“A dog is a dog except when he is facing you.
Then he is Mr. Dog”
– Haitian proverb
Time magazine has issued a list of its Top 10 Heroic Animals, with four dogs amongst them including the Japanese dog who refused to leave its injured friend in the aftermath of the tsunami (seem my post on the loyalty of one dog to another).
The other dogs on the list are Trakr, a Canadian police dog who in a six-year career found more than $1 million in contraband. In September 2001, he worked at the wrecked World Trade Center and found the last survivor at the site. After two days of working at the Center, Trakr collapsed from smoke inhalation and exhaustion and returned to Canada to recuperate.
Stubby was a stray dog who was adopted by Private J. Robert Conroy who named him Stubby because of his short tail. Private Conroy’s regiment were training for World War I and the dog was allowed to stay because he boosted morale. Stubby learned a modified salute where he put his right paw on his right eyebrow. The dog traveled with the regiment to France, surviving gas attacks and providing an early warning when gas was coming. He served in 17 battles.
The fourth dog on the list is Togo. In 1925, the town of Nome, Alaska was struck by diptheria. Because Nome was so isolated, planes and ships could not get the serum there and a decision was made for multiple sled dog teams to relay the medicine across the land. Togo was the sled dog who did most of the work, facing winter storms, a journey of 200 miles that included a swim through the ice floes in Norton Sound.
The other animals on the list include two horses, two cats, one pigeon and one dolphin. Read the full stories here.
Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand
Posted in special dogs and awards
Tagged dogs, heroes, heroic dogs, Time magazine, top 10
Like children, I believe that dogs thrive when they have a routine and daily/weekly schedule that they can count on. This routine gives them confidence and comfort and caters to their necessities of life.
So what things should you include in your dog’s routine?
Sleep time : Although sleep requirements differ over the lifetime of your dog and there are also breed differences as far as sleep requirements, the general rule of thumb is that dogs require 16 to 18 hours of sleep per day. Like you, dogs will benefit from periods where they are left quietly to sleep without disturbance. In most homes, the dog will have a sleep period that coincides with its family. However, they will also need time during the day to sleep. If you work outside of the home, your dog will sleep for a good period of time when you are away. If you are at home during the day, either by yourself or with children and others in the house, I recommend that you either crate train your dog to give them quiet time or allow your dog the chance to define their special quiet place. Make an effort during the day to leave your dog undisturbed so they can sleep.
Water: Your dog should have clean water available at all times during the day. Keep the water bowl clean and change the water daily.
Food: “You are what you eat” applies to dogs as well as humans. Ensure your dog has a good quality diet (some owners choose a raw diet while others prefer a ready-made commercial food). I prefer a twice daily feeding schedule and larger breeds will need this to help manage against bloat. Some owners only feed once per day. Don’t forget to include treats in calculating your dog’s daily ration.
Toilet time: Most dogs need to urinate or defecate at least every 6-8 hours. If you leave your dog inside when you are at work, you will need to consider their toileting needs. When I am going out for the day, for example, Daisy gets a walk before I got out. I am then more confident that she will be comfortable for when I am away.
Play: Just like us and our children, dogs need a time to play. This gives them mental and physical stimulation. Choose toys appropriate for your dog’s temperament, set up play times with other dogs, go to the dog park to meet other dogs or consider doggie daycare. Arrange for a pet sitter to walk your dog during the day. There are many options for creating healthy and happy playtime for your dog.
A safe place: The den instinct is still there in our domesticated dogs. Make your home the safe place your dog deserves. Ensure food, drugs, and household chemicals are kept out of reach of your dog. Make sure your dog has its own place within the home (bed/crate or both!).
If circumstances change (such as what has occurred in Christchurch with changes to routine because of the earthquake and different work requirements), make a new routine for your dog. Dogs are able to accommodate short-term changes or interruptions to their schedule, but their behaviour and stress levels will change if you don’t find a new routine for them to follow.
Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand
Posted in dog care, dog ownership
Tagged daily schedule, Dog, dog care, routine, schedule
Loews Hotels, which owns 18 properties in the US and Canada have announced Woofie Weekend packages.
The hotel will waive their normal $25 pet cleaning fee for this package, which includes:
The fine print: you must bring a dog to take advantage of the special!
Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand
Posted in dog-friendly accommodation
This week, famous actress Dame Elizabeth Taylor passed away at the age of 79. Dame Elizabeth was known as an Oscar winner and symbol of Hollywood beauty and talent who endured many illnesses, personal losses and injuries during her life. She was an AIDS activist at a time when most celebrities were distancing themselves from the disease and its impacts.
But did you know that Elizabeth Taylor was also a dog lover?
