Tag Archives: Bark in the Park

Spreading the word about dog massage

Posted on January 16, 2017 | 1 comment

Dog massage??? What???!!!!

I get this fairly often; it doesn’t bother me.

One of the best ways I have found to give dog owners (and their d0gs) a bit of a taste for what I can do for them is to attend public events.  This weekend, I participated in the first annual Bark in the Park at Ferrymead Heritage Park.  The historic park was opened to dogs and their families to enjoy for the day.

Dogs rodethe trams, had posters printed for them on the authentic printing press, attended a blessing of the animals ceremony and were treated to frozen slushies made with chicken stock.  There was a series of guest speakers, including me.

I was consistently busy throughout the day at my stall as dog after dog came to see me for massage.  Dogs of all sizes, too!

Here are a few snaps from the day:

Every dog enjoyed their massage and owners were surprised at how quickly their dog relaxed and got into ‘the zone’ (as I call it).

Lesson for the day:  don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.  If you are a local Canterbury resident who missed out on Bark in the Park, the event is likely to become an annual one.  And you can always reach me here at The Balanced Dog to discuss your dog and how massage, laser, trigger point and food therapies can help your dog.

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

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Take me out to the ballgame

Posted on April 6, 2013 | 2 comments

It’s April and the 2013 Major League Baseball season is underway.   Did you know that many MLB teams hold special events for dogs to attend the game?

These events allow baseball fans to watch the game from a special section of the stadium.  Animal welfare charities are often supported through these events, which are accompanied by photo sessions and other activities (and some giveaways).

These games are so popular that some teams hold more than one event during the course of the season!

Here’s a list of the 2013 events:

  • Bark at the Park – Kansas City Royals vs Los Angeles Angels at Kansas City, May 26, 2013
Dog owners will receive a free Kansas City dog leash at this year's Bark at The Park

Dog owners will receive a free Kansas City dog leash at this year’s Bark at the Park

  • Bark at the Park – Miami Marlins vs San Diego Padres at Miami – June 30, 2013 (Benefit for Humane Society of Broward County)
  • Bark at the Park – Miami Marlins vs Cleveland Indians  at Miami – August 4, 2013 (Benefit for Humane Society of Greater Miami Adopt-A-Pet)
  • Bark in the Park – Atlanta Braves vs New York Mets at Atlanta – May 5, 2013
  • Bark in the Park – Arizona Diamondbacks vs San Francisco Giants at Arizona – June 9, 2013
  • Bark in the Park – Arizona Diamondbacks vs Colorado Rockies at Arizona – September 15, 2013
  • Bark in the Park – Cincinnati Reds vs Philadelphia Phillies at Cincinnati – April 16, 2013 (Free ‘basebowl’ mat for the first 5,000 pet owners)
  • Bark in the Park – Cincinnati Reds vs New York Mets at Cincinnati – September 23, 2013
  • Bark in the Park – Los Angeles Dodgers vs Miami Marlins at Los Angeles –  May 11, 2013
  • Bark in the Park – Los Angeles Dodgers vs Colorado Rockies at Los Angeles – September 28, 2013
  • Bark in the Park – Texas Rangers vs Chicago White Sox at Texas – May 2, 2013
  • Dog Day – Chicago White Sox vs Cleveland Indians at Chicago – April 23, 2013
  • Dog Day – Chicago White Sox vs  Minnesota Twins at Chicago – September 16, 2013

Dog Day Chicago

  • Dog Day – Oakland Athletics vs St Louis Cardinals at Oakland – June 28, 2013
  • Dog Days of Summer – San Francisco Giants vs Pittsburgh Pirates at San Francisco – August 25, 2013
  • Pooches in the Ballpark – St Louis Cardinals vs Texas Rangers at St Louis – June 22, 2013
  • Puppypalooza – Cleveland Indians vs Kansas City Royals at Cleveland – June 17, 2013
  • Puppypalooza – Cleveland Indians vs Kansas City Royals at Cleveland – September 9, 2013
  • Pups in the Park #1 – Washington Nationals vs Atlanta Braves at Washington – April 14, 2013
  • Pups in the Park #2 – Washington Nationals vs Chicago Cubs at Washington – May 11, 2013
  • Pups in the Park #3 – Washington Nationals vs Minnesota Twins at Washington – June 9, 2013
Is your dog right for a MLB canine event?  (guidance courtesy of the Atlanta Braves)Yes, if your dog:

  • Is old enough to be around other dogs and people (at least 4 months of age)
  • Is up to date on all required vaccinations
  • Is in relatively good health and can walk up and down several flights of stairs
  • Does well on-leash and is not overly aggressive toward other dogs
  • Is friendly toward humans and not excessively fearful
  • Is a Braves fan!

Probably not, if your dog:

  • Is still too young to mix with a big crowd (under 4 months);
  • Is a senior dog that would have trouble navigating stairs and being outside for an extended period of time;
  • Has aggressive tendencies towards other dogs or humans while on-leash (or off);
  • Is an Astros fan! (Just kidding, all are welcome!)
  • Is exhibiting any signs of illness close to the day of the game (ie, cough, nasal discharge, lethargy, diarrhea, etc). These symptoms can be signs of potentially infectious illnesses and it would probably be best for your dog as well as the other dogs in attendance, if they did not attend.

Older dogs, dogs with short muzzles and/or dogs in general that are quickly prone to heat exhaustion should consider not attending this event or possibly plan on not staying for the entire game. Even though there will be cool water, pools, shady spots, misting machines and ice cream on hand, the direct sun and heat can be a deadly combination for dogs. Dogs cool themselves down by panting and are not nearly as efficient as us humans. Please keep the comfort and safety of your dog in the forefront of your mind when planning out this fun day at the park.

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