 hour can take me a couple of days !

Thanks for the hug and there's one back for you.

[Guest_1055]

I am uncertain if you will see this Star, but I hope so. It took me a while to find your actual thread though.

I have been thinking of you lately, I knew you were physically sick in some way. Are you feeling any better at all? I was getting concerned about you as I have not seen you post on BB for a while. And I know you live far from other human folk. So there would be no one to take care of you if you should need it.

Anyway thinking of you Star

Shell. Xx