Veterinary behaviorist Dr. R. K. Anderson is simply a legend in the world of dog and cat behavior. His lifetime of achievements are too numerous to mention here. He was among the first to work to address helping shelter dogs with behavior ‘issues.’ He was the co-creator of the Gentle Leader (with Ruth Foster). He was there when the Delta Society was formed, and as a founder and director of the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine Center to Study Human/Animal Relationships and Environments.

            I was recently speaking on Dr. Anderson on the phone when I happened to mention that Ethel (our approximately one year old puppy) is pulling on her Gentle Leader. He said, “Well, it’s not Ethel – you’re doing it wrong! I’ll come over to help.”

            It’s not like Dr. Anderson lives across the street. I’m in Chicago. He’s in Minneapolis. Until he was convinced otherwise, he was determined to battle the snow and the cold, hop into his truck and drive in. He and videographer Duffer Schultz wisely decided to fly into town.

            My gosh, I was thrilled. I mean, Dr. R. K. Anderson personally training our dog. To me, it was like God touching our dog. I may never wash Ethel again.

            While in town, Duffer also video-recorded Anderson working with veterinary behaviorist Dr. John Ciribassi, and Anderson appeared live on my WGN radio show, and we recorded segments for the national radio shows.

            At 85-years old, you’d figure he may begin to wind down. Not quite. He recently created the R. K. Anderson Endowment on Behavior Medicine at the Morris Animal Foundation; I’m honored to serve on the Advisory Committee. He also developed a website: www.abrionline.org – where the country’s top experts offer free behavior advice through articles, Podcasts and videos. The site is geared for professionals (dog trainers, vets, veterinary technicians, etc.), but it’s equally as available to the public.