Category Archives: Dogs

The incredible flying dog of Leighton Buzzard

Leighton Buzzard is a village in Bedfordshire (UK).  It’s home to Callie, a Chocolate Labrador with flying credentials.

As an official member of air crew, Callie's identification card helps her to clear airport security.  The card was issued by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)

As an official member of air crew, Callie’s identification card helps her to clear airport security. The card was issued by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)

At the age of 3 months, her owner Graham Mountford  first took Callie in the his Cessna.  He said, “We first tried her in the plane when she was a few months old, just taxiing around the airfield, and she seemed to love it.”

Callie is now over 3 years old and has more than 250 hours of flying experience.  Her favorite trips are to beaches where she can run and play.

Callie tends to sleep on the plane, but apparently gets excited during take offs and landings

Callie tends to sleep on the plane, but apparently gets excited during take offs and landings

An AOPA spokeswoman said “She is the only dog we’ve issued with a card, and it’s going to be renewed.”

Source:  BBC News

Paddy, a World War I hero

The Wellington Infantry Battalion sailed off to war in October 2014 with their mascot, Paddy, on board.

There was an order prohibiting pets but it was successfully argued that Paddy, an Irish Terrier, was a pre-war official mascot and therefore should be allowed to travel with the regiment.  Paddy belonged to Sergeant-Major Beaumont Woodhead, a professional soldier who was Company Sergeant Major of ‘A’ Company.

Photo courtesy of  National Army Museum

Photo courtesy of National Army Museum

Paddy served on the battlefields of Egypt, Gallipoli, France, Belgium and Germany, eventually being promoted to the rank of Scout Sergeant- Major.

Paddy's name plate reading 'Paddy 7th Regiment Wanganui' is on display at the National Army Museum

Paddy’s name plate reading ‘Paddy 7th Regiment Wanganui’ is on display at the National Army Museum in Waiouru, New Zealand

Source:  National Army Museum

Doggy quote of the month for January

“If I have any beliefs about immortality, it is that certain dogs I have known will go to heaven, and very, very few persons.”

– James Thurber, cartoonist (1894 – 1961)

James Thurber dog cartoon

Nose soccer (football)

Since Izzy is a Greyhound, a breed that likes to ‘nip’ at each other when racing, I put a muzzle on her when she goes to the dog park – just in case she gets too excited or playful with other dogs.

Since Izzy loves to chase the tennis ball, she’s developed a new game – nose soccer.  You can only play this when wearing a muzzle, since you bounce the ball off your muzzle…

Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, Canine Catering Ltd, Christchurch, New Zealand

Swiss chocolates (yes); Swiss roast dinner (no)

I, like many women, love chocolate and the Swiss are known for it.  However, some Swiss nationals, particularly farmers, regularly eat dog and cat as a meat source.

The advocacy group SOS Chats Noiragigue is leading a campaign to ban the consumption of cats and dogs with a petition to parliament.  As of late November 2014, 18,000 signatures had been gathered including that of famous actress and animal rights activist Brigitte Bardot.

Actress Brigitte Bardot is just one signatory on a petition to outlaw the consumption of dog and cat meat in Switzerland

Actress Brigitte Bardot is just one signatory on a petition to outlaw the consumption of dog and cat meat in Switzerland

Dog meat is primarily used in sausages.

In Switzerland, a proposal needs 100,000 signatures out of a total population of around 8 million for a national referendum to be held on the issue.

With the power of the internet, animal lovers from around the globe can sign a petition to help add weight to this cause.  The Force Change petition is here.

Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, Canine Catering Ltd, Christchurch, New Zealand

In my garden

This year in my garden beds I am growing:

Lettuces

Lettuces

More lettuces, peppers and...

More lettuces, peppers and…

...one Greyhound!  (Izzy heard the word 'bed' and decided she wanted an outdoor bed for summer)

…one Greyhound! (Izzy heard the word ‘bed’ and decided she wanted an outdoor bed for summer)

Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, Canine Catering Ltd, Christchurch, New Zealand

New year, new car?

With a new year on its way, many people will be setting goals for the upcoming year.  Is it time for you to buy a new car, for example?

