Our Wildlife - People and the Fauna of the American West

(With an emphasis on the Southwest and Arizona's Mogollon Rim, and the significance of these animals to the indigenous cultures of the West)

Part I.)

Introduction:

Throughout the nineteenth century, the American West was the destination of an astoundingly tremendous number of people: The east experienced an economic recession in 1837 that prompted many pioneers to head west, looking for better opportunities and a new life; gold was discovered in California in 1848, and when the rumor spread the following year, the "'49ers" flocked to the goldfields there, in what has been said to have been the largest human migration since the Crusades; then, after the Civil War ended in 1865, many disenfranchised Southerners decided to leave their devastated homelands and head in the same direction as the pioneers and prospectors before them.

It all began in earnest at the beginning of that century, after the Louisiana Purchase of 1803 and the subsequent Lewis and Clark expedition (1804-1806). This 'Corp of Discovery' was launched to assess and take inventory of this 828,800 square mile tract of United States land newly acquired from France, most of which had not been documented (and also to keep foreign interests such as England from intruding by establishing an American presence upon it). One of the major tasks assigned to them was to record and classify what would prove to be an amazing array of animals previously unknown to science, which then President Thomas Jefferson had a passionate interest in.

The later arrivals were arguably just as impressed by both the creatures themselves and their shear, incredible numbers; the bison herds were especially impressive in the latter sense.

Unfortunately, while the waves of newcomers were indeed awed by these animals, these very same people were actively and rapidly depopulating the wildlife. Many of these populations, such as the bison, beaver and wolf, have never entirely recovered.

Yet these new emigrants were not the only ones to blame for this devastatingly severe reduction in the numbers of these species. In fact, the Native American Indians became involved and were also actively participating in the devastation. Many of 'The People', as they have commonly called themselves, had become increasingly dependent upon trade goods and thus more indebted to the traders; the latter reacted by demanding more pelts and hides from the former, in exchange for debt relief and items the Natives couldn't manufacture themselves nor acquire elsewhere.

Most people usually think of the Great Plains horse culture when they think of the indigenous people of the West. Yet, there are other cultural regions in the American West, each with it's own unique customs, languages, cosmologies, stories, ceremonies, and spiritual practices. Furthermore, within each region is a variety of groups, whose diverse customs were and are similar, but not exactly the same.

In the traditional beliefs and world-views of The People, the animals all around them have been perceived as being spiritually potent, each creature possessing their own unique and individual powers.

The region now known as the American Southwest is rich in both native fauna and the diverse habitats of this wildlife, in spite of the ecological destruction of the past and, unfortunately, also that which continues to some extent into the present. Despite popular opinion, this area is not merely barren desert, but includes a wide variety of different environments; even the deserts aren't the wasteland that people might believe them to be, differing greatly from each other in their diversity. There are, in fact, forests and other ecological zones in the great Southwest.

Interestingly, the largest Ponderosa Pine forest on earth, at over 3.9 million acres, is located in Arizona, the very state with an undeserved reputation of being absolutely nothing but cactus, sand and heat. This conifer forest is found in the North-Central part of the Grand Canyon State, along the base of the Mogollon Rim, which is the southern boundary of the130,000 square mile Colorado Plateau. Geologists say that the Rim was created by seismic uplift 600 million years ago, along with the forces of erosion.

The Ponderosa Pine habitat along the 200 mile long Rim stretches from the vicinity of Flagstaff in the west all the way to the White Mountains far to the east. Within these woods are forests within forests, including the increasingly rare riparian, or stream-side woodland, habitats. There is also the mixed forests of comparatively small Pinyon Pines and Juniper which encroach upon, and intermingle with, the giant evergreens. The predominate, great Ponderosa Pines can grow to an average height of 165 feet tall and four feet in diameter when fully mature. Immature Ponderosas are blackish, but the bark turns to more of a rust color once they reach maturity, which can be up to four inches thick.

Although the Southwest may not be entirely desert, this reputation is somewhat justified. The aforementioned state of Arizona is two-thirds desert, only a third of it comprised of other environments such as the forests described above. The Grand Canyon state itself is the only one in the country where four deserts converge: the Sonoran Desert in the south; the Mojave in the west; the Great Basin Desert in the northwest; and a portion of the Chihuahuan in the far southeast corner of the state, most of which is in present-day Mexico. But whether desert, conifer forests or streams, this all adds up to a great abundance of wildlife habitat, not only in Arizona, but all throughout the entire, immense Southwest.

The term 'animal' doesn't only include fur-bearing mammals, but is used to classify any living thing from an the tiniest insect to a fully mature, male Blue Whale. There are approximately an astounding two million animal species worldwide; Arizona alone has an estimated 900 different varieties of wildlife.

Animals are divided into two main groups. The first are the numerous invertebrates, which lack backbones, and would include anything from a worm to an insect. Vertebrates, then, are the group of animals that do possess spinal columns, any creature from fish to mammals. In total, there are estimated to be only 43,000 species of animals with backbones on the planet. This is a fraction of the life on earth when compared to the various types of invertebrates such as insects.

Mammals, such as bears and us humans, are what most people think of when they think of animals. These two terms are often used interchangeably. But while all mammals are animals, not every animal is necessarily a mammal, since there other types of animals ranging from insects to birds. Typically, mammals are fur-bearing, maintain a constant body temperature (a condition commonly known as being 'warm-blooded'), with the females giving live birth and producing milk for their young. This is unlike, if not the opposite of, other animal groups, such as reptiles for example.

One way to categorize mammals is by their different behaviors and habits. A very common behavioral trait among many mammals is nocturnal activity, meaning that they are primarily, although not necessarily exclusively, active at night. A nocturnal mammal usually depends more on their senses of smell and hearing than sight. These animals have adapted such acute senses not only because of the darkness, since many do actually have night-vision, but also because sounds and scents travel better on the cooler, damper nighttime air. Most mammals are nocturnal, including some of us humans, such as the majority of us living in a college town, for example...

Humans and a few other mammals are diurnal, meaning that they are primarily active during the daytime. These are a minority, however, and in the Southwest would include coyotes, squirrels and chipmunks, the majority of people with the exception of college students, and few if any others. Most birds, incidently, are diurnal too, with owls being the most notable exception.

