Category Archives: Uncategorized

AwkwardFamilyPetPhotos.com for a bit of fun!

I needed to laugh today.

Visit this website to view photos uploaded by real people who suggest a fitting title for their family’s photo such as:

Biscuit felt there were times “lap-dog” shouldn’t apply.

With a few rules, dogs and offices can mix well

“No one at the Ohio chapter of The Nature Conservancy enjoys going to meetings more than Annie. Once, she was even disciplined for attending a meeting to which she was not invited.”

The San Jose Mercury News has picked up this story by Associated Press reporter Melissa Kossler Dutton about the value of having a pet-friendly workplace.  This article profiles companies such as The Nature Conservancy, Replacements (which I’ve previously covered) and Extrovertic.

A dog in the workplace can help to reduce stress and provide another way for staff to interact with one another.  And walking the dog at break time forces people to get out and get some fresh air and stretch their legs (all positives for health & safety programmes!)

Of course, there have to be rules – such as excluding the cafeteria from the pet-friendly policy, and having behavioural standards which dogs must adhere to…but the firms that have adopted dog-friendly workplace strategies are in no doubt that they are effective.

(Oh, how I wish I could say that I enjoy meetings (I don’t).  I’m sure if I could bring Daisy to meetings, I’d enjoy them a lot more!)

Dogs and the Super Bowl

I’ve never been much of an American football fan, but I tip my hat to the people at Volkswagen who are airing a new commercial during this weekend’s Super Bowl.

Volkswagen has paired dogs with a Star Wars  The Empire Strikes Back theme to announce their latest offering.

Two weeks ago they launched this ‘teaser’ on the YouTube site:

And then they’ve followed it up with the full commercial:

Volkwagen of course isn’t the first car company to use dogs in advertising.  Subaru has been using dog-themed commercial for several years to market its SUV-style models to dog owners.

Doggy quote of the month for February

“With the eye upraised his master’s look to scan,

The joy, the solace, and the aid of man;

The rich man’s guardian and the poor man’s friend,

The only creature faithful to the end.”

George Crabbe, poet, 1754-1832

Woman in court next month over dog death

Great news out today…SPCA Canterbury has laid a charge of reckless ill-treatment of an animal under New Zealand’s Animal Welfare Act against the woman responsible for leaving a Pomeranian to die in a hot car during the Christmas shopping season last month.

On 18 December, the dog was found dead in a parked car at the rooftop car park at The Palms Shopping Centre.  It was harnessed to its seat and muzzled on a day when temperatures reached 33.4 degrees C.

The court date has been set for 17 February.  Well done to the SPCA Canterbury for following through on this case.

The Benjamin Hotel, New York City

For those of you who have subscribed to my newsletter, you know that I have had an ongoing feature to highlight accommodation options that are dog-friendly.   Here’s my latest find:

The Benjamin Hotel in New York City caters to dogs of all sizes, whereas many dog-friendly hotels set size limits and only cater to the smaller breeds.  So all of you large dog people – this hotel is for you!

The Dream Dog TM package includes a bathrobe for your dog, spa treatments, gourmet food, and even a visit from a pet psychic if you choose.

When booking in to stay with your dog, you get to choose the type of bed they will sleep on.  For small dogs, there is a sofa bed with a removable cushion that doubles as a crate or travel mat.  For medium-sized dogs, there is an orthopedic bed “designed to provide the ultimate in comfort and support – the ideal blend for a perfect night’s sleep.”

And for dogs of any size (small to large),  there is the Luxury Bed which is an “ultra-plump, overstuffed round bed that completely surrounds Fido in down-like fiberfill. Deep and cushiony, with soft rhino suede and luxury gold braid, this bed will make your best friend feel safe and secure.”

The hotel also offers a dog walking service, clean up bags, a list of dog-friendly places to visit, and gourmet cakes and treats for special occasions.

It is great to see a hotel welcoming dogs of all sizes.

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

New dog treats and ingredients

I’ve been working on some new dog treat recipes to make greater use of rice flour, a gluten-free base for dog treats.  Many dog owners are looking for treats that are wheat-free.

Rice flour can be used as a substitute for traditional wheat flours and is comparatively easy to source, so dog treat prices will remain competitive and reasonable (remember, all Balanced Dog treats are handmade!)

I’m using rice flour in a new treat that uses 100% New Zealand lamb.  Lamb is a warming meat, so it is good for older dogs.  Lamb is also highly digestible so it will be a useful treat for dogs needing a little more protein in their diet.  This treat has lots of herbs, too.

I’ll be adding more information on dog food ingredients to this blog as time goes on.  Stay tuned…

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

Dog dies in hot car in Christchurch

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

My dog signs my Christmas cards

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