Monthly Archives: November 2016

Senior Dogs Across America

Posted on November 7, 2016 | 2 comments

As a canine massage therapist, I see my fair share of senior dogs. There is something both elegant and heartwarming to see a dog reach its senior years, knowing that they will not be with us for much longer.

Now, a special book of photography pays homage to the senior dog.

Senior Dogs Across America features the photography of Nancy LeVine. LeVine travelled widely in the United States in her quest for the best senior dog photos; 86 are featured in this book.

Below are a few:

Senior Dogs Across America

Murphy, 10 years old, from Milford, Connecticut (photo credit to Nancy LeVine)

Cecilia, 12 years old, from Baltimore, Maryland (photo credit to Nancy LeVine)

I haven’t seen the book in its entirety yet – but it’s on my wish list.

Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand

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Posted in Dogs

Tagged Nancy LeVine, photography, senior dogs

Mindfulness and your dog

Posted on November 5, 2016 | Leave a comment

Mindfulness is “a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique.”

I’m reading more about mindfulness these days – thanks to people’s hectic lives and long working hours. Modern living seems to have more pressures than ever before.

And then I came across this item, from Dr John Moore – 7 Mindfulness Tips From Your Dog

Seems ultimately sensible:

Live in the here and now
Focus on self care
Forgiveness
Use caution
Make the most of every moment
Self-acceptance
Awareness of others

Izzy greyhound and Ben greyhound after a play date

Izzy and Ben – living in the moment

Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand

A girl and her service dog head to the Supreme Court

Posted on November 3, 2016 | Leave a comment

UPDATE: On 22 February 2017, the Supreme Court ruled 8-0 in favor of Ehlena Fry and her parents. They are not obligated to go through time-consuming administrative appeals with the local school board before suing for damages for the emotional distress she said she suffered by being denied the assistance of her dog, a goldendoodle named Wonder.

Ehlena Fry, a girl born with cerebral palsy, has had her Goldendoodle service dog named Wonder since 2009. When it was time for her to go to school, the school refused to allow Wonder onto school grounds.

ehlena-and-wonder-2