In the 1960s, when Ms Taylor was married to Richard Burton, she stayed on a yacht on the Thames River with her dogs to avoid the UK’s anti-rabies quarantine laws – because the dogs never stepped onto land, they were saved from quarantine.
Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton on their yacht with their dogs
For her 60th birthday, the then Ms Taylor was given a Collie puppy as a gift. The puppy was a great grandchild of Pal, the dog who starred as the original Lassie. When Ms Taylor divorced her husband Larry Fortensky, she sued him for custody of the dog.
Ms Taylor reportedly balked at accepting her Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire from Queen Elizabeth in 1999 when she learned that her Maltese, Sugar, would have to be left at home. (she reconsidered)
In recent years, Dame Elizabeth owned a Maltese named Daisy, whose every need was catered for (hey- Dame Elizabeth and I have something in common!). She would watch the television shopping channel with Daisy and show the dog different pieces of her jewelry, telling her the story behind each piece. Referring to her relationship with Daisy, she’s was reported to have said, “Sometimes I think there is a person in there.”
Talking about her film career, Dame Elizabeth said, “Some of my best leading men have been dogs and horses” – referring to her early roles in Lassie Come Home and National Velvet.
Rest in peace, Dame Elizabeth.
Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand
I’m very interested in special needs dogs. These dogs often have physical limitations that can be assisted with massage, acupressure and laser treatments (which I can provide).
In my research on special needs dogs, I have come across the story of Faith – a biped dog who was born with her front legs so deformed that she was unable to walk on them. (of added interest, my sister’s name is Faith)
Faith the dog
Faith the Dog’s website isn’t the most professional I’ve seen, but it certainly tells a heartwarming story of a dog that was going to be killed by its mother and was saved by a young man. Despite recommendations that Faith be put down, her adoptive family persisted and trained her to walk on her hind legs using treats like peanut butter. Faith is now a loyal family pet who also serves as a therapy dog.
Faith’s story has been told on the Oprah Winfrey Show. Watch the Oprah segment here.
So now you know why Faith’s story carries the byline Hope and Love on Two Legs!
Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand
Posted in dog adoption, special needs
Tagged adoption, biped, Faith the dog, Oprah Winfrey, therapy dog
A recently-published New York times article explains the role of the pet in the family unit and various research projects that are attempting to define the human-pet bond. This article goes onto explain why personal orientation about the role of the pet in the family can lead to disagreements and conflict.
My personal favourite is the 2007 research that categorises pet owners into one of three categories.
Humanists treat their dogs as a member of the family or primary companion. They will do things such as allowing the dog into bed or onto the furniture, cook it special meals, and mourn it when it passes. Humanists tend to look down on dominionists.
Protectionists consider themselves the animal’s advocate with strong personal views on how an animal should be treated. Protectionists are critical of humanists.
Dominionists view their dog as a useful helper, below that in status of the humans. Dogs, in their opinion, are replaceable. Rural people often fall into this category, according to the research.
I’m a proud humanist, by the way!
Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand
Posted in dog care, dog ownership, research
Tagged dog ownership, dominionist, humanist, New York times, protectionist, research
With every natural disaster, there are also animal victims.
Please follow this link to view the YouTube video of a dog in the aftermath of the tsunami in Japan. The dog refuses to leave his injured friend.
(Both dogs are now reported to be in the care of animal welfare authorities.)
Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand
Posted in animal welfare, Dogs, special dogs and awards
I had to share this story from the UK’s Daily Mail.
Graham Waspe was devastated when his guide dog Edward was left blind after developing cataracts. Edward has served Graham for six years.
However, Opal, Graham’s new guide dog, is proving to be a set of eyes for both Graham and Edward.
Graham Waspe with former guide dog Edward and current guide dog Opal; Edward had his eyes removed because of severe cataracts
Mr Waspe says, “Opal’s been great for both of us. I don’t know what we’d do without her” while his wife says that Edward still loves to be around children and have his tummy tickled.
Read the whole story of Mr Waspe, Edward and Opal – complete with great photos – here.
Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand
Posted in Dogs, special dogs and awards
Tagged blind dog, Daily Mail, Edward, guide dogs, Opal
In 1981, actor Jimmy Stewart (1908 – 1997) read a poem he wrote about his dog, Beau, on The Tonight Show hosted by Johnny Carson. For anyone who has loved a dog, you will understand.
Thanks to You Tube, here’s Mr Stewart reading his poem:
Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand
Posted in dog ownership, dog quotes, Dogs
Tagged Beau, Dog, Jimmy Stewart, Johnny Carson, The Tonight Show
DoggyMom.com 