Late Foster Friday: Happy Birthday Mikko!

Luke here!

Just wanted to say Happy belated Birthday to my foster brother Mikko! He is getting to be an old man; he is 3 years old. He had a great day relaxing and hanging out with Mom and got to have some yummy birthday cake. Like his tie?

I had a great time at the pit bull awareness day last Saturday. I got to meet all types of new people and dogs. Mom gave me lots of treats because I was being so good. I even got to help a new puppy to the rescue get used to walking around on a leash; he became my walking buddy there. It was fun to be useful! :) I wish I had some pictures to show you. :( I'll see if Mom can ask someone for some pics. Later buddies!

A Pit Bull Changed My Life

The Mom here.

I just had someone recently ask me where and how do I get the ideas to do all the volunteering (I'll save that for another post later) I do. I could easily list off several names of people that have helped me get to where I am today, but the more I thought about it I realized that everything I do now is because of my dogs; who knows where I'd be today if it wasn't for rescuing a pit bull we named Emma.

I was heading down a long road of schooling towards a career as a psychologist, just got married 6 months prior, was a homeowner for about 1 month, and was thinking about getting a dog in about 6 months when I got word of a dog that needed a home. My brother had been taking care of this 5 month old puppy that his roommates had got from a humane society; the roommates decided they were not ready for a dog and wanted to return her. My brother loved the goofy girl that he'd been caring for and did not want to see her returned to the humane society, so he called me asking if I wanted a dog. We were not ready for a dog, but his story about her was tempting, so I asked what breed she was....a pit bull. I was just like many of you that believed the media about pit bulls; I was unsure if they could be trusted and be good dogs. I decided to give her a chance and go and meet her. She was not what I expected! I'm not sure what I expected; maybe a shy, fearful dog or a dog that would growl and bark at me. She was neither. As soon as I walked in the door she bounced off the sofa and tried to jump in my arms because she was so happy to see me. She was a goofy girl because she couldn't get her legs to work right on the hard wood floors and was slipping and sliding everywhere. I fell in love with her immediately and took her home. It didn't take us long to see that she was an awesome dog; she didn't bark at anyone and loved everyone she met. Our minds were changed forever about pit bulls.

From there on out we became huge pit bull advocates; fostering pit bulls and getting our beloved Mikko. My career path has changed over the years after falling in love with pit bulls. I thought I wanted to have a career working with animals and therefore got off my path to be a psychologist and went towards vet tech or vet. It quickly turned into loving how to train dogs and I started working and training with a dog training facility. My final stop on my career path is social work. I came to this stop from my therapy dog work with Mikko and the shelter/residential kids we visit.

It's weird for me to think back at how different I was just 5 years ago and how it was changed by a pit bull. I wish everyone would take the chance I took to get to know a pit bull because they just might change your life. :)

Pit Bull Awareness Day

Happy Pit Bull Awareness Day! :)

Luke will be back on Friday to chat about how he spent the day and Mikko's birthday is on Friday too!

Rocky Start But Great Ending

Hi guys, Mikko here.

I finally got to go visit the kids again; I haven't been in like a month and a half or something like that! Needless to say, I was a little naughty because I forgot how things go there. I had to wait for my other pals to get there and in the meantime I was too intrusive with several people and had one kid stare me down, which I'm not too fond of. I could see and feel Mom start to get worried about how I was acting so I tried to tone it down a bit and relax. Luckily my pals showed up and I forgot all about being naughty and was focused on saying hi to my four legged pal.

We talked about dog safety this time with the kids. They learned how to approach a dog and their owner and how to react to a stray dog running loose. I had lots of fun snuggling with the kids! I even laid my big head right in one of the girl's lap and she just oo'ed and ahh'ed over me. I love it! I was a big hit with the kids as usual; they seem to love my big goofiness. See Mom, I can still be a hit even when I stress you out! My four legged pal was a hit with his awesome trick; he does the bang trick!

Mom and the teacher lady was talking about me afterwards saying that you can easily read from my facial expressions what I thinking....I think this sounds creepy, but Mom wants to see if she can get this caught on camera sometime to show you guys. We'll see if I'll allow that....until next time!

We're Back and Foster Friday: Update!

Mikko here.
I was totally bummed that my visit to the children's home got cancelled; but not to worry I'll be there visiting this coming Monday and will have lots to share about it later. :) Now I'll let Luke fill you in on what he's been up to.

Hi friends! Luke here.

