With every natural disaster, there are also animal victims.
Please follow this link to view the YouTube video of a dog in the aftermath of the tsunami in Japan. The dog refuses to leave his injured friend.
(Both dogs are now reported to be in the care of animal welfare authorities.)
Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand
Posted in animal welfare, Dogs, special dogs and awards
In 1981, actor Jimmy Stewart (1908 – 1997) read a poem he wrote about his dog, Beau, on The Tonight Show hosted by Johnny Carson. For anyone who has loved a dog, you will understand.
Thanks to You Tube, here’s Mr Stewart reading his poem:
Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand
Posted in dog ownership, dog quotes, Dogs
Tagged Beau, Dog, Jimmy Stewart, Johnny Carson, The Tonight Show
It is New Year’s Eve and time to make those resolutions for 2011.
Here’s what many dogs are thinking:
1. Owner on floor, dog in bed.
2. Stop begging and actually get a seat at the dinner table.
3. Give up the dream of ever catching my tail.
4. Bark like a big dog but still get cuddled on lap like a little dog.
5. Get back at the cat for litter box incident.
6. Find every bone I ever buried.
7. No more haircuts!
8. Become alpha dog in my house. Well, at least stop letting the cat push me around.
9. Invent goggles that allow me to see the electric fence.
10. Finally pass my Canine Good Citizen test.
Source: American Kennel Club
Happy New Year everyone, from Kathleen & Daisy.
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
Posted in dogs and holidays, Uncategorized
Tagged American Animal Hospital Association, Christmas cards, Dog, paw print
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
Welcome to my new blog – about everything dog! Unlike my column for a previous NZ-based website, this one is totally under my control. It won’t be going anywhere (except growing in content). Join me as I discuss all sorts of topics related to the love and care of dogs.
Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand
DoggyMom.com 