"My association with Desiree is purely accidental and happenstance and has to do with a little character named Oliver.
Oliver is the by-product of the rescue of an abandoned, half starved mixed terrier, rescued by my plant manager. Unbeknownst to anyone, she was pregnant and delivered 7 healthy puppies. Naturally, the puppies needed homes. Having lost my Portuguese Water Dog, I had decided to forgo the opportunity to take one of these bundles of fluff home. She was down to two puppies and brought them into the office. The rest is history.
Unfortunately, during the four weeks before they were ready to leave their mother, I was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer. I needed the responsibility of a puppy as much as I needed an eye in the middle of my forehead. I had hoped to receive news from the doctor as to treatment so I could back out of the puppy deal. However, the day I took Oliver home was the same day that I received word of the many treatments I would undergo. Oh well, there he was all nine pounds of energy.
This is where Desiree came to the rescue. I wanted someone local and found Desiree’s website. I contacted her and she promptly returned my call. I had hoped to have her take the puppy with her to train and return. However, Desiree, in all her doggie wisdom, convinced me that she would work with him at home and that I would be glad I did. Desiree was absolutely correct. Oliver turned out to be my “knight in shinning fur” when I felt at my lowest points during my cancer treatments.
Desiree’s method of training had miraculous results. Within just days Oliver began to obey simple commands such as sit and down. Within six short weeks he was completely potty trained, and was able to follow commands such as stay, come and an assortment of amusing tricks, including fetching, retrieving and dropping the ball into my hand.
Desiree’s training was further complicated by the existence of our two other adult dogs, which she handled with such ease. Within days they were all getting along.
I don’t know what I would have done without Desiree’s expertise. Her method of training works without stress to the dogs. They follow her lead willingly and are motivated by her loving attention to them. I highly recommend Desiree, Fido ‘n’ Friends, for obedience training, agility training or behavioral issues.
Thank you Desiree for turning that energetic bundle of fur called Oliver, into a well behaved dog that people want to be around." Christine D and Oliver
***
" Desiree
has put together a fitness and strength program for my
Agility Dog. Dancer suffered major soft tissue injuries
to both back legs and after 8 months was healed of her
injuries.
Dancer
started back into Agility Competition but lacked the strength
to complete a full day. She was also having problems in gaining
speed as needed on the course and making tight turns. Working
with Desiree on strength and endurance has made great improvements
in Dancer's abilities on the agility field but also at home.
Dancer
is more playful with the other dogs and is able to jump into
my arms like she used to do. Although we are continuing to
work on her tight turns and her overall strength, Dancer
is running faster than she did before she was injured. Best
of all, Dancer enjoys her time with Desiree. Running, tugging,
playing ball and of course all the treats. Dancer doesn't
even know that she is getting a work out." Suzanne
B. and MACH Dashaway Dancer, Jack Russell Terrier
***
My
dog, Toby, is a tightly wound little guy who performs
agility. I began to think that maybe stretching would
help him. I contacted Fido'n Friends...in
Motion to see if they could provide this service. After
discussing my concerns regarding Toby with Desiree, I was
pleasantly surprised to receive a questionnaire by e-mail
requesting my dog’s history. It was a very thorough
questionnaire going into health issues, but also asking about
our activity level and any warming up or stretching that
we currently did. It seemed to me to be an essential
first step to helping my pet.
On the appointed day Desiree came to my door ready to work with Toby. As
I have indicated, my dog is often high strung and nervous, but Desiree put
him immediately at ease. Her gentle, patient, calm manner was reassuring
for both of us. Desiree carefully went over the background information
from the questionnaire. She taught me many ways to warm Toby up before
participating in an activity. She also encouraged me to ask for my
dog’s permission before stretching any body-part. She gave
me a packet with illustrations for each active and passive stretch
she taught, and she spent a great deal of time teaching me to do each stretch
properly; without force. I never felt rushed. Desiree stayed until
I was confident that I would be able to stretch my dog without apprehension. It
was an extremely positive experience. Toby loved the attention.
I am very grateful to Desiree Snelleman and Fido'n Friends...in Motion
for their help in teaching me another way to provide for the needs of my pet. Sincerely, Sue
N., Toby’s mom
***
Well
when I first saw Desiree I saw her exercising her own dogs
at a local park where I was walking my dogs in the morning.
I was impressed at the beauty, health and condition of her
dogs and knew right then that she would be perfect to offer
exercise for my dogs when I go away on trips. I recently used
her services to take my two Corgis to El Dorado Park and loved
the fact that I could have peace of mind knowing they were
in good hands with someone who knows dogs and is in great physical
shape herself.
Since
my dogs are in the herding breed I know the importance of
getting them exercised. When I came home
from my trip from Miami I was happy to see them lying quietly
on the floor pooped out from their outing with Desiree.
It's
important to me that my dogs get the exercise they need
and Desiree knows that too. That's why I will continue to
use
Fido' n
Friends. The most important thing to me is that I trust her
and whenever I go away again I will be using Desiree's services.
Thank you again Desiree. Maryanne D.
