Many people have been assisted through the SWCR program. Read what a few have to say.
Make-A-Wish Recipient | Make-A-Wish Letter | Letter from A Client: Veteran / Dog Project
Letter From an International Dog Trainer | Letter From A Client
Madison S.
Make-A-Wish Foundation
Not only can a dog be a man's best friend, but it can be a child's as well. And a dog that would be a friend is just what five-year-old Madison, diagnosed with Batton's Disease, wished for. Madison's disease causes her to make increased trips out of the house to the doctor's office, so she wanted a dog that could keep her company on her outings. But because she specifically wanted a dog that would be able to accompany her everywhere, no ordinary dog would do. Guide Dogs of America generously donated a dog, valued at $13,000, that was being retired from the training program. Madison's new best friend was found — a gorgeous 1-year-old female Golden Retriever named Yasha. Steve Welch & Associates donated their services to train Yasha as a certified companion dog for a young child. Madison immediately fell in love with Yasha (and the feeling is mutual), and they have quickly become lifelong friends. They enjoy going to the park and even the doctor's office together.
Volunteer Wish Grantors: Roxanne Pollack and Romney Snyder.
Romney Snyder
Make-A-Wish Foundation,
Orange County Chapter
June 24, 1999
Steve Welch & Associates K-9 Training
Attention: Steve Welch
VIA FACSIMILE (949) 461-7742
Dear Steve,
First of all, I want to tell you how much of a pleasure it has been speaking with you over the course of the recent weeks. Your generosity has certainly been a blessing as we work to grant Madison’s wish. Just to recap, Madison is a precious 4 year-old girl that has been diagnosed with Batton’s Disease, a degenerative neurological disease. As you know, Madison’s wish is to have a K-9 companion that can be both a friend while at hoe and a comfort during her trips out of the house. We at Make-A-Wish, and Madison’s family, will probably never be able to thank you enough for the vital role that you are playing in making her wish come true.
In order to make this wish as special and memorable as possible for Madison and her family, we will also provide the family with all necessary items to care for the dog. This will include a portable crate, a dog bed, a collar and leashes; food as well as any other miscellaneous items we feel will enhance her wish.
During our conversation this morning you mentioned that you might know someone who would be able to discount or donate a quality crate for Madison. Since Make-A-Wish is a non-profit organization, all discounts and/or donations are greatly appreciated and help us to be able to continue what we do. Make-A-Wish would not exist if not for the generosity shown by individuals such as yourself. As wish granters, we may make a wish happen, but it is people like you that truly add the magic. If you have any questions or would like to discuss any details of this wish, please feel free to contact me at (949) 675-1582.
Romney Snyder
Make-A-Wish Foundation, Orange County Chapter
Robin
Dog Owner / Veterin & Dog Project
Good Morning:
I am sitting here with my 2 VERY well behaved white German shepherds. They are at my feet in a down stay lying next to each other BEHAVING. I am happy to report that both dog (yes even Ricky) ate this morning. It is wonderful to have them back and my house feels normal again. Thank you so much for all that you have done. We will continue to enforce and work them as we know how important the next few weeks are. See you on Sunday!
Georgia called me after (the gal who you wanted me to provide a reference for) we spoke but I did not hear the message until this morning. I will call her today first thing. Have a good day.
Steve if you could email me something more specific on what you are hoping to accomplish with your Veteran/Dog project it would be helpful. My mother is a trainer for the American Red Cross and assists with raising awareness campaigns so maybe she can be helpful.
A million thank yous!
Robin
Stephen
International Dog Trainer
Hi Steve,
How are you sorry for the delayed reply, I really appreciate your intervention and for the information regarding my late Lawyer, well, Steve my absence here in Malaysia for a year sprouted many new self claimed trainers and this also created very dissatisfied clients ,when the word of my return to Malaysia HIT THE STREETS, calls came pouring in and I am really doing well, most of the dogs that came for protection training had undergone training under three to four trainers and they said the dogs are not suitable for protection training, but I trained them and used all this same dogs for my TV interview last week.
Further more my security business is doing well and since my return I have increased to sixty dogs, a monthly income of sixty thousand and I am also going to have a meeting with DHL Asia MD in Singapore for deployment of dogs in their warehouses in Malaysia, they have seventy warehouses all around, I have bought four vehicles since I came back including a Harley Davidson, THE SCREEMING EAGLE.
I am still using your training methods and thanks to you, I talk to my boys all the time about your teaching and screaming. The great Master!
So Steve please keep your word and send me the behavior certificates you promised, someday I hope to do business with you.
Please reply, take care and God Bless you and your business. Send my regards to all.
Thank you.
Bye,
Stephen
Hey Steve,
It's Melissa w/ Murphy - We recently moved to Ventura and miss classes with you! This area really needs a good trainer!
Anyway, I hope this doesn't sound to redundant to my last post, but here goes. Murphy is doing great. He is obedient - he goes everywhere, beaches, parks, etc. and acts well socialized w/ dogs and people, kids, vet, etc. however, there is this one issue that i can't really seem to nip in the bud and i don't know if it really is a problem or if i am being paraniod.
First of all Murphy does not growl at visitors in our house or men who walk by anymore at all - even if it is just the two of us at night. However, sometimes when new people pet him on the nose he will for lack of a better way to describe it "mouth at them." he doesn't move quickly, snap or growl, but he opens his mouth and reaches for them. It is weird b/c while the person is petting him he will roll over on his back for tummy rubs and seem to be totally comfortable and then maybe "mouth" at them when they get up to walk away. Or if someone pets him on the nose he will try to "mouth / sniff" them. I might be paranoid, but it makes me nervous.
My questions are:
- Knowing what you do about murph, his temperment and seeing us together, do you think this is dominance, protective, aggression, fear, or what?
- What is the best way to deal w/ it - if any? The exercise we did w/ him at our house w/ you usually stops this, but it seems impractical to do when we meet someone on the sidewalk and they pet his nose. also, he has "mouthed" at people after having done the exercise.
I really feel that Brian and I have established our position as "pack leader" over Murphy - he is very obedient and we do the obedience work everyday and in all that he does. friends make fun of us for how "strict" we are w/ him, but it has worked and he is very obedient and he never challenges us. I just want to get to the bottom of this - either what I am doing or not doing, etc. Also, I should add that he doesn't seem to do it when at the vet, at your place, etc.
Thank you for you time as always, and again we would love for you to give classes up our way --- I think there would be a high demand for a good trainer.
Melissa
