LAKEWOOD —Unlike Cesar Millan, Lorraine May doesn’t have her own television show — but the Lakewood resident has earned a reputation of being her own kind of dog whisperer.
She works with canines many feel are beyond rehabilitation, unadoptable and headed for euthanasia. They’re the biters and the unruly, highly aggressive dogs that may be suffering from emotional trauma.
“Dogs are master communicators, and we need to know how to read their body language,” May said. “When I first meet a dog … there’s no expectations for if and how they could change. If they want to be touched, played with or ignored, they’ll let you know.”
Dog owners who have worked with May say her patience and intuitive relationship with canines has saved many human-dog relationships. She abhors the use of choke chains, shock collars or any form of punishment during training.
Her Lakewood nonprofit, Misha May Foundation, finds foster homes for dogs with behavior or health issues. To increase adoption odds, the organization offers dozens of classes that are free for shelter, rescue or foster dogs and low-cost classes for any owner.
“Everything is about education,” May said. “That’s a dog, not a person, so they don’t know our rules or how to live with us; the main thing is not to punish them.”
May estimated her organization fosters around 100 dogs a year and another 1,500 pass through the classes. She now trains others on her techniques.
Dogs working with May can expect understanding, positive reinforcement, exposure therapy and the occasional help through reiki healing.
On a recent Tuesday evening, a group of six people and one 9-year-old English springer spaniel, Ben, sat in a small circle at Little Angel Pet Boutique at 1014 S. Gaylord St. in Denver.
Ben had arrived Oct. 12 after being rescued from the home of a Missouri breeder who kept him and 10 other dogs in small cages 23 hours a day.
“He’s still socially pretty awkward,” said Pam Waidler, Colorado co-coordinator for English Springer Rescue America. “He still seems dazed from what he’s been through and hasn’t shown much spontaneity.”
May is an animal reiki master. Practitioners place their hands on or above the body to transfer energy and clear energy blocks.
“The day after the reiki, (Ben) was more energetic. He ran and did a little bit of play in the back yard, which he hadn’t done before,” Waidler said. “He seems more engaged in the environment.”
Cheri Roesler of Aurora adopted a dog from Misha May eight years ago. Heidi ignored simple commands and went into barking frenzies. In one of many Misha May classes, May suggested Heidi didn’t know what Roesler was saying and to use different command words.
The plan worked, and while the German shepherd mix will require a lifetime of maintenance training, Roesler said Heidi is an energetic, loving animal who has made huge strides.
“Lorraine just seemed to know how to get through to her to help get over these hurdles,” Roesler added. “I’m really impressed with the positive reinforcement training; for a dog with special needs, there’s no other options.”
Austin Briggs: 303-954-1729, abriggs@denverpost.com or twitter.com/abriggs
