There Is No Such Thing As A Free Dog--Can You Afford a Dog?

I often see people and organizations paying the adoption fees for shelters to encourage people to adopt, but that is not always the best solution. Adoption is not cheap. Yes, it is cheaper than buying a dog from a breeder. BUT there are a lot of other expenses that are not included in the adoption fee.

What am I talking about? First, there is often a lot of paperwork to be done when you adopt a dog--even after the adoption process is over. You need to buy a license. I personally bought a lifetime license and that was $31.50. (It is $8.50/year in Pennsylvania. If you live in an apartment, you might even need to pay a dog fee and also a monthly rent increase. Second, you will need supplies for the dog. I did not have a crate so I bought a crate. I do not remember the exact amount, but it was at least $60-$70 (It was probably closer to $100). I had toys, a collar, a leash, a bed, bowls, and other dog items so I didn't have to buy any of those items. Those items could run you $50-$200 (depending on how much you want to spend). And don't forget food! Dog food can be expensive. I would never recommend a cheap brand like Iams (The food is terrible for your dog). Buying good dog food for your dog can cost $40-$100 a month (depending on the size of your dog). Finally, there could be some unexpected medical costs. Cash had a free first medical exam, but he had to go back. He was underweight and wouldn't eat. I had to buy special food for him. He also had skin problems which I cleared with tea tree oil. Now, if you're lucky, your dog won't have any medical issues now, but there is not guarantee that your dog won't get sick later. You always need at least $200-$300 for emergency vet visits (and that number is the least amount you might need).

So how expensive is your FREE adopted dog?

Lifetime License- $8.50-$31.50
Dog Items- $150 (tiny dog)-$370 (large dog)
Emergency Medical Money- $200-$300
Money Needed Besides Adoption Costs: $358.50-$701.50 + any apartment fees

I really do believe in adopting dogs. I just want you to understand that a free dog is never really free. Don't adopt a dog on a whim without being able to support them.

Dealing With My Dog's Health Problems

From the moment I adopted Cash--It's been difficult dealing with his numerous health problems. They are not serious, but they do affect our day to day life. (I will link to his adoption story below) His problems consist of his digestion system and his skin (mostly). The shelter I adopted him from did not take care of him very well even though he had serious problems. Due to this, many of his problems were exasperated at his adoption time.

His digestion system problem started before we adopted him. He could not eat solid food or a whole serving. He would often throw up entire meals. Due to these difficulties, I started tracking all of his symptoms from bowels to his vomit. It helped me better understand what was working and what wasn't. Finally, after many visits, I realized that my vet was only helping Cash short term and I needed to find a long-term solution. I switched Cash's food to a higher quality dog food and started him on probiotics. Cash had been prescribed probiotics from his vet for short term, but I then asked the vet and he told me that I could try them long term. That was the key! All of a sudden, Cash was only vomiting once and a while instead of at least once a week. And he's been on probiotics for over six months and he goes a month at least between vomiting. (The change in his digestion system was gradual, but it has been life changing nevertheless) When he does throw up now, it is only a little stomach acid instead of an entire meal. I also give him a tablespoon of pumpkin (no more than once a day) to keep his bowels running smoothly. This is a dramatic change for him and I do not regret the hours of research I did for him. 

Libres Law and the Closing of the LSPCA

I have been very vocal about how I have felt about the Lancaster County SPCA in the past. Their treatment of Cash while he was in their care upset me, but what upset me more was how they handled my complaint. What the former director used as a defense proved to be more of a look into the inner workings of the shelter. And today, the news broke that this very shelter was closing (source).

Between the information that I had learned through my personal experience, stories I have heard, and from the media backlash surrounding Libre's case (that eventually helped create Libre's Law), it did not surprise me that they were closing. But, even as someone who has been outspoken about the LSPCA during the last two years, shutting down the only animal shelter that accepts strays is a great loss of Lancaster County (source)(source).

After the former director resigned and a new director started, many people had hoped that there would be positive changes (source)(source). Their facility is amazing and the city of Lancaster is full of animal lovers. But, it must have proved to be a challenge that was too big for any one person. From what they are releasing, they are saying that it is due to a "failed business model and lack of funds (source).

So now the future of the animals in Lancaster County is in question. And unlike most counties, it affects more than just strays. Lancaster county is known for their puppy mills. It is sometimes known as the Puppy Mill Capital of the East (source). I used to spend a lot of time talking to customers and random people at the dog park. It's not something that is a secret--people are very much aware of the puppy mill problem. But, what are they going to do with the puppies that will now be liberated because of Libre's Law. The very law that started in this county. It's a sick twist of fate.

So now we can only sit and wait. Hopefully, someone will buy up the space and open an animal shelter.

Cash the Lab Celebrates Valentine's Day

Cash the Lab Celebrates Valentine's Day

For every season, I like to take Cash's photos. I buy one or two small props and have him play and pose in front of the camera. He wanted to play with the toys more than he wanted to pose, but he's still so cute, nevertheless. Cash made sure to dress up his best for church Sunday. He wore a beautiful sweater and red tie. Sometimes, it is difficult to get him to pose, but if you work with him enough, he usually will pose.  

I love when dogs pose in cute positions, that's why I have an entire Instagram dedicated to Cash and sometimes my family's cat, Cash. 

@EstherandCash 

Cash the Lab: The Christmas Joy Giver

For this Christmas, Cash and I took our holiday spirit and brought it up a notch or two to make everyone's day whenever we went somewhere. With the use of a tiny Santa hat, a bandana or scarf (depending on the day), we made people smile wherever we went. I thought we'd share some photos from our adventures! 

