Elliot's job is to 1) keep me sane 2) remind me what it feels like to have a dog that doesn't attract negative attention and 3) help us socialize the dogs that come through our program. He's done a stunning job on all accounts. I can't explain why he knows how to de-stress dogs. Maybe it's because the sled dogs are closer to their ancestral wolf-y roots, who first developed canine body language? but the cues he offers to scared, sassy and under-socialized dogs are pure genius. Growling dog? Elliot turns his head slightly, yawns and lays down. Stiff body posture? Elliot slowly turns his rump to the worried nose, "Here. Smell me." I really have to peel my jaw off the floor one of these days and get some of his work on video. Here he is working his magic on the worried Nita.
Happy Birthday Elliot, and thanks again kind Universe for sending this dog our way!
The most famous barn helper video of all ..
Happy Birthday, Elliot, and good work! Enjoyed seeing the pics of him and Nita, the changes in her expression as she understands she's safe with him.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Elliot!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday, Elliot!! You are very wise for being only two. The pibbles need this, you know. (We are learning that apparently, they have puppy brains loooooong after their second birthdays, or at least ours does lol.) Keep up your good happy work!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday, sweet Elliot! You amazing dog, you. <3
ReplyDeleteI can't believe he's two. I remember when you introduced him to us. Happy Birthday Sir Elliot! May your day be filled with friends and treats!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, Elliot! You do some incredibly valuable work during those play sessions. Hard to believe you're such a young dude, considering how wise you are!
ReplyDeleteThat video is SO sweet! I watched it twice :) Happy Birthday, Elliot!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, Elliot! Keep up the good work =)
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday - and many, many more! You are very cherished and very loved!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday, Elliott. You are the best big Uncle. Thanks for helping all the pit bulls at the Barn. I love you!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday handsome!
ReplyDeletenothing better than elliot and a pile-o-puppies! thanks for sharing and thanks for being a super important part of jimmy leg's development!!!!! L-man rocks!!!!! you guys won the dog lottery with that one!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday, old friend! I hope you get a lot of my favorite things--extra cookies and cuddles--for your birthday. Eva Peace sends a big kiss, too! We're glad you're part of our extended pack.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, Elliot! I can't believe you're only two...I thought you were so much older (I mean that in a good way of course). Thanks for being a good dog friend and for making incredibly cute videos.
ReplyDeleteAww... looks like he loves his life as a barn helper! Happy Birthday special guy!
ReplyDeleteTwo already! Wow! Happy b'day Elliot and thanks for all your good work.
ReplyDeleteWinter weather is particularly rough on me with my disabilities, so sometimes the best and most interesting thing that has happened during my day is whatever BAD RAP has been up to. It's far more fun to talk about dogs making huge strides than me being too fatigued to do anything! Anyway, on one such recent lousy day I found myself telling my mom all about Elliot and how he's so amazingly good with helping to put both anxious and tense dogs at ease and how much he loves playing with all the pibbles! I went on to show her a bunch of the photos and videos you have of Elliot doing his work. (I hadn't seen the one with Sally growling at the barn pups while Elliot lolls around on the floor with them before! Too cute!) She was absolutely amazed at what he's able to do for the pit bulls that come through your rescue. He's a real treasure. Please give Elliot a "two years and one month" birthday butt scratch from me and my mom. He's done a good job making us feel better, too.
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