all about the dog – 60plus and loving life

Paws of Resilience: A Journey Through Cruciate Ligament Surgery

By 60plus&lovinglife October 19, 2023 0

In the world of wagging tails and furry companions, life’s twists and turns can sometimes lead to unexpected challenges.

This year, my beloved dog faced one such hurdle when he needed cruciate ligament surgery on his left hind leg.

The journey was fraught with risks and uncertainties, but it also highlighted the incredible benefits of a supportive community, the beauty of well-wishers, and the boundless love that surrounds us.

My dog is more than just a pet; he’s a cherished member of the family, a loyal companion who has stood by my side through thick and thin.

When we received the news that he needed this surgery, my heart ached with worry, not only for his health but also for the difficult road ahead.

Cruciate ligament surgery comes with its own set of risks, including post-surgery complications and a lengthy recovery period.

The benefits, however, are worth every ounce of concern. The surgery promises to restore my dog’s mobility and alleviate his pain, allowing him to live a life of comfort and happiness once more.

Whilst the recovery period is long and challenging, the outcome is a testament to the remarkable advancements in veterinary care and the potential for our furry friends to overcome adversity.

What truly astonished and humbled me throughout this journey was the outpouring of support from well-wishers near and far.

Friends, family, and even those we’ve touched through our volunteer work rallied around us. For over a decade, my dog and I have dedicated our time to serving the community, visiting hospitals, kindergartens, schools, retirement homes, and dementia facilities.

We’ve seen firsthand the impact of a warm, furry presence on people’s lives, and now the community has come together to give back and show us just how loved we are.

The kindness and generosity of people, some of whom we’ve never even met, have been a shining light in our lives. The support, both emotional and financial, has been a beacon of hope during the darkest days of our journey.

The community’s rallying spirit reminds us that there are beautiful, kind-hearted individuals in this world who will go out of their way to make a difference.

These experiences reinforce the notion that love knows no boundaries. Whether it’s the bond between a person and their four-legged companion or the connection forged through shared acts of kindness, the human spirit is capable of remarkable things.

It’s a testament to the beauty of empathy, the power of unity, and the extraordinary capacity of the heart to love and care for others.

As I navigate this journey alongside my furry friend, I am eternally grateful and humbled by the overwhelming support we have received. The recovery may be challenging, but the love and kindness we’ve encountered along the way have made it all worthwhile.

To everyone who has extended a helping hand, offered a kind word, or shared in our journey, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

You’ve not only touched our lives but have also reminded us that the world is full of warmth, generosity, and love, waiting to embrace us when we need it most.

Much love to Dr John and the team at Riverton/Rossmoyne Vet Clinic❤️

x-ray of dog leg with plate and pins — x-ray of plate and pins

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George the Therapy Dog: A Tale of Love, Healing, and Resilience

By 60plus&lovinglife September 30, 2023 0

In the tapestry of our lives, there are certain threads that stand out, woven with love, compassion, and boundless joy. One of these threads is my beloved dog, George, a registered and trained therapy dog who has brought immeasurable happiness to countless lives for over a decade.

He’s not just the cutest and sweetest dog; he’s a source of unwavering love and comfort for those in need. Today, I want to share the story of George’s journey, including a recent twist in his path—the diagnosis of a cruciate ligament injury in his left leg.

For more than ten years, George has been a shining beacon of hope and warmth in our community. His kind eyes and gentle demeanor have graced schools, hospitals, and various therapy sessions, where he’s made a profound impact on the lives of many.

From comforting anxious students during exam periods to bringing smiles to the faces of patients facing health challenges, George has been a source of solace and joy to all who have had the privilege of meeting him.

Recently, however, our dear George faced a challenge of his own—a diagnosis of a cruciate ligament injury in his left leg. It was a moment that filled my heart with concern and sadness, knowing that my loyal companion was in pain. But, just as he has brought comfort and healing to others, it’s now our turn to provide him with the care and love he so deserves.

George’s injury has prompted us to take a closer look at his health and well-being, and to explore the best ways to help him on the path to recovery.

While surgery may be an option in the future, for now, we’re focusing on conservative management of his symptoms. This includes hydrotherapy to strengthen his leg, anti-inflammatories to reduce pain and swelling, and plenty of rest to allow his body to heal.

But it’s not just about the physical treatments; it’s about the emotional support as well. George may be semi-retired, but his spirit remains as strong as ever. He thrives on love and cuddles, and I am more than willing to provide him with all the affection and comfort he needs during this challenging time as is my partner, who loves George as much as I do❤️

As I watch him undergo his treatments and see the determination in his eyes, I am reminded of the countless lives he has touched throughout his years of service as a therapy dog. It’s a testament to his resilience and unwavering spirit that even in the face of adversity, he continues to inspire those around him.

In sharing George’s story, I hope to highlight the importance of cherishing our animal companions, who bring so much love and joy into our lives. They are more than just pets; they are family members who deserve our care and attention, just as we would provide for any loved one facing a health challenge.

George may be on a different journey now, one that requires patience and dedication to his recovery, but his spirit remains undiminished. He has given us so much over the years, and now it’s our turn to give back, to ensure that he can continue to enjoy a life filled with love, cuddles, and the occasional visit to the schools and hospitals that have come to rely on his boundless affection.

