Pet of the Month - In the Limelight! at Cloquet Animal Hospital

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This month's Pet of the Month is Brodie, who belongs to Kris Papas. Brodie came to us in November of 2005 from a breeder in southern Minnesota. I found out about him from the Cairn terrier rescue group in the Twin Cities. Brodie had been sold to a family and then was brought back to the breeder after several months. She then found out he had been kept for up to 16 hours a day in a crate in their garage. When he was returned, he had no muscle tone and his coat was so long it dragged on the ground. In addition to this, he had a severe fear of men. For over a year, Brodie would crawl to my husband on his belly. He still is what trainers call "hand shy", that is, he ducks when anyone tries to pet him on the head. We originally got him as a companion for our other Cairn terrier Pepper. Because Brodie had never lived inside a house, he was a challenge to housebreak. I decided to forge on with obedience training after giving him six months to acclimate into our house and family. It turns out he was a very fast learner, although I had to work very gently and slowly with him. In June 2007, I entered him in his first obedience trial in Rally novice. Rally is good for Brodie because I can talk to him and encourage him as he is working. He got a qualifying score and went on to earn his Rally Novice title in July at the Duluth show. He went on to earn his Junior Earthdog title in September 2007. Earthdog is a field trial for terriers where they navigate a man made tunnel to a rat in a cage. Brodie was so shy we had to teach him to bark at the rat in practice. He turned out to be the most ferocious of the bunch! On November 8, 2008, Brodie earned his third and qualifying score in the Twin Cities and earned his Companion Dog Obedience title from the AKC. People ringside were ooohing and ahhing at the cute little Carin who heeled with his tail up and wagging. He was a happy little guy in the ring. Considering how his life started, this was a huge turn around! Obedience work has given Brodie's smart little terrier mind a work out plus helped us forge a relationship; something he has never had before. He has gone from a throw-away to a beloved member of our family. He is currently known by the AKC as Clearwater's Little Jack CD, RA, JE. Way to go Brodie!

Would you like to Submit your pet to the Cloquet Animal Hospital?

At Cloquet Animal Hospital, we know your pet is special, tell us why! Send a story and a picture of your special friend. Email this information to: mypet@cloquetvet.com

If your pet is chosen, your pet will receive a special gift from Cloquet Animal Hospital.

View Previous Featured Pets Here

[Justice Collins]  [Mac Peterson]  [Pokey]  [Chloe Seabury]  [Brodie Papas]  [Oliver]  [Morgan]  [Rookie]  [Shiloh]  [Burt]  [Molly]  [Bosko]  [G2]  [Feyja]  [Tory]  [Cooper]  [Baby Bear Chloi]