Doggy Dundee

Will Dog Massage Turn Chase Into A Limp Noodle?

Fredric, the owner of Chase’s “passed on” friend Rudy, was so taken by our honoring of Rudy’s passing on (Sept. 02, 2009 post) that he’s given Chase a gift certificate for a one-hour dog massage by a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT).

Chase lazing

I can see my parents right now sitting on a couch with Rudy in heaven laughing and laughing as good-natured tears run down their faces at the irony of people giving a dog massage (laughing especially because they know it’s just the kind of thing I’d love. )

My question is, “After a one hour relaxing massage, will Chase even be able to stand up?” I’ll keep you posted after she has her special treat! Chase sure deserves it after rounding up so many lost doggies and sharing her home with them for even short periods while their owners or a new situation for them is found.

Doggy Massage – Every Dog Has Their Day?

If you’ve ever indulged yourself in one, two, or a hundred human massages and felt the relief and joy it can bring, just imagine how our four-leggeds feel – Our dogs have been running, jumping, leaping, tugging, falling, tumbling,and/or curled up stationary for years; some have to sit out in cold and heat for long periods.

Dog experts attest that dog massages provide many benefits that can go beyond just muscular-skeletal issues, such as: easing muscle and joint ache, building a trust between dog and human, triggering cytokines (which brings down levels of a stress hormone), dispersing pain by signalling for the release of endorphines and also helps in healing (some injuries), improving blood and lymph circulation, and more. Though there are some conditions where a dog massage is not good (sometimes considered dangerous, just as with humans), when applicable, a dog massage is often prescribed for post-operative conditions and for many geriatric dogs.

Doesn’t your doggy deserve a treat-ment today?

Rudy - Champ Dog Friends Big Heart

G’day, Mates! A few weeks ago Doggy Dundee announced that a couple of Chase’s neighborhood dog friends had recently passed on. We’d like to tell you a bit about schipperke Rudy.

Rudy Vision

Rudy was 10 years old when Carol and Fredric Berger of Talent, Oregon adopted Rudy from the Jackson County Animal Shelter several years ago. (Rudy had been a frequent “visitor” there as a stray dog, but his negligent owner lost him one too many times and Rudy was finally removed (saved?) from that environment and placed in the county’s care, so this stray dog could have a happy, secure home at last.

Rudy – Much Loved & Loving Therapy Dog

Both the Bergers are therapists, so… you guessed it – -Rudy easily passed his Therapy Dog Exam, and worked at the local VA every Wednesday since then.  The veterans there loved him.  Rudy also worked at the psych program in Medford, where the residents there loved him, as well.  Fredric took Rudy to the Ashland Dog Park (where Rudy ran very fast there off leash), and brought him to the Downtowne Coffee Shoppe in Talent daily.  Rudy was loved everywhere!  For some people, especially the vets, it was the first time they had reached out to softly touch another being in many years.  Rudy was sweet and calm, and he was able to share that feeling with anybody that touched him.  When any person pet Rudy, it was Rudy that touched the person.

Winner of Sweetest Small Dog Honor

In July 2009, Rudy was diagnosed with cancer. Just weeks before making the final decision to help Rudy cross gently, Rudy won Honorable Mention as “Sweetest Small Dog” (a category judges invented for him on the spot) at the Talent Coffee Shoppe’s annual Cutest Small Dog Contest.

Rudy, you did a good job, mate! We love ya…

Spirit Dog Rudy