guitarest

Hey gang been a busy month; sorry haven't been on in a while. A few quick updates; I won the HUD case where the landlord wrongfully evicted me because of Blitz. Go Me...

I used a good bit of that money to actually do a vacation, I drove from Gulfport Mississippi to Coleville Calif to visit with my son and his family. Got to hold my grand children; read them book inter act and carve pumpkins.

I am almost finished with Sebastian and his training. I have another 4 weeks with Sebastian and then he is off to his new home and his new DAV handler. I went to the Humane Society to show them Sebastian's progress and he has gained 20lb in a month; its all that good grain free dog food with the raw meat mixed in; he loves it. So I am looking for another dog to rescue for yet another disabled Vet; this young lady was a owner surrender because they had a baby and could not keep the dog. So sad that people do these things; any way its a good thing for me and her name is Nina. She is a German Shepherd and what looks to be a little Belgian with the face.

I love the flop ear; its like she is singling for a permanent left turn; guess her former owner was a Nascar driver...... lol

Did you actually move out of your apartment? Or, did you fight the eviction while still living there?

 

Congratulations on your win!

No they tossed me out on my rear and HUD said their hands were tied. HUD said they could do nothing about the eviction. HUD requested I be allowed to stay there; although its private property and all HUD could do is suggest it. It took over two years to get to this point; I am glad its finally over.

Oh another update, I believe some of you might remember the situation where I was evicted because Blitz was a German Shepherd. Never mind he was a "service dog" the complex "The Cambridge" owned by Arlington Properties out of Ga has offered to settle and I have accepted their offer. So thats over two years of stress and concerns finally resolved. So allot of my stress has finally gone away, since most of it was because of this wrongful eviction.

Roz, Rocko? hmmmmm to much vacation for you.

 

 

Jocko, Great job you are doing. We wish you the best!!!!

Lol on Joz or is that Roz?

Guys and Gals; sorry its been one hell of a month so I have not kept people in the loop with the latest news.

This is Sebastian, he is yet another rescue in my program. His future handler is a Afghan Wounded Warrior still on Active Duty with the USAF. I am training Sebastian to assist MSgt Sharp with his PTSD and Mobility; MSgt Sharp is stationed at Pope AFB until they finalize his medical retirement from the USAF. Upon completion this will be 5 dogs trained to assist veterans with various medical conditions.

The day of his adoption; I had already worked with him about a week to make sure he was the right temperament to becoming a service animal.

Again I am such a firm believer that rescued animals know that you just saved their lives.

Whats that saying, Saving the life of one animal may not change the world, but the world will surely change for that one animal

Here is Sebastian and Chloe; Chloe graduated the basic course and I continue to work with her and her veteran for months after they are paired to make sure they are a good team and that the veteran continues to follow the program. Should any veteran not follow the program he/she takes a chance to lose their SD since there is a huge line of those veterans willing to continue the program to receive a dog. This is public access and socialization training for both dogs and Chloe's veteran who is a combat wounded veteran who served in Afghan.

You forgot the sniffing of crotches! :( Thats my favorite. Wexler is an expert when it comes to that! How embarrassing!!!! :eek:

Finally broke Blitz of greeting women in dresses with that long nose under the dress...... First time I was so embarrassed I think more so that she was. He only did it one time and it was very funny looking back..........

Jocko,

 

You also have to understand that it is not a speedy process for us folks to get a service dog. The process for CCI goes like this.

 

1. Fill out on-line application. (and wait)

2. Get long application in the mail. (fill out and wait)

3. Get medical application, bring to doctor to fill out. (and wait)

4. Do phone interview. (and wait some more)

5. Do an in-person interview. (waiting again)

6. "If" you get approved, you now go on the waiting list.

 

The application process takes about 6 months to a year. Right now there is a 2 year plus waiting list once you are approved. They also don't call you to come up for team training just because you are next on the list. They wait until they think they have a dog that will match your needs. We waited longer because we didn't want to take our daughter out of school for 2 weeks. So we waited for the summer training.

