Ken's Kids
(AKA "Not the Mommy")

Ken & Jake

Diane's Darlin's
(AKA "The Mommy")

Diane & Jake




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"WEEP NOT LOVED ONES"

Weep not loved ones as I will not be far.
I wait for you upon my bright and shining star.

A place given to me in the heavens above
That was created for me with your love.

I know not pain, nor hunger, nor fear
As I romp and I play when I am here.

Know though that I have not left you behind
As I will always live in your heart and your mind.

So forget me not and know I'm in bliss
As I take with me the warmth of your kiss.

I've taken my trek across Rainbow's Bridge,
And keep with me this wise knowledge.

The love that you have shared with me through my years
Shall not be tarnished with silly tears.

I will see you again with my tail swiftly wagging
Knowing your heart has not endured a bitter sagging.

But instead has felt my perfect love
From that star you created for me up above.

- by ©2017 Kenneth Mann
Burning Candle

About our Family

     Myself, an artist, and Diane, a professional dog trainer and animal behaviorist, share in some very special lives together.   Our entire family of four-legged fur babies each has their own character and made special contributions to our and other's lives.  We are devoted to making them happy and in turn, they bring love to our hearts and also to all that they meet. Whether it is just friends and family, strangers on the street or people in hospitals, nursing homes, schools or other organizations, they spread their love unconditionally as only dogs can do.  Our boys and girls inspire us to be better humans.  Although I did not have the honor of knowing all of them in person, I have learned from Diane, as well as the dogs, that they all deserve to have the very best as they only give the best.  To sum up what it is like to have a dog in your life, I share the following quote.

"One who possessed beauty without vanity, strength without insolence,
courage without ferocity, and all the virtues of man without his vices.
This praise would be unmeaning flattery if inscribed over human ashes,
is but a just tribute to the memory of my dog."

- Lord Byron

We are not against reputable breeding as there is always a need for a healthy dog in both therapy and services. However, Diane and I are a big supporters of animal rescue and feel that whenever it is a viable option for an animal lover's needs, that they should consider it first. There are so many great dogs awaiting homes out there and they can use your love. Please be responsible and research the best dog for your situation and to always spay/neuter and vaccinate.  Peace be with you!

Aidan Spencer Barth-Mann "The Great Fiery One"
  • Aidan
  • Aidan
  • Aidan
  • Aidan
  • Aidan
  • Aidan

Aidan (which is Gaelic for "Fire") is the newest member of our family!  At this writing, he is 14 weeks old and has already learned so much.  He sits, heals, lays down, gives paw only after a few weeks.  Can't wait to see what he accomplishes in his first year.  He is being trained as a seizure alert dog and also as a therapy dog.

Sir Jake Von Barclay of Suffolk "The Best Mann"
  • Jake
  • Jake
  • Jake
  • Jake
  • Jake
  • Jake

Jake was a very special boy.  Prior to Aidan joining our family, Jake was Diane's Seizure Alert dog and also an ambassador for pet therapy in our local nursing homes, hospitals and VA's.   He was incredibly talented, majestic and loved by all who met him.  He will forever live in our hearts!

Rodie "Baby Doll"
  • Rodie
  • Rodie
  • Rodie
  • Rodie
  • Rodie
  • Rodie

Rodie was Jake's original partner in therapy.  She was a CCI release dog but still did so much work as a therapy dog.  She always had a smile on her face which was contagious and love to offer.

Sabrina "Sweetpea"
  • Sabrina
  • Sabrina
  • Sabrina
  • Sabrina
  • Sabrina
  • Sabrina

Sabrina joined our family a few years ago.  This girl is also nothing but love.  Although she does not serve a a therapy or service dog, she still has so much to give.  She warms our hearts every day and is the world's largest lap dog.  She is such a Tomboy but if you look into her eyes, you will see a special little lady.

Dr. Carl von Gerber "Drooling Specialist"
  • Carl
  • Carl
  • Carl
  • Carl
  • Carl
  • Carl

Carl also joined our family a few years ago.  He is such a goofball but doesn't have a mean bone in his body.  He will lick and slobber you to death though.  This is how he got the name "Dr. Gerber".

