I RESCUED A HUMAN TODAY by Janine Allen, as posted on the web

Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering
apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew
I had to help her.

I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid.
As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little
accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn't want her to know
that I hadn't been walked today. Sometimes the overworked shelter
keepers get too busy and I didn't want her to think poorly of them.

As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about
my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make
a difference in someone's life.

She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I
shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to
comfort her. Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate
for companionship. A tear fell down her cheek and I r aised my paw
to assure her that all would be well.

Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I
instantly jumped into her arms.

I would promise to keep her safe.
I would promise to always be by her side.
I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile
and sparkle in her eyes.

I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are
out there who haven't walked the corridors. So many more to be
saved. At least I could save one.

I rescued a human today."

The new year is a time for taking stock, for affirming what is working out and seeking change for what isn't. Every year brings new challenges. Some years more than others. The one constant is change whether we welcome it or not.

2009 will be challenging for most all of us. The economy is a big factor in our lives. Our health and the health of those we love is a major concern. With the cost of health insurance rising and our jobs hanging on by threads we question what we really need and what we can do without.

I have been in this same situation. Dealing with my arm pain has been a priority so that I can continue to do the work that I love. Other issues have taken a back seat. What I realize after the last several months of this routine is just how much our body relies on balance.

My regular massage and chiropractic visits have been on hold and my routine acupuncture has been stopped as well. My yoga practice has become my only balance. Between occupational therapy, doctor visits and prescriptions, my healthcare budget is stretched to the limit.

The time has come to re-evaluate the situation and decide where to go with my path to well-being for the new year.

I understand the distress of having to decide how much wellness care to pursue. It can be spiritually draining. My personal goal is to continue to re-incorporate the therapies that have been so helpful to my over all health, albeit on a less frequent, but regular basis.

Moderation is my theme for 2009. The visits to my massage therapist and chiropractor may be scaled back, but I will continue to do what I know my body needs. I have found out that stopping all together is not the answer, financially, physically or spiritually. If I cut back on the activities that I don't need, I have the ability to enjoy and be rewarded with the things I do need. What a concept. I seem to vaguely remember my Mother telling me this many years ago:-)

I wish everyone a healthy year to come, including laughter, love and stability. Namaste

Greetings from the Rock of Gibraltar

"Departing the Rock of Gibraltar on a fine and sunny day.  I wanted to thank you for all your work tom make this possible.

I Have been pain free since last in your good care."

From Kevin, a massage client who came in to see me after throwing his neck out and was in terrible pain.  Between massage and the physical therapy he received he was out of pain and ready to return to work in a short time.  I am happy to have been able to help.  

It's Swim Season

Finally, the weather trend is looking a bit warmer, the sun is shining more and the days are definitely longer.  Our bodies are waking up to the potential of warm weather activities.  We have many opportunities for entertainment outdoors, camping, hiking, going to the beach.  Many of our dogs love water and want to swim and frolic in the summer fun as well.

Swimming is one of the very best forms of exercise.  The resistance of the water, the full range of motion and the cardiac work are the main reasons.  Even if you are not a strong or good swimmer, there is still fun and great exercise to be had.  Wear a life jacket or floatation belt to help you out and you can have just as much fun as the good swimmers, even if you don't look as cool.  

Safety is everything in the water.  Always be safe and make sure the kids and pups are safe.  Admittedly, I really know nothing about child safety other than make sure they always stay with their Mom or Dad.  That way I don't have to worry about them:-)

Now dog safety, that's a different animal, literally.  As a canine water therapist, one thing I hear a lot that is simply not true, is that all dogs know how to swim.  What all dogs know how to do is kick their legs when they are in the water.  Many of the dogs I work with at SplashDog splash around, kicking their legs and straining to keep their heads out of the water in the beginning.  This works pretty well for a while but I can tell you, they will tire quickly.  If there is any kind of current this is an even faster recipe for disaster.  At SplashDog we do teach dogs how to swim and swim safely. 

The only way to know if your dog is able to swim safely is to watch them do it.  I don't advise anyone to throw their dog in the water as I have heard of some people actually doing.  They have the opinion that the dog will sink or swim.  Well, that is pretty harsh.  The shock of being thrown into water will create a panic and, more than likely, create panic swimming which is what I described above, not safe.

A better way to see if your dog can safely swim is to walk them into the water, or if in a pool, lift them in.  Be sure you are fully covered, not in a bikini or just swim trunks as you could possibly get pretty scratched up.  Once the dog is in the water far enough to need to swim let go of them but keep close enough to be sure you can grab them if need be.  They could swim the wrong direction, away from you or begin to sink.  If either happens, lift them up a bit under the torso and steer them by holding the chest as well.