A third type of behavior is crepuscular, a less well-known but common habit among mammals. This term simply means that the animal is most active at dawn and dusk, which is sensible because temperatures are usually more moderate and less extreme at these intermediate times of day. Many of the Southwestern High-Country wildlife demonstrates this behavior, such as elk, deer and even coyotes sometimes.

Although not an everyday year-round habit like those mentioned above, some mammals hibernate. This winter behavior isn't really sleep in the usual sense, but is more like a very deep sleep or stasis, almost like a coma state; most people are less familiar with the opposite term, 'estivation', a summer stasis practiced by creatures who bury themselves during the hot, dry months, such as the Sonoran Toad. The raccoon is said to be a partial hibernator, as is the first animal to be discussed here. Many assume this creature hibernates throughout the entire winter, but typically doesn't:

Black Bear, Ursus americanus:

'Black Bear' is only this animal's common name; Ursus americanus can be found in colors ranging from blonde to cinnamon to various shades of brown, as well as black. There is even said to be a white 'Black' Bear in Western Canada; this 'Spirit Bear' represents power and prestige to the Coast Salish people of the region.

Approximately five feet long, three feet high and up to 300 pounds or more, the crepuscular Black Bear is actually the smallest of the bears native to North America and the only one now found in the wild Southwest. These other bears include the much larger Grizzlies (up to 850 lbs.), Polar Bears (600 - 1,1,00 lbs.), and Kodiaks, or Alaskan Brown Bears (up to 1,500 lbs.)

Like the Black Bear, Grizzlies have been culturally significant to Native American Indians. The Nootka, or Nuu Chal Nulth, a Northwest Coast people of Vancouver Island, Canada, would personify this bear during their annual Winter Dance ceremony. The Grizzlies once occupied and competed for the same territory as the Black Bear, but Grizzly Bears have been eradicated from much of their former range. It is, significantly, a Grizzly that is depicted on the California State flag, a state where none of them roam in the wild anymore; this is also true of most other western states, with Montana and Alaska being notable exceptions. Black Bears, however, have adapted and survived.

Even at such a relatively large size when compared to many other animals, the Black Bear can run at speeds of up to thirty miles per hour. This is due in part to the fact that these bears are structured much like humans, since their hind limbs are longer than their front limbs, giving them extra torque. This also makes them excellent climbers and better at running uphill than down. Their one-and-a-half inch long claws also help with their climbing ability, not to mention making them rather dangerous. Remember: "If you're too close, it's too late!" Yet despite their dangerously long claws and fangs, these bears are, surprisingly, mostly vegetarian.

The males are known as 'boars' and females as 'sows'. Like some humans, male and female Black Bears only tolerate each other during breeding. Both sexes only partially hibernate, as previously mentioned and despite popular opinion to the contrary. They will spend about three months of the winter in their dens instead of the full six or more, living off of their own accumulated body fat during this time.

In the Athabascan language of the Southwestern Apache, the Black Bear is known as maba. Among American Indian cultures of the West in general, the Black Bear is traditionally believed to have healing powers, or spiritual 'Medicine'. This is probably because of the bear's alleged ability to know exactly which medicinal plants to eat when they are sick. The Zuni of New Mexico, for example, still carve stone figures popularly known as 'fetishes', said to actually possess something of the spirit and characteristics of the animals they depict. The bear is known to the Zuni as 'Clumsy Foot', the animal of the Blue West, whose fetish has been used to promote healing. Among certain Pueblo people, of whom the Zuni are one of many, bear paws would be used in curing rites. The Omaha and Pawnee people of the Plains were known to have had elite Bear Societies, with membership restricted only to those who had dreams and/or visions of bears. These members were not only warriors, but were also said to have been great healers, as one might expect of a group named after the bear.

The Pomo people still reside in the northern coastal region of California, and they were once tormented by 'Bear Doctors'. These individuals were said to be possessed by the spirit of the bear and would wear entire bearskins, complete with the head worn like a hood. Reportedly, they spent their time exhibiting a bear's worst behavior rather than healing others with their alleged powers. However, bear dances which are intended to heal are still performed, and the Ute people of Southwest Colorado have a social dance by this name. Bears are so revered, if not feared, that among certain Subarctic peoples, bear skulls were decorated to honor the powerful spirit of the bear, still said to be residing within it.

[If it seems that these peoples have been preoccupied with treating illness, perhaps it is because they were and for a valid reason. Originally The People of North America had only two domestic animals, namely the turkey and the Dog; unlike the encroaching Caucasians, they had no immunity to the diseases which livestock transmit to humans such as chicken pox and swine flu. It is very likely that their emphasis on healing rituals was a post-contact development due to the spread of epidemics, which they contracted from Europeans and their descendants.]

In the Southwest, the bear paw is a symbol of good luck, which is why this design is found in so much Native artwork, such as jewelry and pottery. The reasoning might be that the Black Bear is said to always know where the water is; seeing their tracks may be considered lucky indeed in the arid Southwest, since it is probable that they could actually lead one to a scarce water source. This may very well be true, because these bears have an excellent sense of smell, which compensates for their apparent nearsightedness. They would be able to not only smell food, but also life-sustaining water, for quite some distance.

Tribal clans have been named after this bear; the Bear Clan still exists among the Hopi of Arizona and amongst other peoples, too.

Mule Deer, Odocoileus hemionus:

The 'Mule' Deer, or 'Muley' as the animal is sometimes called, has been given this particular name due to their extra long, mule, or donkey, -like ears; these can be up to nine inches long! They are a very common deer throughout the west, ranging throughout a wide variety of habitats, from deserts, to woodlands to high-country forests. Mule Deer will feed on a variety of diverse plant-life in these areas.

The Mule Deer are approximately six feet long, three and a half feet high and can weigh anywhere from 125 to 200 pounds. This makes them a mid-sized ungulate, or hoofed animal, much larger than the little Coues White-tailed Deer (only sixty-five to100 pounds), but a lot smaller than the Elk which can grow up to 1,200 pounds; both may be found in the same areas as Mule Deer. All of these animals grow antlers, which are shed or dropped annually, as opposed to horns, which are an attached part of the skull as with Bighorn Sheep, bison, or 'buffalo', and Pronghorn Antelope. Among Muleys, the antlers are shed in the winter.