Mr. Fletcher "Soul Buddy"
  • Mr. Fletcher
  • Mr. Fletcher
  • Mr. Fletcher
  • Mr. Fletcher
  • Mr. Fletcher
  • Mr. Fletcher

Mr. Fletcher was rescued by Diane from a high-kill shelter as a senior.  At 160lbs, he was certainly very intimidating but underneath that rough and tough exterior, he was an angel with a heart of gold.  I will forever remember him as my "Soul Buddy".

Sydney "Syd"
  • Sydney
  • Sydney
  • Sydney
  • Sydney
  • Sydney
  • Sydney

Sydney was a chocolate labrador who was a big bundle of energy.  Syd came from Long Island Labrador Retreiver Rescue and had an inoperable brain tumor.  Given on 6 months to live, Syd lived a happy 6 additional years.  She was loyal, loving and sweet as candy!

Merlin "The Tiny Terror" (A.K.A. - "Evil P.I.T.A.")
  • Merlin
  • Merlin
  • Merlin
  • Merlin
  • Merlin
  • Merlin

Merlin is the only member of our family who isn't of the canine persuasion.  We don't hold that against him though.  He's an equal member of the family and always has a welcome spot on our laps.

Ayla "The Wonder Dog"
  • Ayla
  • Ayla
  • Ayla
  • Ayla
  • Ayla
  • Ayla

Ayla was an amazing girl.  She was the leader of her pack of 6 at her stomping ground in the Pet Facilitated Therapy Program run at the Playground For All Children in Flushing Meadows, Queens, NY. She could do all the incredible things that many therapy dogs could do of course but was advanced in those disciplines and had some of her own tricks up her sleeve such as being able to count.   At no more than 40lbs, she could put a 160lb rottweiller in his place without a problem.  All bowed to her as the Queen of the playground.  She deserves a special place in the ranks of all the fur babies.

Ben "Ben E Ben Ben...Ben"
  • Ben
  • Ben
  • Ben
  • Ben
  • Ben
  • Ben

Ben was especially one of Diane's soul twins.  I know you are not suppose to play favorites but he was such a special boy who stole her heart.  He was noble, sweet and kind and would give his right paw to make his Mommy proud and happy.

Spencer "Mr. Spencer Monsters"
  • Spencer
  • Spencer
  • Spencer
  • Spencer
  • Spencer
  • Spencer

Spencer was definitely german at heart.  He was known as the "fun police" yet loving and loyal.  Like all of his pack though, he always knew how to bring a smile to all the children who encountered him.  

Zachabee "Everybody's Friend"
  • Zachabee
  • Zachabee
  • Zachabee
  • Zachabee
  • Zachabee
  • Zachabee

Zach-a-bee was a very unique boy who had the heart of a clown.  Oh how he could make everyone laugh!

Lily "The Lillehammer"
  • Lily
  • Lily
  • Lily
  • Lily

Lily was Zach's best friend.  She loved him so just like everyone else loved her!  She was definitely a special little lady.

Worf "Next Generation"
  • Worf
  • Worf

Worf was brilliant, tough and had a warm side.  Named after an honorable Klingon from the Star Trek series, Next generation, Worf exhibited all the same qualities of that character.

Freida "Free Free"
  • Freida
  • Freida
  • Freida
  • Freida
  • Freida
  • Freida

Frieda was a challenge for sure but was always very loved by her Mommy.  Freida was profoundly blind, but she still managed to perform amazing acts for all those who encountered her.

Schatze "Girlfriend"
  • Schatze

Schatze went down in the annuls of Diane's experiences as her savior and girlfriend.  There was definitely a tight bond that they both shared.

Amy "The Mom"
  • Amy

Amy, as Diane always says, raised Diane to be the special adult she is now.  Like any good mother, Amy always made sure that Diane remained on the right path.

Nicky "St. Nicholas"
  • Nicky
  • Nicky
  • Nicky
  • Nicky
  • Nicky
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Nicky was rescued from a high-kill shelter in horrible physical health on Christmas Eve Day 2005 and Diane turned his whole life around for the better (although I'm sure she would say it was just the opposite).

All photographs, renderings, illustrations, drawings and paintings are copyrighted ©2017 Kenneth Mann - All Rights Reserved. - Tails-To-Tell.com

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