Lucky Dog Canine Acupressure and Massage

Jennifer Arnold on the "Alpha-Dog" Theory

2010-10-02T17:38:00.000-07:00

I came across this article in the San Francisco Chronicle. Jennifer Arnold has said exactly what I have been thinking for a while now. I agree with her thoughts about the whole "Alpha Dog" way of training our dogs. I have long thought that it seems to be more of a wolf-type behavior theory, rather than taking into account that domesticated dogs are no longer thinking the same after generations of being our pets.

I am so impressed with the way she has formulated her ideas after being a dog trainer for many years. She knows what she is talking about and I am happy to see someone speak on this subject so perfectly.

Jennifer Arnold debunks 'alpha dog' theory
Meredith May, Chronicle Staff Writer

Saturday, October 2, 2010

The widow with four young children and a golden retriever stepped forward, tentatively.

She had a question for Jennifer Arnold, whose new best-seller, "Through a Dog's Eyes," debunks widely held dog-training methods based on alpha dominance.

The woman said the family dog couldn't stop baying at the window in the three months since her husband died.

Various professionals suggested a spray bottle with vinegar, a shock collar and putting the dog in a crate in the basement. One said the dog was trying to replace the alpha, and told the mother to "re-home the dog if she wasn't emotionally strong enough to be the dog's alpha."

After 20 years training dogs as canine assistants for the disabled, Arnold had learned that dogs are emotional creatures who have a natural compulsion to please, not irritate or one-up, their owners.

"Your dog is grieving," she said she told the woman, who took Arnold's advice and now makes time to cuddle with the dog and cry. The baying is subsiding.

"She was grateful she didn't lose her husband and her dog," Arnold said in a telephone interview.

Arnold's book is a manifesto of sorts, calling for an end to the traditional dog-training strategies that use choke collars, flip dogs on their backs to dominate them, and yell to get them to submit.

"The dog already knows who is boss - you have the opposable thumbs, you control the food and the shelter," Arnold said.

At Canine Assistants, her nonprofit in Georgia, Arnold uses positive reinforcements such as peanut butter on a spoon to heel. Her dogs can open drawers and refrigerators to fetch food and medicine for their owners, open doors, retrieve cell phones, go for help, even help do the laundry.

Using positive reinforcement and giving the dog choices for rewards results in a happy dog that isn't fearful and neurotic because of their owner's harsh temper, she said.

Discipline-based approaches like those followed by "Dog Whisperer" Cesar Millan are popular but misguided, Arnold said, because they are based on faulty assumptions of wolf pack behavior.

"A lot of what we believe about aggressive alpha dominance comes from old studies of wolves in captivity," Arnold said.

In the wild, wolves are known to lead benevolently, and researchers have noted male wolf leaders sharing chicken with children and mates before eating.

"The wolf researchers now studying in the wild say the alphas are simply the ones who can do whatever they want, but they don't drag others down to maintain dominance," she said.

Acupressure Massage in the News!

2010-08-13T09:00:00.001-07:00

To the tune of “The Poodle Dog Song,” by Layne Brooks, dozens of dogs (and miniature horses wearing their canine disguises) strutted their stuff during the 2nd annual Wag ‘n' Walk & Bark-B-Que Saturday at the Nevada County Fairgrounds.

The day was a canine fancier's dream, with dogs of all shapes and sizes in attendance, from a teddy bear teacup poodle named Minnie Me to Bouchee, a Newfoundland.

The event, sponsored by AnimalSave and Sidecar Scooter Angel Paws, featured vendors and activities for dogs and humans alike.

Attendees could talk with an animal communicator, watch obedience and agility demonstrations, enter their dogs in the American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Program, and even arrange for their favorite pet's likeness to be painted on canvas or rock.

Paige and Molly, basset hounds accompanied by owners Sharon and Don Luddy of Grass Valley, spent time at the accupressure booth. Molly was in dog heaven while receiving a massage from Dennise Stackhouse, owner of Lucky Dog Acupressure and Massage.

“We have been looking for a couple of years for this kind of thing,” said Sharon Luddy. They hope to continue the acupressure treatments for Paige and Molly.

Dog Health: Inside/Outside

2010-07-15T10:13:00.000-07:00

Savvy Pet Supplements
Just like humans, pets need the proper amount of vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients necessary for good health and longevity. Diet and specific health conditions determine how much or how little supplementation may be required. "If pets are on a good diet, they probably don't need supplements," Teikert says. "Otherwise it depends on the particular needs of the animal."

Following are necessary nutrients for good pet health:

--Antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, help build immunity and support overall health.

--B vitamins promote growth and healing, help process fat and protein, and provide metabolic support.

--Essential fatty acids, also called omega-3 fatty acids, support a healthy heart, coat, skin, vision, and joints as well as promote overall immunity.

--Probiotics and digestive enzymes help animals maintain a high functioning gastrointestinal (GI) tract for proper nutrient absorption and healthy digestion.

--Glucosamine, MSM, and chondroitin all work to ease arthritic, stiff joints, and hip dysplasia, especially common in large purebreds.

--Flower remedies treat a variety of physical and behavioral issues and are well-suited for animals, as they are extremely gentle.

Fido Fitness
Exercise is as important for pets as it is for people," Teikert says. For dogs, a daily walk or run in the park is necessary for fitness. More active breeds may need even more exercise, while senior pets may need less. For cats, provide stimulation in the form of toys (turkey feathers are always a hit) and indoor play. In addition to joint mobility and muscle tone, exercise is important to maintain a healthy weight for your pet.

As a general guideline, you should be able to easily locate your pet's backbone and ribs underneath its coat, but the ribs should not be obviously visible. Pet obesity can lead to chronic conditions and an increased risk of disease, so be sure to keep your pet fit with proper exercise and food consumption.

Bodywork and Natural Remedies
A variety of bodywork therapies and natural remedies have proven extremely helpful in treating pet illnesses and maintaining good health. The following are examples:

--Acupuncture helps establish correct energy patterns in the body and has been used to treat a variety of conditions, including GI, musculoskeletal, respiratory, and urinary disorders.

--Healing Touch for Animals, an energy therapy, also helps balance energy flow in the body to help modify behavior and induce healing.

--Homeopathic remedies (extremely gentle treatments) address the underlying cause of dysfunction, including physical and behavioral issues.

--Massage improves joint mobility and muscle tone, increases circulation, and helps animals recover from injury.

Annual Vet Visits
As a responsible pet owner, it's important to spay or neuter your pet. (In several regions, you must have a permit to have an intact animal for breeding.) Pet overpopulation is a significant problem, and the Humane Society of the United States estimates 3 million to 4 million dogs and cats are euthanized every year in this country.

In addition to spaying/neutering, which usually occurs when kittens and puppies are about six months old, owners should take their pets to the veterinarian at least once a year for a wellness checkup. "I think annual exams are really important," Teikert says, "especially in older animals. In fact, some older animals dealing with chronic disease need to come in two to three times a year."

As dogs and cats enter their senior years (7 and older), veterinarians may recommend blood work, first to determine a baseline, and then to keep an eye on any changes or irregularities. "We tend to do that as animals age. Big dogs age faster and harder, so we start doing blood work on them earlier," he says.

Natural lifestyle options and holistic veterinarians help build a foundation for lifelong health and vitality. "I'm a holistic practitioner," Teikert says, "I use everything that works in the case. If my dog has a broken leg, I want an orthopedic surgeon. And," he adds, "I will include things like homeopathy, chiropractic, and other techniques to aid in the healing process."

Lara Evans Bracciante is the online editor for Body Sense magazine.

More Information About Adopt-a-Pet!

2010-05-20T19:41:00.000-07:00

What is Adopt-a-Pet.com
Adopt-a-Pet.com is the world's largest non-profit pet adoption website. We are like an ad agency for shelters and shelter pets. Sadly there are 4 million healthy adoptable companion animals killed in shelters each year due to overcrowding. We do our best to relieve that problem and put pets from shelters in the homes of pet seekers all over the country.

Our website makes it easy for anyone with an internet connection to find profiles and pictures of adoptable animals by location, breed, gender, age, size, and color. Over 8,000 shelters posts pets on our website displaying over 125,000 pets available for adoption at any given time. We also help volunteers connect with shelters, and currently host over thousands of people listed in our volunteer database for shelters.
What Makes Adopt-a-Pet.com Unique:
- On our website, people can use something we call “Search Saver.” This feature will notify users by e-mail when a particular pet of their specifications in available for adoption. For example, I can tell “Search Saver” where I live, and what type of breed I am looking for. When that animal is available, I am notified the next time a pet matching my search is added on Adopt-a-Pet.com.

- As of this summer we have now made it easy for our visitors to find pets and then recommend them to friends and family via Facebook, Twitter and other social applications. We are calling the idea “Social Petworking.” Here is how it works; once you have searched and found a pet in need, on the pet details page simply hover over the button labeled “SHARE,” there you can send the pet details page to any of your friends. For more information visit this page http://www.adoptapet.com/socialpetworking/signup.