Auto Trader has published information on features to look for that are useful and they’ve also made recommendations for the best cars for dog owners.

The features to look for are:

  • A rear lift gate allows your dog to jump in and out of the car easily; it also makes for more convenient loading in/loading out of pet carriers, crates and kennels
  • Fold-flat seats create a spacious area for your dog to sit while keeping the actual surface of the seats clean from hair or scratches
  • An airy cabin is especially beneficial for large dogs to stretch out
  • Rear cargo-attachment ringlets help keep carriers and crates from sliding around
  • A containment barrier/divider keeps your dog from jumping up to the front seat while the car is in motion
  • A low ride height helps dogs — especially older ones — get in and out with ease
  • Rear climate control keeps your dog cool and comfortable in transit no matter what the weather is like
  • A sunroof brings fresh air and sunlight so you can keep your dog from hanging its head out of the window
  • Underfloor storage gets your things out of the way so your dog can ride more comfortably

And the top dog cars are:

The Subaru Outback - "If you live in a cold climate and have an outdoorsy dog that likes being in wintry conditions, the Outback's superior traction and surefootedness will keep you and Fido safe and secure as you tread over snowy terrain. Additionally, the Outback's wagon configuration makes for plenty of room in the cargo area. A wide, low load floor and an optional pet barrier round out the amenities. Subaru also has many pet-friendly accessories."

The Subaru Outback – “If you live in a cold climate and have an outdoorsy dog that likes being in wintry conditions, the Outback’s superior traction and surefootedness will keep you and Fido safe and secure as you tread over snowy terrain. Additionally, the Outback’s wagon configuration makes for plenty of room in the cargo area. A wide, low load floor and an optional pet barrier round out the amenities. Subaru also has many pet-friendly accessories.”

Nissan Juke - "This little urban runabout offers a low, carlike ride height for easy in and out, especially via the large rear hatch. A combination of coupe, crossover and hatchback, the Juke offers just the right amount of size and utility for small-to-medium dogs that ride in carriers. Tether down the crate, and get out of the city for the weekend!"

The Nissan Juke – “This little urban runabout offers a low, car-like ride height for easy in and out, especially via the large rear hatch. A combination of coupe, crossover and hatchback, the Juke offers just the right amount of size and utility for small-to-medium dogs that ride in carriers. Tether down the crate, and get out of the city for the weekend!”

The Volkswagen Tiguan - "got its name by combining the words tiger and iguana, so the car's sure to be pet-friendly. The Tiguan is a lot like the Nissan Juke: compact on the outside but deceivingly spacious within. The rear seats fold flat, making room for pets of almost any size, and an optional dog barrier keeps your pet safely contained where it can't distract you.'

The Volkswagen Tiguan – “got its name by combining the words tiger and iguana, so the car’s sure to be pet-friendly. The Tiguan is a lot like the Nissan Juke: compact on the outside but deceivingly spacious within. The rear seats fold flat, making room for pets of almost any size, and an optional dog barrier keeps your pet safely contained where it can’t distract you.’

The BMW X3 - "Well proportioned, upscale and athletic, the BMW X3 maximizes canine comfort with soft, heated leather seats, a sunroof and rear climate control. The cargo area is the right size for small- to medium-sized dogs, and for dogs that like to play in the snow, the X3's AWD system makes winter driving virtually worry-free."

The BMW X3 – “Well proportioned, upscale and athletic, the BMW X3 maximizes canine comfort with soft, heated leather seats, a sunroof and rear climate control. The cargo area is the right size for small- to medium-sized dogs, and for dogs that like to play in the snow, the X3’s AWD system makes winter driving virtually worry-free.”

The Volvo V60 - "offers a spacious cargo area, lots of utility, rear climate control and one of the safest passenger compartments available. If crash safety is your top concern, the V60 is your best choice here. Rear tie-downs make harnessing your pet carrier easy. If you don't use a carrier, then go with the optional dog barrier."

The Volvo V60 – “offers a spacious cargo area, lots of utility, rear climate control and one of the safest passenger compartments available. If crash safety is your top concern, the V60 is your best choice here. Rear tie-downs make harnessing your pet carrier easy. If you don’t use a carrier, then go with the optional dog barrier.”