[Pronghorn Antelope do shed the outer cover, or sheath, of their horns annually. Horns such as these are to be found in the material culture of The People: Antelope horns were sometimes used in the headdresses of the Southwest's Apache people; designs incorporating horns, found on items such as their shields, were said to provide power to the owner, since horns understandably represent strength; horns would also be used in Pueblo headdresses and masks, and deer antlers are also used in this same manner. The Pronghorn Antelope is, incidently, the fastest mammal in North America, reaching speeds of up to sixty miles per hour.]

Mule Deer are probably the most commonly sighted of the larger mammals of the American West. Visitors to the high-country are especially delighted by a deer sighting, as they are very beautiful animals (hunters are, of course, happy to get the deer in their sights...). Despite their docile appearance, however, deer are still wild animals and can be dangerous, especially when cornered; they will normally give a fair warning by spreading all four of their legs apart in a position known as 'stotting'. But, if you're too close, it's already too late.

Partly because they are so widespread, this species has been especially useful to American Indian peoples throughout the west, and not only for the meat: Leather could be used for clothing, of course, and other items including sports balls used in the popular game known as 'shinny'; the antlers could be made into a variety of different tools; the scapula, or shoulder blade bone, with serrated edges were used as effective plant cutting tools in the Southwest; tendons were used in the manufacture of bowstrings and to reinforce the bows themselves, and also as sinew twine for sewing; and even the brains were used for tanning the hides.

Various parts of the deer have been used not only for everyday utilitarian purposes, but also to manufacture ceremonial items. Dance rattles have been made by various groups by hanging bunches of dried deer toenails, or 'dew-claws', from the end of either a deer bone or a stick. Rattles made from hooves are common among the Pueblo groups. The Zuni and others have used bundles of deer scapula strung together and shaken as a sort of rattle during ceremonies, such as the Kachina, or katsina, dances. This is evidently a very old custom: Scapula with painted geometric designs were found at an archaeological cave site known as Cueva Pilote in northern Coahuila Mexico, apparently for the same purpose; occupation of the site has been dated from 1000 - 1400 A.D.. Among certain Paiute bands of the Great Basin, rattles would be made from two deer ears sewn together and filled with gravel, ready to use once they had dried into rawhide. The Navajo, or Dineh', and other groups of the Southwest such as the Hopi are known to make ceremonial masks from deer-hides. The Kiowa of the plains made deer tail charms known as tatonto. The Uncompagre Ute also utilized deer tails, but merely as one of several items used to decorate their babies' cradle-boards.

To the Hupa, Yurok, and the Karuk people further inland, where the southern Northwest Coast and California regions converge, deerskins have been both practically useful and spiritually symbolic. Unusually colored hides are displayed as status-symbols in annual Deerskin Dances, and very rare ones such as albino, or white-deerskins, are still considered especially prized and valuable to these people (Although part of the larger Northwest Coast culture, the Hupa of northern California traditionally speak an Athabascan language, which they have in common with both the Navajo/Dineh and Apache of the Southwest region; their Karuk and Yurok neighbors have Hokan and Algonquian languages, respectively). Deer dances are also held elsewhere, such as among the various Pueblo villages of the Southwest, like that of Taos and Acoma of New Mexico. Elsewhere in New Mexico, the people of Cochiti Pueblo maintain the yaphashi shrine, composed of a twin set of stone mountain lion effigies, where they leave offerings of deer antler.

Although very useful, the Mule Deer were never necessarily easy to kill. Because of this, the People have resorted to a variety of hunting strategies, including snares and other methods. Dead-fall traps can be created by camouflaging deep holes with branches, sticks and other debris. These were once commonly used in the eastern Mount Shasta region of the Far West; they were so common, in fact, that the name 'Pit River' was applied to both the predominate waterway and the Achumawi peoples of the area who created these traps. If hunting with bow and arrow, individuals might disguise themselves in entire hides including the head, sometimes complete with antlers. Also, various poisons might be added to arrowheads, made from everything from Black Widow or rattlesnake venom to rancid meat, which would reduce the speed of their shot but still fleeing prey.

The People would also seek spiritual aid in hunting Mule Deer. The Southwestern deer dances mentioned above, along with the accompanying songs, were originally intended as a prayer to the deer, asking them to offer their lives so that The People may have them for food (similar hunting rituals would have been done in other regions also). These dances are now performed, it seems, more to honor those deer that fed their ancestors than to attract the deer, although certainly some of these people still hunt for venison. The Zuni paint pottery with a deer motif that has a distinct 'heart-line', a red line running from the mouth to the heart and ending in a sort of arrowhead point (fetishes often have heart-lines, too). Sources say that the very act of painting these deer was once meant as a form of prayer itself. This was intended for good luck in hunting, possibly in the belief that the deer might be attracted to their own image; interestingly, research suggests that, in many cases, creating rock art may have been a similar act of prayer as well.

Elk, Cervus elaphus:

The Elk probably numbered somewhere about 10,000 individuals in what is now known as North America around the time Colombus landed toward the end of the fifteenth century; it is estimated that they are now ten times fewer in numbers, and there are only this many left due to conservation efforts.

Elk are, in a word, huge: males, or bulls, can weigh in at up to 1,200 pounds; females can weigh about 450 or more; a newborn calf weighs approximately thirty-five pounds, which is around the size of a full-grown raccoon. Despite their size, elk are fast, averaging thirty to forty miles per hour; they could conceivably outrun a Black Bear. The antlers of an adult bull can be up to five feet long with as many as six points, or spikes. Like deer and bison, elk are members of the ungulate, or hoofed, animal family, and like deer they have antlers which are shed annually instead of more permanent horns.

They can do some real damage with those antlers, and in unexpected ways, too. The antlers are used both for display and in ritual combat, but before that can occur, they must be polished during the autumn rut. Since antlers are shed, the vessels for growth are on the exterior, forming a fuzzy material known, appropriately enough, as 'velvet'. Small sapling trees are often used for rubbing off excess velvet and otherwise cleaning the antlers. This 'girds' the young trees and kills them, essentially disrupting the flow of nutrients due to the exposure of the inner layer. In the high-country, individual saplings and even entire little groves can be found dead, yet still standing, with their bark stripped, often around the whole circumference. Typically, only one part of the tree below the lower most branches is targeted for this vigorous rubbing, but even this select exposure is enough to kill the tree. As destructive as this seems, some of the conifer forest is overgrown and some thinning might be healthy for the ecosystem. But the dead fuel could conceivably create a fire hazard and possibly an insect infestation. Either way, it is notable that creatures other than humans can have an impact on the environment, even a detrimental one. In the forested high-country motorists must always be cautious and watch for the wildlife, which will appear in the road unexpectedly; this is particularly true of the massive elk. The cross-traffic often has four legs instead of four wheels, and can occur virtually anywhere along a mountain highway, intersecting roads or not. Furthermore, they are brownish animals with an even darker mane on their chests, which are crepuscular but often active at night. This makes even this huge and seemingly obvious animal very well camouflaged and extremely difficult to see. Once one is too close to them while behind the wheel, it can really be too late; the vehicle and passengers often suffer as much damage as the elk, if not more so, whenever there's a collision between them.