- In addition to dogs and cats, we now feature all kinds of pets for adoption, including rabbits, farm animals, ferrets, hamsters and other small animals, horses, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and even fish. This was a major initiative that took many months to research and program into the site, and it is being well-received within the shelter community.

- By teaming up with the renowned street-artist Shepard Fairey, who designed the iconic Obama "Hope" image, we have available a number of stylish ways to promote pet adoption. Shepard was able to translate his work with Obama to an image that can be used to represent pet adoption support. Merchandise can be found at HYPERLINK "http://www.muttslikeme.com"www.muttslikeme.com

- We have begun blogging and created a Twitter Page along with a Facebook Page. Our blog is located at HYPERLINK "http://blog.adoptapet.com/"http://blog.adoptapet.com/, there you can join our Facebook Group, or follow us on Twitter.

Guest Post From Adopt-a-Pet

2010-04-02T13:40:00.000-07:00

Common Questions About Pet Adoption

Q: Although there are literally millions of pets in shelters, pounds and other ‘temporary housing’, many pet-owners-to-be don’t think about pet adoption when they’re looking for their new four-legged friend. Why do you think this is, and what can be done to turn that around?
A: Many people who want to get a pet just are not aware of how many pets are available at shelters. They might also have the misconception that pets are shelters might be there because there was a problem with the animal. In fact, most pets end up in shelters not because of any problem pet behavior, but because an owner died, moved, or simply didn't have the time or money to care for the animal. In some cases animals are lost and never found by their owners. These animals are healthy and very eager to please. Rescues pets are wonderful- just ask anyone who has one.
Some people are seeking purebred animals or puppies and think these are not available in shelters. In fact, nearly a quarter of all animals in shelters are purebred. Often someone buys an expensive purebred animal and then attempts to breed that animal to recoup their money. Often these puppies or kittens are not placed in homes, and end up in the shelter. Puppies and kittens often up in shelters as well, but it is important to note that your animals, especially puppies, require a lot of work and training and can be quite destructive (peeing on the carpet or chewing shoes). Puppies are great but often people are much happier getting a dog who is older, and whose size and temperament is a known quantity.
With Adopt-a-Pet.com and without even leaving their home, people can search all their local pets and see pictures and descriptions of the animals. This way, they can find the exact pet they want, call the animal shelter or rescue group, and get information on how to adopt that specific animal.

Q: What are the 5 most important things a potential adopter should consider when choosing their new pet?
A: We actually have a blog post on this highlighting the top 10 things we believe are important when adopting. Here are five, the rest can be located by visiting this page http://www.adoptapet.com/public/guides/permanentpets.html.
1. You need to make a real commitment to care for your pet for its entire life.
2. Verify in advance that you’re allowed to keep a pet where you live.
3. Never adopt a pet on a whim or because you feel it’s love-at-first-sight
4. Provide sufficient exercise and stimulation during the first few weeks, this will help the pet adjust.
5. Make any necessary modifications to your yard and fence to provide for your pet’s safety.

Q: What are 5 positive aspects of pet adoption, and why it’s a good option?
A:
1. When you adopt an adult animal, you can see his/her size and temperament. This helps ensure that the pet is right for you and your family.
2. It feels great to know you have saved an animals' life and everyone you meet will give you kudos for that for years to come.
3. Adopted pets are very loyal and know they have been given a new home.
4. Adopting a pet can be an important lesson to teach your children-- both about the value of life, and also about civic responsibility and even recycling- in this case recycling a living and loving animal into a new home.
5. Choosing a mixed breed animal can help avoid many of the genetic health problems that have developed in purebred animal due overbreeding and inbreeding.

Q: If someone reading this isn’t in a position to adopt a pet right at this time, but still wants to help homeless pets, what are 5 things they can do to get involved?
A:
1. People can do Social PETworking! They can run a search on Adopt-a-Pet.com, find a pet they want to help get exposure for, and use the share tools on our site to post the pet link on their Facebook, Twitter, MySpace or other social network page. Or, they can email the link of a pet in need form our site to their friends.
2. They can place a link/grpahic or even a search widget for Adopt-a-Pet.com on their personal website to encourage they users to see pets in need at local shelters. (hyper link "link" to our links page where we have graphics to be used as links)(hyper link "search widget" to our search module page which itself is a link form our links page)
3. People can add their info to our volunteer database (link) so shelters who need volunteers can find them.
4. People can search Adopt-a-Pet.com to find a local shelter, and make a cash donation to that shelter to help them with the costs of housing, feeding and medical care of shelter animals.
5. People can encourage other pet owners to spay or neuter their pet (link to our spay neuter page) to help prevent unwanted births.

10 Reasons to Adopt an Adult Dog

2010-03-25T16:24:00.000-07:00

Both of the dogs in the pictures above are my clients and they are Rescue Dogs.
They are extremely smart and loving, bringing much joy to their new families!

1. Have you really thought about what getting a puppy means?

2. Puppies are not housebroken! Most people work during the day and are gone for 8 hours or more at a time. Puppies need to go out on a regular schedule so they have frequent opportunities to eliminate where you want them to. Puppies can't wait for the boss to finish his meeting or the kids to come home from school. Adult dogs can "hold it" for longer periods and, often, a Rescue will have the dog housebroken before it is adopted.

3. Intact Underwear. Puppies chew! You can count on at least 10 mismatched pairs of socks and a variety of unmentionables rendered to the "rag bag" before a puppy cuts all its teeth. Shoes? yes, puppies like to chew them also. Expect holes in your carpet (along with urine stains), backs and pages missing from books, stuffing exposed in couches, and at least one dead remote control. No matter how well you watch them, it will happen. This is a puppy's job! An adult dog can usually have the run of the house without destroying it.

4. A Good Night's Sleep. A puppy can be very demanding at 2am and 4am and 6am. Puppies naturally miss their litter mates and a stuffed animal is not a substitute for puppy pile with litter mates in the dark of night. Prefer peace and quiet, an adult rescue dog usually sleeps through the night?

5. Finish the Newspaper. With a puppy loose in the house, you will NOT be able to relax when you get home from work. Do you think kids ever really feed the dog? Clean up the messes? Walk in the pouring rain every hour to get the dog house trained? If so, you probably have a severe case of denial. An adult dog will generally sit calmly beside you as your workday stress flows away and your blood pressure lowers as you pet it.

6. Easier Vet Trips. Puppies need a series of puppy shots and fecal testing, then a rabies shot, then surgery to spay/neuter them, and generally a trip or two to the emergency vet after eating something dangerous. (All of this usually adds up to substantially more than you paid for the dog!) When adopting an adult dog, the adoption fee should get you a dog with current vaccinations, this is altered, heart worm negative and on a preventative, at the minimum.

7. What You See Is What You Get. How big will the dog get? What will its temperament be? Is it easily trained? What will its personality be like as an adult? Will it be hyperactive? Adult dogs are, to steal a term from Internet lingo, WYSIWYG (What you see is what you get.) All of your questions are easily answered, because the dog is already an adult. You can pick large or small; active or couch potato; goofy or brilliant; sassy or sweet. Further, the rescuer and/or foster homes can help guide you in choosing just the right match for you. (Rescues are FULL of puppies who became the wrong match as they got older!)

8. You Don't Become a Chew Toy. If a puppy does not teeth on your possessions, it will teeth on you and your children. Rescuers often get calls from panicked parents sure their dog is about to seriously injure their children. It usually turns out the puppy is just doing what puppies do, i.e., mouth or nip. Parents, too emotional to see the difference, just want to get rid of the dog. A growing puppy is going to put anything and everything in their mouth. It must be taught bite inhibition. As the puppy grows, the puppy's jaws become stronger and its teeth are replaced by its adult teeth. The mouthing and nipping it did as a puppy now can have serious consequences. Far better to get an adult dog that has "been there, done that, moved on."

9. Matchmaker Make Me A Match. Puppy love is emotionally appealing. They are so cute! But, in reality, cute is not a sufficient reason to get a pet, a pet that will probably live 15+ years. It may be cute, but cute can grow up to be hyperactive. It may be not want to share your home with anyone else, including your spouse, children, or other animals. It may want to be a couch potato, when the main reason you got the dog was to run with you every day. Pet/owner miss-matches are the MAIN REASONS owners "give-up" their pets. 60% of the animals in shelters nationwide are there for this reason. Good rescuers extensively evaluate of dogs and applicants to insure both will be happy with one another until death do them part.

10. Instant Companion. With an adult dog, you have a dog that can go everywhere and do anything with you NOW. You don't have to wait until the puppy grows up and hope it will like to do what you to do with it. With an adult rescue, you select the dog most compatible with you. You can find one that travels well, loves to play with your friends' dogs, has excellent house manners, etc. You can come home after a long day's work and spend your time on a relaxing walk, ride, or swim with your new best friend (rather than cleaning up after a small puppy.)