If the dog turns out to swim on their own relatively well, still keep an eye on them in case they tire before they get to an area that they can stand up. We tend to feel that dogs are capable of climbing up on docks, boat steps and big rocks after they have been swimming.  That is a dangerous assumption.  Be ready to help your dog out of the water after a swim.  I've seen many dogs at SplashDog have a great swim and then collapse when they tried to walk up the steps to get out. 

One way to be assured that your dog is safe is to use a canine life vest.  There are several on the market.  The only way to be sure to get a good fit is to try it on.  If you order one and it doesn't fit snug and close securely, be sure to return it and get a better fit.  The last thing you want is to be in a dangerous situation and have the dog slip out of the vest.  Most vests have handles built in to the top of the vest that help if you need to grab your dog.  Many now have reflective strips which are especially great if you boat and are out with your dog after dark.

One website I found, listed below, has several types of vests.  

http://www.pontoonspecialists.com/c-76-your-pets-page.aspx

I did a search for "canine floatation device" and came up with quite a few sites.  Or you could check with local pet supply shops and sporting goods supply stores to find a vest that you like. 

My last word on this subject:  not all dogs like to swim, even Labs.  Don't force your dog to swim.  If you want them to swim or want to know they can for safety, be patient and help them learn.  This is the kind and safe way to enjoy the water with your dog and your dog will probably appreciate the time with you in the process:-)

Have fun, enjoy summer and stay safe! 

Training Successes and Not So Much

For those of you who know Devi, you may know her as the sweet, happy, playful little girl that I know so well, or you may know her as the little Tasmanian Devil dog that has become a handful of twisting growling fur and teeth.

Thankfully, the latter is very infrequent, although never okay.  It began with some growling and posturing when she was on her leash and another dog would get close enough to smell.  She did great at the dog park right off the bat.  Once in a while she would get in a tussle, but not bad and who knows why or who started it.  

As she became more secure at home and with me, oddly enough, she began getting fiestier.  The one that really set her off was my Mom's little dog Lady.  Lady is approx. 14/15.  She was a rescue in the fall of 2006 from Paws and it took awhile for her to bond with Mom.  No one seems to know much about her past but she obviously decided she needed to be courted.  

When Devi and Lady met I made a big mistake.  I had just had Devi about a week.  We entered Mom's apartment with Devi on leash.  Lady was asleep on the floor next to Mom.  The living area where we all were is pretty small.  Lady sleeps pretty deeply, is hard of hearing and possibly has some loss of sight.  Devi and I were about 3-4 ft. away from Lady when she woke up.  The first thing Lady saw was a dog right there in front of her, in here house, watching her sleep!  Man, who wouldn't have been grumpy.  

Lady barked at Devi and that was all it took.  Devi immediately went after Lady.  It scared the heck out of me and I pulled her frantically back with the leash and yelled at her.  Mom grabbed Lady and there was no damage except to my ego and all or our emotional states. 

That incident set the tone for the relationship between Lady and Devi.  Lady is a forgive and forget girl.  She will bark and grump at Devi whenever they get face to face, but mostly she is happy to just stay out of Devi's way.  Devi, on the other hand, even though she forgot about the immediate threat, will still go after Lady with, to my eye, no provocation.  Just out of the blue.  One minute every one is fine, going about their business, the next Devi is ready to pounce on Lady. 

Obviously, this is very upsetting and so I have not taken her back to Mom's since the last nasty incident.  Instead I called an animal behaviorist and have begun working with her on the leash aggression.  After we get somewhere with that then we'll confront the issue with Lady.

After we began the training routine, which she seemed to respond to nicely, Devi had digestive trouble due to the treating involved.  I got help and ideas from the behaviorist, Christine.  Devi began to backtrack.  Since I had to begin giving her treats that were basically her regular diet to keep from upsetting her, she lost interest.

Now, happily, we have found that microwave cooked, skinless chicken breast cut into tiny pieces is working great.  We have also incorporated the "gentle leader" head halter which will help control her if she decides not to cooperate with the training.  So far this system is working well.  We are working hard to be polite canine citizens so that everyone will know her as the sweet girl that she is.

A Weekend at the Ocean

Last weekend was my first trip back to Copalis beach without my boy Bud.  Bud loved it so much.  I'm so happy that Bud and Rusty and Joe and I were able to make 2 trips to Iron Springs last year, one in April and one in Sept., both beautiful.

Last Saturday Joe, Rusty, Devi and I went, arriving about 3pm.  We dumped all of our luggage and gear then hiked the short hike to the beach.  Copalis beach is about 30 miles north or Ocean Shores.  It is a huge expanse of soft, light colored sand bordered by picturesque red bluffs.  Iron Springs Resort sits on one of those bluffs, overlooking the ocean and beach.

Bud loved to feel the sand between his toes, the sea breeze in his face and to trot all over the beach, leash-free.  Little Rusty was always just behind Bud, following his "buddy" everywhere, fully trusting that the journey would be fun and safe.

