I have a perfectly innocent explanation for the mussed up and torn sheets and the sound of the headboard banging against the wall…
Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, Canine Catering Ltd, Christchurch, New Zealand
Best Mate is a book for young readers, approximately 10 years of age. I picked up my copy at an outdoor market for just $3 (the book was originally published in 2007). Since I am now the proud owner of a re-homed racing greyhound, it was the greyhound on the cover that caught my eye.
It was, of course, an easy read. But I can highly recommend this book which tells the story of a greyhound pup rescued by a small boy, Patrick, on his way to school. Named ‘Best Mate’, the pup was discarded in a river canal in a sack with his litter mates.
And so begins a story of a dog and a child’s insight into animal cruelty. Best Mate loves Patrick and Patrick loves him. The two are separated when Best Mate is stolen for racing. There he meets a young girl named Becky who names him Brighteyes and he makes a friend with another racing greyhound.
But that is not the end of his story, or the cruelty that the book portrays. Be prepared to support the young reader in your home: Best Mate’s friend is killed when he can no longer win races.
Best Mate will ultimately be re-homed yet again before the end of the book, and this time he ends up with the name Paddywack.
There are a few chapters in this book written from Best Mate’s perspective. The only thing that would strengthen the book is to hear more from Best Mate himself.
This book should be on your child’s reading list. It is a good introduction into animal welfare issues and a good first insight into the greyhound racing industry.
My reading of this book is all the more timely since news has hit the media this week about ‘live baiting’ in Australian greyhound racing…the book doesn’t portray live baiting, but I felt a connection to the story nonetheless because of the headlines.
Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, Canine Catering Ltd, Christchurch, New Zealand
I ‘commissioned’ a new toy for Izzy this Christmas – it was not a new or innovative design and there are many videos circulating with dogs using similar ones. It’s made of wood and re-used drink bottles.
And until a couple of days ago, Izzy didn’t understand it was for her. All she managed to do was to chew on the wooden frame and screws that held it together a few times.
But then, Izzy had a play date with her friend, Helga, who is a Bernese Mountain Dog. And Helga showed some interest in the toy with the addition of a little peanut butter at the top of one of the bottles.
Izzy and Helga take a break from playing together
Helga went home and, within minutes of her leaving, Izzy started to engage with her new toy. Best of all, I caught it on video:
Clever girl, she just needed a little doggy leadership to show her the way!
Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, Canine Catering Ltd, Christchurch, New Zealand
Posted in Dogs
Tagged Bernese Mountain Dog, Greyhound, Helga, Izzy, leadership, play date, toys
Izzy loves to chew paper and cardboard. I have to be very careful about where I leave the newspaper every day because, if she sees it, it will be shredded.
However, her interest in paper and cardboard does come in handy. Whenever I have a cardboard box that needs to go into the recycling bin, Izzy can break it down for me in record speed.
Here is Izzy at work:
And here’s the end result:
Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, Canine Catering Ltd, Christchurch, New Zealand
Posted in Dogs
Tagged cardboard, cardboard box, Greyhound, Izzy, paper, recycling, recycling bin
Your mother asks you what she can get you for your birthday and you answer…
‘Something for the dog’
Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, Canine Catering Ltd, Christchurch, New Zealand
Since Izzy is a Greyhound, a breed that likes to ‘nip’ at each other when racing, I put a muzzle on her when she goes to the dog park – just in case she gets too excited or playful with other dogs.
Since Izzy loves to chase the tennis ball, she’s developed a new game – nose soccer. You can only play this when wearing a muzzle, since you bounce the ball off your muzzle…
Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, Canine Catering Ltd, Christchurch, New Zealand
Posted in Dogs
Tagged Dog, dog park, football, Greyhound, Izzy, muzzle, nose soccer, soccer, tennis ball
This year in my garden beds I am growing:
Lettuces
More lettuces, peppers and…
…one Greyhound! (Izzy heard the word ‘bed’ and decided she wanted an outdoor bed for summer)
Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, Canine Catering Ltd, Christchurch, New Zealand
Today, I had a consult with a new client who also suddenly suffered the loss of her younger dog just a few days ago. Since I’ve been through my own loss of Daisy in July and I am now co-sponsoring a pet loss support group in my area, I think I was able to provide her with the understanding she needed at this painful time.
We also discussed when it is ‘right’ to bring another dog into the household. There is no single ‘right’ answer to this question.
For me, I was not doing well in a dog-less household. I missed the companionship and unconditional love that Daisy gave me willingly for over 10 years. But, I knew that replacing Daisy was never going to happen – she was unique. And I don’t believe we ever replace a dog that has passed; we only open our hearts to a new relationship.
I had to find a dog that needed me as much as I needed them.
This is my way of announcing the adoption of Izzy, a greyhound, from the Greyhounds as Pets adoption scheme.
Izzy, with a selection of her toys
Initially withdrawn and a bit overwhelmed at being in a pet home after over 5 1/2 years in a kennel environment, Izzy is now experiencing her second puppyhood. I have had a few household items destroyed (including a tv remote) and I’m learning to schedule play time for us at least twice daily (in addition to our twice-daily walks).
I am finding great joy in giving a home to a dog who didn’t have one. The time was right for a new pack member; I think Daisy loved me enough that she would approve.
In the months and years to come, I’ll be sharing stories about Izzy and our adventures together…but I have no plans to change the banner on this blog. Daisy was my heart dog and soul mate and it is a fitting tribute to keep her image on the advertising for DoggyMom.com.
Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, Canine Catering Ltd, Christchurch, New Zealand
Posted in dog adoption, Dogs
Tagged adoption, Daisy, dog adoption, Greyhound, greyhounds as pets, Izzy, pet loss, pet loss support group
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