I had such a good time at the Renaissance festival! I got to meet all types of people and made several dog pals, I even got to meet a large animal that my foster mom calls a horse. Wow, those things are huge! My foster mom was so proud of me, she says I did a really awesome job walking beside her with all the commotion going on. Here are some pics of my experience.



I love riding next to my buddy Baron!



Enjoying some attention

My other dog pal Molly

I was so tired afterwards!

Be Back Soon!

The Mom here.

We will be back shortly! We have been taking a break because we have all been sick. :( But no worries, lots to talk about when we are back. You will be updated with how the Renaissance fair went with Luke and Mikko has another visit with some kids next week!

See you soon! :)

Foster Friday

Foster Mom here!

I'm writing the post for Luke today because he is getting as much rest as he can get for his big day at the Renaissance Festival tomorrow. If anyone wants to come meet this handsome guy then come on out to the Minnesota Renaissance Festival and we will be at the Minnesota Pit Bull Rescue booth from 9am till noon and then walking around for the rest of the day after that.

I also wanted to mention that one of my favorite blogs that I follow is trying to raise money to help save a gorgeous elderbull named Lady Zabora. Read more about it here. Donate to a great cause! :)

Foster Friday

Luke here!

I've been working so hard on foster Mom's training, learning the basics of being a great dog, that I needed a play break. I found the best toy ever! I don't know what it is, but it's red and very fun to chase! Foster Mom couldn't get a video of it, so pictures will have to do.

Have a great weekend and remember to take a little time to have some doggie fun! :)

Foster Friday

15 Funny Survey Questions Answered By Luke

Have you ever smelled a banana?
Yes! I like the smell of them, but I wasn't too sure on the texture when I ate a piece of one.

Eaten strawberries from your toes? No, can't say I have...

Poked someone in the ear? No, but I have licked plenty of people in the ear! Hehe!

Licked someones foot? Yes! I think human feet have the best sweet taste!

Put money in your bra? Huh? What's a bra?

If your a guy, have you ever worn a bra for fun? Ohhhh, Foster Mom says those are the things I like to drag out of the closet and chew on.

Eaten a fur ball? Yes! Well I am a dog and I do lick myself, so it's bound to happen.

Licked a swing set? Well sure! I have to taste everything!

Sniffed a cat? Yes! And played tag with one too! Cats are fun!

Barked at someone? Yes! Only because I'm asked to or if I get scared.

Pretended to be a manikin at the mall? Not at the mall, but I do like to freeze and then pounce on my foster siblings to get them to play with me.

Drawn a silly picture? Sort of! I like to draw funny pictures when I pee...

Sung in a public bathroom?Yes! But my version comes out in barks.

Been out with your pants on backwards?Pants are for sissy dogs! I like to go in the nude!

Worn underwear on your head?Another thing Foster Mom says that I find in the closet and play with. It may end up on my head one of these days...

My Existence Was Doomed

I'm feeling much better, so I decided I want to share how I met my Mom and Dad.

Mom said that I was not meant to be. She said that my dog mom came into the pound very pregnant with my siblings and I. The pound decided that instead of having a bunch of puppies around that they were going to abort us and fix my dog mom. I'm not really sure what all that means, but all I remember is being born in the dark and my dog mom taking good care of my siblings and I. Mom says God had a plan for my siblings and I because my dog mom gave birth to us the night before we were to be aborted.

After we were born, they drove a few of us to a different facility because the one we were born at was really full. I ended up being kept in a really small metal square box with my brother. I'm not sure how long I was there, but one evening I saw my Mom and Dad to be. My brother was making all types of noises to try and get their attention so I just sat there and looked as handsome as I could. They picked up and held my brother first; he was squirming all around and still kept making noises. Then it was my turn to be held; I just laid back and relaxed because I knew I was supposed to be theirs. All of a sudden they put me back and took one more look at us and left! I thought, oh no, where are they going! Not too much longer, they came back. I noticed my soon to be Mom had a few tears in her eyes and she came right for me, telling me that I was going home with them. She even kissed my dirty, smelly puppy head! I was going home.

Mom held me the entire car ride, talking with Dad about what to call me. They kept talking about something called hockey and names related to the Wild. They finally kept calling me Mikko, after a hockey player I guess, and that is how I got my name. We stopped at a really bright and cold place where they tried to get me walk around, but I was not having it! I got lots of treats and new toys here, so I like that place now! Mom says its called a pet store. Awesome! A store for dogs! After that, Mom said we were going home. At home I had many firsts there: a bowl of food, had to potty outside in the freezing cold, got to snuggle with my Mom and Dad, and got comfy in my kennel. It was a long and tiring day, but so fun getting to know my parents. Here is a picture of me that first night. Mom says sorry its so dark and blurry.

