Filming at Braveheart Rescue, Hastings, MN

Wow! What a day! We started filming on our newest cable TV production, "Adopting a dog from a Shelter or Rescue". We were on location at Braveheart Rescue, Inc in Hastings, MN.

Brandi Tracy, the owner, was very involved in the action, as well as on camera. She and her volunteers, Robin and Megan accomadated us in everything we needed to get the filming done.

She is extremely knowledgeable, and confident with the dogs that come to her. She knows how to handle an adption! As a matter of fact, she is the only one I know of that puts the extensive amount of time into rehabilitating the dogs both physically and behaviorally as she does. There are several acres for the dogs to dwell outside as well. This is one well run rescue organization! http://www.braveheartrescueinc.com/

We used Brandi's dog, "Braveheart" (whom the rescue was named after) as one of our Co-hosts. As you can tell by his big smile, he was perfect for the job.

Braveheart

This production, when it is done is going, to be an eye opener to all who view it. There is so much more to adopting a dog than people think, but adhering to the apropriate proceedures is more than worth it in the long run.

Whenever I instruct, I learn. I have done an extensive amount of research on this topic, as well as for the "Start 'em out Right ~ Puppy Training" show we are producing alongside of this one. Brandi turned out to be a terrific source of information to michelle and I, which was a perk that we weren't expecting when we first contacted her. Also, Cesar Millan's new book, "A member of the Family" covers these two topics exceptionally well. Along with the book, was a DVD by Cesar Millan, Inc. called "Your New Dog, First Day and Beyond". I recommend these resources highly. The book, DVD and Brandi came along at just the right time to assist me in the presentation of this material, for which I am greatful.

Our goal is for these shows to be aired is late Fall '09. They can be seen on Comcast Ch 16 & 18 in Prescott, WI and Ch 18 in Hastings, MN. Show times TBA.

Follow - Up

My heart soared as I left a follow up with a wonderful family that Michelle and I have had the priviledge of working with this summer, The Lawrences and their adpted Westi Terrier mix, Linus. This is why we do this business. I watched these very dear and dedicated people become transformed into very confident dog owners from the first session in June the return visit I made today.

They had virtually applied everything I had taught them to do and then used some of their own creative ideas to advance even further. Linus, was not the timid little one I had first met, either. He, too, had gleaned from his owners new found freedom as he gleaned from what they had applyied - the principles that we adhere to in our Behavioral HELP for Dogs Service.

Today I showed the Lawrences how to introduce Linus to other dogs in a respectful and safe way. We had Sidney with us, their son's 12 year old lab, who was just a honey and a treat to walk on leash, for our "other dog". It is amazing to see Linus respond so readily and watch the Lawrences marvel at the difference.

When we parted Maralyn said, "I'm so glad we met you." She has no idea how much that meant to me. My heart just soared as I drove home, once again having witnessed a positive difference in someones life. I love all my clients. They give me the chance to flow in my gifting, and experience the joy that that brings . I'm glad I met you too, Maralyn...Thanks!

Freedom Park Seminar

Freedom seems to be a word that comes to me often and has for the past several years. It's a theme for my life. That's why I have always wanted to teach a class at Freedom Park's Great River Road Learning Center in Prescott, WI. Last Saturday we did! A seminar acutally.



I've been teaching classes on "Behavioral HELP for Dogs" for 2 1/2 years now, but this was the first time we have presented it as a Seminar in it's expanded version. Well, you have to start somewhere. The scripture passage "Do not despise the day of small beginnings" came to mind as I was preparing for it. I knew that since Walks & Wags was sponsoring this event and promoting it alone that the chances of it being small was likely. I still had a strong 'green light' in my heart to go ahead with it no matter what and that's what we did. We gave it our all and Michelle and I had more fun than if we had had 100 students!



That day represented another round in the bend for us. A step forward in our growth as a businesss and a new begining in the complexion of our classes-turned-seminars.

Cable T.V.

