The northeast United States has received record snowfalls this year. And as a word of encouragement to all of those who are sick and tired of shovelling snow, here comes a video to give you confidence:
a Canadian man has trained his Yellow Labrador, Elsa, to shovel snow!
In this YouTube video, Elsa is hard at work clearing snow from the family’s ice rink (yes, it gets so cold and snowy there that families have their own ice skating rinks at home!)
Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, Canine Catering Ltd, Christchurch, New Zealand
I love it when we hear about dogs who are able to use their instincts, talents and charm for good. There is a growing body of knowledge about how the company of dogs can assist with human therapies.
In this video, the pet therapy program at HCA Virginia’s Chippenham and Johnston-Willis hospitals is featured. Meet Fraser, a Black Labrador/Golden Retriever mix. Fraser’s canine colleague, Schaffer, doesn’t feature in this video. But, as full-time employees of HCA Virginia, the dogs receive benefits which include supplies and paid veterinary care.
Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, Canine Catering Ltd, Christchurch, New Zealand
…look out for the new commercial by Coldwell Banker Real Estate. Entitled “Home’s Best Friend,” the commercial is part of a new project partnership – Homes for Dogs – with website Adopt-A-Pet.com to find 20,000 animals new homes in 2015.
I love working with special needs dogs. With technology and innovation, we have more opportunities than ever before to give these special dogs quality of life.
Today I came across this special story of Derby, an adopted dog born with malformed front legs. How’s that for inspiration?
Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, Canine Catering Ltd, Christchurch, New Zealand
I have just finished reading musician Rick Springfield’s memoir entitled Late, Late at Night. I was a fan during my high school years, had his poster on my wall, and I believe I was even a member of his official fan club. I also remember going to see him in concert (twice).
What I discovered in this book is that Springfield is also a dog person. Imagine that – even when much younger – I was attracted to people who liked dogs. There are many comments in Springfield’s memoir about the role of dogs in his early family life and through his career (you might remember that his dog Ron featured on several album covers).
Dogs acted as a source of inspiration and consistency in a life where depression was also a key player.
In January 2010, Springfield’s dog Gomer passed away. He and his people compiled a bunch of photos of the beloved dog in this tribute on YouTube. Dog people will ‘get’ this – the need to share and show how great our dog was and how much we miss them.
Having lost Daisy so recently, this tribute really resonated with me. I hope you enjoy it.
Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog Ltd, Christchurch, New Zealand
As the world learns more about the tragic loss of actor and comedian Robin Williams to suicide, this journalist from the Dog Channel has written about Williams and his Pug, Leonard.
I am sure that Leonard is mourning the loss of his doggy dad and owner today.
I’m not really a “gym” person, but if I could work out at home without interruption, I would love to do so. My sister has been doing her workouts at home, and her dedication and hard work are really starting to show. My fear is that my workouts would end up looking something like the ones featured in this week’s video selection.
You’ve got to admire a woman who can maintain some semblance of zen while a dog is licking her face incessantly or crawling under her and putting his butt up in her face, wagging tail and all.
I might not have the same issues with my dogs as she has with Otis, but I have no doubt that there would be something dropped in front of me, over and over again.
Jasper really does think I was put on this earth to throw his ball for him.
DoggyMom.com 