**************************************

 

Hello, dog-loving world.

 

I had the pleasure of working with Katenna Jones who provides extremely reasonably-priced consultation services for those who want to adopt from local shelters. Initially, I had wanted to pursue adoption with an ultra-handsome dane mix who seemed like he would be workable. I am SO glad I had Katenna come to the shelter. I had gone to the shelter by myself the first visit, and the dog had been fine with me. It turns out it was primarily because I had treats with me, did not have my other dog with me, and I was of use to him because I took him on a long walk. With other folks, he had some agression issues. When I met the dog for the second time with Katenna along, she was able to point out to me that the dog's behavior indicated that he would be a long-term safety risk, as he did not display any strong human bonding behaviors. In addition, when he rushed at her, teeth bared, through the fence, there was no fear or hesitation in his attack behavior. Katenna explained that it would be POSSIBLE to live with such a dog, but that strict protocols would have to be developed and followed to keep everyone safe. Had I taken the dog home without Katenna's assessment and advice, I know I would have been very unhappy since we like to take our dogs everywhere with us when possible.

 

  So - on to the next candidate, suggested by the dog officer. I had brought our existing dog along with me to test compatibility (but of course had not subjected him to the dane mix). The dog officer walked the candidate, I walked my dog, and Katenna provided a running commentary on the dogs' behavior. Our existing dog is a hound who need his personal space, and he communicates this by growling half-heartedly and snapping the air in front of most new dogs' face. He doesn't really mean anything by it, but with reactive dogs he gets himself into trouble before he has a chance to make friends. The adoption candidate, an un-neutered Am. Bulldog mix, retracted his head a bit and actually looked away from our dog. Katenna was able to explain that this was an excellent indicator that the dog was non-confrontational. She also noted that when he peed, it was either in squat position or with his leg modestly raised, whereas a high-alpha, competitive/agressive personality dog tends to try to pee as high as they can. Although I have had dogs for 30 years I would not have recognized some of these fine points of animal behavior.

 

We now have the new dog, christened Duncan by my husband, at home, and he is a real peach. He has been given an 'A++' rating by our vet and their office staff, is slowly winning over our existing dog who in reality was very lonely after losing his longtime packmate, and has been friendly to everyone he has met. THANK YOU KATENNA for helping us to find the really right match for our household. I hope that more people make the investment in engaging a professional to assess potential adoptees. It can be the difference between success and failure in forming a human/dog pack!

 

Denise Konicek

Winchester MA

 

 

********************************

 

We worked on resource guarding with my golden retriever. The best part of our experience?? Katenna's honesty from the minute we met throughout our work with us. Her unconditional support and compassion, her BELIEF that things could be better if we gave 100% - without promising any short-term miracle cures. Her flexibility, her knowledge, skills, and ability to make them user-friendly and individually tailored to our (and our dog's) needs. Her encouragement and emthusiasm and sheer joy for the successes (as small as they were at times), and her openness to our suggestions. She doesn't scold us or make us feel like we are bad parents. She is 150% supportive - ALWAYS!

 

Cheryl Freeman

 

 

*******************************

 

We worked on fearful aggression, leash reactivity and general mayham with my American Bulldog! Crumpet is a much better dog and I am her boss now, instead of vice versa. Fearful aggression is greatly dimiished.

 

Ginger

Riverside RI

 

 

*******************************

 

We worked on dog on dog aggression and extreme behavior issues with my pit bull/boxer. My dog has a LOT of issues and Katenna's patience with ME and my dog was incredible!! Katenna is always available for questions even when our sessions were over. I would recommend Katenna to EVERYONE!

 

Connie Bolduc

Clay RI

 

 

*******************************

 

We worked on severe fights between our two mastiffs. Not only did I receive excellent care, but feel as though I have made a friend in this difficult process. AND she has found a perfect family member to join us! The worst part about my experience was placing my dog in a new home. This was an emotional and difficult decision, but in my heart, I know it was the best thing I could do for my pets. Katenna was always helpful and accomodating. Now that I know how to "speak dog" I understand what is goes on in their heads and can better deal with situations.

 

Susan

North Providence, RI

 

 

*******************************

 

I recently took Henry to the vet for the first time since I've been working with Katenna. The vet was simply amazed at what a different dog Henry has become. He asked for Katenna's contact information for his clients! Katenna is responsive, helpful, and always available over email, the phone, or in person. She takes a multi-pronged approach: through medication, training me to help Henry, and desensitizing Henry - I now have a new dog I can happily live with. I am so grateful for her care and compassion and intelligence. She is simply the best.

 

Loraine

Pawtucket RI

 

 

*******************************

 

Great specialist! Informative and patient!

 

*******************************

 

You were very helpful in a difficult time. We appreciated your honesty and your willingness to stay in touch by giving us your number while you were away on vacation.

 

*******************************

 

Katenna was very helpful in confirming that we had a "bad seed" kind of dog and I was relieved to hear tht his behavior was not a result of our handling of him. Although I was very sad that he really couldn't be helped and we had to euthanize him, she helped me make a very difficult decision.

 

*******************************

 

Katenna really knows her stuff! She put her finger on the problem immediately!

 

Michelle

 

*******************************

 

We adopted Bosco as a puppy. His issues of trust are still there, but he is better. We are aware of his issues so we watch him around other people and know his behavior is out of fear only. We love him more and more every day. We might have given up the best dog in the world if it wasn't for Katenna! Thank you!

 

Lynn

 

 

*******************************

 

Katenna gave me hope!

 

Lisa

 

*******************************

 

Everything was helpful and Katenna is a real professional. She shoed how caring she is when it comes to people and animals. I can't thank her enough for all of her help and concern. Fantasia is going MUCH better and she only has an accident once in a while!

 

Debra