11. Bond - Rescue Dog Bond. Dogs that have been uprooted from their happy homes or have not had the best start in life are likely to bond very closely to their new owner. Yes, dogs that have lost families through death, divorce or lifestyle change can go through a mourning process; however, once they become attached to their new family, they seem to want to please as much as possible to make sure they are never homeless again! Those dogs that are just learning about the good life and good people seem to bond even deeper. They know what life on the streets, life on the end of a chain, or worse, is about, and they revel and blossom in a nurturing , loving environment. Most rescues make exceptional , extremely loyal companions.

Sadly, some people seem to think dogs that end up in rescue are genetically or behaviorally inferior. In reality, rescues get dogs that have outlived their novelty with impulsive owners who really did not have the time, energy or willingness to shoulder either the responsibility or expense required to be a good dog owner.

Choosing an adult rescue over a puppy does not guarantee you will never have any problems with a new pet, it just increases the probability that you won't. Of course, with any new pet, there is an adjustment period while the dog learns what you expect of it. The difference is that an adult dog, specially chosen for various traits compatible with you and your home situation, are not having to learn as much as a growing puppy, so they usually fit into their new families very quickly. For most of us, an adult dog is much more suited to our needs than a puppy.

Cute as they are, puppies are a tremendous responsibility and, with the busy schedules that most of us have, impossible to housebreak completely, socialize well, and train adequately. If you are not able or willing to do what is necessary to raise a puppy correctly, you may end up wanting to surrender a dog yourself!

Adopting an adult rescue can be the best decision, and addition to your family, that you ever make. Rescue a dog and get a devoted friend for life! Go ahead, do a "GOOD DEED," adopt a dog in need of a home. Give a dog a chance it otherwise would not have. But, beyond doing a "good deed", do yourself a favor and adopt an adult dog.

Here she comes!

2010-02-23T16:16:00.000-08:00

Here is Rosie. She is an older dog with a common problem. She is going blind. Her blindness has progressed quite a bit since last year when she first started showing signs of her cataract disease.
Up until last month Rosie was bumping and stumbling her way around the house she shares with her mom and dad (Steve and Cassandra) and a furry sister, Maddie.
I first started working with Rosie about 3 years ago for arthritis in her hips. Using Acupressure Massage to help her with mobility and to boost her general well being which is also helpful in an aging dog.
She also has issues with a thyroid problem and hearing loss as well. By the sound of her problems you might think that Rosie is not leading a very good quality of life, but I will tell you that is not true. Rosie is a happy, active dog who is learning to adjust to the process of getting old, she not only is meeting it with gusto she is an inspiration to me. She is my oldest client and I am very grateful to be able to help her along with Acupressure Massage. Being involved with Rosie's care and seeing her teach herself to live within her changing body has been such a learning experience for me.
The contraption you see in the photos was made by Steve after he and Cassandra researched information for "blind dogs" on the Internet. They eventually found a man who made this bumper-type harness for his own blind dog. He even provided a tutorial on how to fashion one for other people with vision impaired dogs. Rosie has only been wearing this for about 3 weeks, but she is already much more confident and really eager to move around now. When she first started to go blind she was very slow and cautious as can be expected. I also felt she was depressed and lethargic, almost like she was ready to give up and just sit in one place because she was constantly hurting her little face on the furniture and walls.
I am posting about this because I would like to point out that there are some great ideas and ways to help our animal friends live a happy life. I am not talking about tuning out their pain for selfish reasons, that is never right in my opinion. But as far as assisting older dogs with appliances like older people have with canes, hearing aides and things like that- why not give it a try? Most dogs are surprisingly game to give it a go. I think you can teach an old dog new tricks! Just look at Rosie!
website for harness:http://www.blindpets.com/harness/index.htm

Hey! Take a Walk!

2010-01-28T19:30:00.000-08:00

When it comes to getting active, you may be better off investing in a dog than a gym membership. Researchers in Great Britain recently surveyed 5000 people and found that those with dogs exercised up to six hours more a week that those who worked out at a gym or on their own.

According to the study, the average dog owner walks his pet for less that 30 minutes twice daily and then longer three times a week. Those short spurts add up to more than eight hours of physical activity a week. In contrast, the average gym-goer works out less than two hours a week.

Researchers say the difference can be attributed in part to varying levels of enjoyment. While 86% of dog owners said they enjoy the time with their pets, only 16% of respondents rated going to the gym favorably.

Perhaps that's also why dog owners are more likely to make physical activity a priority. Nearly two-thirds said they walk their pets even when they're pressed for time. Compare that with 46% of gym-goers who admitted to often making excuses not to work out. Sound familiar? Try the dog owner's secret of breaking up your workout into small bursts of activity. The miles and minutes will add up.

(article by Allison Takeda)

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL

2009-12-26T10:31:00.000-08:00

Well, you knew this post was coming! It's that time of year again when our thoughts turn towards all the good food and treats, not to eat them but how to lose the ones that have accumulated around our middles.
If you look down, you will see that your dog is probably having the same problem.
Here are some tips and information from Dr. Dog about: CHUBBY PETS.

While I work for a pet care company, and write pet care articles, I have to confess I own a chubby pet. My cat Jake, not as plump as he used to be, is still not quite at ideal his weight. Jake's behavior towards food is surprisingly dog-like. He begs, he scrounges, he sneaks food when no one is looking, and he does so unapologetic. My older cat Marvin also loves food, but will stop eating when full and has never been anything but fit and trim. Keeping Jake at a good weight is by far the most challenging part of pet ownership for me. Here are a few examples...

Cat Food Location: The dry cat food can not be kept in a lower cabinet as Jake will open the cabinet and chew a hole in the cat food bag and feed himself (a lot). The cabinet door where the food is kept above the stove can not be accidentally left open. I realized this last week in the middle of the night when I heard a loud crash, and found that my cat tried to jump from the top of the refrigerator to the cabinet were the food is kept. He missed the cabinet and belly flopped on the stove making a racket as a pan catapulted across the counter. (Counter hopping is not kosher, but done frequently when out of eyesight.)

People Food Location: No people food can be left out at any time. Only a couple days ago I forgot to put the bread away right away, and found that Jake jumped on the counter chewed through plastic bag and ate a chunk of the bread. As I said to Jake, "Seriously Jake the bread? Cats are supposed to be meat eaters." Similarly, the only way for plates to not be licked clean is to immediately rinse them off after eating.

A Dog Proof Trash Can: Yes, I need a dog proof trash can because of my cat. I am a big fan of the trash cans with a top latch. However, this morning when I took out the trash I was challenged by the fact the top edge and that folds over the can had been chewed to pieces, but he didn't get to the trash, so one point for me.

Loud Meal Times: I don't need to worry about sleeping in, and often don't need an alarm clock as I am loudly summoned to breakfast by Jake every morning. Similarly at night Jake starts meowing more than an hour before dinner time. To hear him when the cat food can is cracked open one would think I keep my cat on a starvation diet. Yet as the cable man once note, "Wow, that's one well-fed cat."

Fortunately, Jake is a bit trimmer now than when the cable man last saw him. However, they were hard fought pounds. Keeping pets at a healthy weight is important as overweight pets can have negative health effects that are similar to those that overweight people can experience. Due to the size of cats and dogs a few extra pounds on them is much more significant than a few extra pounds on you or me. Changing to a lighter food, limit ting intake of food and treats, and increasing exercise can be very helpful. For dogs in family situations, too many treats is commonly the source of a weight problem as multiple members of the family think they are the only one sneaking the dog a treat, as the dog lives high on the hog. Battling weight can be a challenge for an owner, especially since the one in need of weight loss, like Jake, has no interest in cooperating. But a healthy pet is certainly worth the challenges presented.

Take the Fun Inside!

2009-12-04T12:38:00.000-08:00

In the Land of Dog, the sun shines every day. The rabbits and other fun creatures and objects bound an roll and appear whenever and wherever the canine wants them to. The temperature is always just right for all types of doggy fun. In the real world, there are days when sunshine is simply a memory. The rain pours down. There is not a cloud in the sky, but the temperatures are far below the tolerance of your favorite dog - even if he or she wears a coat.

What do you do when the weather is bad? In foul weather, you just change the venue. You take your fun games and exercise from the outside world into the confines of your home. It helps, of course, if you have a rec. room, an exercise room, a spare room or any room with plenty of space. If not, you will just have to come up with some activities that fulfill the purpose.

When playing any of these games, make sure they are kept age and stage appropriate. Puppies require different types of exercise. Their needs will vary from those of a senior dog. In fact, a senior dog may rejoice in inclement weather days. Don’t let them opt for sleeping the entire day away. Senior dogs require exercise to help them live longer.

Indoor Play

There are several games you can enjoy with your dog. Unless you have a tiny apartment, you should be able to play many of them.

• Hide and Seek - This is an easy game. You hide something and your dog tries to find it. Better still, you hide yourself and see if your dog can find you. It helps if you have cupboards and various rooms. When in doubt, try hiding behind a door.

• Hide the Toy - This is a simple game. You show your dog a toy. It should be a favorite toy. You then ask your dog to stay. You turn away from him or her and dash off to hide the object. It is then up to your clever canine to find it.

• Other hide games can and do include such things as food. Hiding food is a big hit with most dogs.

