Find out what's on your dog's mind at Naperville panel discussion
That perplexed look perfected by mystified canines everywhere - the tilted head, the empty stare, the raised ears - may echo how you feel about your four-legged friend's unexplainable behavior. Something just doesn't add up.
To help improve communication between humans and their furry best friends, a pack of canine experts will field questions in "Why Does My Dog Do That?" a panel discussion Saturday at Edward Hospital.
Presented by the Edward Foundation and the hospital's Animal-Assisted Therapy program, the discussion is a fundraiser for the therapy program.
For seven years, animal-assisted therapy teams have brought trained dogs into hospital rooms to spread cheer and compassion. The program currently includes more than 80 dog-handler teams and about 40 dog breeds.
Patty Kaplan is the program's director.
"One of my handlers saw Cesar Millan. He's the king dog whisperer these days, nationally recognized," she said. "He answered basic dog questions for people in the audience. It was sold out."
The experience sparked the idea of bringing a cadre of Millan-style animal experts to the Naperville community.
John Ciribassi, who has been a guest on WGN's "Pet Central" with Steve Dale, is a veterinarian board certified in behaviorism who maintains practices in Carol Stream and Elmhurst.
He said he often encounters dog owners with questions about aggressive behavior, separation anxiety, thunderstorm phobias and compulsive disorders. As a panelist, he said, he'll be happy to tackle those issues along with questions about cats.
Dog trainer and panelist Sue Jakobs, who owns the Midwest Canine Academy, has worked with animal-assisted therapy teams in several Chicago area hospitals, including those at Edward Hospital.
Jakobs said therapy dogs need a high level of training before they're ready to enter patients' rooms, a level that can be achieved only with extra effort from pet owners. She said she appreciates the owners' commitment to the program.
"It's really nice to have people who are really interested, to go the extra mile," she said. "We're taking this to the next level. There are some dogs that are really gifted at therapy dog work."
Kaplan said the panel also will include Karen Shaw Becker, a veterinarian who's been featured on the Animal Planet network and who runs the Natural Pet Animal Hospital in Bourbonnais. Panelist Elizabeth "The Pet Lady" Dunkle owns a Naperville-based pet-care company.
Pet supply and service vendors will be available at the education center from noon to 4 p.m., Kaplan said.
<p class="factboxheadblack">"Why Does My Dog Do That?"</p> <p class="News"><b>Who:</b> Sponsored by Edward Hospital's Animal-Assisted Therapy program and Edward Foundation</p> <p class="News"><b>When:</b> Panel discussion from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24; vendor displays from noon to 4 p.m. </p> <p class="News"><b>Where: </b>Auditorium of the Education Center on the Edward Hospital campus, 801 S. Washington St., Naperville</p> <p class="News"><b>Tickets:</b> $25, available online</p> <p class="News"><b>Info:</b> (630) 527-3000 or <a href="http://www.edward.org" target="new">edward.org</a></p>