Elk have been very useful to American Indian people and continue to be a popular game animal still (A popular joke among reservation people of the Plains, such as the Lakota Sioux, is that they do not poach cattle but have been known to hunt down 'slow elk' instead). Their importance seems to be reflected by the large numbers of elk depicted as petroglyphs, or rock art carvings, throughout the Southwest. Obviously, these animals, like the comparably sized bison or 'buffalo' (at 800 - 2,000 lbs.), would provide people with a lot of meat and hides. However, elk have had other traditional uses also.

The elk antlers were especially useful. For example, peoples such as the Hupa, Karuk and Yurok traditionally had currency with a fixed value in the form of tusk-shaped dentalium shells, Dentalium (Antalis) Pretiosum. In fact, the peoples of California, and arguably the Northwest Coast, were the only ones in all of North America to have had real currency; the well known wampum beads, created from the eastern Quahog clam shell, originally had no true monetary worth. Eventually the value of the currency spread as far as the Dakotas. This particular species of the mollusk was almost exclusively found in Nuu Chal Nulth territory, the shells finding their way south through trade. Thus, they were considered suitably valuable to people like the Hupa due to their scarcity; a small boat was worth an arm's-length strand of these shells, which were strung on Iris fiber cord. But like anyone with money, they would need something to put it in. So, these people would create containers from hollowed elk antler, complete with a slot and removable lid in the top. These antler purses would usually be ornately decorated and some artisans continue to create them even today.

These same cultures used the antler in the manufacture of spoons, which were also ornate, a practice they had in common with coastal peoples farther to the north and also with the Arapaho of the Great Plains. This utensil was used for eating acorn soup by the Hupa and their neighbors. The Pomo Bear Doctors carried a decorated elk antler dagger as sign of their membership, which was manufactured from the tip. Also, the Utes would scrape a piece of elk antler across a notched stick, which was placed on an overturned basket and used as a rasp instrument known as a morache, played during their Bear Dance. Offerings of elk antler, to ensure success in hunting, were once left by the Blackfeet people of the Great Plains near the Yellowstone River; this eventually created a large pile resembling a pyramid.

Prehistoric elk had extra thick, muscular necks, partly to support the two huge ivory tusks which protruded from the upper lip for fighting, like those of the contemporary mammoths. Over time the elks' tusks were reduced in size and adapted more for browsing. These became known as 'ivories', which have been particularly important to the Great Plains cultures. Evidently, people in this area have valued them for centuries: Located along the Missouri River in North Dakota, the Fort Yates archaeological site has yielded elk ivory ornaments which are approximately 530 years old. At birth, Lakota boys would be given an elk tooth to promote longevity, since this is the last part of the animal's remains to decompose. The roots of these elk tusks were typically perforated for sewing and then they were used to profusely decorate the front of women's dresses, usually sewn on in row upon horizontal row. Since each elk only has two of these types of teeth they are relatively rare, so such a dress would be a real status symbol and the teeth would be quite valuable since they are so scarce. For example, a Crow, or Absoroka, groom would have to pay a bride-price of 300 ivories for his bride's wedding dress. Ivories were once such valuable trade items that the exchange rate was100 for one horse. These teeth are still popular jewelry pendents and are worn by some as a symbol of love, apparently because of the following attribute of the elk:

Among these Great Plains groups, not only the teeth, but the elk themselves have also been culturally and even spiritually significant. In autumn, the male bull's loud mating calls are frequently heard. This 'bugling' is audible from a great distance, attracting not one, but several females, or cows, forming what is known as a 'harem'. Young men of the prairies would want to access the spiritual Love Medicine power of the elk, to hopefully attract mates for themselves. They may have enlisted the assistance of a shaman, or 'Medicine Man', specializing in Elk Medicine. The image of the bull elk has frequently been depicted on pouches, shields and other Plains Indian items, evidently for this very reason.

In Lakota the elk is known as hehaka, but they are better known by a different American Indian word: Wapiti, another common name for the elk, is derived from the Shawnee language of the Eastern Woodlands, meaning, appropriately enough, 'White-rump'!

Next: Part II.), Smaller Mammals...

By Lee Littler
Copyright, 2011

About the Author:

I developed an early interest in nature and have learned a lot about it, and it continues to be a major passion and part of my life.
I have a passionate interest in Native American Indian cultures also, a subject of which I am quite knowledgeable, so much so that I can now honestly say that I have forgotten more than most people will ever know, partly because my knowledge is not limited to reading books or the classroom; I have been around these people off and on for about half of my life now, learning and experiencing their culture first-hand, attending many dances, pow-wows, ceremonials, and other events.
I have both vocational and educational backgrounds in anthropology, archaeology, history, and natural history/biology, having worked as a Wilderness Patrolman for the Forest Service on the Angeles National Forest, a Park Aid with the California State Park's Mojave District, and an Interpretive Park Ranger at Mesa Verde in Colorado, America's premiere archaeological park, and I have completed field-study courses in Anthropology of the Southwest, Anthropology and History of the West, Natural History and a short-term course in Geology.

What People Don't Know About Service Dogs or Service Animals

Basically, a service Dog or animal is the same as an assistance Dog that undergoes a lot of training to assist people suffering from disabilities - mental and physical. They can also be a best friend for people with severe depression. Service dogs can be specifically trained by service dog organization to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. However, the owner can also train the animal. Some dogs are donated from different breeders and some are abandoned dogs donated from local shelters. However, not all dogs can be a service dogs. Things like temperament, the ability to learn complex tasks, etc. Come into play within the dogs training. But any breed or mixture of breeds of dog might produce a representative capable of service work. In short, depending on breeds, your dog can have all of the qualities in terms of health, temperament, trainability and physical ability. These characteristics can lead them to be more than just your pet but a service dog/pet instead.

