As our dogs age, a common scenario is the loss of mobility. Often the hind legs begin to deteriorate first, due to disease, injury or simply because our friend is getting on in years. The front legs can also begin to lose their ability over time as well. All the while the dog frequently remains otherwise healthy and alert. Our Pembroke Welsh Corgi Guido brought us to exactly that situation as he developed and progressed through degenerative myelopathy. If you’re …
When one of our loyal dog friends becomes disabled, or begins to enter their geriatric years, it seems that suddenly the ground falls from beneath us. After the initial shock and fear of realizing that your best friend is going through a shift in their life, it is important to consider the following: If you have experienced the unconditional love offered to you from an animal, then you know that they come to this life with countless gifts and lessons …
Every doggy into the pool for fitness, funBy Sharon L. PetersSpecial for USA TODAY (From the January 15, 2008 edition of USA TODAY.) Pooch parents are adding a splash of variety to their dogs’ exerciseroutines. Swimming pools for canines are drawing in high-energy pets thatrelish change-of-pace workouts, as well as older, overweight, injuredor post-surgery dogs that benefit from non-weight-bearing exercise tofight flab or build muscle strength, range of motion andflexibility. Pet pools run the gamut. Some are huge, some small …
George Graham Vest (1830-1904) served as U.S. Senator from Missouri from 1879 to 1903 and became one of the leading orators and debaters of his time. This delightful speech is from an earlier period in his life when he practiced law in a small Missouri town. It was given in court while representing a man who sued another for the killing of his dog. During the trial, Vest ignored the testimony, but when his turn came to present a summation …
I know what you’re thinking. You think I’m dead. Because you cannot see me with your human eye, cannot feel me with your hands or hold me in your arms you think I am gone forever. You recall how I looked when I left this place and you cannot remotely imagine that I could possibly be alive in another place. You are racked and torn by the pain of our separation and it blinds you to that which is right …
“My beloved dog Cricket is slowly slipping away. I keep thinking each day might be her last, and yet she keeps on surprising me …” Cricket is La Paw Spa’s long-time “cover girl”. Continue reading this essay by Cricket’s owner:Death by inches.
By Carol A. HulseDecember 1, 2008 When I signed up for Cindy Horsfall’s “The Heart of Canine Aquatic Therapy – Level 1” training held in November 2008, I eagerly anticipated learning all about how I could help dogs heal physically and emotionally through warm water therapy. Little did I know that I would also personally experience the healing power of water as part of my training. My interest in dogs and healing grew out of my firsthand experience with how …
Oh man…the power of water. A friend housesitting for a friend, with a 14 y.o. black german shepard. All of a sudden he’s not walking on back legs, and one front leg painful and he isn’t able to make turns because of the one leg. She gives him some pain meds and helps him around ’til she could get him swimming today at my pool. In our session today, we didn’t do any swimming – just holding him in water …
CHANGE is a popular word with our new President and every day, whether we like it or not, changes occur all around us – many of which we have no control over and many we do! Life can CHANGE in an instant from a phone call, meeting someone who teaches or influences us, reading a newspaper or book or receiving an email. I grew up in Scotland and in 1960, after visiting Paris, France, I placed an ad in Le …
I’m amazed by how much I learn in a dog-training seminar that directly applies to canine aquatic fitness and canine massage. When I was first starting out, an industry insider told me that I had to make a choice: dog training or holistic therapy. I’m now glad that I didn’t make that choice – dog training knowledge can definitely enhance my water practitioner skills. Recently, I attended the Association of Pet Dog Trainers conference, where an entire day was dedicated …
The spirit has left its beautiful container – and now what do I do…Remaining present and fluid in your plans When I lost Kwinn, my 9 year old shepherd, to cancer – it took me totally by surprise. From the time we discovered the cancer until the time I lost her was about 6 hours. I was reeling in shock and disbelief and I couldn’t get my arms wrapped around this new reality in my life. There are many components …