• The Shell Game - The Canine Edition - A variation on hide games mimics the shell game. You take 2 or 3 cans or glasses. Make sure they are sturdy and non breakable. They should also be opaque. You show a choice morsel - liver bits work well, to your pet. You then hide it under one of the glasses. While your dog is watching, you move them around on the surface - the floor. You then watch and see if your dog can pick the right glass.

• Tugging - This can be fun. It all depends whether you subscribe to the school of thought that tugging encourages aggressive behavior. Take a Kong toy, a strong piece of rope or any other tuggable object. You take 1 side. The dog takes the other. Pull.

There are still many other games you can play with your dog when the weather is gloomy. The second part of this article will concentrate on playing indoors with a purpose.

From Dr. Dog

Dogs Eyes

2009-10-27T09:06:00.000-07:00

Dogs are often thought to be colorblind, yet now it is thought that dogs see some colors, but their spectrum is limited. Eyesight is generally considered the poorest of the dog’s senses. A dog’s eyesight is certainly not as acute as its hearing and sense of smell, but it suits a purpose. Before dogs were domesticated it was more important for a dog to see in low light situations than it was to see a full range of colors. A dog’s eyesight is most effective at dusk, and is best suited to spot prey. The acuity of their eyesight is less than most humans, yet they can see texture and brightness and most importantly movement.

One who plays fetch or Frisbee with their dog can attest to the ability of their dog to clearly see the toy they are chasing or catching. While they rely on smell and sound for much of their ability to track, find, hunt, and navigate the world use of their eyes is also important. For dogs that are blind, fortunately they typically can adapt well as they have other stronger senses. However, there usually are some modifications that need to be made for blind dogs so that they can find their way and recognize the people around them. It is relatively common for older dogs’ eyesight to either decrease, or for them to loose their vision altogether. With some assistance these dogs can still have happy active lives.
{from Dr.Dog.com}

Signs of Illness & Chi Imbalance

2009-09-15T09:42:00.000-07:00

What to look for:

1. Energy. A Chi imbalance will look like a lack of vitality and a loss of interest in play, an apathy for new situations and people. A dog should be engaged in their daily routines. If you become aware of flagging interest in what used to make your dog happy,
Schedule a check-up with your vet.

2. Breath. Yeah, a dogs' breath is not always pleasant. That's a given, having said that, it should not smell like rotting garbage or sulfur. Many diseases cause stomach ailments which will cause the "normal" smell to change from just "doggie breath" to
"ughh...that's foul!" Respiratory problems can also be heard as well as smelt. Panting is normal after exercise, but heavy breathing/wheezing at rest is not.

3. Appetite. An animal should always be eager to have his meal. Any changes toward his mealtime is a good indication that your pet could be having intestinal troubles.

4. Weight. This goes along with Appetite. However, a dog could be eating normally, but showing signs of weight loss. Know your dogs healthy weight. Any fluctuations either loss/gain should be checked out.

5. Elimination. Monitor your pets bathroom habits. Know what looks normal for him, both in stance and product at his potty time. Any straining or whining at elimination is not normal. Stools should be soft but hold together. Change in dog food and medications can cause occasional diarrhea. Continual soft, runny or very foul smelling stools is a sign of something else.

6. Eyes. Lastly, the eyes are another tool I use in assessing the health of an animal. The eyes should be alert, clear and bright. Watery, cloudy or red eyes could reveal an underling problem that should be investigated.
Use your eyes to check your pets. We look at them so often, but REALLY look at them for the purpose of checking for illness or disease. Be aware of changes, even very subtle ones. Scheduling check ups is a great way to practice preventive care. Seemingly little changes can be an indicator that bigger issues are brewing.

Gold County Kennel Club Dog Show

2009-08-31T09:22:00.000-07:00

Well it was that time of year again and the 2009 GCKC Dog Show was another winner!
It's always so much fun to see old friends and to make new ones. I am fortunate enough to be able to set up my massage table with our wonderful dog bakery "SCRAPS." The owners are 3 sisters who make and sell the most amazing dog treats. All of my clients get goodies from SCRAPS through out the year.
I set up my corner of the tent with a small massage table and all of my information. My goal is to provide a free 5 min. acupressure massage to any dog that wants one. I get both the show and non-show dog as guests. This year one very happy mom bought a 1/2 hour massage for her dog because she had won 199 out of a possible 200 in the canine obedience. Mom wanted to do something nice for her little winner, and I was happy to provide a relaxing massage during the controlled chaos that is the dog show.
Our local fairgrounds are the beautiful backdrop for the show every year and it is the perfect place to showcase all the different breeds that come to participate and have fun at the show. Many tall pines and plenty of grass and flowers are part of what make the area so great for these types of events. Even with the higher temperatures this year, there was still plenty of shade and the large event building had the AC going if you needed to cool off.
I had a wonderful time and I got a chance to offer a quick massage to all ( 12 doggies!) who stopped by our booth.
The show is usually held around Labor Day, so if you get the chance, come up to the Grass Valley Fairgrounds in CA for the 2010 AKC Dog Show, and be sure to come by the SCRAPS BAKERY/LUCKY DOG MASSAGE tent to get some free samples of dog-yummy treats and a free massage!

Animal Reiki

2009-08-18T09:32:00.000-07:00

About this time last summer I had my last,in a series of 3, Reiki attunements after deciding that this type of healing would fit very nicely with my Animal Acupressure Massage business. I had attended a Reiki circle as a guest and was at once on board with the healing power I felt coming from the people around me. For those of you not aware of what Reiki is and what it does let me tell you~

Reiki practitioners are attuned to the energy that flows through all living things.
They learn to channel the healing power of this Life Force energy to help facilitate wellness and well being in the individuals and animals they help. Reiki is a "laying on of hands" healing system that is both simple and powerful.

Animals get disease and ailments much in the same way people do, they have pent-up emotions and feelings which in turn can cause illness and disorders. However, unlike people they don't really have control over their lives. Therefore pets have increased frustration and fear. Reiki is helpful for our animal friends by helping them let go of their pain and emotional issues.

I have been using this technique since last October and so far I have had amazing results. It has been an easy segue from times when I use my Acupressure Massage then find that my client would also benefit from a Reiki session too. Reiki does not have to involve actually "touching" the animal, this makes it a great alternative to treating a shy/fearful or injured dog. Using Reiki at my first visit for these types helps both me and the pet get used to each other and lets them know I am there to calm and help them heal. The animals I've seen have responded so well, and using Reiki in conjunction with the Acupressure Massage is another valuable tool for me and my clients.

*the above photo is Dyno, my first Reiki client. He taught me much before he passed on. I miss him.

HAPPY 4th of JULY

2009-07-04T11:51:00.000-07:00

Hi all,
Have a happy and safe 4Th. Just a reminder to keep an eye on your furry friends around fireworks and firecrackers. Most dogs and cats are not into celebrations that involve noises. I find it best to just have them stay inside when the fun starts.

Pets enjoy all of the other things like the hot dogs, swimming and hanging out with their families, that is the best part for them. Nothing would be worse than having a pet get spooked and run off into the night. It's up to us to take that danger away so that we can have fun while we celebrate while at the same time making sure the fur-kids are not frightened.

Keep it safe and have a great time!!

Dr. Harvey's Veg-to-Bowl

2009-06-24T09:21:00.000-07:00

I was told about Dr. Harvey's from one of my clients. Their dog was overweight and sluggish. I was seeing him for stiff hips and sore knees. At my first visit 2 years ago, I had strongly suggested some sort of diet for gradual weight loss. Being good parents, they did try to limit his treats and increase his exercise. There was a small improvement. Then, after doing some research on the internet, my client found the website for Dr. Harvey's Veg-to-Bowl for dogs. She was impressed with the natural ingredients ( there is a list at the bottom) and ordered some for her dog.
I can not tell you what a difference it has made. He looks better and has more energy. Treating a dog for the problems of weight, inflammation, stiff and sore muscles etc. is not only something we do to the outside of a dog. Healing is greatly improved when we work with the inside as well. A good diet is a big part of keeping a dog pain free and healthy. So many problems I address are a direct result of poor eating habits and little to no exercise. I rarely have cause to endorse a product, but I've got to say that Dr. Harvey and his food products are worth checking into if you want to try a change for the better in the way you feed and care for your pet.

Ingredient List:
Sweet potatoes * Carrots* Potatoes* Zucchini*Broccoli Florets* Green Beans* Peas* Parsley, Fennel Seed, Garlic, Ginger, Papaya Leaf and Peppermint Leaf.

This is the companies Introduction;
"Veg-to-Bowl is a fantastic way to provide essential vitamins, minerals and fiber for your companion dog. By adding the vegetables and herbs for digestion in Veg-to-Bowl every day, you give your dog the key to proper nutrition and a happier, healthier life. Veg-to-Bowl is easy to use! Just add Veg-to-Bowl daily to your companions meals. You can mix Veg-to-Bowl with any natural food that you are currently feeding. Veg-to-Bowl is also a great addition for those who are feeding a raw diet to their companions. Any way that you feed Veg-to-Bowl your companion will thank you!"

