Archive for December, 2009
Let’s Play!
I started working with Dogs and Horses at a very young age. Was taught to ride a horse and how to barrel race, which was a blast. Had some of those horses that, I will just say, were a challenge. But, whether it was training a horse or a dog the agility was the most important part.I will talk about the very first dogs I trained for agility, Duke and Dolly. Duke was a mix and Dolly was a german shepherd. They were so patient with me.
I started out with wooden poles and blocks of wood and tires. I didn’t have the great equipment they we have now. It probably took me a little longer than normal to get them to do things because all I wanted to do was play with them and pet them. It was really hard for me to be stern about anything, especially at a young age. But when they did what they were expected to do it was the most amazing and thrilling experience. Using the products that I do know makes it a little easier because they don’t cause the injury, to me or my dogs, as my old equipment did.
Massage for Your Dog?
I remember about 10 + years ago I began a new part of life and started attending massage school. I had to go at night because I also had a full time job. Well…I also had a family and 7 dogs to care for. So I get home feed the entire family and then go to school. I usually got home around 11pm. By then I was absolutely tired. I made the mistake (?) of giving a massage to each of the dogs one night when I got home. After that it was…a habit? No sooner did I walk in the door, of course I had to put the dog collars and dog leads on all to give them a walk and then all of the dogs lined up to get their daily dose of massage. It was great and they were so patient waiting for their turn but by the time I finally got done it was well past midnight. I know they like the special touch and the connection I was making with them but I was getting worn out.
10 years later SURPRISE!! I have now found my new best friend…a dog bed that has heat and massage, all in one. I am absolutely in seventh heaven and so are the members of my dog family that I have left. Miracle is 15 years old now and has a hard time walking due to a lot of health issues and she is always trying to find a comfortable place to lie down. I think now I am going to get the dog bed for Baby and Marina now. They still get a dose of massage periodically, but I get to bed a little earlier now.
Energy Work for Animals
I was wondering if anyone else has ever performed Reiki or any other kind of energy work on their pets.
Since I began providing massage many years ago, I found that energy work was just another stepping stone to provide a noninvasive treatment to my pets. It seemed to lessen their arthritis symptoms and actually helped to enhance their recovery after surgery. It was also just another way to provide that special bond. It was also an amazing thrill to be able to provide a noninvasive treatment to those horses that are not use to the touch that massage entails.
The best thing about the energy work is that they don’t have to be tied up with leads or leashes, they don’t even need a dog collar on or a halter!
A Bed for Every Pet
It would be difficult to invent a type of dog bed that wasn’t already being offered for sale today-we’ve come a long way from the days when it was a given that Rover would sleep on an old discarded blanket. You can choose a dog bed to match your home décor if you would like or one that is cute on its own merits, a place from which you can imagine your loyal friend’s face looking up at you, waiting for a cookie or an ear scratch.
My favorite pet beds are designed to make our furry companions feel better. My cats are heat-seekers at least 9 months out of the year, and they love thermo pet mats. If you live in a warm climate or have a breed of dog that overheats easily, such as the English bulldog, your buddy will enjoy a cooling dog bed.