Tag Archives: Mutual Rescue

A heroic pairing in search and rescue

Posted on July 10, 2026 | 1 comment

With the earthquake in Venezuela on 24 June 2026, we should be reminded of all the people worldwide who train with their dogs in search and rescue – so they are ready when needed. A lot of this work is done on a volunteer basis, with hours of commitment.

And many of the dogs who are used in search and rescue are rescues themselves.

This is the story of Rudy and Topa. Although not deployed in Venezuela themselves, their story is nonetheless incredibly relevant.

If you are interested in supporting animals in need in Venezuela, consider donating to:

International Fund for Animal Welfare

Humane World for Animals

Kathleen Crisley is Fear-Free certified dog massage therapist and canine fitness trainer. She has a particular passion for working with dogs and their families to ensure injury prevention and quality of life. She specialises in working with anxious and emotionally damaged dogs. Her mobile practice, The Balanced Dog, is based in Christchurch, New Zealand

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Posted in special dogs and awards

Tagged Mutual Rescue, rescue dogs, search and rescue, Venezuela, working dogs

Mutual Rescue™ surviving cancer

Posted on July 14, 2024 | 1 comment

When Meridel adopted Sadie, little did she know that they both would both have cancer in common.

The latest Mutual Rescue video tells their story. Cancer is a devastating diagnosis to receive, be it for a human or animal. I particularly like that Meridel talks about the love hormone – oxytocin – in this piece. There’s documented evidence about how the stroking of a dog results in release of this hormone in both the owner and the dog.

You can’t get more mutual than that!

Mutual Rescue™ is a trademarked initiative of the Humane Society Silicon Valley. Aimed at changing the way people think of animal welfare and adoption, each year the Society asks for submissions from people to share their story about a special connection they have made with an animal.

Kathleen Crisley, Fear-Free certified professional and specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and canine fitness, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand.

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Posted in dog care, Dogs

Tagged adoption, cancer, dog adoption, Mutual Rescue, oxytocin

Mutual Rescue™ – Tracy and Jack

Posted on April 6, 2017 | Leave a comment

I blogged about Mutual Rescue™ last year; it’s a a trademarked initiative of the Humane Society Silicon Valley. Aimed at changing the way people think of animal welfare and adoption, each year the Society asks for submissions from people to share their story about a special connection they have made with an animal.

The first story of 2017 has been released. Meet Tracy and Jack. Note that Jack is a tripod as well as having only one eye. It doesn’t stop him from living a full life.

Note: Tripods benefit from regular massage which helps to retain full range of motion in the remaining limbs. Stretching and relieving tension in hard-working muscles helps to keep these special needs dogs moving. I love working with tripods (I don’t live near Jack, so can’t work with him)!

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

Mutual Rescue™

Posted on December 28, 2016 | 1 comment

These stories of inspiration and transformation have come about because a person walked into an animal shelter and adopted a pet.

Four new videos will be released in early 2017 after over 400 stories were submitted for consideration.

Below is the first Mutual Rescue™ video released last year – the story of Eric & Peety. I particularly love the way the drawings have been introduced to the film.