Foster Friday

Sorry this is so late but Mom had to take me to the doctor today because my ear was all swollen and hurt really bad. Mom says I'm on meds now, so hopefully that will help. I'll let Luke take over so I can go rest and get better. ~Mikko~

Hi guys! Luke here. I just wanted to show you real quick how clever I am. Foster mom decided that I needed a blanket over my kennel to keep me extra quiet when they sleep; not sure why because I'm super quiet and sleep through the night. Here is what I mean.

Gets kinda boring in the dark when I'm not tired, so here is what I figured out how to do.

Can you see what I did?!?! I figured out how to pull the blanket inside my kennel so that I can see out and have more to lay on! Aren't I clever!? Hehe!

Until next time!

I LOVE KIDS!

My visit to the shelter/home for kids went so well! We talked about how to keep dogs and kids safe from all types of harm; great topic! I made a new human friend! He came right to me as soon as he saw me and just fell in love with my handsomeness. ;) I laid by my new buddy the whole time we were there and even gave him a big kiss right on the lips and he didn't even care! I hope I made his day just as special as he made mine. Enjoy my pictures!


Not a big fan of baths...

My doggie gal pal "M" and I

Therapy work is tough! Time for a snooze.

Silent Saturday

Foster Friday

Just wanted to let you know that I'll be visiting the home/shelter for kids again on Monday and will report back Tuesday! ~Mikko~

As promised here is Luke's adventure at his first parade!

Hey guys! I had so much fun at the parade! We walked a long ways but it was fun to meet all types of people. I was so busy waiting to meet the next person that I totally ignored all the candy on the ground! My foster mom appreciated that, but I feel like I missed out! After the parade we hung out at the booth for the Minnesota Pit Bull Rescue, the rescue that is fostering me. I thought I should hang out front and center at the booth so that I could get all the attention. Would you like to see how clever I am next time?

*Pictures taken by AJ from MN Pit Bull Rescue

Foster Friday

My foster brother Luke is making his big debut today and every Friday from now on! I hope you have a wonderful day and enjoy! ~Mikko~

Hi! My name is Luke and you guessed it....I'm a  9 month old Pit Bull looking for my forever home! Don't worry, I'm enjoying having a foster brother and sister. I LOVE playing with them, chasing them around the yard is my favorite! I'm so fast! My foster Mom says that I'm going to be an awesome sporty guy for things like agility, fly ball, frisbee, or just a running partner! Anyone looking for a dog that will do that? Go check me out! http://www.mnpitbull.com/

I have been able to do several fun things already...like be in a parade! Would you like to hear and see pictures about that next time?

Wordless Wednesday



Tiny me...well tiny at 11 weeks and 20 lbs!



Confidence With Children

After all my frustration lately I gained some confidence when I got to go and hang out with some pretty cool kids today at a home/shelter for children. I had a blast! I even gained a new girlfriend! I wish I would have got Mom to take a picture of the two of us, but I was so busy sniffing....I mean flirting, that I forgot. Maybe next time?

I had different responses from the kids. Some were afraid of me (which I can understand because I'm a pretty big guy) and some were not. I did get most of the kids to at least pet me by the end of our time there though. I knew just what to do! I laid down on the floor and just crawled my way towards them and then flipped on my back so they could pet my belly....I'm a genius! ;)

My girlfriend's dad tried to read some from my favorite book ( The Lost Dogs: Michael Vick's Dogs and Their Tale of Rescue and Redemption ) but I couldn't sit still because I was so busy trying to get petted that he just gave up eventually.

I even got to show off for the kids by doing my tricks! They loved that I knew how to speak and asked me several times to speak, which I was very happy to do for them. Some of the kids even helped me with my tricks, that was fun!

This has been the best/funnest visit so far! I don't know why Mom was so worried, but I showed her! :-p

Frustration

My Mom is upset and that does not make me happy! She said it has to do with me and looking the way I do. I don't understand....what did I do?!?! I did NOTHING to deserve being told I can't go somewhere because of the way I look or because of the way I used to act as a barely trained puppy. My Mom and I have worked really hard to get where I am today and this is how I get treated....unbelievable!

DON'T BULLY ME....OR MY MOM!!!!!!!!

