Friday, September 21, 2012

Ripple Effect





 I haven’t written in a while and I apologize! There have been great changes in my life and I’m happily busy.  Among the biggest change is that I became a 6th grade teacher to 79 students. Woohoo!

I always wanted to mix my love for pit bulls with my love for teaching, but I also was very aware of the fact that there are deadlines to meet, goals to be reached and tests to be taken and there’s little time for small talk in the classroom. My dilemma was that
every time I would try to answer a question or relate something they said to my life, I found that I was fumbling to find something that didn’t involve pits or rescue. 
When I realized that it was near impossible to show my students who I was without telling them about my dogs, I found a happy medium.  

For the last three-ish weeks, my students have been greeted each morning by a picture of a foster dog with their daily warm up:


“Bindi says “GOOD MORNING!” Don’t forget to get all your materials prepared for class!”

The students began inquiring about the foster dog’s pasts and what part I played in their lives. For the first week, they were still considered “pit bulls” and their questions centered around, “Have you ever been bitten?” or “Isn’t it scary?” But in the second week, they came to rely on one of my foster dogs greeting them in class and telling them about their daily warm up.  The chorus of inflected “Awwwww!”s made me grin, but what I didn’t know was that it’d get better. Much better.


Third week – no more new foster dogs.   One a day doesn’t go very far when we’ve only had 8 fosters.  So the warm up returned to Microsoft Word 2007, white background, black text – red or purple if I was feeling adventurous.  The kids were visibly disappointed. 

“You don’t have a dog for us today? Well, can you just tell us a story about one of them? Please?”


Woah. Wait a second. Dog? I was right - my students had made the jump. They had done what almost no adult can do.  Change their perception.  They had successfully advanced their thinking from, “Ms. Markwis’s pit bulls” to “Ms. Markwis’s dogs”.  All of my fosters had become just plain ol’ dogs to them – dogs that chew, bark, play and every now and then, drag Ms. Markwis into the greenway swamp (thanks Sage!).


I would have been thrilled for this to be the end of my story.   But it’s not. The final piece of the puzzle happened today and a smile was plastered on my face for the remainder of the day because of it.  During D.E.A.R. time (Drop Everything And Read), a few of my students had not brought a book so I instructed them to read their literature book.  About 5 minutes in, I look up from my book to tell one of my students to stop talking.  He says, while holding up his book, “But Ms. Markwis – there’s a story in here about how pit bulls are bad”.  I felt every head swing in my direction waiting for my response.  Before I could even open my mouth, one of my other students breaks the thick silence and blurts out, “Can we rip out the page? We don’t want people reading that junk.”


Now – I don’t know what the article/story actually said, I need to go back and look at it.   But I realized that I had created a splash in the pool of my students and had formed a ripple effect in which these 70ish students (I’m not naïve enough to believe that I have a 100% success rate) now think of pit bulls for what they really are – dogs.  Even if a tenth of those students say one positive thing to one other person about pit bulls, that’s a definitive step in the right direction.  


And plus, anytime someone jumps on the bandwagon of your passion, it’s a good day.   It certainly WAS a “High Five Friday” today…



Wednesday, August 8, 2012

(Mult)iTasking

Last Monday night, my boyfriend, Trey, took me out for dinner.  He knows that Red Lobster is one of my favorite restaurants, so he decided we would go there.  We had great conversation, ate way too many cheesy garlic biscuits and then mozied on out with our lunches for the next day in to-go bags.   While in bed that night, long after Trey had fallen asleep, my brain was trying to shut down, but in the process was forcing me to remember every single thing that needed to be done in the upcoming days. The television was off (thanks to a particular dog that chewed the remote into a bajillion pieces) and as these thoughts were ticking by, one stood out and began to come to the surface as a real thought – not the dazed, sleepy stream of consciousness: Trey and I had conversation at dinner.  I thought to myself, Why is this in the forefront of my mind? We talk every day;  we live together, for crying out loud.  The harder I looked, the clearer it became. 

As I remembered our dinner, I didn’t hear or see one television while at Red Lobster.  Sure they had them there, but they were at the bar for the patrons coming to watch the Olympics while enjoying a draught beer and there was a large ceiling-high display and many booths in between us and the bar.

I didn’t hear one song on the radio.

I didn’t hear any type of white noise.

I didn’t hear misbehaving, unruly children (this was just luck!
).

Nothing.