So, what's to expect after your dog has been certified? Honestly, for most, owners expect service dogs to be treated as animal on shift or working animal in public. Why? Simply because every owner's safety purely depends on dogs ability to handle distractions. During the training, your dog is prepared to avoid distraction as much as they can especially when wearing their gear and at the same time they are trained to be relax and friendly when the gear is removed. An owner's permission is a must before other people interacts with the dog while in public places.

What you might not know is that you can actually train your own service dogs. Nowadays, more people are choosing to train their own dog because there are times that training programs just aren't able to train the dog to the owner's individual needs. However, not all countries allow that type of training. Luckily, this is permitted to some countries including US but there are certain criteria to be considered. Trainers have to have skills which allows them to understand that their experience in training advanced service dogs are different from training the average dog simple obedience skills. Owners may need to hire a professional trainer or organization that is willing to train owner's dog. Owner-trainers usually start training their dog when they are still a puppy until they reach the right age to be evaluated. The only downfall is that some find it difficult to deal with emotional conflict in rare cases when a dog failed the evaluations and decide whether to re-home the dog and start again or to just keep it as a pet.

On the other hand, professionally trained puppies were raised accordingly via very careful research and also had to undergo a regime that has a lot of strict guidelines and mostly given a success rate of 85 % and above after evaluation which is way higher than owner-trained puppies/dogs. Why is that so? This is because program trainers are expert in manipulating the genetics or say early stimulation of puppies until the event that they become service dogs.

If you are planning to get a service dog, you don't have to worry about bringing them to where you are. In fact, as soon as your dog got registered, they are allowed to go anywhere you go. You can feel free to bring them to any restaurants, buses, schools, ride taxis, take airplanes, stores, movie theatres, sporting events, watch concerts with you, visit doctor's offices, and any other public place. Legally speaking, it is a requirement of federal and state laws to always have your dog with you. What makes it more exciting is that they do not have to wear any identifying gear, no need to wear their vest as well. So everything could actually be owner's discretion. The truth is that a lot of service dog owners choose to dress their dogs in vest and identifying apparels to avoid questions and confrontations in public. So by doing so, it makes their life easier and at the same time it helps keep the dogs away from distractions as much as possible. If you bring your dog elsewhere, keep in mind that it is illegal to ask for specific identification from service dogs partners. If somebody did, tell them it is not allowed by law. You can bring ID cards with you, but take note that it should be done voluntarily, again, this is NOT required and should never be expected.

So far, the most popular assistance animals are dogs. This is because dogs are man's best friend - wonderful pet, provides companionship, and protects their owner. Dogs are sociable by nature and as a matter of fact, they work closely with people such as law enforcement, search and rescue and even farming. These characteristics made it possible for dogs to be service animals.

What if you don't have a dog? In some cases, other animals can be trained to perform task to help disabled individuals to live independent life. The truth is that any trainable animal could be your service animal. The most common of course are dogs, cats, primates and birds but in reality any animal that is capable for training to perform the tasks required to benefit a qualified disabled owner/individual could be considered to be a service animal. So that means you can also have others like capuchin monkeys, which can be trained to do other task like operating knobs and switches, grasping fallen items and turn pages of your books. You can also consider training miniature horses, it's proven that after serious trainings, they can actually guide the blind; they can pull wheelchairs and even assist individuals with Parkinson's disease. As a matter of fact even before the evolution of service dogs, animal interactions already plays a big role in helping human with health issues. One example is horseback riding which is actually mentioned throughout history as cure for some sickness including gout, neurological disorders and depression. Up until now, animals still assist us in terms of physical and mental illness and still assist people with disabilities. Any species or breed of service animal may used by a disabled handler.

Keep in mind that service animals are classified based on task they can do but have you ever wonder about the difference between service animal, dog guide and therapy animal, companion/emotional support animals and pets? This question oftentimes brings confusions to people who need help.

To make it all clear, the term Service Animal is the federal legal term for animals that are individually trained to do task for individual with disability. It may not always be a dog, does not always wear equipments identifying them as service animals, is not a pet, is protected by law, guide the blind, alert people who are deaf, carry or pick up items, close and open doors, assist disabled who have limited use of arms and legs, pull wheelchairs, assist individual with seizures and assist people who have problems in balancing.

A guide dog / animal is trained to provide guidance for sight impaired individual. Guide dogs had their trainings from certified licensed school for guide dogs. The most important thing is that guide dogs are protected under state and federal law.

Some people referred to their animals as therapy animal however it is not legally defined under federal law. Most therapy animals can be seen in nursing homes, orphanages, hospitals, etc. while others reside in doctor/dentist offices, rehabilitations establishments, and even in private homes of people or individual that benefits a lot for keeping animals because of the therapeutic companionship it has to offer. For some states, it is defined as personal pet for therapist, physicians so in short, a therapy animal is not a service animal. The hint is that when an animal is trained to provide continuous assistance (help, aid, support) to a qualified disabled individual because of his / her disability, then that means that the animal is considered as service animal rather than a therapy animal.

In rare cases, people term their animals as companion or emotional support animals. It's often given the role of specifically assisting people with either emotional or mental disabilities and need constant companionship because they are unable to function independently. This type of animals are almost same as pets because it's not legally defined but accepted as another form of pet and protected under Fair Housing Act.

The most common confusion is how the pet is different from any other service animals. The answer is just simple. A pet is not a service animal because it's not trained to provide specific service or task to person with disability and it's not protected under laws that give equal access to disable individuals.

With all the types of service animals, people sometimes failed to identify if an animal is service animal or not. To tell you honestly, it's easier to tell which is not. How? You can tell by looking. It's important that you don't make the person with disability feel uncomfortable when you ask. However, if you are still confused if the animal meets the criteria to be called as service animal, you can ask question in a discreet way. You can ask if animal is required due to disability or maybe ask for task and services the animal was trained for. Remember that it's a big NO to ask the person about their disability. Never ever ask a guest for proof. In short, you cannot discriminate people with service animals because of their disability. You should not ask people with disabilities and their service animals to stay away or required to sit in certain locations, but instead, the individual with the animal may choose freely to sit in a location where the animal will be less distracted. Besides, with all the proper trainings given to both the owner and the animal, you may expect the service animal to behave the right way and be under control of their owner.