This was Devi's first ocean visit as far as I can tell.  She was excited but not overly so, to the point of getting too far away from us.  She was such a good girl.  Joe and I enjoyed throwing the flying disc as far as possible for her and watching her run fast and free.  We encouraged Rusty to go too, to run after Devi, or the disc.  He stayed close to us, running out close to Devi when she wasn't too far from us.  He was doing it for us.  Poor little guy.  I think he missed Bud.  He hasn't bonded with Devi much yet.  

Our second day was a rainy, grey Sunday.  We braved a walk on the beach anyway.  The tide was way out and we actually made it pretty close to Copalis Rock and got completely soaked.  The dogs were not only soaked, but caked in sand.

A couple baths later and after a short nap we found Devi's left eye was swollen shut.  After my initial panic, I was able to track down the one emergency Vet. on call within an hours drive in Hoaquim.  Dr. Westby was great.  He found that she had cut her 3rd eyelid, probably from grabbing and shaking the crab legs she found on the beach earlier.  An eyewash and antibiotic ointment treatment helped her out and I felt much better knowing she was safe.

During the journey back we were pulled over by a State Trooper for speeding!  Crap!  What a day.  After Joe explained the whole story and the Trooper saw the dogs, especially Rusty and his smiley little face, he let Joe off with a warning saying that we were lucky he was a compassionate person:-)  Nice guy.  Joe was careful to keep the cruise control engaged as much as he could after that.

We had a really nice time even with the rain and the health scare.  A day on the ocean is a good day, regardless of the weather.  Can't wait to get back again.  

New Assistant

I am proud to announce that I have a new assistant.  She has spent 2 months working with me at my office, at SplashDog and accompanies me on location.  She has also taken on the role of personal trainer but knows when I need serious downtime and is helpful in keeping me on track. 

The training was intense, a trial by fire, beginning full time from day one and she has performed incredibly.

Some of her main duties include greeting clients, helping with emotional balancing, aiding relaxation by checking in with clients during sessions, protection of occupants in case of intruders, checking pool before and after shifts with full immersion test of water temp's, protection of auto during on location visits, break enforcement.  Oh, and wiggles, licks and available for as much petting as anyone wants to give her.  

Devi is available Mon., Tue., Thu., Fri., and Sat. all day.  If you haven't met her yet, I hope you will be as happy with her service as I am and my clients have been so far.

Welcome Devi and thank you for being such an amazing helper.

To know them is to love them

This story is awesome.  It just goes to show that dogs are so much more than utilities or property.  Any of us who have truly 'shared' our lives with them know this unwaveringly, but there are still folks out there that are ignorant and lacking enough compassion and empathy to see and feel the true nature of these amazing beings.

I like to think that those are the people that this dog prays for.  And yes, I do believe dogs can pray, they can hope and dream.  Not the same as we do I suppose, but we know they can project what the outcome of something will be and that they long for companionship and food.  

When I hear of some of the awful things that people still do and think about animals, dogs especially, I just don't understand it.  My mind spins and I have to allow myself to believe in monsters, abominations that are cruel, incapable of empathy and compassion towards those that are different, helpless.

Those are the ones I hope this dog is praying for.  

Those are the ones who may be understanding in another lifetime how the ones they look down on now really do feel.

I'm only human and that is what I am praying for!

(double click on image to read article)

House Call Water Therapy?!

Yep, now I believe we are in a new age, a good one:-)

I have my very first house call to a private home with a water therapy pool for the rehab and healthcare of a loved family dog.  I don't know the story yet of how they came about putting in this pool or whether it is their pool and has been converted for the dog's care.  I applaud people who are able and willing to do this for their dog.  

We know that warm water therapy is a wonderful way to help keep a dog in shape whether they have injuries or disabilities so it only seems right that someone would eventually bring the therapy HOME!!  How cool is that!

I'll update the blog after I get more information and go through the session.  Man, I hope it isn't a home, 6 person spa at 100 degrees!  That could be a problem...........

Update:

The session went very well.  The spa is about 10 feet long and 6 feet wide with a sloped bottom and adjustable jets.  Unlike the pool at Splashdog there are no steps but there are seats at two corners which helped.  The dog is a large lab, approx. 70 pounds, with long legs.  He didn't have trouble getting in but I was nervous about him getting out onto the wooden deck that the spa was set into.  He did really well while I was there as did his Mom.  She had been in the water and seen the therapists at work at SplashDog and had a good idea what was involved in getting some good therapy for her dog and making sure the session was safe.  

I'm sure they have been successful at the challenge they took on.  I am happy for the family and am happy that I was able to be of some assistance to get them started.  What a fabulous job I have!