This summer we have been filming our 5th cable television program called "Start ‘em out Right ~ Puppy Training". We are using everything from 7 day old Cavelier King Charles Spaniel puppies, to a 3 month old Rottweiler pup. Filming has been going wonderfully so far, but has been on hold as we are looking for a 7-10week old puppy for the last portion of the program called, ‘Bringing them home". I think I may have finally found one. Still not confirmed as of yet. I’m eager to get on with the show. We love filming and editing. Producing these shows has really expanded our world. It has also given W & W more exposure and is educating the viewers in very important aspects of their dog ownership.
In the fall we hope to produce our 6th show on the topic of how to make a successful choice in a rescue or a shelter. A very important topic. It is my desire that more people would call on us to help them chose their puppy or adult dog rather than to ask for help after they already have them home. The right match is essential to a good future with your dog. I’m going to change our "New Pet Locators" service title to "Matchmakers" - or something like that...
This is a blog I typed up for the Prescott Chamber of Commerce that I have not yet submitted to their site. Since it is not on theirs yet, I want to include it here. It will better explain to you how this all came about and how it works.






Blog for Chamber Web Site:
By Candiss DelCastillo

When Walks & Wags Pet Service began 3 years ago, I never expected that it would broaden into the versatile service it has become. There is one venue in particular that has become a particular favorite of both our clients and us: our cable television programs.
Prescott, WI has a marvelous Cable Access Station that offers the equipment needed for anyone to produce their own programs. They also offer the use of their editing equipment (handbook included) at the station in City Hall for those who don’t have the capability to edit at home.
In most cases, a pre-taped, finished disc is submitted to Barry Waters, the Cable Access Coordinator at the City Hall office, or Dallas Eggers the teacher of the classes in the Prescott High School TV Room. They simply find an appropriate time slot, play it, and the show is good to go. Not so simple in our case.
Originally, I had envisioned myself standing in a room talking into a camera run by my daughter and assistant Michelle. Now that would have really wowed the crowd! But...When Dallas and his students made us aware of the technology we had available to us, we were amazed at how professional our programs could look. I tried to incorporate as much variety as I could so as to keep the interest of the audience.

The first show we filmed was at the Arbor Inn here in Prescott. I interviewed owners John and Deb Sherman with their little Yorkie-poo, Munch, who was one of my co-hosts that day.

The dogs we used on the shows were my ‘co-hosts’. I would interview their owners either in or outdoors, and then we would trouble shoot a problem and show the viewers how to deal with it appropriately. There is also an instructional portion done in our living room, with the exception of the first show done in the TV studio at the high school. During show #4 I did the filming and voiced over with the show at the same time while Michelle did the acting with the dog we were using that day.
We figured out how to insert background music and even put in credits and a theme song at the end. My main goal was to use as much creativity and variety as I could to maintain the viewers attention.
It took a lot of trial, error and a lot of patience on everybody’s part, but once we became familiar with the camera techniques and editing process, I ended up writing, directing and hosting 4 programs altogether. Michelle was the main technical person, although she does appear on the programs with me and our guests. I have such a healthy respect now for all of you technicians out there! It takes a team to put it all together. You can’t have a host with out a crew. We are filming show #5 this summer called, "Start ‘em out Right ~ Puppy Training".
We are so appreciative that this was all made available to us so we could instruct the public in greater numbers than we can reach 1 on 1 or in class room settings. It does my heart good when I am out and about doing errands and someone says, "I saw you on TV last night". I always ask them, "What was I wearing?" A vain question you might think. Not at all. I wore a different color pollo shirt in every program and the color of my outfit tells me what show they saw so I know which one is currently airing.
Programs air on Comcast cable ch16 & 18 in Prescott, and ch 18 in Hastings. If you have something you would like to set before the public eye in this fashion, you can start by contacting Barry Waters at the city hall 262.5544.

Behind the Scenes

Something that people aren’t aware of that goes on at Walks & Wags is all of the hours spent in the preparation time for our classes and sessions. Research to further my skills as a trainer and behaviorist; creating flyers, class handouts and curriculum; maintaining the web site; interviews and follow ups with our clients; advertising and marketing, general administrative duties all of which are done by both Michelle and myself. (She is the more techy one, I’ll admit). It’s part of what makes our business work and we do it without reservation.
The next turn in the bend for us involves our classes. We have been teaching 2 ½ hour classes for 3 Community Ed’s, and 1 Park and Rec. The classes are chock full of information and very popular. This Fall they will take on a new look. We will be holding 4 ½ hour seminars instead. The information can now be presented in a more relaxed fashion and the extended hours leaves more time for the all important Q & A session at the end. This way, instead of a class a month, I will teach one seminar on "Behavioral HELP for Dogs" in the Fall and one for "Start ‘em out Right~Puppy Training" in the Spring for all 4 districts. A lot better use of time.
Our "pilot" seminar will be this July 11 ‘09 at Freedom Park in Prescott, WI from 1-4pm. We have a lot of inquiry’s and registrations, but still have a few spaces open as of this writing.
This has generated an impetus for us to create a Power Point Presentation as we are currently using an overhead projector for our classes. Michelle and I are starting from scratch on this, but we’ll figure it out eventually, just as we have with everything else. I look forward to these new improvements. The class content will not change, just the presentation style. It’s good now. It will be even better when the power point is in place.