Pets Do a Body Good

2009-05-21T13:42:00.000-07:00

Although hard evidence is still less than conclusive, the health benefits of owning a pet may include the following, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

~Pets may decrease your blood pressure, feelings of loneliness, and cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

~Pets may encourage you to exercise more and spend more time outdoors and present opportunities for socialization.

To those of you who already know this because they experience the wonderful benefits of pet ownership, give your pet an extra kiss.
If you are not yet the proud parent of a fur kid, what are you waiting for! Open your heart to an animal and reap the healthy benefits.

Hands on Trade: exerpt from newsletter

2009-04-08T12:34:00.000-07:00

Hands-On Animals
By Amy Snow & Nancy Zidonis

The entire family needs bodywork, don’t you think? This includes horses, dogs and cats for a lot of families. People are recognizing that what is good for them is good for their favorite animals.

Acupressure for animals has actually been around for 1000s of years. In ancient Chinese communities the health of their livestock was as important to survival as their own health. There have been a number of meridian and acupressure point charts that still exist from hundreds of years ago (pre-dating human charts) and references in texts referring to animals, so we know that it was common practice to offer their animals acupressure or acupuncture.

Acupressure, like acupuncture, is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) philosophy and techniques.

The only difference is that in acupuncture very fine needles are used to stimulate the acupoints. While in acupressure we use our hands and fingers to stimulate the acupoints and help move Chi, life-promoting energy, along the energy pathways called “meridians.”

According to Chinese Medicine, when the vital substances such as Chi and Blood are flowing harmoniously and nourishing the internal organs and the tissues of the entire body, then there is a healthy balance and illness will not occur. When there is a disruption in the flow of the body’s vital substances, the body is compromised and pathogens can enter the body, which can lead to disease.

This is as true for animals as it is for humans.

Thousands of years of observation and recent scientific studies have proven that acupressure can:

Build the immune system
Strengthen muscles, tendons, joints, and bones
Balance energy to optimize the body’s natural ability to heal
Release natural cortisone to reduce swelling and inflammation
Release endorphins necessary to increase energy or relieve pain
Enhance mental clarity and calm required for focus in training and performance
Resolve injuries more readily by increasing the blood supply and removing toxins.


	The beauty of working with animals is that they don’t hold on to their hurts the way humans do. After an acupressure session, they just shake and get going – it is so rewarding to see!

Animals in our society can enjoy the same benefits of acupressure as their humans. Dog- athletes that compete in sports like agility and coursing are just as prone to damaging muscles and sustaining injury and thus need bodywork. Horses are constantly in pain since it is not natural for them to have riders on their backs. Horses are far more sensitive than most people understand and truly appreciate body work. The beauty of working with animals is that they don’t hold on to their hurts the way humans do. After an acupressure session, they just shake and get going – it is so rewarding to see!

More and more bodyworkers are expanding their practices to include animals. It can provide a competitive edge while offering a real benefit to all of the members of their client’s family. Animal Acupressure goes hand-in-hand with massage and other forms of bodywork. The more knowledge and skill a practitioner can have in their “medicine bag” the more she/he can care for their client’s needs.

Amy Snow and Nancy Zidonis are the authors of The Well-Connected Dog: A Guide to Canine Acupressure, Equine Acupressure: A Working Manual, and Acu-Cat: A Guide to Feline Acupressure, and Equine Acupressure: A Working Manual as well as DVDs and Meridian Charts for Horses, Dogs and Cats.

It's That Time of Year

2007-10-13T11:59:00.001-07:00

Halloween is coming and I would like to take this time and remind everyone that the month of
October is a dangerous time for animals. There is likely to be easy access to all kinds of chocolate
candy floating around and that means a scary temptation for dogs and cats.

There is a chemical compound in chocolate that can have very serious effects on animals. Many vets report increased emergency calls because of accidental chocolate ingestion between the months of October and December.
Try to be extra vigilant with your trick or treat candy around your pets. If a sneak attack does occur, call your vet and let him determine if your little monster needs to come in for treatment.

Don't let this Halloween be a frightening event for your pets!!

Remember to keep an eye on your cats on Halloween night too. All of the extra cars in your neighborhood and people in costume are very confusing and that may make your kitty dart into traffic. It is a good idea for people who own black cats to bring them inside if possible at this time of year. Halloween pranks include tricks played on our black cats, a stupid stunt could hurt your friend so don't take the chance.

In closing I would like to apologize for taking so long between posts, I will try not to let this happen again. Sorry.
Have a safe and HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

Dog Days of Summer

2007-07-25T10:24:00.000-07:00

Summer is well upon us and it is very tempting to want to take our dogs with us while we enjoy the weather. Even though we are used to bringing them along when we play outside or run errands in the car, it is very important that we take some simple precautions during the summer months.
There are a couple of situations that can endanger your pet.

* During warm weather the inside of your car can reach 120 degrees in very little time, even in the shade. Dogs left inside cars can dehydrate quickly and that's not all, they can suffer from heat exhaustion, brain damage, and heat stroke. Any one of these can lead to death. That is why it is illegal to leave animals in cars in many states. Even if you think you will only be gone " a couple of minutes" don't do it! When it is hot out, do your dog a favor and leave him home in a cool house, it is just not worth it.

*Some dog owners think it will be cooler for the dog to be in the back of a pick-up truck during the summer, that may be, but it is dangerous when you consider the fact that flying debris can cause a serious eye injury and a dog my be unintentionally thrown into traffic if the driver is in an accident. If a dog must ride in the back of a truck, they should be in an enclosed and secured crate in the bed of the truck close to the cab.

*Summertime gardening is another potential health hazard for pets. Lawn fertilizer, insecticides
and plant foods can be fatal if ingested by your dog. Keep dogs off a newly fertilized lawn and make sure all toxins used in the garden are safely out of the way.

*Make sure your dog is always wearing his/her collar with updated information when they are outside with you. Your pet having his ID on him may be his ticket back to you should you become separated.

*Warm weather means mosquitoes and your vet will be able to tell you if your pet should be taking Heart worm medicine. Check with him to find out. Heart worm disease is carried by mosquitoes and can be fatal to both dogs and cats.

*If your pet is around pools or lakes, prevent "free access" and always supervise animals around water.

*Pets need exercise even when it is hot, but don't overdo it. Dogs with short noses, thick coats, overweight, or seniors need extra care. Limit play times to early morning or in the cooler part of the evening. Remember too, that asphalt gets very hot and can harm tender paws and pads, consider the time of day when you take them for a walk.

*Dogs get sunburned too and some of the light colored coats and light colored noses are more susceptible to sun damage. Dogs do get skin cancer so be aware, and shade them when you can.

*Always make sure your pets have water, water, water! The signs of heat stress are:
*Heavy panting
*Glazed eyes
*Rapid pulse
*Staggering gait
*Vomiting
*Deep red or purple tongue
If your pet does become over-heated you need to lower his body temperature.
Move him to the shade and apply COOL ( not ice) water to his body. Use cold towels or ice packs on his head, neck and chest only. Let him lick ice cubes or offer him small amounts of water.
Most importantly, get him to a VET as soon as possible.

These tips should help you and your pets to have a safe and happy summer. Use common sense with your animals to insure them of a long and healthy life!

Two Celebrations and One Vacation

2007-06-25T10:37:00.000-07:00

My husband and I recently returned from a wonderful vacation to Victoria, Canada.
As you can imagine, Victoria is beautifully green and there is water everywhere. We went to
celebrate my hubby's 50th birthday. Our stay in Canada was his choice, having gone 2 years ago
with our family, he wanted to visit this great place once more with just him and me. We had a very
relaxing trip and saw so many interesting places. We really enjoyed the Titanic artifact exhibition
at the Royal BC Museum and we saw our first IMAX movie at the museum as well. We spent the whole day wandering around the BC Museum and since it was right across from our hotel we didn't need to worry about a long walk back.
Victoria is a very "artsy" place and there are a lot of galleries and art-walks along the wharf of the Inner Harbor. The dog and man sculpture was just one of many displays dotted through out the city.

After 5 days in Canada, we took a ferry across the water to Seattle then rented a car and drove to Olympia WA ( the capital of Washington) for our middle daughter's college graduation from Evergreen State College. Her sisters and niece, our youngest daughters boyfriend and my mom all flew in to add to the celebration. We stayed four days and everyday was a party! Graduation Day was awesome, great weather, great guest speakers, and what could be better then seeing your daughter walk on to a stage to receive a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology?? Yeah.......
I am braggin' and we are very proud of her.
Overall, we had the best vacation and we made a lot of wonderful memories.

Now, it's back to work on my furry clients, I hear they missed me and I really missed them too!