If you don't have disability, it's recommended for you to learn how to act the right way in cases that you see service animals in public. Keep in mind that you should never distract the dog on shift by calling, clapping, and even by offering food. You should never attempt to touch the service dog. You can speak to the dog owner but not to the service dog. Since we're avoiding distractions here, you should not get offended if your request to pet the assistance dog is not granted. You need to understand that if the owner lets the dog to greet you, you are distracting the dog's ability to stay alert on their owners. Don't be rude by telling the person that dogs are not allowed but instead ask if the dog is assistant dog. If the answer is yes, then stop questioning. If the person doesn't look disabled, never assume that the dog is not a service dog. Remember, it's wiser to observe first. If the dog pays too much attention and conduct close interaction to owner, chances are you are looking to a service dog.

On the other hand, if you are a service dog owner, you still need to pay attention on your dog's behavior and standards in public. People without disability will expect appropriate behavior from your dog. When going out, make sure your service animal is clean and doesn't have bad odor and most importantly, the service dog should not defecate or urinate in inappropriate places. Registered service animals should never make unsolicited contact with members of the general public and the animal's conduct should not disrupt the normal businesses no matter what. As an owner, it's a must for you to have the animal trained not to show aggression towards other people and animals at all. Service dog should obey all the commands of their owner. It is always important to have the animal work quietly and calmly as possible especially when wearing gears, and as a service animal, they are specifically trained to work out in public. Lastly, assistant animals should stay at least within 24 inches of its owner unless required to work in a greater distance. People with allergies are not protected under the law unless the allergy is really disabling. The person with a disability who is using a service animal is protected. One good place on the internet to get a proper registration for the dog and or animal is at http://www.registeredservicedogs.com.

by Jasmin Espinoza
Registered Service Dogs / Staff

Jasmin Espinoza is a stay home mom who works homebased. She was born in the Philippines Nov 3, 1984. She took Bachelor Of Science in Information Technology back in college and works for several IT companies. Her last employment was with IBM Business Services. As a single mom, she decided to work homebased and at the same time working as administrative staff at Registered Service Dogs online at http://www.registeredservicedogs.com. She's been in Business Process Outsourcing industry for 6 years now.

Choosing Dogs For Older People

What to consider when determining the right Dog. The Dogs for older people should be approached with knowledge of a commitment. Here are a few things to look for:

The Size of Dog- remember big dog can be clumsy and trip an older person. If it is a house dog keep this in mind. There are very friendly big dogs but they tend to want attention and stay so close - that sometimes they can be dangerous if they make an older person fall. Little dogs can trip them but are easier to get them out of the way.

The personality of the dog- Some dog breeds are better than others. There are dogs that just sit and are happy. These can be good for company when you have someone in a wheel chair or other handicap. Other dogs want attention, these can be good for people who truly love dogs and can focus on them. There are many in between so learn the breed or breeds. Dogs for older people can have a similar personality as the owner.

The type of dog- Some people with allergies can enjoy hypoallergenic dogs. Some of these include poodles, shi tzu, Maltese water dog, and Yorkshire terrier. Check the breeds before your determine which you want. Even mutts can have the characteristics of both or more breeds. Some dogs will be easier to clean up after too so keep this a consideration.

The age of the dog -should be considered also. A puppy might be too difficult for an older person.. Potty training a puppy could be a challenge an older person doesn't want so be cautious.You don't want to have a dog that will die soon either. Also determine if the owners will be home a lot of traveling. Some dogs love to be alone others like to be around people.

Where the dog comes from - Some older people will want to get a dog from the shelter as this is helping take care of something that needs it. Taking them to the human society and letting them choose the dog to adopt, could start a good bond. This will give them the feeling of actually adding their own family member. If your want a pure breed you want to make sure it is from a reputable breeder.

It has been proven that Dogs for older people may help them live longer . They have an animal to take care of. I believe that dogs for older people is a good thing. They will get up knowing that they are responsible for helping a life. Older people do worry about their dogs. I had a friend who told me she thought her dad would be more upset if his dog died then his kids. He told her that the dog didn't give him as much trouble as the kids! So you must understand that they will get attached and the love will grow strong too.

Just make sure that you understand the importance of adding a dog to an older persons family. You might be surprised at how tight that bond will get. Unlike children, dogs are always dependent on someone to take care of them. They will not grow up and leave. This means that the commitment should be understood.

Dogs for older people can add a special love and happiness of their owner. Having the responsibility of another life can make a lot of difference in an older persons life. You want them to feel comfortable with the dog and the dog to feel comfortable with them.

Mary Harnetiaux - I live with my husband Kerry and our dog Patches in Illinois. I have a website about Patches it is [http://www.dogthatshootshoops.com]. I taught Patches how to shoot hoops. You can see a video of her shooting hoops on the website. [http://www.dogthatshootshoops.com].

Modern Technologies Benefit More Than Just People

The Internet and all of its related technologies have without a doubt irrevocably changed our world, and for better or worse, these changes are just the beginning as mankind catches up to the break-neck pace of its own discoveries. While conveniences like instant communications and even live video chat are making our lives better, they have also been employed to help with one of mankind's oldest friends, our pets.

Organizations like The Humane Society, ASPCA, and PETA have been working to protect animals of all kinds for many years, and the emergence of the modern Internet as we know has played an increasing important role in this ongoing task. Local shelters, private individuals, large corporations and even organizations like the National Geographic Society have used the power of modern technologies to raise awareness, prevent abuse, and even help return lost pets to their owners. While the larger organizations use of these technologies is fairly obvious, the impact upon the local shelters and the private citizens that rescue, rehabilitate, and even find new homes for the thousands of stray and abandoned pets across the world, is no less as significant.

How Can Technology Help Our Pets?

Technology has played such an important role in the preservation and protection of our pets that is hard to sum it all up in one sitting. From the microchip system employed to identify lost pets to the medical machines and techniques used to heal them, the electronic world has almost as much influence over our pet's lives as it does our own. The Internet is also a wealth of information for the many questions that will arise over time from strange or unwanted behaviors to the best training or walking strategies, and can often save a great deal of frustration.

Modern communications have also helped with the fight against illegal and less than reputable breeders and distributors, enabling users to check the backgrounds and credentials of distributors instantly and accurately. The World Wide Web has also made is much easier for legitimate breeders to sell to quality owners in much the same way, and also enabled them to reach out to more people than ever before. Finding special breeds like Pomeranian puppies for sale or Ragdoll kittens for sale is now quick and easy, and come with the added peace of mind of knowing that they came from a good environment.