The Kia Soul - "This stylish urban cruiser offers rear-seat heat and an extra-large panoramic roof for lots of sunlight. Its boxy and efficient shape also allows for plenty of headroom, so even though the Soul is compact, it comfortably accommodates big and tall dogs. The large rear hatch is also a plus for quick entry and exit."

The Kia Soul – “This stylish urban cruiser offers rear-seat heat and an extra-large panoramic roof for lots of sunlight. Its boxy and efficient shape also allows for plenty of headroom, so even though the Soul is compact, it comfortably accommodates big and tall dogs. The large rear hatch is also a plus for quick entry and exit.”

The Honda Odyssey - "has it all when it comes to driving with your dog. There's a wealth of room, comfortable seats, rear ventilation, underfloor compartments and even a built-in vacuum. For dogs that shed excessively, this innovative vac system lets you clean up quickly and effectively. The Honda Odyssey also has side window shades that can help keep your dog from getting too hot while traveling."

The Honda Odyssey – “has it all when it comes to driving with your dog. There’s a wealth of room, comfortable seats, rear ventilation, underfloor compartments and even a built-in vacuum. For dogs that shed excessively, this innovative vac system lets you clean up quickly and effectively. The Honda Odyssey also has side window shades that can help keep your dog from getting too hot while traveling.”

 

Hachi: a tale of loyalty for the holidays

One of the good things about the Christmas holidays is that there are more family-friendly movies on television.  Last night, I was able to watch Hachi:  A Dog’s Tale for the first time.

This movie, starring Richard Gere, was released in 2009 but didn’t make it to movie theaters in many countries including the USA, as I understand it.

Hachi_poster

Gere plays a professor who finds Hachi, the Akita pup, on the train platform one night.   The puppy had been in transit to an unknown location and the tag was torn off his cage.

There is an instant attraction, and Gere’s wife comes around to the fact that the dog and her husband are good for one another.  Hachi begins to follow the professor to the train station each day, returning in the late afternoon to meet him for the return trip home.  When the professor dies suddenly at work one day from a heart attack, Hachi continues his daily trips to the train station.

The loyal dog does this every day for over 10 years, and in the process becomes something of a local celebrity.

At the end of the film, we learn that the real Hachikō was born in Ōdate (Japan) in 1923. After the death of his professor/owner in 1925, Hachikō returned to the Shibuya train station the next day and every day after that for the next nine years before passing away in March 1934.   His loyalty has been commemorated with a statue at the station.

I thoroughly enjoyed this film and recommend it for hiring on DVD.

And wherever you are these holidays, I hope that you are enjoying the company and loyalty of your dogs.

Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, Canine Catering Ltd, Christchurch, New Zealand

 

 

 

Chester, the talented terrier sings carols

Dr. Alistair Humphrey and his talented singing dog Chester, an 8 year old Cairn Terrier.  Photo by David Walker/Fairfax

Dr. Alistair Humphrey and his talented singing dog Chester, an 8 year old Cairn Terrier. Photo by David Walker/Fairfax

Chester, a local Cairn Terrier owned by Dr Alistair Humphrey who is Canterbury Medical Officer of Health, sings along to Silent Night.

Chester, the talented terrier sings carols | Stuff.co.nz

Merry Christmas!

Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, Canine Catering Ltd, Christchurch, New Zealand

A new dog park for Christmas

The dogs and residents of Prescott, Arizona got an early Christmas present this month:  the opening of the Willow Creek Dog Park after $500,000 in expert renovations.

The Willow Creek Dog Park has a firefighting theme to honor 19 Granite Mountain Hot Shot firefighters that died last year

The Willow Creek Dog Park has a firefighting theme to honor 19 Granite Mountain Hot Shot firefighters that died last year fighting a wild fire

Linda Nichols, a Prescott resident, entered the park idea in Beneful’s Dream Dog Park contest and won.

This canine play equipment has a fire engine theme (Photo by 12 News)

This canine play equipment has a fire engine theme (Photo by 12 News)

Prescott dog park

What a wonderful Christmas present for all of the dogs in Prescott.  Enjoy!

Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, Canine Catering Ltd, Christchurch, New Zealand