Hairy Harry

2007-04-23T17:33:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of Harry. My cousin was dog-sitting for a friend and I thought it would be good for him to a have a little acupressure massage to alleviate any problems of worry or stress he might be feeling while his mommy was gone.
He was very receptive and just a real loving cutie-pie of a dog! Maybe sometime in the future I will get a chance to have another session with Harry. I think I made him feel relaxed and I know he was enjoying himself at my cousin's house since they all love animals and Harry was being treated like a king over there, I think he felt like he was at some sort of Day-Spa with all the attention he was getting. You can see how happy he is.

Emma and Duchess, Pure-bred Austrailian Shepherds

2007-04-17T11:42:00.000-07:00

These are two of the sweetest dogs. I came to Emma because she had a strange injury to her front right paw that defied diagnosis. Her mom could only find out from the Vet that Duchess had injured a nerve. Emma had been outside and then came to the door wanting in and that is when her mom noticed she was limping.
After seeing her Vet and a complete examination, he determined that she did sustain some kind of nerve injury that is causing her to totally abandon the full use of her leg. She only puts a minimal amount of weight on it and leans mostly to the opposite side when walking with her right paw "knuckled" under towards her body. You can see from the picture the position her paw is usually in whether standing or laying down. Emma receives acupuncture on the right side to aid in her healing and any possible pain. I was asked to see Emma to use acupressure on her left side to help soothe and alleviate tension in the muscles, ligaments and tendons that are working extra hard to help her balance as she learns how to compensate for the lack of her front leg and paw.
I have to say that she is doing very well adjusting to her new gait and she seems to be happy. It is great that she has her sister, Duchess, with her to keep her spirits up and to motivate her in her recovery. The Vet did say that these types of injuries could " self- heal" in time. It is possible that her nerves could heal. I do worry about the atrophy of the muscle tissue and we all are hoping that this situation gets better for Emma and her family. I look forward to my visits with both of these pretty ladies and I can tell they like to see me too!

Hidden Dangers: 6 foods that can make your pet sick

2007-04-15T10:04:00.000-07:00

Since we have been made aware of the recent dog/cat food recall, this is a timely article from Family Circle Magazine.

6 FOODS IN YOUR KITCHEN THAT CAN MAKE YOUR PET SICK

CHOCOLATE: as little as 2 oz. can cause problems in a 10 lb. dog.
Symptoms: watch out for diarrhea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat or muscle trembling

MOLDY OR SPOILED FOOD: even a mouthful of old cheese can cause illness.
Symptoms: Vomiting, tremors and seizures. Can be fatal in large amounts.

ONIONS: It takes just 3.5 oz of minced onions (cooked or raw) to cause a reaction in a 25 lb. dog.
Symptoms: Can cause blood in urine, weakness, rapid breathing and fast heart rate. Serious threat to a pet.

SALT: As little as 1 teaspoon ingested by a 10 lb. dog can cause illness.
Symptom: Tremors and seizures. May cause death.

RAISINS or GRAPES: Pets can get sick from a half ounce of raisins or a handful of grapes.
Symptoms: Stomach upset and vomiting. May lead to kidney failure and death.

GUM or CANDY (containing xylitol) : A few pieces could be dangerous.
Symptoms: Weakness, seizures, liver failure and sometimes death.

Your pet may possess the most human of traits, but some foods are best left to the two-legged members of your family. "A big risk for toxic poisoning comes from pets digging through the trash," says Steven Hansen, D.V.M. and Midwest Office Senior Vice President of the Animal Poison Control Center for the ASPCA. To avoid accidental consumption, use a lidded garbage can with a weight at the bottom so your pet can't knock it over, or keep the bin under the sink or in closed pantry. And push food away from counter and table edges, out of paws' reach.

HELP IN A HURRY
if your pet eats something harmful
* Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center 888-426-4435
*Have your pet's information handy ( breed, weight and sex etc.) and how much and what he ate.
* If your pet has difficulty breathing, a seizure of loses consciousness, take him to a pet hospital immediately.

Lucky Dog on local T.V. station

2007-04-03T08:57:00.000-07:00

After a visit with Sassy and Muggs Saturday morning, I rode my scooter with plans of visiting Lauren, the woman who heads up the Chow Chow rescue, at the Pet Adopt-a-thon taking place in front of Longs.
She was busy with a camera crew doing an interview about the dogs up for adoption. I waited around until she was free and we talked about "dog stuff."
Lauren got the idea that she would like me to be on the local station talking about what I do and about my business. Before I could stop her, she had rounded up the couple who film and interview for the NCTV station.
I was truly looking for a way a out. I told Lauren I wasn't prepared for this and my hair was really smashed from my helmet, I didn't even have on lipstick!
Nothing seemed to work and Lauren assured me that I would be fine and I believed her, plus I really like Lauren and it was a great opportunity for me.
You can see the interview http:http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-27776957265539141

Yeah, I was nervous but I am glad Lauren was right.
Many thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Cameraman and Microphone!

Menu Foods to be Sued

2007-03-31T16:27:00.000-07:00

(03-31) 11:25 PDT NEWARK -- Sherry Ingles of Newark didn't have any reason to worry about the dog food she bought for her beloved dog Smokey.

But the 15-year-old dog was euthanized this month after suffering kidney failure, most likely as a result of tainted food produced by Menu Foods.

Ingles, 44, is suing Menu Foods in a class-action lawsuit she filed Friday in U.S. District Court in San Francisco. It is one of about two dozen suits filed since Menu Foods launched a nationwide recall of 60 million cans and pouches of pet food produced under nearly 100 brand names.

Ingles declined to be interviewed. Her attorney, Stuart Davidson of Boca Raton, Fla., said today that Ingles is heartbroken.

"Imagine if Timmy lost Lassie and maybe, just maybe, the rest of the world could know what it's like for these people," said Davidson, who has filed several suits in the case.

Ingles' suit and others related to the tainted pet food may be consolidated into a single suit, Davidson said, adding that he has received calls from 50 to 75 pet owners in recent days.

"My clients are each completely and utterly devastated by this. One of my clients lost one of her cats while she was out of town taking care of her ailing father-in-law, and her other cat died when she got back," Davidson said.

"Another client held his dog in his arms while he passed away. For many if not the vast majority of people, their pets are absolutely another member of their families, so it should come as no surprise that this event has caused substantial emotional trauma to many."

Ingles bought Priority Beef Slices in Gravy from a Safeway store in January or February, according to the suit. Smokey began showing "numerous symptoms consistent with kidney failure" in mid-February, the suit states.

The dog was euthanized March 3. The suit claims breach of warranty, negligence and product liability.

Menu Foods launched the recall March 16. On Friday, the company pledged to reimburse pet owners for veterinary bills.

"We are angered that a source outside of the company has apparently adulterated the product causing this regrettable loss," Paul Henderson, the company's president and CEO, said Friday.

Henderson said the pet food produced since March 6 is "safe and healthy."

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration confirmed that a compound called melamine has been found in wheat gluten imported from China and used in the tainted food. Melamine often is used to make plastic cutlery and also is used in fertilizer, but officials said the substance is not toxic in small amounts.

The wheat gluten, used to thicken the gravy in pet food, is believed to have caused the illnesses and deaths, Menu Foods officials said. Although New York officials said tests on some samples of the wheat gluten revealed traces of aminopterin, a substance used to treat cancer and as a rat poison, federal authorities said their tests did not reveal the presence of that substance.

On Friday, Hill's Pet Nutrition became the first firm to recall dry pet food. Its Prescription Diet m/d Feline dry cat food was made using wheat gluten purchased from an unidentified U.S. supplier.

To obtain an updated list go to www.menufoods.com/recall/product_cat.html
Phone number: 1-866-895-2708

Lucky Dog says:

Let's hope that Menu Foods steps up and does the right thing by compensating these poor pet owners for vet bills and the loss of their companions.

It seems like the company is trying to get on top of this crisis by updating consumers with information as they find more about what happened at the processing plant. If anything, I am surprised to learn that so many different companies use this one giant facility to make and package such a variety of different pet food. I guess I pictured each dog/cat food company as a normal-sized plant mixing up their own special batches of unique recipes. I did not picture such a mega-factory pumping out over 50 different brands of pet food.

I am so sorry for anyone who may have lost a beloved pet to this accidental poisoning.

Recall info. call 1-866-895-2708 or www.menufoods.com/recall/products_cat.html

Happy Digestion= Happy Dog!

2007-03-20T19:23:00.000-07:00

I found this cool graphic that shows the "points" used to regulate or boost qi to aide the digestive system.

Every one of the points shown corresponds to an organ that is important for a healthy digestive tract. The one exception is CV. This stands for "Conception Vessel" and it is not an organ, but rather a meridian that runs from under the tail towards the head and ends at the center of the lower lip. The companion meridian is the "Governing Vessel" which goes in the opposite direction, starting at the center of the upper lip then ending at the base of the tail.

When the points shown here in the chart, are stimulated via touch or pressure, the intent is to bring harmony to the Stomach, Spleen, Liver and Gall Bladder.
An unbalance in the organs of the digestive tract will manifest itself in frequent burping, gas, runny stools, poor assimilation of food and loss of appetite, this is just a partial list of problems.
You may also observe that your dog is lethargic and has no interest in play-time. They might also have a sad look and seem as though they can not get comfortable.

