The Balanced Dog is a fully mobile practice. Working in home gives me much better information than if I practiced in a clinic setting. Clinics are not a normal environment for a dog and so they often don’t act normally when they are there. A common issue is that the owner reports lameness but the dog isn’t lame in the clinic – because their nervousness overrides any pain signals and the muscles are tighter than normal.
Another benefit to me and the dog when I arrive is that I am often greeted off-leash, as Dalmatian Velo did with me on Saturday.
In the act of greeting me, I got to watch Velo’s gait (a relaxed doggy on a Saturday morning at home) and I was able to confirm also that he’s being kept warm in his jumper.
Kathleen Crisley, Fear-Free certified professional and specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand
Jess, a Beardie x Huntaway, is the canine inspiration behind the Dogs of New Brighton podcast. Here she is on my massage table for the first time.
Earlier last month, I was asked to visit with Michele Hollis and Jess who live in New Brighton (east Christchurch). Together they produce the Dogs of New Brighton podcast.
After I spent an hour with Jess for a relaxation massage, Michele and I sat down for an interview.
Listen to Part 1: In the first 20 minute segment of our interview, Michele asks me questions about Jess’ session, her reactions during the massage, and my qualifications and background.
Listen to Part 2: In the second 20 minute segment, Michele and I have a free-ranging discussion on a number of topics. I explain in more detail about the use of Fear Free techniques in canine massage and why I use a massage table; I also explain the legal standing of physical therapy on animals in New Zealand and the use of the terms ‘physio’ and ‘physiotherapy’. Michele asks me questions about the liver dog treats I feed in my practice, our treats and cakes that are made here in Christchurch at The Balanced Dog and I explain our free Birthday Club, too. I also talk about what I feed my greyhound, Izzy, and we finish our chat about Christchurch and whether it is a dog-friendly city including a discussion of irresponsible dog owners, community standards, and the need to pick up poo.
Listen to Jess snoring after her massage in Part 1 of my interview with Michele of the Dogs of New Brighton
Kathleen Crisley, Fear-Free certified professional and specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand
In 2007, I was unlucky enough to rupture an Achilles tendon; the rupture also took the rather unusual form of detaching from the bone in the heel of my foot. In most cases, these ruptures occur higher up the leg, with the tendon snapping in half. I clearly remember my surgeon at the time warning me of the risk of re-rupture, which was entirely linked to the quality and commitment to rehabilitation. Many people don’t commit to the time and consistency that rehab actually takes and they pay the price of exercising too strenuously too early, or not following the instructions for self-care.
Every rehab program can have setbacks and mine was no different. It took a year but I fully recovered. I went to physio for all the obligatory ultrasounds, etc. But more importantly, I did my exercises at home. All the toe raises, stretches, massaging and walking. I kept a journal of everything.
This personal experience has helped me greatly in my dog massage and rehab practice; it’s given me great insight into the frustrations and joys of rehab. And the main lesson I learned was that the substantive part of my rehab program was my responsibility.
The same is true of a dog’s rehab program – well, sort of. The dog doesn’t know what it has to do, it’s the owner’s responsibility.
And that’s one reason why I practice on an in-home basis. I see many dogs in need of strengthening, stretching and/or toning exercises. I always aim to make these exercises simple, and using items that are easily found around the home or sourced for a reasonable price. (I also have a hire pool of equipment, to also ease the burden of rehab care.)
Adjustments are often needed to match the dog’s abilities. And that comes with practice and feedback from the owner. And we work together through any setbacks.
I tell my clients: “To a large extent, you get out what you put in.”
Cavaletti rail practice at Christchurch Bull Breed Rescue (Charlene with Caesar)
Many clients have goals – it could be that the family is going on vacation and wants the dog in better shape (or fully recovered) when the dog goes to kennel or to another family member. It could be that the dog is in the care of a re-homing agency and the dog needs to be better before adoption. Or, the goal may simply to have the dog better before summer so that the family can enjoy the beach or the park again, together.
Like personal training, goals are great.
To achieve them, we get out what we put in. I enjoy being part of the owner’s team to achieve those goals.
Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand
This year’s Crufts competition was overshadowed by claims of poisoning and unethical conduct amongst competitors. Unfortunately, this means some of the better, good-news stories have not been given the air time they normally would.
Take Kamba, for example. A Rhodesian Ridgeback, Kamba had a piece of floating bone in his paw which was diagnosed last year after x-rays. Kamba hadn’t been using his leg as expected and so his owner looked into the cause.
Kim Hodge and her Rhodesian Ridgeback, Kamba
After the diagnosis, she pursued rehabilitation which included physical rehab and hydrotherapy which occurred from September 2014 with increasing frequency in the weeks leading up to the Crufts show.
Kamba won first prize in both the Post Graduate Class and Reserve Dog Challenge Certificate for his breed at the four-day event. He beat more than 100 other dogs.
“Kamba loves meeting other dogs and really seems to enjoy doing shows, so it was great to see how the crowd and the judges reacted to him too. Usually, top prizes tend to go to the more seasoned dogs so it was really lovely that Kamba impressed them.”
On Monday, we lost a great dog by the name of Olliver (yes – that’s the correct spelling). A Dalmatian, Ollie had great spirit, which showed through even more when he lost the ability to walk in July 2010. The veterinary profession have been stymied as to the reason for Ollie’s sudden loss of function and his owner has generously offered Ollie’s body for study at Massey University.
With the love and constant care of his owner, Ollie was engaged and alert until his sudden crash on Monday with internal bleeding. I miss him. Working with Ollie three times per week over the last year, we connected in a way I haven’t had the privilege of doing with any other dog. Rest well, Ollie, my special boy. I will take you with me for the rest of my days.
The Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of Heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food and water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigour: those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing: they miss someone very special to them who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddnely stops and looks into the distance. The eyes are intent, the eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to break away from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted and when you and your special friend finally meet you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face, your hands again caress his beloved head and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you pass over the Rainbow Bridge together…
Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand
DoggyMom.com 