Tag Archives: rescue dogs

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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Doggy quote of the month for May

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Posted on April 30, 2023 in animal welfare, dog adoption, dog breeds, Dogs

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2018 American Rescue Dog Show

Posted on February 16, 2018 | 2 comments

Move over Westminster because rescue dogs have just been put into the spotlight with their very own show.

Premiering on the Hallmark Channel on Monday, 19th February 2018 – the American Rescue Dog Show!

I’m not sure we will ever get this in New Zealand (possibly through Netflix but it isn’t there yet)…but it is great to see Rescue Dogs being promoted to the public.

***For the record, rescue dogs may be mixed or pure breeds – a dog finds itself in need of rescue mostly because of human actions or inaction and not breeding***

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

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Posted in animal welfare, dog breeds, dog care, Dogs

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Teaching dogs to fly

Posted on May 14, 2016 | Leave a comment

Mark Vette, New Zealand-based animal training and behaviorist, has done it again.

Known for his achievement in teaching dogs to drive (See the Driving Dogs of New Zealand), Mark and his team have now taught three rescue dogs to fly…

Rescue dogs are great dogs with depths of intelligence and emotion that we have only begun to explore.

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

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The Champions

Posted on May 11, 2016 | Leave a comment

In my local community of Christchurch, New Zealand, I am sponsoring a community viewing of The Champions, a documentary by Darcy Dennett.  Proceeds will go to four local dog charities:  K9 Rescue and Rehoming, SPCA Canterbury, Dogwatch and Christchurch Bull Breed Rescue.

This film, which follows the story of some of the dogs rescued from Michael Vick’s Bad Newz Kennels, is a good news story.  It makes you think about recovery and a dog’s capacity to endure and survive.  Since I am very familiar with the work of the Best Friends Animal Society, it is also great to see the work done by them and BADRAP in San Francisco in finding these dogs homes.

I commend this film to you and encourage you to see it for yourselves.

Champions_Movie_Poster_Download

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

Previous posts relevant to the Vick case and dog fighting include:

 

 

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White Knuckles – a video using rescue dogs

Posted on October 5, 2015 | Leave a comment

In this video, the band OK Go is featured with 14 rescue dogs.   The dogs were trained by firm Talented Animals.

On YouTube, you’ll also find videos of the production and behind-the-scenes takes.

Creative and entertaining!

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Ralph Lauren’s Dog Walk

Posted on October 25, 2013 | 1 comment

This month, Ralph Lauren, has chosen to feature rescue dogs in showing his Fall 2013 Accessories Collection.  This collection includes items of dog apparel, such as cashmere sweaters!  (October is Adopt a Shelter Dog month, by the way)

If you buy any of the featured items between 15 October and 15 November, 10% of the proceeds will be donated to the ASPCA.

And now…..Ralph Lauren presents The Dog Walk:

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Posted in animal welfare, dogs in advertising

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Using the internet to share information about dogs

Posted on October 13, 2013 | 1 comment

The internet is now the preferred resource for dog owners looking for information.  But did you realize the creative ways people are using the medium?

Here are two of my favorites:

a)  Hope for Paws, a charitable organization involved in animal rescue, has compiled beautiful photos of their rescue dogs into a book.   With every download of the book, Hope for Paws earns 10 cents.  It all adds up.  Why not click today?

b)  Author Colleen MacDougall is publishing the first ten chapters of her book,  The Patron Saint of Dogs, online – one chapter at a time.  I’m really enjoying reading the book and can’t wait for the email that lets me know another chapter is ready for reading.  You can visit Colleen’s website here to join her mailing list.

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The driving dogs of New Zealand

Posted on December 11, 2012 | 1 comment

I’m so proud of the SPCA Auckland  (where I used to volunteer, when I lived up that way) for its imaginative holiday promotion for rescue dogs.

The SPCA teamed up with expert dog trainers to train three SPCA rescue dogs to drive a car – a Mini to be exact.

Driving Dog

Monty, Porter and Ginny went through extensive training before being put behind the wheel of the Mini.  Last night, on national television, Monty drove himself around a go-cart track.  Porter took on the dubious task of having the reporter accompany him on his drive – and I think he suffered the nerves for it because he took a turn rather widely.

This video covers the dog’s training and moment of glory:

Monty, Porter and Ginny prove that rescue dogs are intelligent and trainable.  If considering adopting a dog this Christmas, make sure you visit your local SPCA and rescue organisations.

You can read more about New Zealand’s driving dogs at www.drivingdogs.co.nz (which brings you to their Facebook page).

Driving Dogs 2

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9/11 Search and Rescue Dog Receives Stem Cell Therapy

Posted on April 6, 2012 | Leave a comment

Here’s the Fox 5 story of rescue dog ‘Red’ – one of the last surviving rescue dogs from the 9/11 attacks.  Red has arthritis and degeneration in her back and has undergone stem cell therapy at a Virginia clinic.

9/11 Search and Rescue Dog Receives Stem Cell Therapy at Va. Clinic.

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