By working along the meridians and paying special attention to these points, balance and harmony can be returned.
In addition to using acupressure massage for regulating blood and qi, we will also be able to address any emotional issues the animal may be experiencing at the time since the stomach meridian is also associated with worry, fear and sadness.
Pretty awesome huh?
Note:
Qi directs and coordinates the flow of energy that is present in all life forms.

Two New Friends

2007-02-25T12:55:00.000-08:00

I would like to welcome Sassy and Muggs as new friends and clients!
They are siblings and both of them have very different needs. Sassy is the one with the purple collar and Muggs has a blue collar.
I was called to work on Sassy post-surgery on both ACL's, that is when you basically blow out a knee. It is very painful for both humans and animals.
She has benefited greatly from our weekly sessions and her mom and dad tell me that they have seen no need to continue giving her the pain meds. she was taking prior to my visits. I am always happy to hear when this happens and knowing that Sassy has gained back what she lost i.e. jumping into the truck, running with Muggs and walking straighter, further confirms my belief in the healing power of acupressure massage.
As you can imagine, Sassy was a little grumpy about letting me get behind her and she was very nervous about me touching her knees and lower hind legs. Her dad would talk sweetly while holding her head and I would ever so slowly and gently, start my work on the rest of her body. After two visits she started to relax and being a smart dog, she realized that I was making her feel better. I understand that these dogs that have had this type surgery are very skittish about being messed with yet again and I have to be extra careful to gain their trust before I start applying any sort of pressure on their sensitive areas.
Knowing that Sassy now looks forward to my visits really makes my day!

After my first visit I was asked to work on Muggs as well. His mom and dad didn't want him to feel left out. We figured that this was the case because all the while I was with Sassy, Muggs would sit outside the door wondering what was going on in there. When we would come out after Sassy's acupressure massage session, Muggs would run into the room and jump on the bed.
Just one look and we could see he was saying " MY TURN!" How could we refuse that face?

So now, I see my new friends every week. One receives the restorative power of "touch" and the other gets a friendly little "tune-up."

Over the Bridge

2007-01-01T12:12:00.000-08:00

This is one of the aspects of my job that I will never get used to and that is saying good-bye to one of my clients.
So much of my work involves treating sick or ailing animals. I know that the elderly dogs that come to me won't be long term, but it is still so hard to see them go.
Yorick was a beautiful Boxer that had the biggest heart and the kindest soul. He has left a lasting impression on me and he taught me much. I am going to miss him and his life long companions,
Tom and Nadine. They gave him a wonderful family and he lived a full and happy life with them.
We will meet again, Yorick, I am sure.

Merry Christmas

2006-12-25T15:26:00.000-08:00

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Healthy Happy New Year.

No, these are not the 3 wise men, they are my 3 lively and beautiful animal loving daughters!
Not one of them has a dog for me to work on but each one of them has a CAT.
I love them anyway.
Enjoy the Season~
Dennise and family.

Good Bye Brave Girl

2006-12-02T21:05:00.000-08:00

I have to say good bye to one of my favorite clients. Her name was Kahlua and she has crossed over "the Rainbow Bridge" as her mom, Lauren informed me today.

I am really going to miss Kahlua, and I will miss not seeing Lauren and Tim every Monday.
This dog had paralysis in her hind legs that eventually left her unable to walk at all. Early on, she could get around in her cart that supported the back of her while she walked with her front legs. I have seen pictures of her in her cart and she looks so determined and confident with her wheels and paws moving along the street!

In my conversation with Lauren today, she told me that Kahlua was looking bloated one night this week and that she was whining in pain. They took her to the vet and while his staff was attempting to insert a breathing tube in preparation of surgery, they discovered that Kahlua had a tumor on the back of her tongue way down into her throat. She was so sick because she had a failed liver and gallbladder. There were other complications as well, and so Lauren and Tim made the sad decision to let her go and I know this was very hard for them to do and my heart goes out to the both of them.

After my many visits to work on Kahlua, I came to greatly admire both Lauren and Tim for the selfless work they do on behalf of the abused and abandoned dogs here in Nevada County and anywhere else there might be a dog in need.

They have inspired me everyday and I thank them for that, just as I am sure Kahlua thanks them for loving her and providing her with every comfort and a soft place to lay her big fluffy head.

Lauren and Tim head up the Chow-Chow Resue. They are included in my Links. Take a look at what they do and adopt or donate if you can or just say a pray for their rescued dogs. Thanks.

Kahlua was loved by all and she will be missed. I am thankful I got the chance to meet her.

FAVORITE THINGS

2006-10-17T13:42:00.000-07:00

This picture has 2 of my favorite things. My little Boston Terrier, Dorado and my Honda scooter. The only thing missing is my husband, he took this picture for my brochures. As you can tell, I like black and white!
The scooter is how I get around to make my house calls. It is very economical and it makes any errand fun to do. The real perk of hopping on the scooter after a session with one of my furry clients is that by the time I get home I am free of all pet hair.
I would love to rig up something so that Dorado could come along with us when we go on our rides but as of yet we haven't found a safe way to bring him. I am sure he would enjoy it as much as we do. I think he would look adorable in his "doggles" and a little skull-type chrome helmet.
My husband Terry and I started riding scooters about a year ago. We made a family trip to Canada and rented scooters for the day so we could travel to the Buchard Gardens in Victoria. The first 10 minutes of riding and I knew I had to have one! I could not believe the freedom and exhilaration of being on the scooter. We rode on the Honda Jazz which is what they are in Canada, here in the US, they are the Metropolitian. I suggest to anyone that they give it try if you ever get the chance. Getting on the Metro and going for a ride is the best mood lifter there is........we call it Scooter-therapy, and it works.

Sweet -boy Yorrick

2006-09-24T11:08:00.000-07:00

Here he is in all his glory. Yorrick is often deep in thought. I like to think that he is counting the minutes until his next acupressure massage!

Services

2006-09-15T17:11:00.000-07:00

Acupressure Massage House Call:

* Visit will last approx. 30-40 minutes depending on animal's willingness.

* Pre-massage consultation with human companion about areas that may need special attention.

* Post-massage summary.

* I provide the bedding and linens.

Prices will vary depending on the animal and the destination traveled.

Average price $35-45.00

This also includes my special Paw & Ear Massage. They love it!

Please call to book an appointment ph. 530*798*3251 OR
Email- luckydog@cebridge.net

Note:
Acupressure massage is not, nor intended to be a substitute for traditional veterinary care. Pet owners are advised to consult their veterinarians in matters of interest relating to the health of thier pet. I ask that you please be practical and sensible about when to obtain professional advice. Thank you.

Dog Show

2006-09-14T11:53:00.000-07:00

This was the booth I worked at during the AKC Dog Show in Nevada County. I offered FREE 5 minute demonstrations. Notice the little blue spa bed where I worked on my tiny clients. I had a very good time and spoke with a lot of nice people. My massages were free, but I asked for donations to the Chow-Chow Rescue. Everyone was very generous and it was my pleasure to pass the proceeds on to Lauren, the tireless dynamo that heads up this rescue group.
When ever I get the chance to speak about what I do, I turn into an "Animal Acupressure Massage" spokesperson! So many of you out there are very intrigued by this new form of alternative animal care. I love the interest that is shown to me and I always welcome questions and hope I can be a fitting "Ambassador" for this profession. There aren't too many of us out there. Remember when people didn't know what a Chiropractor was? I hope someday we will be as common and have our own spot in the Yellow pages too!!

House Calls Only

2006-08-22T09:02:00.000-07:00

Well, I had an office in Nevada City and I did see a couple of patients there and it served my purpose of having a place to go and do work and make phones etc.

However, for the most part I am making house calls to sick or injured dogs that can't travel, so I have decided to let the office go. :sob: It was not an easy decision but it was a neccessary one. Having an office was great and it was more for me than for my dog/clients. Now I will have all of my charts, paperwork, telephone and office things at home and I will work from there. I feel like the old time animal workers that traveled from town to town treating those in need. Now we have a new breed of people who see our animal friends in a different light and we minister to them in a whole other way.

It feels great when I walk into a room and see a dog laying on his mat and know that by the time I leave he will be more relaxed, some if not all of his pain will be allieviated and he will know that his people are aware of his discomfort.

I guess I will be doing a little more driving and even that is fun for me because I get around on my Honda Metropolitan Scooter. Yeah, it is a blast and getting between 80-90 mpg. is not bad either! My day planner fits nicely in the underseat storeage with my cell phone and water bottle, throw on my riding gear and I am good to go.

Sad to see the office in new hands now but glad to know that work is picking up with more people seeing the benefits of animal bodywork.

I am doing a demo this Sat. Aug. 26 at" SCRAPS dog bakery and pet nutrition center" located in the Albertson's shopping center in Grass Valley. I will be there from 10-2 for 5 min. demos and introduction to animal acupressure massage. Hope to see some new muzzles!