Technology Enables the Average Individual to Help in a Variety of Ways

Even with all of the amazing advances and technologies that are available today, all of the animal protection agencies in the world could not hope to make any difference at all without the help of the average individual. All of these organizations rely on the kindness and generosity of those in the community and around the world to help ensure the ethical and moral treatment of animals.

Donating funds online is just one way that modern techniques are helping, and from obtaining new pets through these organizations and their affiliates to reporting abuse anonymously, the average individual can make a real difference. Many of these organizations have several programs available that need a variety of assistance from helping to spread the message of available pets to alerts for missing ones in a particular area, and just about everything in between.

Additional articles and tips on the pomeranian puppies for sale and ragdoll kittens for sale topics can be found on our Internet for Christians website. We provide you with free, detailed information on quotes/SMS, wedding items, baby products, weight loss tips, gift items, Christian praise information and much more.

Reindeer at Christmas - A Seasonal Look at the Life and Traditions of the Tsaatan People

In recent months the international press have made several reports on Mongolia's reindeer people. These people, known as Tsataan are a group of nomads who live in the northern region of Khovsgol. They practice a lifestyle that is a virtual rarity in the world today. They are engaged in what is formally referred to as reindeer domestication. Reindeer are used primarily for transport, milk, and to a lesser extent, meat for consumption.

The Tsaatan people have recently become increasingly well known as their plight has been highlighted in the mass media. Among the problems confronting this ancient indigenous group of people are poverty, lack of access to food and limited access to healthcare. Environmental problems such as reproductive diseases that have infected their herds, as well as gold mining, tourism and timber exploitation have also taken their toll. And for an ancient people who have considered the forest to be sacred this is certainly more than a little disconcerting.

The situation is in fact so severe that estimates indicate just over 200 Tsataan people remain in the Mongolian taiga, the northern coniferous forest. It has become nothing less than devastating as an increase in commercial hunting has reduced their traditional sources of food. On some occasions the reindeer people have even been forced to consume some of their precious animals as their sole means of survival. And reports indicate there are only about 600 of the reindeer herd left.

The Impact of Changes in the Forest

On a human level the changes in the taiga ecosystem has been an unfathomable source of pain for the Tsaatan. And while the human suffering caused by this disturbing phenomenon may be evaluated in very definite terms, such as malnutrition, sickness and despair, the nature of this problem also takes on spiritual dimensions.

Tim Ingold, an anthropologist at the University of Cambridge, England has argued that the people of the vast tundras and coniferous forests of the world may vary in respect to language and culture but those who practice reindeer domestication share some basic similarities.

All of these people depend upon a variety of animals for their survival. But of all these animals the Rangifer Tarandus known as tsaa in northern Mongolia, reindeer in Europe and caribou in North America, it is truly unique. Throughout history travel reports indicate that people from all over the world were fascinated by the speed and agility of these awkward looking animals. Native people have often considered them an object of religious reverence. And in the western world they have long been considered a mythical creature.

Perhaps the single characteristic that sets them apart from other animals is their relationship with humans. Tame reindeer for example can be ridden like horses, driven like Dogs, milked like cows, and used as decoys in hunting expeditions, even in attempts to capture their own species. No other animal has been used in such diverse ways. Yet they have retained their own characteristics and have seldom been removed from their natural territory provided the environment maintains its vital features.

Not Just Another Beast of Burden

The reindeer are indeed a very intelligent animal. They are social animals by nature and tend to gather in structured groups.

They communicate among themselves and even communicate with humans. A thorough investigation of these animals has even revealed that decision making processes among the reindeer are affected by factors such as pasture access, migratory movements, and group status. And their antlers of course play a dominant role in defining the dominant members of the group.

The tendency of both humans and reindeer to formulate structured patterns of behavior to accomplish specific tasks has created a whole host of complex economic systems. In fact the relationship between humans and reindeer has even produced theoretical discussions about the evolution of human groups. Some social theorists argue that reindeer domestication often proceeds through a process whereby hunters utilize the reindeer primarily as a source of labor until they proceed to the pastoral stage when the reindeer then becomes an object for human consumption. A pastoral life then becomes the primary aim as increasing herds become a tangible sign of material wealth. Hides, fat, meat and other parts of the reindeer become commodities to be sold in the open market.

Reindeer Economies

The process by which this evolutionary process purportedly takes place is certainly quite intriguing. During the taming stage for example, hunters teach reindeer to perform the behaviors that will benefit them. And as part of a formal domestication process a relatively complex rapport is established between human and animal. And although the reindeer retains a degree of independence, if treated properly, a cooperative relationship with considerable loyalty develops. In these relations human kindness may be so effective in producing the desired behaviors that specific marks indicating ownership of the reindeer are not even necessary.

This is however in stark contrast to pastoralism, where the relationship between humans and reindeer is characterized not by cooperation or human kindness but by a system of control through symbiosis. This may involve specific behaviors such as providing the reindeer with protection from prey, or food in times of scarcity, but in the end they are almost always slaughtered for economic gain. This is clearly quite distinct from the domestication approach where the life of the reindeer are generally given great priority.

In the pastoral system the animals continue to be confined. They maintain many behaviors that had been adaptive in the wild. And the system of communication with their human counterparts is neither as complex nor cooperative as compared to the system of domestication.

The Cultural Significance of Reindeer for the Tsataan

So we can see the sheer importance of the reindeer particularly among Tsaatan who domesticate these animals cannot be overstated. And when we consider the traditional belief systems of many of these people we find that the elevated status of the reindeer often reflects this reality. In fact it is fascinating to note the reindeer are often accorded equal status to the human members of the group.

In an elaborate ritual of song the Tsataan often compose pleasing melodies to reward individual animals with a small supply of salt. The Tsataan are also known to sing songs to notify the animals of the needs of the young reindeer in the herd. Consequently members of this very unique community both human and reindeer alike are socialized into a system which reinforces mutual responsibility for the well being of the entire group.

It is therefore relatively easy to understand that as this finely tuned system of mutual adaptation is eroded, the challenges that this special group of people must endure are quite formidable. Amarsanna Altansan, a Cultural Anthropologist at the National University of Mongolia has indicated that urban migration is often coupled with a considerable amount of ambivalence. And while the material benefits of city life may seem desirable in many circumstances special problems are almost always encountered.