The people around us talked softly and the only interruption was when our waitress came over asking us if we needed anything.  There were no distractions. After leaving our quiet, nuisance-free dinner, it was as if my psyche had been cleansed and refreshed.  I stood a little straighter, thought a little clearer and was better equipped to make decisions.

In today’s world, there is stimuli everywhere.  You can’t go anywhere without having an LCD screen 10 feet from your face: waiting rooms, convenient stores, fitting rooms, check-out lines, even at gas stations - there are now televisions on top of the gas pumps! I presume this is to resolve the very real problem of the 1.5 minutes of boredom a person may have while pumping gas.  There is rarely a minute of life that goes by where there is not some sort of music, advertising, talking, humming, pinging, dinging or donging to alert your brain to something other than your thoughts or your family.   How many times does a smart phone alert you to something in a 10 minute period? How many times does an ad come on in the middle of your “background music” Pandora station, breaking any type of concentration you might have?  This world is out.of.control with its’ constant “look at me” marketing campaigns to attempt to make everything easier.  Everything except thinking.





As my brain took off full speed running with this thought, I realized that it starts as young as infancy.  It would be hard to find a baby these days that goes to sleep without something running – a Sleep Sheep sound machine, an iPhone lullaby station, a fan, the sound of rushing water, etc.  And while they are awake – they are ambushed by the overstimulation of Nintendo DSes, televisions, radios, laptops, iPads, iPods, iPhones and anything else that begins with i. There is so much going on in our environment at any given moment, that it makes it very difficult for us to think about one thing for an extended moment and try to work through or solve a problem.

But you say, “But I’m really good at multitasking!” or “I work better when I have white noise!” Yes, we can multitask – kind of.  It’s been found that doing more than one thing at once, even just listening to something else, limits the quality of said tasks.  In an article from a Kansas State newspaper, he sums up that multitasking isn’t really multitasking. 

“For one, it is worth noting that the human brain doesn't literally multitask. Neuroscientist Jordan Grafman was quoted by Claudia Wallis in a March 27, 2006, Time article titled, "The Multitasking Generation," saying, "You're doing more than one thing, but you're ordering them and deciding which one to do at any one time." 
The human brain is analogous to a computer processor. Computers don't run multiple operations at once, even though we might have Word, Firefox and iTunes running at the same time. Instead, they jump between tasks thousands of times per second, and we can't quite keep up, so it seems like they are doing many things at once.
Our brains work in much the same way. We don't truly keep track of multiple activities at once; we jump back and forth between tasks and later congratulate ourselves for having nigh-omnipotent multitasking powers.”


These thoughts led me thinking about my teaching of children, which naturally led me to thoughts about training dogs (because they are so very close!).  I realized that I am totally, 100% guilty of setting up distractions for dogs without even realizing it, particularly new dogs that come in to our home. Lights switching on and off, televisions on in the bedroom and living room, phones alerting us to Facebook messages, emails or texts, the dishwasher and laundry beeping when finished, iTunes on shuffle….and this is all without children in the house adding to the chaos.  What has become “everyday” noise is really a whole lot of extra, completely unnecessary sound overload.

It can take up to 60 seconds for a dog’s brain to process a word that comes out of your mouth and the action associated with it.  After teaching a dog to ‘sit’, wait a few minutes and then tell your dog to “sit” again.  Do not repeat the command.  Wait a full 60 seconds – I’ve tested this and believe me 60 seconds is a long time to look at a dog standing in front of you – and if you’ve properly taught the command, you will watch their brains slowly process the command and then perform the action. Amazing, huh?

If, within that 60 seconds, the television is blaring, a child walked by with a Gameboy and your phone begins to ring, do you think that the dog will ever perform the command? No way José.  Their brain has already begun to follow the stimuli that it is absorbing from the environment.

Remember that our brains are simple tools, capable of complex things. So are dogs. 
And both perform best when focused on one task at a time.

So, turn off the distractions every now and then and focus on what’s important: yourself and your family.  What’s the sound you hear when the power goes out? It’s total revival of your spirit.


A Tail of Two Pitties

It’s no secret that dogs create strong bonds. It’s also no secret that these bonds can withstand hell or high water because of a dog’s natural ability to live in the moment and love above all. This can be seen in cruelty cases every day, especially in dog fighting situations. Humans will have used, abused, criticized, taunted, teased, beat and tortured an animal, and that animal still wants to please humans, craving love so much that they are able to wake up each day expecting pain, hoping for affection. 