So at least with CCI, it's not just someone who wants a service dog.

This is exactly what I was asking for.................... The process!!!! :)

See what started this line of questions is a few in my area who swear they need no doctors documentation except that they are quote/unquote disabled somehow. Its actually pisses me off to no end that people are so callus about a disability or wanting to have a SD or a pet wearing a vest. Now Blitz does not go with me everywhere; he is plainly not needed. Uneven land like the beach or rough areas he is there. Normal type day no shopping involved he stays home unless the legs are acting up.

Thank you Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Of course.

 

It's important that you and the dogs that you're training have a "standard" and that the clients who are receiving these dogs are given guidelines to follow with good standards in place.

 

I hope the ADI Standards information is helpful to you.

I almost know them by heart; except the face licking................. lol

I actually go by ADI standards....

I'm sorry please allow me to beg for your forgiveness again. I am very sensitive about my program and my dogs that are actually out there.

Misunderstanding, understood.

 

With all the work and intense training that it takes to bring a highly skilled dog into the public venue, those folks out there who want to try and bring in a "pet" need to know that "we're watching you!" And, I won't hesitate to call you "out!"

 

When Horton put the animal cracker in his mouth [during testing in the mall] and, I was instructed to stick my hand down his throat and retrieve it.......I knew how serious CCI was in their dogs behavior's and their testing.

 

Face licking, eating off the ground, barking, growling, scratching are all NO, NO'S in the Service/Working Dog world.

 

Our dogs are held to a higher standard and I'm proud of it.

So even by your own account your dog violated several "Don't Do's" at least Blitz will not eat food unless offered to him and he is given a OK to eat it. The face lick is something I did not know about service animals; although its not specified anywhere what a dog can or can not do. So how is it any dog is held to a higher standard when there are no set standards in place? I'm not trying to start anything Roz; I come here to ask informative questions. Although it appears I have wore out my welcome since you wish to call, Me out".

Cheers

Roz you should know me better; it was not my intention to upset or be disrespectful towards you or any one here. If I did upset any one I am so very sorry its not my intention.

All I wanted to know is the doctor side of the process, reason being is there are loads of people (civilians) and while I do not believe them they say its their right. If disabled to bypass a prescription or doctors note and get or train a SD. I know on the VA side of the house that is untrue, just asking on your side.

As far as my process I could have waited also to get a professionally trained dog also; although I opted to go with Blitz and there are not many who do GSD's. In regards to what the VA did; with my paperwork the breeder felt bad for me and reduced his price; but I still paid money out of my pocket for Blitz, training, and supplies. So while it was a VA method it was expensive and something I will never see in return except in what Blitz does for me.

As for his training the VA wishes to use Blitz and I as a peer team to those younger guys returning to show what a specially trained dog can do for you. He went for his Therapy Dog Certification 30 minutes later I thought we had it up to the point where Blitz licked the examiner in the face; instant fail. He retests this week and I hope to get this certification it will add to his ability to help others and again its part of my recovery.

Again it was not my intention to upset anyone here.

please do not insult or demean those of us who walk or wheel with a ligitmate Service Dog and have been through the rigors of the "process" to get there!!!!!

Roz you should know me better; it was not my intention to upset or be disrespectful towards you or any one here. If I did upset any one I am so very sorry its not my intention.

Another matter; please help me by supporting this.....