An insidious addiction to vodka may be among the worst of these problems. Although the causes for this have not been fully established it is perhaps just part of a whole range of social problems that impinge upon these people. It is also true that the general public is largely uninformed about the unique struggles of this unique indigenous group of people.

The Connection to Christmas Tradition

As we consider the situation of the Tsataan it may be relatively easy to be fascinated by a set of circumstances that are probably completely different from our own. And at the same time it is hard not to be impressed by the natural beauty of a lifestyle that may be sadly coming to an end. For the struggle of the reindeer people is surely part of a human tradition that is connected to our very own.

With this in mind it is indeed difficult not to ponder how this mythical creature became part of the modern yuletide tradition. A quick review of ancient history indicates that reindeer roamed across vast regions of not only Europe but North America and other places as well. Perhaps from distant memories of the past we continue to celebrate a tradition that retains a connection to our own.

It is certainly true that in our modern times values that reflect a deep respect for nature deserve our careful consideration. They should be cherished no matter how romantic they may be. So as we wait for the coming of the New Year perhaps it may be important for each of us to acknowledge the greater humanity that exists within all of us. For this reason alone we are indebted to Mongolia's reindeer people no matter how few they may be in number.

Sources:

On Reindeer and Men, Tim Ingold, Man, New Series, Vol. 4 (Dec, 1974 ) pp 523-538

Reindeer Economies and the Origins of Pastoralism, Tim Ingold, Anthropology Today, Vol 2, No. 4 (1986) pp 5-10.

National Geographic News, James Owen, November 4, 2004.

Gerald Marchewka is an American freelance writer currently residing in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. He may be reached at geraldmarchewka@yahoo.com

Is Your Dog Jumping Up on People?

There are so many Doggie 'misdeeds' that are unintentionally taught by people. Of these, one of the most commonly complained about is jumping up on people to say hello. There is a wide variety of jumping styles; the least egregious is the little Dog who trots over and delicately places his or her front paws on someone to say hello (unless the person is wearing stockings which may be ripped). Then there is the bounder and bouncer. This dog comes bounding up to you and bounces about in between paw jabs. The jumper and grabber is the one that seems to cause the most angst for pet parents. This dog jumps up and uses his or her front paws to grab your leg or waist as if to say "I've got you and I'm not letting go until you give me a nice scratch behind the ear." Friends and visitors are sure to find that these canine greetings are usually followed by a disclaimer from the owner along the lines of "Oh, I'm so sorry, he is just really friendly." Luckily, in most cases this is true.

Unfortunately for these friendly dogs, the fact that they haven't been taught how to say hello in a way that is most likely to be warmly received by people, their odds of expanding their circle of human friends becomes quite limited. Even a dog lover like myself doesn't necessarily want to be greeting by a 60 pound Labrador Retriever pouncing on me as I enter the door. Especially if I have made the effort to get a bit gussied up for a visit to a friend's house. So, if you want your dog to reap the benefits of making loads of human friends and if you'd like to take your dog for a walk without having to prepare yourself to offer apologies along the way then read on.

Dogs jump up to say hello for the simple fact that it allows them to get closer to our faces, which often offer loads of reinforcement in the way of eye contact, smiles and chatter. They also do this because when a dog is a pup almost every person they meet not only allows them to jump up, but actively encourages it. It is hard to resist a puppy doing just about anything, especially choosing to try to initiate play with you by jumping up. However, it is best to consider putting off that momentary satisfaction and instead consider that this little pup will hopefully be a part of your family for 15 years or more. Will this same behavior of jumping up to say hello be something you, your family and friends want to live with for that long? This is most especially true with medium and large sized dogs. A 15 pound Doberman Pinscher puppy will become a dog of 60 pounds or more. While we all must admit to occasionally breaking the rules in our own lives (who hasn't gone a few miles above the speed limit?), allowing a dog to behave a certain way at one moment and then expect something entirely different the next is unfair to both you and the dog in the long run. In the case of dogs, rules are not made to be broken.

So, if you have set your mind to helping your dog tame this jumping habit then let's get started:

1. Keep your dog on leash at all times when your dog is likely to come in contact with someone he or she may jump on.You can hold the leash in your hand or step on the end of it to help prevent your dog from jumping. Each time you prevent a jump to greet from being practiced you are helping your dog break the habit.

2. Plan to have a bit of food available for each potential greeting. As you hold or step on the leash, show your dog the food and wait for him or her to offer you a sit. It is best not to say sit or lure for one (i.e. moving your hand up and back over your dog's head to get them to put their rear on the ground) because what you are really striving for is a dog who learns to sit automatically to greet as opposed to you having to ask him or her to sit. When your dog sits say "Yes!" and give the treat.

3. Until your dog develops a habit of sitting automatically when greeting in a calm environment (with most dogs this takes a few days at most) ask people not to talk to or touch your dog. This way it will be easier for your dog to be successful.

4. Plan training sessions with one or two friends at a time who can gradually introduce calm touch and verbal interactions with your dog while he or she is seated. If your dog gets up from the sit, simply ask them to stand straight up and ignore your dog until he or she sits again. This way your dog will get a clear picture of what happens when he or she jumps on people. In this case, all the good stuff (attention, food, etc.) goes away.

5. Be a great pet parent and carefully consider what situations your dog can handle depending on their age, temperament and the time you have spent helping them learn how to behave. If you have just begun a training plan, it is probably best not to allow your dog to greet people in a highly stimulating environment such as at a cocktail party or if there is a group on the street. Even if your dog is making wonderful progress, be aware of their body language and their overall reaction to a specific person or environment. Removing your dog from situations they can't yet handle is an important part of being a responsible pet parent. If you come across an especially exciting person on the street and your dog can't seem to remember your automatic sit lessons, simply walk away. If you have invited a group over for a party and can't focus on managing your dog, have him or her rest calmly in another area of the house with a few food stuffed chew toys.

Teaching your dog to sit automatically to greet people is part management and part training. Using both and helping your dog practice in gradually more challenging situations is the way to help him or her become a super polite greeter.

Andrea is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer through the Certification Council for Pet Dog Trainers and a Certified Pet Partners Team evaluator for the Delta Society and the AKC's Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test. She is the Director of Andrea Arden Dog Training in New York, and was named the best dog trainer in New York by New York, W, Time Out, Quest and the Daily News. Her website is located at http://www.andreaarden.com and she can be reached at 212-414-9597. You can follow her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/andreaardendogtraining.