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Jameson Humane’s Goal of Helping Humans and Their Animals Stay Together Through Behavioral Training

The Jameson Humane website describes some of the challenges people may encounter in their relationships with animals: “The bond between humans and our animals is deep and meaningful. Like all relationships, there can be difficult periods. Many animals are surrendered to their local shelters due to these rough patches, which is stressful and heartbreaking for everyone. Oftentimes during these periods, there is difficulty managing behavioral challenges and resources can be tough to find, or financially out of reach. . . . Maybe there’s been a recent move or a change in schedule/routine, or there’s difficulty/stress at mealtime (resource guarding), a new animal or human in the home, or you ‘just can’t get your dog to calm down.’”

Love alone is often not enough to produce the sort of calm, respectful, and gentle behavior we would like to see in all of our animals (or, for that matter, in our human loved ones). People and their animals sometimes need help to establish a relationship of serenity and lasting companionship. And sometimes people feel like they will have no choice but to give up their animals unless they can get the help they need. As a way to provide such assistance, in March 2024, Jameson Humane established the Joann Serafini Training & Behavioral Support Program (TBSP).  TBSP provides people with training tools and strategies to modify the behavior of their animals and – often more to the point – their own behavior, in order to improve their relationship with their animals and to improve how their animals interact with family, friends and strangers.

 Word has spread fast about the availability of TBSP assistance through referrals by community members and other humane services providers, social media posts, and word of mouth. And some people, who had no prior knowledge of the existence of TBSP, have become aware of the availability of the TBSP when they contacted Jameson Humane to request help in rehoming an animal.

With the generous support provided by the Program’s sponsor, Joann Serafini, and with the skilled guidance provided by Jameson’s Behavior and Training specialist, Melissa Bush, in just its first 9 months through the end of 2024, the Program saved 33 dogs and cats from being sent to shelters and allowed them to stay in the home with their human caretakers. That represents a 95 percent success rate!

How TBSP Works           

To seek TBSP services, people can directly email Melissa Bush at melissa@jamesonrescueranch.org or use the Jameson website’s Help Center resources at https://www.jamesonanimalrescueranch.org/resources 

Once a request is made, Jameson contacts those seeking help to ask certain preliminary questions and to ask them to fill out a questionnaire about the animals and the behavioral issues they are encountering. (There are separate questionnaires for cat and dogs.) Melissa Bush then coordinates the scheduling of a complimentary 90-minute consultation. It is preferred to have the consultation in person if possible but Zoom sessions are easily provided to those who live out of town or otherwise cannot meet in person.

During the consultation, caretakers are provided with strategies and techniques to help modify the behavior of their animals and, if necessary, their own behavioral patterns. They are also given suggestions as to helpful training equipment and supplies that the caretakers should acquire (e.g., harnesses, leads, walking equipment, and enrichment items such as Snuffle Mats, Licky Mats and Kongs) for the recommended course of behavioral training. On a case-by-case basis, if the caretakers cannot afford the supplies or equipment recommended, Jameson Humane will consider donating what’s needed. Jameson then follows up with the caretakers around a week later to see how the strategies and training techniques helped. Jameson will also consider follow-up appointments, if needed, on a case-by-case basis.

If any unusual training or behavioral issues are presented that go beyond even Melissa Bush’s considerable knowledge and expertise, Jameson Humane has arranged with an outside trainer to be available (at a discounted rate) for additional consultation.

Examples of Success

TBSP’s first 10 months have seen remarkable results.  Among the many success stories are the following accounts from animal caregivers:

• Art and Kathleen Morgan found themselves at “an impasse” with their adorable labradoodle Louie, who seemed to be a “ball of anxiety.” With the advice and strategies provided in the TBSP consultation, the Morgans found ways to calm Louie and to alter the dynamics of their relationship. They reported that Louie was able to “settle into [becoming] the loving companion they knew he could be.”
• Another family reported success in modifying the behavior of their puppy Lola (pictured below so relaxed after training): “We were feeling overwhelmed by some behavioral challenges with our puppy. Melissa was not only super helpful with her training expertise, but also compassionate and kind to us and our dog. She obviously cares about the welfare of both animals and people a great deal!”

TBSP Coordination by Melissa Bush

Jameson Humane, TBSP, and its clients are benefitted greatly by coordination of the Program by longtime Jameson staff member Melissa Bush.  Melissa holds a biology degree with an emphasis on vertebrate anatomy and physiology. Her career in the world of animal care and training includes:

• Served as a Veterinary Assistant for 1.5 years
• Volunteered with Los Angeles Golden Retriever Rescue
• Volunteered with San Diego Senior Dog Rescues
• Volunteered with Jameson Humane (before becoming an employee)
• Studied under multiple, skilled dog trainers to increase knowledge, learn more techniques, and expand her perspective
• Expanded her knowledge through animal-focused studies, cat/dog nutrition studies, cat/dog behavior studies, cat/dog medical studies, and cat/dog veterinary webinars
• Has served as a Professional Pet Care Provider for 15 years
• Currently obtaining Fear-Free Certification for both Training and Pet Sitting

The Generous Sponsorship of TBSP by Joann Serafini

Jameson Humane and the broader community are grateful to Joann Serafini for her sponsorship of TBSP. An April 7, 2024 news article (excerpted below), as published in Napa Valley Features, described Joann’s background and generosity:

“Joann Serafini grew up in upstate New York and had a successful career in television and movies, advertising and telecommunications before ever contemplating a life in wine.

“Serafini first came to California in the 1980s and to Northern California in 1990, settling in Danville for her career. Along the way she met and married the love of her life, her late husband Don Ross, an aerospace engineer who had worked on NASA’s Apollo mission and was a huge lover and collector of wine.

“Together they moved up to St. Helena in 2003 to be part of the wine community. With their home surrounded by cabernet sauvignon grapevines, it didn’t take long before they started plotting a winery of their own, and Shibumi Knoll Vineyards was born . . ..

“Serafini was widowed in 2016. Throughout it all, she has always had dogs by her side, namely black labs, who get their own photos and bios on the winery website. . .. ‘Wine and dogs go hand in hand,’ she says.

“So do dogs and generosity. Having met Monica Stevens through the wine business, Serafini has long been a supporter of Stevens’ animal welfare organization Jameson Humane. Serafini has now helped create and fund a new program, the Joann Serafini Training & Behavior Support Program.

“‘I’m a huge outdoors person, and I love nature and animals, . . . I’m passionate about dogs especially. I do believe they are unconditionally loving, beautiful creatures, angels put on earth. They do amazing things; they save lives . . ..  I’m so happy Jameson is here to support animals. There’s such a need.’”

Here's a photo of Joann with her beloved black lab, Balthazar (aka Bali) Ross:

Please Make a Donation to Support TBSP

Jameson Humane would be so grateful for your donation in support of TBSP in any amount. Please select the preferred donation method through this link:

https://www.jamesonanimalrescueranch.org/donate/donation

Article by Jeff Richard, Jameson Humane Volunteer