Remember not to distract or pet service dogs since they are on the job
We all learn something on our daily travels. One thing I learned during my holiday shopping is that not everyone is aware that a dog in service should not be distracted with a pat or verbal greeting. The rule is that if the service dog is on leash, he is in service and concentrating on his duties.
I am sure we all have witnessed a person rushing up to greet a service dog with a gentle pat without thinking. It could be you. Next time you are tempted, ask first, even if he is off leash. In many cases the dog could be in the beginning stages as a service dog, so help his handler carry on.
This reminder came up when I met a handler and service dog while shopping in Long Grove's Country House. The picture was taken by John Kopecky, shop owner and a fellow Lion of Long Grove Lions Club, who learned that Adria Hanus received Honey Bee through the McHenry Lions Club.
New classes: Paws-R-Us K9s will have a Pre-Beginner (puppy kindergarten) class starting Tuesday, Jan. 15, at 7 p.m. and a Beginner (on leash) class starting at 8 p.m. Call Toni at (847) 695-5043. Wednesday night Rally classes continue to welcome drop-ins. Novice Rally and off-leash Beginners meet at 7 p.m., Advanced Rally at 8 p.m. and Excellent Rally at 9 p.m. For these call Penny at (847) 882-5342. The classes meet at 503 Sundown, Elgin.
Puppy class for puppies less than 4 months of age are held in South Barrington. For these call Val at (847) 382-3217.
Entry deadline: Illini German Shepherd Dog Club's Wednesday Jan. 16 deadline is for the club's conformation show to be held Feb. 1 at For Your Canine, 4233 United Parkway, Schiller Park. The entry fee is $25 payable to the club and sent with the entry to Valerie Herrington, Show Secretary, 7824 Marquette Drive N, Tinley Park, IL 60477-4564.
• Shoreline German Shepherd Dog Club has the same deadline for its Feb. 2 and 3 shows at the same location. The entry fee is $25 plus $15 for second entry of the same dog. These go to Pat Golambos, Show Secretary, 790 Cochise St., Hoffman Estates, IL 60169-1832.
• Chicagoland Shetland Sheepdog Club will have the same deadline for its shows on Feb. 2 and 3. They will be held at BC Dog Training, 920 Turret Court, Mundelein, and will include conformation, junior showmanship and obedience. Entry fees are $24 plus $14.50 for second entry of same dog and sent with entries to Karen Schaubel, Show Secretary, 1042 Graceland Ave., Des Plaines, IL 60016-6512. Rally is also included for which the entry is also $24 plus $14 for a second entry of same dog. These should be sent to Peggy Brach, 22W002 Byron Ave., Addison, IL 60101. Rally entries have a deadline of noon Jan. 16.
Correctional:ŒŒThe German Shepherd Dog Training Club of Chicago will hold its first 2008 Correctional Clinic Jan. 25 in the clubhouse at 4925 County Farm Road, Hanover Park. Registration starts at 6:30 p.m. and judging at 7 p.m. The pre-entry fee is $5 per dog plus $3 for an additional entry of the same dog. E-mail and gate entries are $6 plus $4. Send pre-entries with fees payable to the club to Teri Childers, 894 Somerset Drive, Carol Stream, IL 60188. They must be received by Wednesday before the match. E-mail stormsmom@speakeasy.net or stormsmom1@comcast.net.
New puppy: In addition to all the new procedures for that new puppy, get him accustomed to being picked up so as he grows older he won't fight it. To be sure you are using the correct technique, ask your veterinarian. Yes, there is a right and a wrong way.