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Highlands Today

Being Dog's Best Friend

Jasmina Meyer/Highlands Today

Joseph Powers practices the proper greeting to a dog on a lead with the owner present during a Youth Canine Education program presented by Paws with a Cause at Woodlawn Elementary Day Care recently in Sebring.

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By Bill Rettew Jr. | Highlands Today

Published: November 3, 2008

Updated: 11/03/2008 08:19 am

A little bit of understanding goes a long way in properly treating and approaching dogs.
This was the advice Howard Useman and Melissa Fiorito shared with about 25 students Thursday during an after-school-program at Woodlawn Elementary School.

The canine education and therapy team introduced Duke, a 5-year-old golden retriever, and Flash, a 9-year-old basset hound.

The program teaches kids to respect and not fear dogs. Through Duke and Flash, students learned the proper way to approach a dog, how to recognize an unhappy dog and when not to go near one.
"We help them to appreciate animals -- whether dogs or cats," said Fiorito. "We show them how to care for dogs, how to approach dogs and other life-long lessons."

Fourth-grader Katie Noonon enjoyed petting both Duke and Flash after she was taught rules that Useman said most adults are not aware of.

"Dogs are very good companions," said Noonon. "There are a lot of different ways to pet a dog or talk to a dog."

The children learned never to look a dog in the eye and to stay away from and report stray dogs. The kids were also reminded that dogs can't use sticks or practice karate when challenged. They are limited to biting.

The students were taught to approach only dogs on leashes, to ask an owner's permission before petting a strange dog, and if given permission, to approach from the side after first allowing a dog to sniff an extended wrist.

"Sometimes people do the wrong thing," said Useman. "If people do the wrong thing, then dogs might do the wrong thing. Who did the wrong thing -- you or the dog? Who started it?

"If people do the right thing, dogs will do the right thing."

The kids enjoyed meeting Flash, whose owner Fiorito described as the team's comic relief.
After two weeks of canine education instruction, the students receive a "Certificate of Achievement," including photos of both Duke and Flash.

When dogs are treated properly they give a lot, Useman said.

Useman likes to give out a sheet that details a "dog's promise" and "our promise."

A dog promises to bring unconditional love, companionship and protection, the sheet reminds students.
And the owner's promise to his pet? Love and care, including, clean water and food; clean, dry and cool living and sleeping areas; regular washing and grooming, exercises and training; and medical attention when needed.

The promise sheet ends with an advice that many good dog owners probably know: And a little more love for their pets.

The non-profit team regularly visits youth groups, schools, churches and daycare centers. Useman never charges a fee, and operates purely on donations.

To schedule a seminar, or to donate toward the cause, call Useman at 863-382-2728.

Bill Rettew Jr. may be contacted at 386-5857 or wrettew@highlandstoday.com

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