Jonny (left) is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier who was rescued from Michael Vick’s dog fighting operations. In 2012, he received the most votes to win the prize of Most Beautiful Dog in the Top Dog Photo contest sponsored by soft toy manufacturer, Gund.
Through love, care and attention, Jonny was rehabilitated and now helps children who are learning to read. The children read aloud to Jonny, who is attentive and always non-judgmental.
Jonny has been immortalized in a soft toy by Gund. Measuring eight inches, you can buy Jonny for US$25.
Posted in Dogs, special dogs and awards
Tagged dog fighting, Gund, Jonny, Jonny Justice, Michael Vick, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, top dog photo contest
Daisy hasn’t been her usual self for the last 8 weeks or so and, in consultation with her acupuncture vet and her regular vet, we’ve decided that she is showing signs of dementia. Things like wandering around at night unable to settle and waking me (Mum) about every two hours….and having trouble negotiating doorways.
I’ve made changes in our healthcare regime which include introducing a new supplement and changing her diet. The good news is that I have seen some improvement over the last week and I hope it continues.
Given that time is precious and every day over age 13 is a blessing, I have also decided to try crystal healing for the first time. My opinion is that even if it doesn’t do a thing, she looks really cute wearing her crystals around her neck!
I hope you agree.
Have you ever used crystal healing on your dog?
Daisy is wearing an amethyst for clearing negative energy and as an all-around healer. Her clear quartz is a master healer for all conditions and is meant to strengthen her immune system and offer protection.
Daisy is very relaxed about having her crystals around her neck.
Posted in dog care
Tagged amethyst, clear quartz, crystal healing, crystals, Daisy, dementia, immune system, protection, signs of dementia
It’s been a bit busy this week, so I haven’t had time to post until now. One reason for the busy week has been that I have appeared in The Press, the Christchurch region’s newspaper. The reporter wanted to know more about dog massage (which of course is a favorite subject of mine). Both Daisy and I are very grateful for the free publicity, which came out of the blue in the form of a phone interview.
The article generated a very special enquiry in the form of an email:
May I ask if Daisy is a Pinerock pointer? I lost my beautiful old lady Gracie in May and this morning I almost fell off my chair to see that face. Even friends have asked how I found the massage worked with Grace. That’s how alike they are – my girl had just turned 13 so they could conceivably be a similar age. Happy to send you a picture if you like.
And so it transpired that I learned more about Daisy’s sister, who lived with another dog named Shamus, who still grieves for her. Indeed, it is eerie to see how much Daisy and Gracie resembled one another. The bloodlines are clearly apparent…
“I will take her ashes to the Pointer Memorial Garden at Pinerock where Pluto the Pointer watches over their souls.”
Gracie’s mum may come for a visit to meet Daisy one day. I’m sure Daisy would be as welcoming as always and we will share more stories of Gracie.
Posted in Dogs, dogs and mourning
Tagged Christchurch, Daisy, dog massage, Gracie, Pinerock, pointer, The Press
“I am in favor of animal rights as well as human rights. That is the way of the whole human being.”
– Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln and his dog, Fido
Researchers at the University of Helsinki and Folkhälsan Research Center led by Professor Hannes Lohi have found a gene mutation that causes chondrodysplasia (dwarfism) in the Norwegian Elkhound and the Karelian Bear Dog. They have published their results in the journal PLoS One.
A dwarf Norwegian Elkhound, photo by Saija Nieminen
When affected by the condition, dogs have considerably shorter limbs than normal dogs. Other skeletal abnormalities may follow which include bowed forearms, abnormal digits (toes), and malformed femoral heads.
The mutation affects the collagen receptors during bone growth.
“Both breeds have now benefited from a genetic test that is available for dog owners”, says Professor Lohi. There is hope that the mutation can be eradicated from the breeding population through use of the test.
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading Tell Me Where It Hurts by Dr Nick Trout. Appropriately subtitled “A Day of Humor, Healing and Hope in My Life as an Animal Surgeon,” this book tells the story of one very long day in Dr Trout’s professional life. As the day unfolds, a range of human-animal stories are revealed with wit and compassion.
The book opens in the wee hours of the morning with the story of Sage, a German Shepherd who requires emergency surgery on her stomach. We later meet her devoted elderly owner whose daughter isn’t so impressed with Dr Trout’s efforts to save ‘just a dog.’
There’s also the owner of Belle who, as a demonstration of how much the dog means to him, has legally changed his middle name to Belle. (You read that right, a man with the middle name of Belle.)
This book reads a little like the veterinary version of ER, since the Angell Memorial Animal Center where Trout works is a teaching hospital. If you liked the television show ER and you love animals, you’ll like this book.
Appropriately, the cover of the book features a Boston Terrier. The Angell Memorial Animal Center is located in Boston.
Rescue groups often put photos and videos online to showcase key cases and the good work they do. Every now and then, though, there will be a video that is particularly well done and with a success at the end.
As we reach the end of another week (yes, it’s Friday!)…here’s a story of a Pit Bull and her chance at a better life thanks to Hope for Paws:
No postings today. We’re on strike. Please sign the petition and help us to stop the testing of party pills on dogs in New Zealand – once and for all!
Posted in animal welfare
Tagged Animal Strike, animal testing, party pills, Paw Justice, petition
