From time to time, people tell me, “lighten up, it’s just a dog,” or, “that’s a lot of money for just a dog.” They don’t understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or the costs involved for “just a dog.”
Some of my proudest moments have come about with “just a dog.” Many hours have passed and my only company was “just a dog,” but I did not once feel slighted.
Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by “just a dog,” and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of “just a dog” gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.
If you, too, think it’s “just a dog,” then you will probably understand phases like “just a friend,” “just a sunrise,” or “just a promise.” “Just a dog” brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy. “Just a dog” brings out the compassion and patience that make me a better person.
Because of “just a dog” I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future. So for me and folks
Wendy Boehme
like me, it’s not “just a dog” but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment.
“Just a dog” brings out what’s good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.
I hope that someday they can understand that it’s not “just a dog” but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being “just a human.”
So the next time you hear the phrase “just a dog.” just smile, because they “just don’t understand.”
We recognize accomplishments of Franklin dogs, especially in the area of service to the community, and also work with owners interested in using their dogs to reach out to others.
Franklin K9 Take 1st and 2nd in National Event!
Franklin PD Canines Sting and Titan let 27 challengers know that they were not be outdone - not in their house! And they did it convincingly! Working with their human teammates, our Franklin police dogs placed first and second overall, besting 27 challengers and winning 14 of 28 awards.
Franklin played host to the 2009 United States Police Canine Association Competition Thursday and Friday, May 14-15, in events including canine agility, obedience, suspect search and criminal apprehension.
“While very proud of their performance, I am not at all surprised,” said Chief Jackie Moore. “The Franklin Police Department stives for excellence in every area. The fact that our two competing officer/canine teams walked away with 50% of this year’s honors is evidence of just that.”
Along with winning first overall, Sgt. Aaron Compton and Sting won first in agility and total search; second in obedience, article search and criminal apprehension; and third in tracking. Having earned the highest combined obedience and criminal apprehension scores, Sgt. Compton and Sting also received the Sgt. Jimmy D. Anderson Memorial Award.
Officer Charlie Richards and Titan showed that our Franklin team has depth as well as quality. They took first in obedience and tracking; second place in total search; and third place in article search and box search.
And next year…..be on notice! Franklin’s two newest K9 Officers and their partners, Brad Dorman (Nash) and Brett Spivy (Axel) will join the fray!
Three join the ranks of our Franklin Dogs in Blue
The ranks of Franklin dog’s finest has grown with the addition of three “dogs in blue.”
Graduation ceremonies for Franklin Police Officers Brett Spivy and Brad Dorman and Williamson County Sheriff’s Deputy Mike Grandy and their respective canine partners (Axel, Nash and Lexer) were held recently at Franklin Police Department.
Fellow officers and family members celebrated the completion of 20 weeks of intensive training for the officer and their new canine chargers.
The Franklin PD canine program is overseen by Sergeant Aaron Compton. “These officers should be commended for their dedication and hard work. Being a K9 Officer is one of the most demanding assignments in the department; it’s also one of the most rewarding,” says Sergeant Compton.
Nash and Axel join Sting (with Sergeant Compton) and Titan (with Officer Charlie Richards) in Franklin’s K9 program. It’s the handsome muzzles of Sting and Titan that appear with their human partners on trading cards distributed at community appearances.
Franklin Chief Jackie Moore says, “A strong K9 program is a vital component to the success of this agency. The success that we have had utilizing highly-trained dogs and handlers to help get drugs and dangerous criminals off of our streets is immeasurable.”
Deputy Grandy’s partner, Lexer, joins two other canines at the Williamson County Sheriff’s Department. Sheriff Jeff Long says, “I particularly appreciate the opportunity we have had to work so closely with the Franklin Police Department in the training of Deputy Grandy and Lexer.”
Would-be criminals should beware! Three super Franklin Dogs started patrolling their beats on Friday, April 17.
Thanks to photographer Jen Cook for supplying images. Check out:
FD: What is the basic difference between puppy, adult and senior dog food formulas?
Kelsey: Puppy foods offer more protein and calcium for proper growth. For all formulas always make sure they are complete and balanced formulas with a meat product at the top of the ingredients list. It is also a good idea to occasionally change protein sources within the same brand to keep your dog from developing an allergy. Senior foods are lower calorie, high fiber formulas for weight conditions or constipation.
FD: What is the latest trend in dog foods, and what’s your opinion of it?
Kelsey: The latest trend in dog foods that I have noticed is the growing demand for wildlife dog foods. It is a great option for many dogs with allergies or for finicky eaters. We have some sample bags to offer anyone that thinks this may be an option for them.
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Kelsey is the feed specialist at Franklin Kubota where she has worked alongside many pet food producers, taking in all the information she could, to pass on to customers. Growing up on a farm, she gained experience and knowledge feeding and caring for numerous types of animals. She graduated from The University of Tennessee at Martin with an Agriculture Business degree. She strives to help people have a happy healthy pet and friend.
With the goal of helping dog owners fully enjoy their dog, we want to tap the knowledge of experts in our city. Look at the side menu to select a category of interest under “Ask a Franklin Dog Expert.”
FD: How do I know what kind of brush to use on my dog?
Candi: It is best to use a hard bristle slicker brush and a small-to-medium-toothed comb. Slicker brushes are available in various sizes to accommodate all breeds. The slicker brush is used to brush your dog’s coat, release any undercoat, and remove any small mats or tangles. After you have brushed, use the comb to go back over the coat to ensure that all the undercoat and tangles have been brushed out, especially before and after a bath.
FD: Is there a danger in washing my dog too often?
Candi: If a dog is bathed too often it may cause the skin to dry out. If the skin becomes too dry, your dog may get flaky skin or start scratching often which could result in hot spots or other skin conditions. I recommend bathing your dog once a month for a healthy coat. If you feel your dog needs to be bathed more often, then try bathing him (or her) every other week and add a conditioner along with the bath to help moisturize the skin.
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Candi is a certified professional groomer, working out of Franklin Kennels. She graduated from The Nash Academy of Animal Arts of Lexington, Ky.
With the goal of helping dog owners fully enjoy their dog, we want to draw on the knowledge of experts in our city. Look at the side menu to select a category of interest under “Ask a Franklin Dog Expert.”
