Category Archives: Dogs

Dog dies in hot car in Christchurch

Posted on December 20, 2010 | Leave a comment

Upsetting news for dog lovers in Christchurch today. It was revealed that a little Pomeranian was left in a car on Saturday in the full sun in the parking area at The Palms shopping centre. The dog was harnessed and muzzled and witnesses called the Mall security after seeing the dog frothing at the mouth.

Sadly, it was too late for this little dog. SPCA Canterbury investigators have the dog’s remains and are looking into the matter. They have yet to decide if charges will be laid (many of us hope so – but we of course have to wait for the facts of the case to be understood).

Geoff Sutton of the SPCA has been on the radio today reminding people not to leave their dogs in cars on hot summer days. He says (and I agree) that this should be “bloody obvious” to responsible dog owners.

Saturday’s temperature in Christchurch peaked at 33.4 degrees Celsius (92.1 degrees Fahrenheit).

Kathleen Crisley, Fear-Free certified professional and specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand

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Posted in dog care, Uncategorized

Tagged Christchurch, dogs and cars, SPCA, summer and dogs

Losing a father

Posted on December 10, 2010 | Leave a comment

I have often felt that Daisy and I have a lot in common. She likes purple (in fact, her collar is purple) and so do I. She likes ice cream and so do I. She’s eats red meat – and guess what? – so do I.

Today, however, we have now another thing in common. We have both lost our fathers.

The phone call came through this evening. Shaka was ill this morning and with very low blood pressure. The vet thinks he may have had a tumour that finally overwhelmed his system and she said that he wouldn’t recover. There was really no choice but to put him to sleep.

When I told Daisy about it, she went out in the yard and wouldn’t come in for a while. This was most unusual for her, particularly because it had started to rain and she doesn’t like getting wet. I think she understood but some people will say I am anthropomorphising her behaviour. All I know is that I was upset and, usually, if I am upset then Daisy wants to be at my side. This time, I think she needed some time to herself.

I am grateful that Daisy only saw her Dad two days ago; he was a kennel dog and she was in kennels thanks to a business trip. As it turned out, it was their last chance to play together. I am also grateful that for the better part of the last three years, Daisy was able to visit Shaka every week for day care. Her day care arrangements ceased earlier this year when her day care provider moved farther out of town. Still, she and Shaka saw each other whenever Daisy needed a kennel stay or when I massaged another dog at the kennels.

Shaka was a ‘cool dude’ and I’m certain that Daisy inherited her placid nature from him.

Here are photos taken in 2007, at Daisy’s seventh birthday party. We both think he was a very handsome and distinguished dog.

Shaka won best dressed at Daisy’s birthday party in 2007 with this tuxedo.

Daisy and her Dad in a family photo, taken at her 7th birthday party

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

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Posted in dogs and families, dogs and mourning

Tagged anthropomorphism, death, dogs, mourning

My dog signs my Christmas cards

Posted on December 9, 2010 | Leave a comment

I am here writing my Christmas cards for friends and clients. Daisy signs all of my cards with her own paw print.

No, I’m not crazy. In fact, I’m not alone!

According to the American Animal Hospital Association, 70 percent sign their pet’s name on their Christmas card and 58% include their pet in any family portraits that are taken for the holidays.

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

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Posted in dogs and holidays, Uncategorized

Tagged American Animal Hospital Association, Christmas cards, Dog, paw print

Doggy quote of the month

Posted on November 30, 2010 | Leave a comment

“My goal in life is to be as good of a person as my dog thinks I am.”

– Author unknown

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Posted in dog quotes

Dog-friendly shopping in Colorado

Posted on November 30, 2010 | 1 comment

I’m now writing for New Zealand Dog World magazine, the magazine of the New Zealand Kennel Club. For the December/January issue, my column The Last Word is about dog-friendly shopping in the State of Colorado (USA). Because we had limited space, I couldn’t include most of the great photos I took of dog-friendly shops during my business trip there.

So, I’m mounting them here so you can share them and take a good look.

Dog owners know when a shop is ready to welcome their dog when they see a sign like this one.

At the Outlets at Castle Rock, there are grassed areas throughout the complex which offer these plastic bag dispensers and the clear message: PETS ARE WELCOME

Many shops and restaurants offered rest stops for dogs. These varied in style and offerings. These simple raised water bowls were provided outside a café in Golden.

The Green Paw, a pet shop on the same street, laid out these raised bowls accompanied by a doggy mascot.

In Manitou Springs, a popular tourist destination at the foot of Pike’s Peak (elevation 4,800 m), a sweet shop provided vending machines with doggy treats. For 25 cents, a passing dog owner can purchase a handful of dog treats and their dog can have a drink as well.

As I mention in my article (if you don’t subscribe yet to this magazine, you should!), these communities welcome dogs because their owners are responsible for them and, in turn, the community provides facilities to make it easy to do the right thing. Well done Colorado!

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

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Posted in dog-friendly shops

Tagged Colorado, dog-friendly shopping

Christmas decorations and your dog

Posted on November 29, 2010 | Leave a comment

The Christmas season is now upon us and many of you will be adding a Christmas tree and other decorations to your home.

