Pawsibilities Unleashed

Cindy Barker from Frankfort, Kentucky never imagined she would have not only one dog, but THREE amazing K-9s that take their jobs very seriously. Two “pound puppies” from birth, Bella and Bruiser (and Brea makes 3) reside now on a farm with other animals that Cindy’s kind heart couldn’t turn away. But these two guys were special.

With the help of Liz Norris, and her accomplished training methods, Bruiser, the shy little St. Bernard mix pup became a polite, personable, little dog that now loves every human he meets.

Bella on the other hand is a rambunctious 2-1/2 year old Jack Russell mix who has already participated in many activities including, The K-9 & Kid Safety program, Hospital Therapy programs and nursing home visits where she interacts with everyone.

Liz approached Cindy several months ago and encouraged her to train Bella and Bruiser for the K-9 & Kid Reading Program. Cindy wasn’t sure of what it all entailed but knew these two special dogs made a great team and had a lot to give. After consideration and training, Cindy, Bella and Bruiser were ready to give it a shot.

Two months ago the call came in and the K-9 team  was ready to go to work! A 7-1/2-year-old little boy who hates to read needed help. After hearing about the program, his mother was able to get in touch with a Pawsibilities Unleashed Chapter Coordinator and a meeting was arranged. Cindy’s “B” Team was a hit. Bruiser’s laid-back attitude and  friendly disposition was all the little boy needed to recharge his interest in reading. Bella’s tricks and fun, party, playful personality was used to reward the young man for a job well done. The improvement with the little student has been nothing short of amazing.

As for Bella and Bruiser: the team continues to enjoy bringing more smiles to other kid’s faces each week than they could ever imagine. The dogs love having a job to do and Cindy is very happy she has made the decision to become part of this fantastic organization.

BREA

(B-rea "l" Sassy)

Brea is a Rottweiler/Heeler mix. Her original name was Pearl. She was a guest at LIFE House.

Brea’s life started out really bad. She was the runt out of a litter of 5 pups. Someone had dumped them on the side of the road in Owen County when they were only 7 weeks old and left them. A good samaritan found them and brought them to LIFE House, where I volunteer once a week. Everyone knows that puppies are wonderful. I would give her extra playtime since she was smaller and looked so fragile, but the main thing was she was so full of love to give. Anyone that looks at her can see that in her eyes.

One day while at training class with my other 2 therapy dogs, I thought that I would just get her out. I felt that she needed to have fresh air out of the kennel for a while. Well, needless to say that is all that it took for me. I took her home, mind you just to foster her until she found her forever home. I kept her for several weeks before I admitted to myself that I wanted to adopt her. Of course, if you ask my husband he will tell you that he KNEW from the start that she wasn’t going anywhere.

Like I mentioned before her original name was Pearl. I talked with others in class about names and BREA stuck. Due to the fact that I already have 2 other therapy dogs with names starting with “B”, she needed a “B” name also. I had decided to make her into a therapy dog as well . What is one more, right? So now the “B” Team consists of 3 wonderful dogs.

At 4 ½ months, Brea has already been to schools and to assisted living homes. She loves it and everyone there.

She is a very loving happy girl. She is so full of life and energy. Brea helps keep my other dogs full of life and exercises them regularly. Brea has earned her CGC and Therapy Dog titles.