As a trainer, many people and their favorite fur-pawed partners have come and gone through my life. All were loved and appreciated, but Zavi, a furry bundle of Cavapoo, left a very deep paw print on my heart.
Many years ago, I, a rookie dog trainer, took a job at a Pet Smart in Wayne, NJ. While very well trained in teaching dogs to sit, down, stay, take it, leave it, go to your place, get your furry butt over here, and by the way, if you are on a leash, you are with me ……….
Well-versed in the technicals, Zavi and his people, Barbara and Bruce, brought me into the most beautiful realm of Relationship-Based Training.
You see, Barbara and Bruce had not so long ago lost their previous love pup to a tragic accident while on vacation. They were determined this would never happen again on their watch with Zavi. He became their second-chance victory pup.
Nudged to always think out of the box, we worked on Zavi’s social skills, diet, supplements, and behavior skills, but least of all, how to be his best self—the best Self, by the way, he chronically excelled at.
Before we knew it, Zavi was the Pied Piper of what was later dubbed the Corrado’s (location) New Leash on Life Mindful Dog Training “Brat Pack” With his buddy Bentley, my love dog, Enzo, Snoopy, Gimlet, Mookie, Gibson and Max.
They took every class I offered and forced me into training levels I had never taught before. We all learned together.
Zavi went on to be the Social Coordinator of the Brat Pack, the Heart and Soul of his family, and a constant reminder to me to never stop listening to those seeking to manifest their dog’s fullest potential.
Thank you, Barbara, Bruce, and Zavi, who has just crossed the Rainbow Bridge with his own set of flying colors, for including me on a much-cherished journey.