Testimonial

Hello Janice & all the SCBR folks,
I wanted to drop you a line to let you know that Chance's obedience
training certificate is in the mail as of today (yay!!). We just completed an intensive three-day training retreat (21 hours of training) with him this past weekend and Oh my heavens, what a difference it has made. As you may or may not know, Chance came to us with some truly massive anxiety and separation issues, and as a partial result of this we had to take him out of the first obedience class we had registered him for, with the Upper Valley Humane Society in Enfield, NH. Unfortunately the format of that class was not right for him, and it just wasn't proving to be beneficial at all, quite the opposite in fact. So we went looking
for another approach. I simply cannot say enough about the trainer we found to work with, a well-known woman who lives and works in northeastern Vermont, named April Frost. She is an animal behaviorist, trainer, and animal
communicator, and honestly teaches animals and people to communicate
better so that training goals can be achieved. The training is based on
trust and respect, and uses loads of positive reinforcement. If any of you remember Chance, you recall that he is on a hefty daily dose of Clomicalm to keep his separation anxiety in check, and to keep him from hurting himself when crated. Despite this medication, he still used to be horribly anxious in general, but especially when put in his crate, drooling and panting profusely, and he had actually gotten out of his crate a few times since living with us (2 months). We had one private consultation with April, and then the workshop this past
weekend. By the end of the weekend, he was eagerly going into the crate
on request, and even NAPPING IN IT. Napping, people. Sleeping in his crate, perfectly happy and relaxed. Previous to this weekend, the crate
terrified him, and he wouldn't even willingly go within 6 feet of it. When he did have to be crated he would have to be physically levered into it. It was awful to see his fear. Needless to say, the change he has made in the course of one weekend brings tears to my eyes. Not to mention all the other things he learned/perfected this past weekend, including come, sit, down, stay, polite greetings, positive games, and unbelievable work with distractions of all kinds. I simply cannot recommend enough, if you are serious about learning to communicate with love and respect with your dog, to help him or her be
the happiest member of your family possible, working with this woman
April Frost. She has helped us work miracles with Chance, and I just
really wanted to let you all know in case there are any other "hard
cases" out there she could help save. This is her website, if you want
more information: http://www.aprilfrost.org.
Anyway, thank you again for helping us find Chance - he continues to
bring joy and love into all our lives, now he is even teaching us about
bravery and how big his heart really is.

 

Refresh Your Spirit
Reconnect With Natures Rhythms

Sept. 5, 6, & 7
at Quimby Country in the Northeast Kingdom

This will be a very special weekend retreat for people who love the peace and serenity of nature and a chance to spend some very special time with their dog(s). A time to relax and just BE. An opportunity for your dog to reconnect with nature at a deep level. Most of the stress humans experience is caused by loosing our connection to mother earth and the naural world. Our canine companions have a stronger connection to the natural world. However, it is usually compromised when they have to live with humans and become subject to an unnatural environment and the stressful life that humans live.

I have contacted the mangager of Quimby Country and reserved the weekend of Sept. 7th –9th for a special retreat for my clients and their dogs.

Quimby Country is a pristine jewel of nature with over 600 acres of boreal forest and lakes. Quimby is located in VT on the Canadian Border. It is like stepping back in time a hundred years. A time when things were simple and not as hectic as life is now. Quimby is not a
resort type of place. There are no spas, pools or hot tubs, room service or TV’s. Just quaint clean cottages with claw foot bath tubs, peace and quiet where you can sit on the porch of your cabin in a rocking chair and just enjoy the beauty of nature that surrounds you.

In September the foliage is starting to change and the birds are migrating. Last year there were flocks of ducks and geese, loons and even an eagle on the lakes. The lakes are some of the clearest I have ever seen. You have the free use of canoes, kyaks, row boats, etc. A beautiful place for you and your dogs to swim, take walks on the trails and just enjoy being with your dog.

You can spend time with other dog lovers sharing experiences and stories about our wonderful canine companions or just do your own thing. Weather permitting we will watch the sun go down at big rock on Averill lake and have an evening campfire. The sunsets on the lake are beautiful.

Meals are included and I can attest to the fact that the food at Quimby is delicious and abundant. The cabins have full kitchen facilities so there are refrigerators for those whose dogs are on raw food diets. All bedding and towels are included so all you need to bring is your dogs bed so they will feel right at home.

The cost of Refresh Your Spirit ~Reconnect with Nature is is only $450 per person for the weekend and includes lodging, all meals, tax and gratuities. Most of the cabins have several bedrooms. If you have friends who would like to attend with their dog(s) and the dogs know each other and get along well together the price will be $425 per person for a shared cabin. *It is not a good idea to mix dogs in the same space that do not already know each other*.

We are very fortunate that Quimby Country is willing to allow our canine companions to share the beauty of this place with us. Please go to this web address to find out for yourself all about Quimby Country.    www.quimbycountry.com

I need to hear back from everyone who wants to attend as soon as possible, because there needs to be a minimum of 15 people in order to get this very reasonable group rate. There are only 20 cabins so make your reservations as soon as possible so you won’t miss out on this “me and my dog” get away.

Please remember that this is a retreat and not a dog training class. This event is for dogs that are friendly and well socialized with other dogs and people.

If your dog does not enjoy the company of other dogs and people you can still come and be with us. There will be plenty of wonderful dog energy for all to share in.

*Reservations and payment for the weekend need to be sent to me by June 1st . *There will be no refunds after July 31st . When I receive your reservation I will send you confirmation, directions and things to bring. I will also need to know if you will require your own cabin or
will be sharing one with others. Also, please let me know when you register if you have any dietary restrictions so that the chef at Quimby can plan meals for you accordingly.

I am already looking forward with great anticipation to being with all
of you at Quimby Country.

For the Registration Form


Animal Visions
April Frost
270 Maple Lane Walden, VT 05873
802-563-3381
afrost@fairpoint.net