Devi Playing with her BFF Katie

I've posted this video for a few reasons, it's fun, Devi and Katie's friends might like to watch it and it's one great example of how a dog uses it's tail. Watch Devi's tail when she is on her back. She uses it to help keep her balanced and move while on her back. Check it out.

In the canine massage classes I teach I always talk about how important it is to not ignore the tail. It is an important part of a dog's anatomy (not to mention communication). But watching this video amazed even me. It was almost as though it was another limb...which...I guess it is.

Now on Facebook

I'm not a social networker. I'm not really even a business networker, but I kind of make myself. But, I'm not above trying to stay in the loop. One of the things I wanted to do with this blog was put some slide shows together of my canine clients, class snapshots, etc. I have not been able to figure it out and to add each one as a separate photo would take up a lot of space and make downloading go pretty slow I'm afraid.

So, I began looking a Facebook. I was sort of surprised when I found somewhere along the line I had already started an account. I believe that happened because SplashDog had started their page and they wanted input from each of us. I thought then that I would do something so I went ahead and started an account then let it sit and forgot about it.

The good news is that I now have an album started of some of my sweet, beautiful canine clients. Most of which were snapped with my phone at work. I will be adding more pictures to that album as well as start an album of pics from classes and hopefully get some video on there as well.

If you want to check it out go to http://www.facebook.com/jlinn.henline?ref=profile


Please let me know if you visit and like it. It will encourage me to continue this challenge. I do still find it pretty challenging to navigate to what I want and add what I want. Practice makes perfect, or in my case, capable. So maybe I'll see you as a friend there or see a comment about how great the dogs are...because they ALL are!

Classes That Help You Be a Better Pet Guardian

INTRODUCTION TO CANINE MASSAGE


How many times have you noticed your dog running or walking with an odd gait, getting up or lying down slowly or stiffly, not wanting to go up or down stairs? Are there times you have thought your dog may be in pain or sore from too much exertion or old age?

Wouldn't you like to be able to safely and effectively massage your dog? There are many good reasons to massage a dog, things we don't think about usually. If you have a dog that works hard, plays hard, is older, has a physical problem, has had surgery, they would benefit from massage.

Canine massage classes taught by J Linn Henline, a LMP (licensed massage Practitioner) and SAMP (small animal massage practitioner), teaches you how to help. Learn some of the techniques the professionals use to help your dog achieve their optimum health and well-being.

You bring your dog, a mat or blanket to sit on the floor. You receive lots of hands-on practice time and instruction and hand-outs to help you continue your practice at home.

$40 per person/dog



CANINE FIRST AID AND CPR CLASS

Informative and fun, these group classes teach important first response
techniques for common first aid situations as well as rescue breathing, CPR, disaster preparedness and pet first aid kit information.

A sample of first aid emergencies reviewed:
Choking, burns, poisoning, cuts, bone injuries, auto accident, and more

Taught by J Linn Henline, a Red Cross certified pet first aid/CPR teacher, these classes are hands on taught with pet manikins and each student receives a Red Cross first aid book and dvd to keep.

$50 per person (dogs do not attend this class)


Call 425-286-3513 or email jlinn@jlinn.net to register for an upcoming classes

Tip for Shorter Bath Time for Dogs with Heavy Undercoats

Brooklyn's Mom, Cate has found a way to cut Brooklyn's bath time in half and save water and shampoo. Brook has a very thick coat, with thick under coat. It used to take a long time to get the shampoo worked down to the skin and Brook was not a happy pup about that. I'm sure it wasn't a picnic for Cate either.
So Cate had this idea of trying to work the shampoo in before wetting her down. Since the undercoat repels water the shampoo got worked into the skin before the coat had a chance to fight off the water.
Cate says it is much more efficient this way, saving time, shampoo and pout time:-)
Have fun with it! Let me know if you have a time saving or helpful hint for your dog's health and happiness, oh, and yours too!

They are not Children

I've heard people say it. I've read it, but the last time it was directed at me and it was my Achilles heal I guess. While in session with a physical therapist, chatting about my work, she blurted out that she has a dog, she loves her dog, but she would not spend "that kind" of money on him After all, he's not a child.

This statement brought up several uncomfortable issues for me. First being the feeling of a personal attack. I mean, she basically just invalidated my work, what I believe in. Second, why did she think it was appropriate to tell me that at all? I am her patient for crying out loud. We weren't on a personal level. Quite unprofessional. Third, what does that statement really mean?

"He is not a child". As in; a person between birth and full growth; a boy or girl: a son or daughter; a baby or infant? No. But in the sense that many people feel the emotional bond with their dog, the important relationship they have with their animal means the world to them.

Our 'pets' are dependent on us for nearly everything, food, water, shelter, companionship, the basics of life. Quality of life for them is where the biggest differences arise, between 'pet ownership' and our dog being an equal member of the family. Most people I know equate love with the emotional bond and level of closeness they feel with their animal. For instance, it is hard to believe that a person who leaves their dog outside, rain or shine, hot or cold has the same level of loving relationship with the person that sleeps with their dog.

My point is that we have 'adopted' this living, breathing being, brought it into our home and family. By doing so we have committed to caring for it. The level of care is open to interpretation, just as it would be for a human child, as long as the basics are met. But it was a decision we made and it was a life changing decision. Much more so for this animal than for us. They are our dependents, who rely on us and want nothing more than to please us and be with us. For many people that is the difference. Their dogs love them unconditionally. I can't say that for a biological child. So why is that not important enough to some people?

Many of my clients have children but they had their dog first. Others have children who have grown and moved on, living their own lives. And there are others who have no children. Many of these people, men and women, have confided in me that they love their dogs more than they can express. The dog is their 'child'. That does not mean they love their biological children less, but that these amazing animals bring a kind of love to their lives that no one else has.

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