Izaak and TJ
Joan Kingler and Izaak and TJ
My story involves 2 dogs who have changed my life. Izaak was a Lab/Cocker mix who came to me at 8 weeks. I trained him and bonded totally with this wonderful dog. Because of his attitude and willingness to learn, we earned 17 obedience titles in UKC, APDT, CDSP and were certified as a TDI team.
I retired from teaching after 35 years and, knowing how important reading is to one's existence in this world, I started reading to the dogs programs in 4 different elementary schools. Izaak was a very busy boy and we both loved being so totally involved in helping others and in training together.
After battling cancer for 8 months, Izaak was taken from me after 8 1/2 years as my partner. I was depressed and lost in my grieving. In November the Portugese Water Dog Rescue contacted me and said they had a dog for me - sweet and very willing to please. I finally agreed to take this dog, TJ, and he has changed my life again.
We are now certified as a TDI team and he earned his first obedience title - after only 3 months with me. At the obedience trial, people who know me commented on how wonderful it was to see me smiling and happy again. TJ is definitely responsible for that! We will attend school reading programs and earn many obedience titles and I will be smiling as TJ and I experience wonderful adventures in the world of therapy dogs and obedience.