All too often, when dogs land in the shelter, they have forged a strong bond with an animal brought in with them.  Unfortunately, these dogs usually have one of two outcomes.  They are either left to face the shelter life together and often look terrified, huddled to the only safe thing they know, or they are separated – either by adoption or more realistically, killed for space, sickness or temperament.   Rarely, heartbreakingly, do these two attached, bonded creatures get to live out the rest of their lives together.  



Two pit bulls that I know began their homeless journey young in life.  They may have been born homeless or maybe they found themselves in that scary situation, but either way, they were a pair: like peanut butter and jelly.  Whether it was helping each other find food to stave off hunger, cuddling with one another in the cold or sharing the shady spots in the heat, they were one.



Then, they landed in the shelter. And suddenly, they were not one anymore. They were two separate dogs that were most likely going to be split apart.  Not only do people rarely adopt pit bulls that have no known history, but to adopt two? Highly unlikely.
Amazingly, after what would have probably been a terrible ending in an animal shelter, an amazing foster agreed to take in not only one, but BOTH pit bulls.  These two, even with their unstable beginning, were pure gems; great with other animals and incredibly loving to everyone they saw.  Carolina Care Bullies volunteer, Meghan Pragel, continues their story:


"How do you put into words the story of the two dogs that have changed your life? I read this quote the other day, "You have not lived until you have done something for someone who can never repay you" and I may have adopted Wally and Ellie but sometimes, I feel like they have done way more for me than I have ever done for them.
In my opinion, a home always seemed full of love when there were dogs in it. I started to look online for a dog to adopt in early 2011; I went through PetFinder many times and though a few dogs stood out to me, I couldn’t decide. I had a co-worker, Chad, who volunteered for a Charlotte-based rescue called Family Addition Dog Rescue, help me with my decision.  He told me about a dog named Wally that was available for adoption and he was sure I would adore him.  I went online to look at his picture and couldn’t help but fall in love with the big-eared boy that I saw on my computer screen. I emailed the rescue about meeting him and I set up a time with their president, Tanya Hill, to come meet him. I went with my boyfriend, Gabe, to one of the adoption events in Charlotte. We walked up to the front of the store and I could pick out Wally immediately.  While we were waiting to talk to Tanya, a dog named Ellie May walked up, sat down next to Gabe and wouldn’t budge.  Ellie turned out to be Wally’s sister. They were found as strays together, then fostered together. Gabe fell in love with Ellie.  I fell in love with Wally.  As soon as each of us met the other, we decided with very little discussion that we needed to adopt them both.  Homeless together, fostered together, adopted together.  We filled out applications and on February 19, 2011, they became our dogs, forever. This date will go down as one of the best days of Gabe and I’s life.

That night I went out to get us dinner and five minutes into my car ride, I got a phone call from Gabe, “Wally just peed all over the bed!”  That was the first laugh that Wally gave me and he keeps me laughing every day. Wally is a sweet boy who loves to snuggle but also loves to play. His playful antics keep both Gabe and I, as well as house guests, entertained. He loves tennis balls, fleece blankets, and watching squirrels. Ellie May is our shy girl. When we first got her, she was very anxious and skiddish. She was afraid of many things such as the air conditioner vents (AKA the air monster) and thunderstorms.  Can you imagine how scared she would have been if she had been separated from her best friend and protector, Wally?  As time went on, Ellie became more comfortable with our home and came out of her shell. Today, she still is afraid of thunderstorms (but we have recently purchased a Thundershirt that works wonders!) and thinks that the air monster follows her wherever she goes, but she has become a stable and wonderful companion.  She is our independent girl now, loving our attention and cuddling and then spending “Ellie time” in her bed. Both dogs were unsure of car rides at first, but now they both love them!  An amazing day for us was the day that Ellie finally stuck her head out the window on a car ride; our anxious little girl was becoming less and less afraid of the world. 
Watching them together is one of the most wonderful things to observe. When it thunders or when Ellie isn’t feeling well, Wally will lie next to her, not moving until she does. They are the best of friends and hate if they are ever without the other.  They are two peas in a pod, and I am so happy that we were able to keep them together because I can’t imagine them going into separate homes. They were meant to always be together, no matter what life threw their way.
I cannot explain my love for these two dogs. We treat Wally and Ellie as if they were our children. Seeing them change and grow makes us smile and watching them go from thinking we were strangers to following us around the house like shadows makes us proud. We do all we can to make their lives the absolute best it can be, because Wally and Ellie will never know what they’ve done for us and how much they’ve greatly impacted the quality of our lives."


