Book Review

Author: Sam D. Burndorfer.
Resident dog at Karl Burndorfer’s home.
Behavioral Researcher and Associate Professor
of Canine Studies at DogU

Presentation given to Shepherd’s Toastmasters
Group 2017-Jun-15
From the Calgary Catholic School District Head
Office boardroom

I know you were expecting Professor Sam to come and deliver his awesome presentation covering his ground breaking work with people.
He texted me this morning and unfortunately he got “tied up” and asked if I could present it for him.
He recommended I only give a short intro on him.

Matthew 5:16
Let your light so shine before men,
that they may see your good works,
and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.

He is a leading figure on unconditional love, and his favorite scripture is Matt 5:16.
He took this scripture seriously and built a life full of rich & rewarding experiences. It came to him that he could share these and he decided to write a companion book to one called ‘Preach my Gospel’.

His version is called “Preach my gospel for missionary minded dogs”.
The material for his book came from these
experiences. He started connecting with dogs
and their owners back in 2006. Since then he
has honed his many natural gifts to maximize
his effectiveness.

He worked on that enthusiastic hop and a skip in his walk; in maintaining good hygiene, and of course, perfecting the haircut for bigger paws and ears to retain that puppy adorableness
factor. All crucial factors when breaking the ice with strangers you meet.

Note: Getting that haircut just right matters more than a good meal.
By reading Sam’s book, you’ll be able to overcome any shyness or apprehensions you may have over making new friendships.
Why, because your dog will be taking care of that for you.

You’ll be more fit than ever before as you take on his prescribed healthier lifestyle, and he will help you make your mark in the community.

It’s all in his book, so let me cover with you today, the main highlights, and see if he can convert you to his new way of life.

Black dog syndrome or big black dog syndrome is a disputed phenomenon in which black dogs are passed over for adoption in favor of lighter colored animals. Animal shelters often use the
term BBD, or big black dog, to describe the type of larger dark-colored mixed breed said to be typically passed over by adopters.
Picture shows a rescued BBD (Big Black Dog)

Next he covers “Building Credibility” by doing
“Good Works”

1. He starts by stating you should always have a
   couple extra poop bags in case you need to share, and always pick up the poop (a potential concern if you’re distracted on a cellphone).
2. Make sure your poop bag is big enough to pick up some litter that you may see along the way. You need to show that “Caring for the Community” thing.
3. Have a note pad or phone to remember
   names of the dogs, and later on, the owner’s names. People and dogs always like it when someone remembers their name. See P83 Dale Carnegie’s book “How to win friends & influence People”
4. Bring a couple extra dog biscuits; the preferred brands are Milk Bone, medium sized.

The secret here is that you already have
common interests. Both of you love dogs, you
live in the same community, and you like the
benefits of being outdoor and walking. For this
last one, see his chapter with Marilyn Powell on
Walking Matters.

Sam then covers the last ingredient,
“Consistency over Time”.

1. As you go through the routine of your daily
   walks, you meet the same people again and
   again.
   The chatting gets past the fluff, and develops
   into friendships.
2. You’re getting all the health benefits of
   walking, being outdoors, and experiencing
   nature.
3. You get opportunities to help one another, by dog sitting, sharing your skills with these
   friends, or just chatting with those who like to chat.
4. And your community gets safer and cleaner
   with all those dog patrols with litter bags.
   So that about covers the main highlights.