Happy Holidays from Cash the Lab and Esther! 

Rapid Rewards Deluxe Dog Training Bag with Belt by Doggone Good! ReviRew

Rapid Rewards Deluxe Dog Training Bag with Belt by Doggone Good!

Bags are extremely important when it comes to training dogs. I had been using a few that I had picked up in stores and all of them were hard to keep open or keep enough treats in them. I had seen this exact type on someone and noticed how large it was without being two large. There was a front pocket, side pockets, and even two small "slip" pockets where you could easily store money or Identification.

I bought mine on Amazon (because we all know how much I love Amazon) for around $20. I had also bought a Ruffwear flat waist belt that I was planning to put through the back loops so I could wear the treat bag right on the wearable leash. I have to say, it was one of the most exciting packages that I have ever received. (I realize that's a bit strange).

When I first received the package, I was very satisfied with my purchase. The quality of the bag is actually higher than I had originally thought. There are enough keyring holders that I can add a bag holder, my keys, and some hand sanitizer. I have also found that I can keep multiple types of treats by using plastic sandwich bags and they don't tend to get smashed as long as I do not lean my body against anything. 

The back loops for the belt fit perfectly with my leash and it makes keeping everything together much easier. I attached a keyring to attach my clickers and anything else I need as well. It holds up very well due to the way it is constructed. It has an inner layer that is breathable. It prevents it from getting too smelly, but the strength of the outside keeps it in shape. Other than being careful, there are no real restrictions when washing this bag. Unlike my other bags, the entire construction of the bag was well worth more than the price (hopefully, they aren't reading this).

Finally, they did not have this in a lot of colors, but I prefer black so it matches more items. For a useful accessory, I do not think having bright colors is necessary, but there are black, blue, purple, and red options. For some reason, the blue one is $8 more than the others. I am not sure why. 

Training Your Own Service Dog: What You Need to Know

Training Your Own Service Dog: What You Need to Know

 Training your own service dog is not an easy task--nor is it to be taken lightly. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does allow for handlers to train their own service dogs, but they are held to the same standards as organization-trained serviced dogs.

The question on many people's minds is which is a better choice and to me, it depends on the person. There are a lot of organizations that raise amazing dogs--and dogs that are trained from birth and have mother's chosen for their temperament usually have a higher success rate, but depending on the organization, getting a service dog becomes pricey and there's a long wait time. What about training your own dog? Well, if you've never worked with dogs, it might not be the best idea. You need to understand the basics of teaching your dog to act in public to doing tasks on command. There are some Internet website resources, but it takes a lot of time and effort, but the good part is that your dog starts to learn with you and your disability.


So how does your owner-trained service dog qualify as a service dog? Well, according to the ADA, the dog must be housebroken, have public access skills, and to be able to perform a task. When they are referring to a task, they mean a skill or cue that will aid a person when their condition worsens or when they need extra help. For instance, many people have their dogs pick up items when they drop them, open doors, let them know when the doorbell rings, and other tasks to help them with their daily routine. Anything that just requires the dog to just exist is not considered a task. For example: carrying medicine and comforting someone by their presence (this does not include pressure and distraction cues).

Risk. There is a high risk that your service dog will not be up for the job--especially if you get the dog as a puppy. I adopted Cash (I thought he was 4) at 8 1/2. He has a very temperate personality. He is not easily frightened and adapts to situations perfectly. He listens very well and is not loud. The reason why he makes the perfect dog to train is that he reacts to me so well plus, he acts very well in public. But how did I know this? I was around service dogs AND I had spent time with him before adopting him. With Cash, I can take him to performances, dinner, church, and he will lay under whatever I cue him to and go straight to sleep. Sometimes during a performance, he might get startled, but when I tell him to go to bed, he will go right back to sleep. Even when that happens, he still is quiet. This is what you want your dog to be able to do while in public. I am still working on him walking right next to me, but he is doing very well with it. It's about patience.

So how are you training him?

I am training him using clicker training. So far, I have a laundry list of commands that I want to teach him. The first major cue I trained him (other than the basics) was to sit on my lap when commanded and bring me my emergency medicine. The lap command is used to apply pressure to my lap during sever panic attacks and psychogenic seizures. This technique causes my brain to start focusing on him and not the anxiety, but also restricts me from wandering off or focusing on something dangerous. I have started working with him to bring a laminated note to whomever I point to give them important emergency information if I cannot talk. I also plan to teach a lot of other techniques for PTSD, Psychogenic seizures, Anxiety, and low blood pressure. Even with my ideas in place, I have had to create ways to "shape" these commands into cues he understands. If you do not understand shaping, I highly suggest that you read up on it on Karen Pryor's website. Here are a few of her articles on the subject: Shaping Your Way to Success, The Ten Laws of Shaping, and Shaping Success.

Here are some links to my favorite Service Dog related articles and websites:

Choosing the Right (Service) Dog
FAQ: Service Dog Laws
Service Dog Training Costs
Tasks vs Work
FAQ-ADA Service Dog Laws
PHRA-Service Dog Laws (Pennsylvania)
Service Dog Laws by State
Karen Pryor Clicker Training


Service Dog Organizations
And a link to my favorite Service Dog Training Organization, Susquehanna Service Dogs. If you live in Central Pennsylvania, please consider donating to them--time or money. They are an amazing group of people and taught me so much. They have a list of items that they most often use and need on their website, which I will link below. Also, if you use Purina Pro Plan, please consider cutting out the weight circles and sending them to them so they can get money through Purina. Every bit helps!

Susquehanna Service Dogs