My name is Jocko and I have a organization in S Mississippi that provides specially trained shelter dogs to veterans with PTSD. Its a great cause and mine is one of many who provide a service to our returning veterans with PTSD. Well the good people in Washington have finally gotten involved in this area of treatment and what originally started as a good thing has become a ADA Violation if it is approved. Could you please review the below link and share with your clients and friends. Blitz, Beau, Cloe, and all our dogs say Thank you. I'm sure our Veterans would also if they would actually break away from their dogs long enough to do so..... 8)

This is exactly how the young lady went up against Bank of America and they had to change their mind about the $5.00 fee on debt cards. Its no question what I am trying to do and those already in the area are already doing is a wonderful thing for Disabled Veterans. Please do not allow those in Washington with that 12% approval rating mess with these programs and kill what will be one of the very few life lines Disabled Veterans have in PTSD Treatment. Please do not just like this post or the shares; go to the PETITION and sign it. Washington does not understand or care about likes, what Washington understands is voters and signatures. I beg please help me with this cause, there are over 600,000 Military, Combat Veterans, Wounded Warriors, Disabled Veterans who are our Brothers, Sisters,Mothers, Fathers and children who can and will benefit from a service dog. Do not let lobbyist force Congresses and the Department of Veterans Affairs hand. Tell them yes you support change; unless it will harm Veterans and be a direct violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Thank you again; Jocko

http://www.change.org/petitions/service-animals-may-be-refused-on-va-facilities

Jocko, not sure what your question is. Sorry, maybe I'm slow. Help me out please.

Can a person (patient who is not connected with the VA or Military Medical Care) just decide on themselves that today I need a service animal without the doctors permission and just do it? I deal almost exclusive with Veterans with PTSD and their mental issues are well documented and they have to receive permission to get a service animal. I have been told by many people that they have a service animal; they do not need a doctors permission and thats how the ADA Operates for civilian types.

I just can not see or understand how receiving a service animal though the VA is such a regimented task; loads of documentation and huge checks and balances in place. And the approval process to get a service animal as a civilian is as easy as jumping in your car and driving to Walmart and deciding which color you want.

Did that explain my question better?

Karen I wish all the luck with your better halfs double lung surgery.

KO this is for Roz and any one in the know, I am so confused right now and the ADA is no help. My organization here in S Mississippi is and has taken this place like wild fire. Bear in mind the news misquoted me on a few things although this is last weeks news.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3u2eVY2l_U

OK now for the quick question, I know what I had to do with the VA to get approved with Blitz. I am being told that any disabled person even with out permission from a doctor can get a service animal. Bear in mind I do know a few basic rules although most of that is access and does not cover the patient side of the house. I have paperwork from doctor, I had to produce my own paperwork etc......

Also I do not agree with ADI and whats going on with the VA. I agree there need to be changes although what they are doing will not only hurt Veterans (no PTSD Dogs allowed in documentation and only a total of 100 dogs or service animals in the entire VA System). I spoke with ADI and I am not impressed and surely disagree with a $1,000.00 fee and the only tangible thing out of this is we get to bring 5 people to their yearly conference. Yea............... being sarcastic.

Labs..... phooey German Shepherds !!!!!!!!!!!! :)

Hey gang sorry its been a long time since I was here last. Just a heads up most of my time is being taken up by my start up in this area called King's 2nd Chance.

First I hope this does not violate any rules admin, if it does I understand if you need to edit this post.

OK so a little about me for newer posters; I am a 100% Disabled American Veteran and a Gulf War Veteran; I was medically retired in 1995 from the USAF due to injuries I received while serving in the military.

For over two years now I have been working behind the scenes with the Department of Veterans Affairs to get a program off the ground in my area. The program is to provide specially trained therapy dogs to veterans with PTSD. It was finally approved prior to the Director leaving the area for a different position (:))

Now whats my favor? Its kinda simple actually if your on facebook take a look at,

http://www.facebook.com/Kings2ndChance

Please like it if you support this cause, I am trying to get the word out and advertising is allot of cash that I currently do not have for the cause.

Thank you

Jocko

King's Second Chance

Because everyone needs a Second Chance.