Talk show

On June 30th, we had a first time experience being guests on a live talk show at Flat Pennies Ice Cream in Bay City, WI owned by Jim and Lorna Ross. Lorna hosts "The Headlamp Show" once a month and invited me to be her guest this time. We first spent some time doing some training work with the Ross’ dog, Cooper, a large but sweet natured Newfoundland. He is a bit set in his ways so we had some challenges to overcome. This was our 2nd time working with Cooper. The Ross’ hope to be able to help him to overcome his fear of shiny floors. I have given them the formula for his road to recovery and showed them what to do. The rest is up to them.
As for the show Lorna had it set up out in the back yard, her at a table with a microphone between us connected to loud speakers to project to the customers that may be there at the time. Our audience was small as the weather has been chilly and cloudy (not real conducive for ice cream eating), but the show went very well. Half way through she invited Michelle in and continued the interview with both of us. She recorded it and gave me the tape in the event that I may have an opportunity to have it played at a radio station sometime down the line.
The Ross’ are good people and we have enjoyed getting to know them better. Lot’s of fun over there. Our first talk show...Wow. A good time was had by all.

New Van!

The next thing that made history in our business was the purchase of our new/used 2006 Town & Country mini-van in June 12th ‘09! Dreams do come true. We bought it at Morrie’s Minnetonka Mazda. We had actually gone out to see a different van which turned out to be not quite right for us. When we went back out on the lot with the salesman, we found Hubble right away. After a 5 month search, Michelle and I knew before the test drive was over that this was our van. My husband, Ruben, was with us and was a tremendous asset to us since he has had 40+ years of experience with vehicles in auto body repair. (Thanks, honey!)

Michelle and I have been saving for 3 years now, and managed a down payment of half of what the van costs. Our friendly 1st National Bank in Prescott helped with the rest at a very low interest rate. We named it "Hubble". Women have to name their vehicles, you know. It is a dark blue and perfect. Low miles ~ 48,500 when we bought it. Everything works! Everyday we find a new feature on it that we didn’t know it had. The seats are so comfortable that I don’t even need to use a cushion any more. Now we can start our Pet Taxi Service in which we will shuttle animals for their owners to the vet, groomer, parks, etc. or pick up necessary animal oriented supplies for them. I can honestly say that these are the best days of my life. Good things truly do come to those who wait.

Chuck & Don's

Well, Well, Welllllll.......Where does one begin, when the whole world has started to blog without her!!!?????
I’m not going back as far as the beginning. You can read our home page on our website for that. What I’d like to do is start recording the out come of some of the events that we are involved in through Walks & Wags.
The one that made me realize that I needed to start a blog in our web site was my day at Chuck & Don’s Pet Food Outlet in Red Wing on May 2nd ‘09.
I arrived at approx 10:50 am for an 11:00am appearance, after being delayed by the largest piece of farm machinery I have ever encountered. I was there alone that day as Michelle was out of town, and had to set up by myself. The people started coming at 11am and the line lasted until 3pm with only two short breaks in the action. (Getting the table set up and giving advice at the same time is not my forte).
What I wish to convey to you is that on the way home, I was pondering the wonderful people and dogs I had met that day. My eyes welled up with tears when I thought of how desperately people sometimes need help and will go seeking to make their crooked way straight. It has always been my desire to help hurting people and now I am able to do that in ways that I never would have imagined before. It touched my heart deeply that they came out to see me that day. I say that in a humility. If only everyone would understand the simple concepts that I teach from Cesar Millan’s philosophy and techniques. So much undo stress would be avoided, and so much joy would replace it.
I have since then received a report from a couple who’s dog is named Barney. She told me that they have been able to tweak and refine their dog ownership to such a point that Barney is now doing very well, even exceeding what they had hoped to accomplish with her. (Yes, her. It’s a she Barney). They are now on our testimonial page. My line of work is so incredibly gratifying.