Interview

2006-07-18T09:17:00.000-07:00

The following is an interview of my teacher, JoMarie Indovina. She explains in the article about animal acupressue and massage and why it is so helpful. Her interview pretty much sums up why I chose this field. I was looking for something that would be helpful, rewarding and involved animals. What more could I ask for than by having my own business called "Lucky Dog?" I really feel that I am the luckiest dog! I have a wonderful family that supports what I do, I've got great clients that truly realize the many benefits of this service and best of all, I am helping animals.

" It's a micro current. For me it's like a little buzz, " said JoMarie Indovina as her hands move along the chestnut velvet back of " Colla," a Peruvian Paso. "We all have micro currents running through us, you just have to become sensitive to it."

Indovina is an animal acupressurist, a " horse whisperer." She is the director of Animal Acupressure Massage Training Center where she teaches ancient Chinese healing for cats, dogs and horses.

Animal acupressure isn't considered animal voodoo anymore. It has become mainstream. This gentle touch form of healing and healthy maintenance can be found in all equine and canine sports using body trainers, and more and more veterinarians are suggesting it for their patients. "There's a lot of trust in how it works and animals love it while it's going on," said Indovina.
Colla, 4, was rescued from being "put down" when she was a yearling. Her previous owners had stalled her and cut back on her food thinking that would correct the horses extra long back fetlocks, the meaty part of the leg just above the hooves. This ill treatment only exacerbated the problem. "she was like a concetration camp victim when the brought her to me," said Indovina. Since her youth, Indovina has worked with her, gently correcting the problem with acupressure.

"It wasn't a crippling thing, it just needed work," she said. The horse becomes "nippy," opening and closing her mouth as she releases the blocked energy while Indovina works on the horse's various meridians.
People from all walks of life from around the country are attracted to animal acupressure, and many who come to Indovina's school are making second careers out of it. She has had a student from Japan for instruction and a cowboy from Texas. An animal from Florida came to her for therapy. "People come in from so far away," she said. "Sometimes people go to great lengths to find me."

One recent student was a Harvard Law graduate, another a nurse. "I've seen women make big career changes."

Indovina says part of the phenomenon is explained by the fact that people are living longer lives and looking for second careers later in life. Practicing alternative healing for animals was unheard of 30 years ago. For people who have always wanted to work with animals but didn't want to submerge themselves in the traditional medical field, learning touch therapy is an exciting departure. "When they find out about this option, it opens up a whole new world to them," said Indovina.

Others use it to compliment an existing repertoire of animal knowledge like Pat Ehlers, a veterinary technician for 20 years who took the 100-hour program to broaden the services provided by her business RN 4 Animals. She provides hospice care for sick and dying animals and administers medications prescribed by a doctor. " There a lot of patient owners out there realizing the benefits of Chinese Medicine." said Ehlers. The pet industry is a booming empire with everything from pet stores brimming with lavish toys, beds and food to make pooch feel like a king to animal chiropractors, beauty salons and sitting agencies. Some of this pet frenzy comes people with more expendable incomes who choose pets over children.

Indovina says the awakening to alternative medicine for animals comes from people who deeply love their pets an want to pamper them, and others come to her because they have found the health benefits of massage for themselves an want to share that with their pets. "It's not just fthe pampered puppy getting this work," said Indovina.

Indovina says there are extremes both ways and knows of people so attached to their animals that they utilize expensive medical treatments such as dialysis or chemotherapy, while the other side of the coin, people continue to abandon puppies in the woods, keeping rescue agencies and county pounds filled beyond capacity.
She says in recent years there has been a higher consciousness toward animal feelings. Chinese medicine doesn't separate emotion from the physical body; instead, it recognizes the two elements as a whole. Indovina says that animals are highly sensitive to touch, more so than people, and it is actually a form of communication. "You and the animal are speaking a common language at that point." Emotions such as fear and anger, common among horses, can be overcome through the power of touch.

Indovina says she teaches so that others can help fill the need that is growing for this kind of healing. Former students are popping up around the country, opening their own practices, and some even their own schools. She says since she became involved with alternative healing for animals, there has been an increased awareness among veterinarians, who now refer patients to her. Sometimes hopeless cases are referred to her with miraculous results. "It's always thrilling to see what can be done," said Indovina, who has worked her magic on animals as small as a brown rat or as large as a buffalo.

She says there are about five private businesses started from former students in Nevada County, and two veterinary technicians have inrolled in her program. She says when former students open local businesses, they aren't considered a threat but an assest, providing a bigger pool of knowledge and information to draw from. The more people practice Chinese healing, the more common and acceptable it becomes.
"you don't want it to be such a rare thing that nobody has heard of it," said Indovina. "The more connected we all are the better."

Indovina's interest in the human body began as a classically trained dancer studying Russian ballet. She began teaching dance as early as 15. She always rode horses, although in secret, since dancers weren't supposed to risk injury. Later, after a severe illness threatened the use of her legs, she sought every form of alternative healing she could and began to study acupressure at the Acupressure Institute in Berkeley. She studied there for eight years. she became a "wounded healer," which gave her insight into the feelings of her patients. "It gives you a lot of compassion for what someone is going through," she said.

It didn't dawn on her that animals could also benefit from acupressure until a friend, a horseshoer ,came to her for therapy and recommended doing the same for horses. The next week she was on a plane to Colorado to study Gin Shin Touch with equine healing master Marie Soderburg. After two weeks, she realized that the pressure points she learned on humans carry over to animals. "Guess what, it's just like the humans."

Indovina offered a college course, "Introduction to Equine Acupressure," at Sierra College in 1997 and opened her school, Animal Acupressure Massage Training Center, in Nevada City in 2000.

The 100-hour certification program she offers includes classes on anatomy, massage tecniques, acupressure pathways (meridians), important and powerful points, external Qigong, aromatherapy and business and ethics for animal practitioners.
Students learn techniques to relieve pain, reduce tension, increase circulation and strengthen the immune system and well being of animals. She is actively participating in raising the standards for alternative animal healing and soon will increase the number of hours toward certification to 200, with continuing education a requirement.

A few specialists are hired out to teach anatomy and Reiki, but she does the majority of the teaching herself. Her classes are taught at various ranches in Nevada County, Auburn and Cool. She has been known to travel to the Bay Area and Southern California to work on an animal.

She continues to practice acupressure and touch healing on humans and says the profits are the same. Her hands have treated whole families, both human an animal. Approaching 60, she has no desire to slow down. The youthful energy she gets from working with green horses is especially invigoriting, she says. "You're health gets better as you work."

Indovina stands erect with a dancer's poise in the middle of a circle Colla makes around her; the horse gallops smoothly, shaking her mane as if in triumph. "Reverse," she commands and at that the horse quickly stops, turns and begins charging in the other direction. "Good girl," Indovina praises. "She loves to canter."

What are the benefits?

2006-06-12T13:41:00.000-07:00

" Why would I want to have my dog massaged?" Massage and acupressure are in the catagory of hands-on-therapy or physical therapy, which can be very beneficial for dogs with arthritis or hip problems. Both modalities offer pain relief and promote healing by bringing better circulation to the ligaments, muscles and tendons involved. Massage and/or acupressure is more than just "petting" your dog. Gentle, focused pressure is what is used by people trained for animal bodywork. Someone with the knowledge of how to do animal bodywork will work closely with the owner and animal to insure that the best is being done to treat those in need. Not only does this type of physical therapy improves muscle tone and help compensate for lack of movement due to injury, illness or age but it is quite gentle and easily accepted by most dogs.
It has been my experience that the animal I am working on will cooperate once they realize, " hey, this person is doing something interesting, and it feels great!" More times than not, they will move closer to me and with their own type of body language, let me know where they need attention.

Not just for humans

2006-06-12T09:15:00.000-07:00

Hello,

My name is Dennise and I love dogs. My goal is to make animal acupressure and massage as mainstream and accepted as any other form of bodywork. People are not the only mammals that can reap the benefits of acupressure and massage. Our animal friends are capable of feeling the same stress release and calming effects of a massage session as we do.

Increase blood and lymph circulation

Stimulate muscles to strengthen the body

Reduce stress and tension

Soothe the strained muscles of the week-end athlete

Helps the arthritic dog regain flexibility and mobility

Creates balance

Promotes healthy skin and coat

Interrupts muscle habitual "holding patterns", which may help reverse chronic conditions

Improves pliability of connective tissues, helping prevent and break down adhesions

Reduces pain and soreness

I feel that by offering this service to your canine companion, in addition to proper nutrition and regular exercise, you are ensuring another important component in maintaining a well and healthy pet.

Massage is a time-honored method of reducing stress and tension that usually brings a feeling of calmness. Massage and acupressure is most helpful in restoring proper movement to injured limbs and joints.

Acupressure is a fingertip technique that uses the meridian system and acupuncture uses a needle to pierce the skin. Acupressure uses fingertip pressure on the skin's surface.

Meridians are energy pathways that travel just beneath the skin's surface. They connect the body's surface with the interior organ systems and regulate energy and blood flow throught the entire body. Health comes from balance and when balance exists, the body, mind and emotions are happy and peaceful. I believe this is true for animals and people.