Let the Training Begin

Training my new dog is a challenge.  It seems to me, the biggest challenge is taking in all of the information and processing it.  I know how she feels.  Not only is she getting a great deal of yes's and no's, I am as well.  Everyone has a different idea and everyone wants to tell me what that is.  Each has merit.  Each has been tried and has worked for someone, somewhere.  But mostly, they all involve teaching me how to help my dog understand what I want her to do.  

Funny how some things are easier than other to get across.  Sit, down, drop it, those were easy enough.  Actually, pretty much everything I have been consistent about running through with Devi has been successful.  

I am beginning to see a pattern of how she learns and how we teach one another.  It isn't all me teaching her.  Some things she shows me.  For instance, when she was upset at SplashDog while I was working with the clients in the beginning, I noticed that as she did calm down, she was laying under one of the chairs.  Aha!  Thanks Devi, for showing me a spot that made you more comfortable.  I put her bed there the next time we were in and she was much more calm during my sessions.  

One thing I notice with trainers is that they know about canine body language, pack behavior and how the dogs see us but I  think they sometimes miss the fact that the respect for one another includes taking some cues from the dogs.  

I don't want to train my dog to break her spirit or squelch the fun she has.  I admit, I like a spirited dog with a distinct, strong personality (I'll write about Abby sometime to exhibit just how much that is true;-).  I do need to teach her how to be polite all of the time and make sure she is safe, but training her to be submissive and subservient is not my goal.  

There is a balance and I am really confused at the moment as to how to reach it.  Together we will find that place and I am confident that Devi will be a great companion and happy girl for the long time we will have together. 

My new baby, Devi

If you haven't already met Devi, you will, if you meet me.  She has been my constant companion since I adopted her 3 weeks ago today.

As my clients already know, I lost my boy Budhi in December and have missed him very much.  Bud was the last of the 3 dogs I had as family over the last 17 years.  It was a big blow. 

I wanted to be realistic and cautious about finding another dog to share my life with.  Bud had spoiled me by being the best companion 24/7.  He was great with all my clients, a perfect traveller and my rock in my personal life.  Big shoes to fill!

A friend and peer, Debbie LaMonica, from SplashDog sent out an email with this little girls picture and write up.  "Needs a home"...  Something about her struck a nerve.  After meeting, which went well, then spending an afternoon together running around (like I always do), meeting friends (canine, feline and human), I realized how special she is and fell head over heels in l-o-v-e.

DEVI'S short story (abridged version) 

Devi was a stray in Eastern Washington, around Prosser.  She was picked up by the local animal control and taken to the animal shelter there.  She was scheduled to be "put down" when the folks at Rescue Pup found her.  Rescue Pup helps adoptable dogs by sending them to foster homes until they can find forever homes with good people.  www.rescuepup.org

She went to a foster home for a short time but the couple that were fostering split up and had to find another foster home to send their charges to.  Devi then went to another home with about 5 other dogs and 5 cats.  She was well taken care of, nursed through her kennel cough, and her spay surgery.  She was adopted by a lady who changed her mind not long after she took her and was returned to the foster home.  All in the first year of her life.

When I found her and applied to adopt her I had to leave her as I was leaving for a 7 day vacation out of the country.  That was a really difficult thing to do to this little, trusting soul.  I knew she was in good hands and they assured me she would be waiting for me when I returned.  Sure enough, she was!

Her name in foster care was Phoebe.  Pretty, but didn't feel right to me.  Especially because of the pretty but dopey Phoebe from the sit-com, Friends.  I knew this little one needed a strong name.  Devi came to me while relaxing with her one afternoon.  This seemed just right.

"The Great Goddess, known in India as Devi (literally "goddess"), has many guises.  She is "Ma" the gentle and approachable mother.  As Jaganmata, or Mother of the universe, she assumes cosmic proportions, destroying evil and addressing herself to the creation and dissolution of the worlds.  She is worshiped by thousands of names that often reflect local customs and legends.  She is one and she is many...."

Devi (pronounced like davey, but answers to any pronunciation) is a mixed breed.  The foster Mom described her as a Jack Russell terrier/pit bull mix.  My Vet feels that she may also have some heeler and bassett in her:-)  

Devi is a sweet, happy, energetic, puppy who looks to me for guidance and learns quickly.  She has shown a great deal of intelligence and patience in these few weeks we have been together, getting dragged all over the place by my busy lifestyle.  I believe she had a good home in the beginning as she is completely housebroken and knew the sit command when I brought her home.  She is learning all the time and enjoys it, as long as she gets lots of playtime too.

We are beginning basic obedience classes which should be a lot of fun for both of us.  Devi is going to daycare one day a week to get used to being with other doggies and burn some energy, and make her and I have some time apart.

I could go on, but for now, will leave her story.  I hope everyone who meets her will be happy to meet her as she is a gentle, loving dog and, as the saying goes...."love me, love my dog".