Here are some tips for decorating your home with the safety of your dog in mind:

a. Place your Christmas tree in a location that minimises the need for electrical cords. Near an outlet is always best.

b. If you must use electrical cords, remember that these can pose a major hazard to your dog. Puppies, in particular, like to chew on things. This means the risk of electrocution and serious injury (including death). Hide cords under special covers that you can buy at the hardware store and never leave your dog or puppy in the house unattended with the Christmas lights turned on.

c. Don’t use ornaments with hooks. These are sharp objects that can harm your dog if they take an interest in chewing on them. Use soft string or yarn with a secure knot to hang ornaments.

d. Substitute ribbon for tinsels and garlands. Shiny ribbon can catch the light on your tree just as well, but it less attractive to dogs who decide to investigate and chew. When dogs chew and ingest decorations, they run the risk of an intestinal blockage or, at a minimum, a very upset tummy!

e. Leave the presents until Christmas Eve. Your dog will want to investigate things that are left under the tree so remove the temptation. This reduces the likelihood that they’ll chew on wrapping (again with the risk of ingestion) and damage your gifts. (Practically speaking, it also keeps your gifts of sight from burglars who like to work in the pre-Christmas period for the sole purpose of stealing new items from underneath Christmas trees.)

By making your home a safe place for your dog to enjoy, you’ll all enjoy the holidays together without any nasty consequences.

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Posted in dogs and holidays

Labels on dog food and treats

Posted on November 29, 2010 | Leave a comment

I’m going to get on my soapbox a minute about dog food labelling here in New Zealand. Today I was in the supermarket and, as you do when you are in a dog-related business, I took a stroll down the dog food aisle. The “Proudly Made in NZ” label caught my eye….

This product is being marketed as a canine health supplement, an omega-3 biscuit for dogs. Some of the ingredients seem okay but then I see the claim “No added flavours or food colours” – but guess what one of the ingredients is? CARAMEL!

So you have to wonder why caramel is an essential ingredient in a health supplement. Caramel is an additive for both flavour and colour . I would argue that this ingredient is absolutely not necessary and that it is added to make the product more appealing.

Please read the labels on all of your dog’s treats and food (you probably should make this a habit for all of your family’s food!). Become an educated consumer and only feed your dog what you would want to eat yourself as part of a healthy diet.

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Posted in dog nutrition and labelling

Tagged dog food ingredients, dog food labels, dog nutrition

Target – Afghanistan war dog dies

Posted on November 21, 2010 | 1 comment

News has come through that Target, a female shepherd mix who was credited with saving soldiers in Afghanistan from a suicide bomber, was killed this week. She went missing from Sergeant Terry Young’s home in Arizona and an employee at the animal shelter where she was being held did not follow procedures and euthanised her. The employee has since been fired.

Target is not the first dog that has befriended soldiers at war. With conflict still occurring around the world, I hope she will not be the last.

Read about Target on this site

In my newsletter, I’ve previously reviewed a wonderful book from Lieutenant Colonel Jay Kopelman about Lava, a dog he met in Iraq and worked to bring to the United States. You can buy From Baghdad with Love from Amazon.com

Lieutenant Colonel Kopelman subsequently authored From Baghdad to America: Life after War for a Marine and His Rescued Dog

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Posted in dog books

Tagged dog books, dogs in war

Holiday preparations

Posted on November 18, 2010 | Leave a comment

With the start of the Christmas holiday season, it is important to plan to ensure your dog and guests will be comfortable and happy.

My suggestions for holiday preparations:

1. Start your housecleaning preparations now. A room at a time is fine and don’t forget to vacuum along the skirting boards (base boards for those of you in the Northern Hemisphere). This is where dust and pet hair gather.

2. Air the house out on a regular basis and avoid using chemical air fresheners. Your dog has a very sensitive nose and these products are too strong. Try sprinkling baking soda over your carpet before vacuuming. This is an excellent way of deodorising carpets.

3. If you must ‘freshen’ the air with something, try using an aromatherapy burner with only a drop of lavender oil. Again, it is important not to offend the sensitive nose of your dog. Don’t forget to watch for your dog’s reactions. If they get up and leave the room, it is probably too strong a scent for them.

4. Book your dog in for a grooming now. It is unfair to expect groomers to fit in dogs at the last minute – and just like your hairdresser – they do book up.

5. Remind your guests and family that your dog is not a garbage can. They should not be fed lots of table scraps because this can upset their tummy and lead to smelly problems to pick up later. Plan to give your dog a maximum of 1-2 treats per day throughout the holiday season.

6. Some dogs can become overwhelmed with the changes to their home environment with decorations popping up, guests coming and going, and parties that last into the night. Make a private spot for your dog now such as a spare bedroom or a crate. If they look stressed, put them in their quiet place with a favourite toy for company.

7. If you are planning to travel, you should have a kennel booking by now. Check to ensure your dog’s vaccinations are up to date and if not, make an appointment with your vet without delay. Like groomers, vets are very busy in the pre-Christmas period and you cannot expect them to have appointments available at short notice.

Christmas is for family and that includes the dog in your life. With a little preparation now, you will both have a happy and safe holiday season.

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

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Posted in dogs and holidays

Tagged Christmas, Dog, holiday preparations

The Leonberger

Posted on November 12, 2010 | 1 comment

Today I massaged a Leonberger, who unfortunately has had to have cruciate ligament surgeries in both legs over the years and as a consequence she is starting to have lots of aches and pains. What a beauty! She was the epitome of the ‘Gentle Giant’ and, despite her size, amongst the easier dogs I have handled in my dog massage career.

I’ve done some research on the breed and so I thought I’d share it with you. Leonbergers originated in Germany in the town of Leonberg. The mayor there wanted a dog that resembled the lion image of the town’s crest. The breed is a combination of Newfoundland, Saint Bernard, and Pyrenean Mountain Dog.

If you are interested in owning one of these giant dogs, I recommend that you do your own research on the breed and then contact your local breed club for information on breeders and upcoming litters.