Mom says that people are just trying to discourage us from doing something really cool with our lives and that is all we need to remember. We are doing this to show the world that pitties like me are good and loving. We will accomplish something great, even if we aren't sure what that is yet.....just wait and see! :)

Apology And A Promise

The Mom here. :)

I just wanted to say sorry to my boy!

I'm sorry that I have not trusted you like I should when it comes to other dogs and other humans. You are growing into such an amazing, strong, and confident dog! You are not the wild and crazy little puppy you used to be.

I promise that I will protect you no matter what might come our way.
I promise that I will protect you from any bullying.
I promise that I will help you become the best that you can be.
I promise to trust you.
I promise to "listen" to you.
I promise to learn from you.
I promise to be more like you.
I promise to love you always.

Your Momma

Happy 4th!

Just wanted to say a quick "hi" and that I will be back with news on how my visit to a home for children goes.

Happy 4th!

Here is the trio: my sister (Emma), my foster friend (Luke), and me! :)  Like my patriotic bling?!?!

Break Time

Since our last lesson learned, Mom decided that we should take a break from visiting the hospital and focus more on getting experience visiting elsewhere. I think Mom was bummed that we needed to take a break, but it's ok we will be back!

Our latest visiting experiences has mainly been visiting nursing homes. We have been a few times to the one we have gone before and one new one. I have to admit that I met someone with a different type of hat on and it scared me! :( I think I need to get out more often, so I can see and meet all types of people. I'll get Mom right on that!

My favorite moment visiting at the new nursing home was a very sweet lady who was SUPER excited to see me and she just loved me up by petting me, talking to me, and asking Mom all types of questions. It was great to get that kind of feedback from someone at a nursing home. :) I also got to give a big kiss to a lady that wanted me to and I got a great treat from this because she had ice cream all over her face. Yum!!!

I LOVE MY JOB! THANKS MOM! :)

Don't Try Too Much In One Day!

Mom decided that after the law school visit that we would go home and rest for a few hours and then try and go to the hospital for a visit. Well.....I was REALLY tired! I tried to show Mom that I was tired by laying around and even snoring, but that didn't work and off we went to the hospital.

Things started out fine.... I got to visit with a few very nice people and I tolerated it, but things got a little crazy. Mom said things were very disorganized, more than usual, which upset her and I sensed that and got cranky! To make a long story short, we ended up having to leave early because of my crankiness and how disorganized things were.

Once again, Mom learned a lesson..... don't try too much in one day! :)

Law School

 

I have decided that I love the place my Mom calls the law school! What is better than hanging out with my dog pals and having people come to see me?!?! It was great! I got to meet and put my drool on lots of new people in very nice clothes. :)

I thought there was something different at the law school... people didn't cross on the other side of the room and they even thanked me for my work! I don't understand why there was such a difference here or why people were thanking me. Mom says it was because the people at the law school are younger and understand more about bullying. I can't wait to go back!

Swarm Game!

Mom surprised me by taking me somewhere new! It was this huge place that was really loud and had lots of people and dogs! We were high up in the air and there were people down on some grass tossing a ball around and catching it with sticks.

Mom said we were at a Swarm game and the people on the grass were playing what she called lacrosse. I thought it was fun to watch them play! I even got to meet some nice two and four legged pals there!

Here are some pictures my mom took:

Giving my best smile!

I actually watched the game!

So much fun! :)

Back to the Nursing Home

I got to go back to the nursing home I visited before. Mom thought I was a little more well behaved this time because I didn't try and climb into laps! Hehe!

I got a bunch of compliments on how beautiful the color of my fur is. It just looks plain to me, but I like to be complimented and petted instead of people crossing the room on the other side of the room. This is something that both my Mom and I are having a hard time getting used to. I just want to greet everyone with a great big smile and a kiss but not everyone wants to see me and I'm not sure why. Do I smell bad......nope, Mom gave me a bath. Do I have bad breath......nope, Mom brushed my teeth. I'm confused! Mom says I'm handsome, why doesn't everyone think so?

I'm excited for next week! We are going to a Law School to visit with the students. I like to go to new places. :)

Trying Something New

Mom decided that this time before we go and visit that we would do some training outside the hospital. Brrrrr! It was cold, but I had fun because I got to eat some yummy cheese while I got a refresher on paying attention to Mom.

Overall it was a great visit! I got to meet a very nice boy that was not afraid of me and another that was, but he conquered his fear and petted me. I have to say that could sense his fear and this is something new to me and I was a little unsure myself, but we both managed well.

Mom says we still need to work on fitting in tight spaces to visit people. This is hard for me since I'm a giant! I'll figure it out. Until next time.......

