Waggleview® with Heidi Hobert, pet therapy volunteer and registered nurse
A waggleview® reveals the incredible bond between the human and animal connection. These special interviews remind us to mindfully live in the moment, as our pets do every single day. Read our featured waggleview® with Heidi Hobert, pet therapy volunteer, to find her dogs philosophy life.
The Dog Owner: Heidi Hobert, registered nurse; currently works as a school nurse.
Type of Dogs: Teddy, 6 years old bearded collie mix; Tucker, 3 years old boxer / hound mix
Q: Why did you choose these dogs? Both dogs are rescued. Teddy is my first dog ever. We got him when our 2 older children went to college as a playmate for our youngest son who was still home. We rescued Tucker immediately after meeting him. He was being fostered by a coworker.
Q: Do you talk to your dogs? If so, what do you talk about? Yes, I talk to both dogs all the time. Teddy has a good understanding of so many words. We joke that he is a person in a shaggy dog costume. He even understands tenses-While Tucker if he hears the word “walk” in any sentence he gets excited, Teddy understands that I was discussing a walk that we took earlier in that day.
Q: If they could talk to you, what would they say? Probably “stop taking so many photos of us” they both have Instagram accounts that I enjoy posting pictures of them. And, of course “Thank you for rescuing us!
https://www.instagram.com/shaggyteddy/
https://www.instagram.com/tagalong_tucker/
Q: If your dogs had a job or career, what would they be doing? Teddy is a therapy dog. While he enjoys it and is very good at it, he treats it like a job, always looking to me to make sure I know/say he is doing a good job. When he is home, he actually enjoys his alone time and will frequently be found “thinking” on his favorite bench. Teddy is very serious and sensitive and is fearful of certain things like thunder and bumble bees. I think Teddy would make a good professor.
Tucker is our “lover” and is the ultimate lap dog. He loves people, and he is constantly wagging his tail. Right now, his main job is “squirrel patrol” but he is ultimately an athlete.He loves to play ball (and even watch ballgames on TV) in many different ways. He would be a professional ball player.
Q: Where is your dog’s favorite place to go with you? We love to go to the beach. They both love swimming and jumping in the surf. Tucker enjoys playing fetch, while Teddy’s favorite game is “find it” and tug of war.
Q: Who or what do your dogs find the most interesting? Both dogs are attached to me, Teddy especially. Teddy is very food motivated. Loves any vegetable and many fruits. Tucker does not like fruits or vegetables
Q: What does being a responsible dog owner mean to you? Knowing your dog’s traits and being their voice. I usually know when Teddy is getting tired while on a pet therapy visit, He will eye the door and look at me. When he gives me those cues it’s my job to wrap up our visit. Tucker is great with other dogs that he knows, but nervous around new dogs. I know this and provide safe interactions for him so he doesn’t get scared and have a bad experience. We frequently work with a trainer -just like children they need constant reinforcement of their manners!
Q: Do you ever dress up your dogs? If so, as what? On special occasions I have dressed them up, but not usually. They do not like hats or anything like that, but they have bandanas for many occasions.
Q: How have your dogs changed your life? Both dogs keep me busy, active, and happy.
Q: Do your dogs have a philosophy of life? Teddy “99% of things you worry about never happen”” Tucker “Don’t take life too seriously”
Q: I love my dogs because they love me no matter what.
Q: Have you ever made dog treats for your dogs? If so, please share your recipe.
We make these frozen treats: strawberry and banana smoothie “pupscicles”
2 cups strawberries pureed
1-2 bananas mashed
1 ½ cup plain yogurt
2 Tablespoons honey
Mix all ingredients in a mixer or blender
Pour mixture into ice cube trays or rubber molds
Freeze 3-4 hours
WAGGLEVIEW®: These interviews are focused on leaders in business, the community, or at home. My hope in doing this is to present remarkable and respected people in their community with their beloved pets. Who can resist reading about pets and what these people do? This is a platform for people to display their talents; their own business, a new book, a deeply loved passion for a charity or their own job. It also shows their love for their pet!
Thank you Heidi for taking the time to participate in the Waggleview®.
What is your dog’s philosophy of life?
Please comment below.
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