Wally (L) and Ellie (R) waiting patiently to get out of the car

Ellie (L) and Wally (R)

Wally

Ellie



Like I said, peanut butter and jelly.  Except now, being spoiled pups, I'm sure they don't just act like it, they probably get to eat it, too.


Adopt a homeless pet!!



Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Tucker: The Day I Let You Go

Dear Tucker,

I let you go today. 



I hope you wake up tomorrow and look forward to all the good days ahead in your new life, and think fondly of the ones I gave you in the past.

I want you to know that it’s because I love you so very much that I found you a wonderful home to live out the rest of your life. You see, just like you did, another dog needs me now.

We spent our time making sure to love you, guide you, support you and in doing all that, allowed you to truly blossom. And guess what, buddy? You’re whole now. You’re no longer broken, scared, confused, untrusting or lonely. You have grown into a wonderfully goofy, playful, sock-stealer. You learned how to cuddle like a champ and even though your zoomies scared our kitties, they miss you already, too. We all do.


Tucker reflecting (or maybe scoping out
some ducks) during our last walk together.


You were justified in your feelings
As you walked into our house
Tail between your legs
Silently huddled by the couch

Your life had been chaotic
Scary and unsettling at best
There was no light in your eyes
As I tucked you in to rest

But hours turned into days
You began to open up your shell
Your tail wagged, your tongue hung out
With each kiss and hug you felt

Your misbehavior charmed me
I knew then that you were healing
The only thing you didn’t know
 Was how your absence would have me reeling

As my tear drop landed on your big, brown head
You turned to me, quiet and steady
Your eyes were bright, your heart was whole
I knew that you were ready

It’s time for you to go now
I’d have it no other way
Here’s your new collar and tag
Maybe I’ll see you again someday

To hold you briefly, love from afar
The greatest gift I can bestow,
For now I have more dogs to save
After the day I let you go.






We love you Tucker.
Good luck in your new life!!
((Try not to steal too many socks!))




Friday, May 25, 2012

Dear Mama



I’m not sure where you went,
or why he took you away.
But I need you here to hug me
and tell me it's okay.





This place grows cold and dark at night,
I’m always so alone.
I can’ t block out the whimpers
of dogs dreaming of a home.


They give me food and water here;
It’s better than the street.
But sitting here in this jail,
I can’t bring myself to eat.


Across the way, I see a pup,
no bigger than myself.
His eyes have already given up
and so has everyone else.


When humans come to see me,
I show I’m playful, loyal, smart.
But after the umpteenth time,
it’s hard to play the part.


I’ve been here a few days now,
my pup friend is long gone.
Soon he’ll come to get me too,
though I’m scared, I won’t let on.


Last night I dreamt of simple things;
a bed, a toy, a treat.
But the man is coming to get me now,
So here goes my final greet.


Mama, I’ll hold my head high
as he opens up my door.
My tail is slightly wagging 
‘cause I’m shaking to the core.


We walk the hallway and I can smell
the putrid scent of fear.
I start to struggle; I thought I was ready;
Please get me out of here!


They strap my snout and hold me down
and Mama, this isn’t love.
I’d rather sleep here my whole life
than meet with God above.


Please, someone, send a savior.
I have so much more to do.
As they get the poison ready,
I realize I hadn’t had a clue.


This isn’t about crowding,
it’s all about my breed.
They say I’ll do bad things
and judge by another’s deed.


These people think we’re different,
are trying to make us obsolete.
But in a world of rainbows,
can’t discrimination be beat?


I’m in my last few seconds now,
my two months of life were great.
A hard life is all I knew,
but it must’ve been my fate.


I close my eyes, but soon I feel
The murder come to a stop.
The phone says I have a “foster”
and I hear the needle drop.


They reluctantly release my muzzle;
I wiggle my body free.
Was my prayer really heard?
Did someone finally come for me?


A lady exuding confidence
plows through the doors of steel.
She scoops me up, kisses my head
and all my pain is healed.


We  walk the same long hallway
and I see my kennel friends,
I hope the man doesn’t come for them;
that they meet a different end.


My tongue hangs out as we drive away,
her gentle hand on my head.
I think about you, Mama, 
And my heart sinks like lead.


You see, my Mama wasn’t like me -
she didn’t get a foster.
And after a few days at the shelter,
her life is what it cost her.


So thank you, Mama, from above.
You must have had some pull,
to send an angel in the last hour,
For me, 
your little pit bull.






Written by: Shana Markwis 2012