When asked about the pit bull overpopulation problem I feel compelled to share this book, Getting to Zero, with others. Getting to Zero provides a roadmap to ending animal shelter overpopulation in the United States.
Training Recommendations
Offers a variety of classes. Located at 2122 Broad Ripple Avenue, Indpls, IN 46220
Ailigh Vanderbush
She’s works at Animalia. She's a certified applied behaviorist so she has expertise in all areas of training and behavior, including fear and aggression. She lives on west side (more northwest) but will see clients in other areas of town. May charge mileage past a certain radius. I think she's the behavior director for Hamilton County Humane Society. 317-695-5464 Emails: ailighsark@yahoo.com or ailigh@animalia.us
Dr. Jean Delong
A veterinary behaviorist who did her residency at Purdue. Currently works at the Animal Medical Center on East Washington Street. I don't think she offers basic types of training but she does in-home consultations to diagnose and treat serious behavior issues. Sometimes, after diagnosing and prescribing the treatment plan, another positive trainer will work with the owner on how to implement that plan and teach the actual training techniques. 317-626-4737
Dr. Shannon Kiley
Is a veterinarian who also sees training/behavior clients in their homes and she also works with a variety of issues, including fear and aggression issues. She does hands-on training and has worked with Casa del Toro dogs in the past. If she thinks medication is needed as part of treatment, she will write the prescription and work with a client's veterinarian. She also loves working with puppies (not sure if she does puppy classes). 317-431-2514 Website: vetpetcounseling.com
Is a trainer and behavior coach who's in Mooresville area. She has worked in almost every aspect of animal care. She sees clients on far west side and southwest like Avon, Plainfield, greenwood, etc. she also has pet-sitting business in Mooresville area. She teaches a variety of classes in these areas, including puppy, manners, CGC, and occasionally other fun classes. W: 317-834-2040 M: 317-753-5658
Brad Phifer
He has a boarding/ training facility in Fairland, out in country. He does board and train at his facility and still does in-home training and consultations in the Indy area. 317-623-5048 Email: bradley@bradleyphifer.com
Website: https://www.facebook.com/bradleyphi...
Alaina & Laura VanArendonk Baugh
With Canines in Action. Will travel most anywhere for training sessions also does video conferencing consultations if someone is too far away. Teaches classes at times. 317-966-6635
On the east side offers puppy socialization classes on the weekend.
Amazing things happen with collaboration
This week marks the start of our partnership with Paws and Think! Casa del Toro current adoptabulls Brewster and Opie, along with recently adopted Ollie, are participating in Paws and Think's Youth-Canine Program. Through Paws and Think's Youth-Canine Program, youth learn how to nurture, understand, communicate with, motivate and reward (vs. punish) their dogs. Many of the principles the youth learn in the program transfer to their own lives since they see the benefits they are providing their dogs.
This partnership provides Casa del Toro adoptabulls with much needed training opportunities while also broadening the network of potential adopters through Paws and Think's advertising of the program. Most importantly to us, however, is the fact that this partnership provides us the opportunity to get pit bulls into local schools to educate that pit bulls are just normal dogs and dispel the myths.
We have been working on this partnership since October 2016. There are a lot of partners, moving pieces and logistics to coordinate and, oftentimes, it is very easy to forego the additional work it requires to work as a team and just go it alone, but we can achieve so much more as a community working together. So this partnership really says a lot when groups, that work in emotionally charged field of animal welfare, can put aside their own "I'm busy trying to do my work to achieve my mission" and work together to achieve more.
I am so grateful to have such collaborative, communicative partners in this program and am glad to work together to achieve mutually beneficial goals. Check out the segment that was featured on WTHR's evening news at the bottom!
Pit Bull Not Drinking Alone T-Shirt
No joy in being the angel of mercy
Euthanasia is a reality for every animal rescue. Even though Casa del Toro is a no-kill rescue occasionally we must perform euthanasias in extreme situations where it is been deemed medically necessary by a veterinarian. Casa del Toro believe that every dog deserves to be surrounded by people that love them when they leave this earth.
Every time I assist a dog with leaving this earth, I feel like my moral center is fractured and I loose a piece of myself. I always cry. One rule that we have is to not cry until after the dog passes so that our emotional upset doesn't upset the dog anymore than being at the vet office already does. Sometimes afterwards I'm angry. I'm angry at the person that bred the dog in the first place, the person that raised the dog and didn't care enough to properly take care of it or claim it when the dog ended up at the shelter, the fact that we just don't have the resources available to save all of the pit bulls in need in Indiana and because once again, I'm the one left hurting. Not the breeder, the owner, me. Does it make me feel better to know that it only hurts because I care? No.
Today after I held a dying dog and spoke words of love and companionship until they passed, I realized that I really do loose a piece of myself. More importantly, I realized that it's okay. The piece I loose is the part of my love and compassion that the animal takes with them. It doesn't matter if I've never met the dog before, I unselfishly give of myself in the way a dog gives to humans every day. It is easy? No, it is the hardest thing I have ever had to do. But it is worth it.
Gone but not forgotten