OK...here's my story for today. Being that my daughter is off from college for the summer, her and my wife were looking for stuff to do for the summer. They looked into the "Read To The Dog" program at the local libraries. My wife got a call the other day from a woman that runs the program. She was pretty sure they were not going to be able to use Orson because he was a "Service Dog" and didn't have the training a "Therapy Dog" has. :eek: They also wanted to know if we had a seperate insurance policy on him that specifically covered him around children. :confused: Needless to say my wife said never mind and hung up. :mad:

Sadly I know this is too true. I have recently run into a brick wall at the VA after being approved locally at the Biloxi Regional Hospital they have somehow confused Blitz as a Therapy dog also. These different organisations have even gotten more money hungry and started trying to control specfic territories (Delta Society and the others) by locking in specfic hospitals and not letting other TD in that facility. Even the AKC now offers its own Certification for TD after 50 hrs of service to patients.

So back to our story I told the VA thank you but this is not what Blitz is nor is this what my program is about. I don't know how it effects dogs to be subjected to those who are hospital bound and or in a hospice situation. I would suspect it would weigh heavenly on the dog since it knows these people are going to pass or at least those in my area; I would suspect it would have negative results with Blitz or any dog seeing those too sick to leave the hospital and when they do its after they pass.

I do agree its their loss and a fine example of that local person trying to lock in their territory.

Josh (second dog from the right) and his human, canine and equine partners held their annual "Capitol K9" fundraiser a couple weeks ago. They take over the whole Capitol grounds and invite all dogs to participate in challenges, a doggie parade and lots of other fun stuff! The money raised goes to paying some of the costs of the K9 program so that taxpayer money can be used for other things.

Ahh German Shepherds!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[ATTACH]234657[/ATTACH]

 

Here is a picture of my daughter and Orson at her college graduation last night. I wish I knew how to put a bigger picture up here.

Wow small school only one graduate...... lol

I can help with the picture if you want to email it to me or it could be thats the size the camera took it as.

My daughter has one more class and she will be done with this degree anyways. She will be getting her major in Criminal Justice and minor in French although at the very end they realized she needed a few more hours to graduate so she left for Paris last night to study one month abroad. I still say its a way to have a month long vacation at her scholarship expense yet she says its a real study program and her school agrees..... In less than 4 weeks she will return from France as a graduate.

In later July maybe early August Blitz and I are going to Utah to spend a few weeks with Best Friends and work on our training skills and abilities so we can move our program ahead with the VA. Officially the VA has given the green light to provide trained (basic commands and abilities for a C9GC dog) to those veterans with PTSD. The additional training I will be receiving is to assist me with more specific training on dogs so they can tell if their handler is going to have a bad day and how to help their handler.

Tonight I am doing another ride along with local PD; I do hope everyone has a happy and safe holiday for those in the US who post here.....

As this week end draws to its end; lets not forget what this holiday is actually about. When you fire up the BBQ in the backyard and have friends or family over lets remember this holiday is about those Military Members who have given their lives to protect our freedoms. I have been very lucky; with as many members in my family who were military; including those serving now only one friend has lost his life serving. Donavon was a CH-47 Chinook pilot and it took a RPG round in the front of the bird instantly killing him; this was during Desert Storm.

First, I love Best Friends, they're an amazing rescue org. And, I would trust anything that they do. I miss their shows on Animal Planet.

 

Good luck in your training and thanks for reaching-out not only to our Vets but to all those rescue dogs who deserve to be given a "second chance!"

When they contacted me I was like Who? No really who are you again; lol. Then I quickly did a search on a name given and Dogtown came up and I was like, OMG.......... Really are you kidding me; in my situation its the best thing that could have happened to this program. With their involvement alone it give King's Second Chance and huge shot in the arm with loads of professional respect. It took me two years to get to the place where I received those two phone calls; and right after those initial calls its been like a tornado in a trailer park. So much activity and honestly it has given me a resource that I can call and question them about their training programs and why something is done a certain way. I have had server books published by Best Friend sent to me in electronic files. I actually had a question for Sherry W about a chapter in one of their books on the topic of aggressive food behavior or guarding food. So I have been handling it a different way all my life showing my dog's who is alpha by removing the food from them. The way they suggest to do it was totally different and I asked Sherry why they do it her way; she replied later today and now it makes sense. Their method is so different from Caesar.