First Lesson Learned

Today we went for our second visit to the hospital. I got to meet some great dog friends named Macy and Natalie. It's fun being the only guy to two girls! ;) Macy was REALLY excited to see me that she was giving her Dad a hard time.

Mom says we had our first lesson learned today. I got a little frightened when a person came running up to me, hovering over me. I even made a noise! Oops! I just didn't understand what was going on; Mom says that they were just really excited to see me. I should feel honored that someone like me would attract such good attention. :) I blame my Mom for not paying enough close attention; she is there to protect me and she messed up. Lesson learned and I'm grateful for it.

We had a successful visit after that and I can't wait to come back!

First Official Visit

Before my first visit to the hospital, Mom thought it would be a good idea to take me for a long walk.....well I ended up hurting my foot! Mom didn't notice till it started to hurt really bad while we were walking around the hospital. :( Thanks Mom!

My first visit was great! Although I was kinda bummed that there weren't any other fellow dogs there to sniff. I loved meeting all types of people; I just wiggled with excitement!

Mom seemed to be a little off, nerves I think, but I was fine. The lady that Mom said we were "shadowing" was nice enough to make sure I had a great first visit by showing me and Mom what to do. Thanks Kathy! :)

Oh I almost forgot! Mom wanted me to mention that the picture of me at the top of the blog is of me on my first visit to the hospital.

Getting Prepared

Mom got it all worked out so that I get to go visit people at the hospital where she works. I even got to go visit with the nice lady who coordinates it all. (Shhh don't tell....but I have to admit that I was a little frightened of being in a new place, with people coming in and out all the time, but I'll get used to it, no worries!)

I was just told that I have to stay home while mom goes for the first visit to the hospital to see how it all works. I'm bummed, but mom says that's the way it is.

I forgot to mention before that I have been preparing to do therapy work for a while now. Mom takes me to classes to make sure that I listen to her and watch her, instead of looking at the other dogs. Man, it is hard work because I just want to go play with the other dogs and the other people! I want to do a good job, since therapy work is going to be my job and I want to show everyone that even though I look rough on the outside, it does not mean that I'm that way on the inside. I'm just a big cuddle bug! :)

My Stuff Came!

Mom came home one night from work, looking really excited. She showed me my therapy dog badge, tag, and bandanna. Yay! That means that I get to go visit people finally! I'm so excited!

So stay tuned to hear about my first real visit! Mom is trying to get it worked out so I get to go to her work at a place she calls the hospital to visit people.

Bissell Contest

Mom just told me that she entered me in some picture contest! She sent in a picture of me to a vacuum company. Huh? I'm confused.....plus I hate the vacuum.....shhhh don't tell anyone that I'm afraid of the vacuum!

I'm supposed to tell everyone to vote for me! PLEASE!

Here are the details:
Go to http://www.bissell.com/
Go to the Most Valuable Pet Photo Contest
You must log in first to be able to vote
Then go to Voting Period 7
And search for me: Mikko
Voting Begins 2/23 and Ends 3/1

Here is the link to my picture:
Mikko
I was giving my best smile for the camera!

While I Wait.....

My mom says that I'm waiting to get my bandanna, tag, and badge to be able to start visiting people. I decided I do not like waiting, so I took my mom for a practice visit!

For our practice visit, we went to a place that my mom called a nursing home. I got to meet a bunch of new dog pals that were also visiting! Mom thought I was getting a little too excited with all the new dogs and people, but I just couldn't hold back, I wanted to take it all in at once! So many new smells to investigate and new people to meet!

I'm not sure why the people that live here at the nursing home look different....yet maybe wiser, but I sure do like they way taste! They have food crumbs all over and they give the best smiles! They are really nice people, that really seemed to enjoy my company. One very nice lady even sang to me! I felt so honored that I gave her an extra big kiss!

I can't wait to go back!

A quick word from Mikko's Mom

Hello! I'm Mikko's Mom!

 

I'm writing this blog through his eyes because I feel that it puts things in a different perspective and it's pretty humorous at times. I want everyone to see that a Pit Bull can be a great therapy dog! I also want everyone to know my experiences good and bad because I'm his handler and he looks to me for everything and I am not perfect so there will be lessons learned. I feel that through those lessons is what makes us better human beings and helps us make better dogs. Cheers, to making better dogs! Or better yet, better Pit Bulls! :) Feel free to ask any questions about Pit Bulls, therapy dog work, training, and etc.

 

I hope you enjoy the journey!