Its been a very long time since I have been this excited about anything and to grasp the situation as it happened; they contacted me since they heard about me. Its amazing for sure since something like this on this level has never happened to me before. All things considered; this was the best thing that could have happened to me and the program; and I am so blessed that it is approved by the VA and I just need to clean house a little more, and continue to find a few still motivated people in this area to lend a hand. Being able to go out to Utah and meet with Sherry one on one and all of her other staff members is beyond my wildest dreams. I also realize that the difficult work is just a few weeks out and that's when its going to take excitement and swap it out with stressful work enviroment of a Fortune 500 company.

OK Gang more news on the home front of Jocko and his helping Veterans. Last update I mentioned a few people and organizations that are helping me yet really could not say allot about it. What I can say now is Blitz and I are going to Utah in July (est) to Best Friends main office to go through a dog handler course to make me not only more effective a handler it will also assist me in getting Blitz better trained to help me. I have decided to name the organization after a former best friend who is currently waiting for me at the Rainbow bridge; the new name is King's Second Chance. The motto is "Because everyone needs a second chance". Again it will pare up shelter dogs who meet specific qualities with Veterans and other needing assistance of those dogs.

Please let me know how you feel about this.... Thanks

What a gorgeous boy Jocko! How does Blitz know how to "stack" like a show dog? Speaking of which, has anyone read "Show Dog" by Josh Dean? Very interesting look inside that dog culture.

I would love to take credit for this but its due to the breeder and my daughter. The breeder for having done me a favor and to allow me to purchase a high quality dog that takes to training unlike any I have ever had. My Daughter did the stack training in under 30 minutes, she is all about showing and agility. Blitz is all about helping me and assisting me daily yet he does get fantastic training from all of us.

I have not read any book about show dogs; although I am actually taking training up a few notches. I am one of the luckiest guys in the US right now with Sherry W (Dogtown fame) and a few others wanting to be involved in the "King's Second Chance" training program for quality dogs who might otherwise be given a big sleep. I am two years into the program by myself and it exploded approx 2 months ago to a national program or a based program to be used for other sites. We are still doing baby steps yet with everything I have done and now with others the pot is stirred quite a bit and it smells fantastic.

Who said that service dogs can't strut their stuff...... I had a rough weekend didnt do much of anything its a good thing I have VA Appointments tomorrow with a few docs. I didnt even do the dishes, and just fell so nasty even though I took showers. Any who my daughter and her husband stopped by and they took many pictures of Blitz and this is one of my favorites.

OK I can officially let everyone know what has been going on behind the scenes in South Mississippi. As many know I am involved in a program called SAV and the main push of this program is to provide support to PTSD Veterans coming back from the war zones. I have decided to part ways with SAV after receiving a few phones calls. Well here is the Official release sent to the Department of Veterans Affairs Biloxi Regional Hospital. With the addition of these two ladies it gives more creditability to this program. Also I have asked all parties involved and it was approved today that the program can be named in honor of my former German Shepherd King. Once I have secured the name and the 501C approval I will release the entire name. I am so excited about these changes.

I would like to update you about changes to the assistance/support dog program here at the Regional Hospital in Biloxi. I am very excited about these changes and think they will allow the program to better serve veterans in Biloxi and the surrounding area. After careful consideration, I have decided not to work with SAV in Las Vegas, but rather to develop a new program here under a nonprofit that I am now working to establish. I believe this will better allow me to implement the kinds of policies, procedures, and tracking systems necessary for the program’s success and sustainability. I made this decision after conversations with Lisa Lunghofer, Ph.D., a consultant in the areas of program development and evaluation, and Sherry Woodard, a Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) who is an Animal Behavior Consultant for Best Friends Animal Society. Both of these women are well known in their respective fields and have committed to help this program and the nonprofit get off the ground.

I think you will agree that they have the credentials to make this program a success. I am confident that with their help this program will benefit the patients at your facility.