As we move forward in this healing journey with George, we do so with gratitude for the joy he has brought to our lives and the countless lives he has touched. And we look ahead with hope, knowing that with time, care, and the resilience that defines him, he will overcome this obstacle and continue to brighten the world with his presence.

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Therapy dog goes to school!

By 60plus&lovinglife June 26, 2023 0

Hello and I hope you are having a good start to your week!

I’ve spoken before about my dog George. He’s a therapy dog and we volunteer at various places to help people feel better and we’ve even worked with people with dog phobias to assist them overcome their fears.

George is 12 years old now, so he’s basically semi-retired (a bit like myself!). Nowadays we only go to a small number of places each year. We used to volunteer at a dementia facility every weekend, he was the local university’s therapy dog and he has also visited high schools, primary (elementary) schools and childcare centres.

Every year we are invited to a local primary school’s Leadership Day and this year we were again part of the team of people chosen to speak with young people about what leadership means.

I prepped a PowerPoint presentation and put George into his therapy dog harness, collar & lead and we went into three classrooms to talk with the kids.

I also tied in the school’s values within the presentation to make it more meaningful to the children.

The children (and the teachers!) were thrilled to have George visit and after the presentation they all sat is a circle and gave him all the pets and cuddles!

It is just so beautiful to see the interaction between George and the children. He loves it as well, but he does tire more easily these days! (Again, a bit like me!😂)

Hug your dog and your children. Consider volunteering in your community if you have the time and capacity and if you do, I hope you have as much fun as we do!

Love and hugs to you all ❤️

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Therapy Dogs: A Paws-itive Impact on Mental Health!

By 60plus&lovinglife April 2, 2023 2

Who doesn’t love dogs? They’re cute, cuddly and oh-so-loving. But did you know they can also serve as your personal therapist? Enter the world of Therapy Dogs!

Therapy dogs are trained pups offering emotional support to people in need, whether they be in hospitals, schools, or even airports. These dogs are not the same as service dogs as they don’t perform any specific tasks for a person with a disability. Instead, therapeutic dogs play soothing roles, helping individuals to relax and cope with anxiety, stress, and depression.

It’s not surprising that such furry companions can improve mental health. Research shows that stroking and petting dogs can reduce stress and anxiety hormones like cortisol, while simultaneously increasing happy hormones and feel-good neurotransmitters in the brain (Harvard Medical School. A little wagging of tails, nuzzling, and snuggling go a long way in influencing human well-being.

Dog therapy has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many organizations offering programs for seniors, hospital patients, and school children. Even airports have implemented therapy dog teams to help ease the stress of travel.

One specific group that benefits a lot from therapy dogs is children. Kids have been shown to have better self-esteem and social skills and lower anxiety in the presence of dogs (Fine et al.). The benefits of therapy dogs are numerous, including reducing stress and anxiety, improving mood and socialization, and increasing physical activity.

One major appeal of therapy dogs is their non-judgmental and unconditional love. They don’t care about our appearance or background, and they don’t hold grudges. A therapy dog simply wants to be by our side, offering their furry warmth and calming presence. Studies have shown that interacting with dogs can even lower blood pressure and decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease.

My dog George has been a therapy dog since he was two years old. He’s a Spoodle (Cockapoo, Doodle) and has a beautiful, calm temperament, ideal for working with the elderly and with children. Everybody loves George and he’s super friendly and chill.

Therapy dogs must pass rigorous health and behavior assessments to ensure they’re well-suited for the role. Animal-assisted therapy (AAT), as it’s called, also requires specific training and certification for both the handlers and canine companions (Smith & Matuszek). So, it’s not just about the cuteness factor.

Of course, not every pooch is cut out to be a therapy dog. Some breeds are more naturally suited to the job. Labradors and Golden Retrievers are popular therapy breeds due to their affectionate nature and easy-to-train personalities.

While the process of training and certifying therapy dogs sounds intense, the results make all the effort worthwhile. So, the next time you’re feeling down, instead of picking up your phone and scrolling through Instagram, why not cuddle with your furry friend or visit a therapy pet outside. After all, they say that dogs are a person’s best therapist!

REFERENCES:

Fine, A. H., Tedeschi, P., Elfenbein, H., & Rosenthal, S. (2015). The handbook on animal-assisted therapy: Theoretical foundations and guidelines for practice. Elsevier.

Harvard Health Publishing. (2018). The health benefits of dogs (and cats). Retrieved from: https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-health-benefits-of-dogs-and-cats

Smith, M. C., & Matuszek, S. (2010). Animal-assisted therapy: An emerging opportunity in oncology. Journal of Oncology Practice, 6(6), e21-e23.

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Even therapy dogs need a bath!

By 60plus&lovinglife March 25, 2023 0

George goes to the groomers for a bath and haircut every few weeks. In between times I take him to the local pet supply store who offer a free hydrobath for local dogs!

Having a bath is not entirely his favorite activity. He does always get a treat afterwards (don’t tell him it’s a dental hygiene treat 😉) But he’s pretty chill and relaxed about it.

His groomer, my friend Ang, tells me that when he’s having a bath there he is so relaxed he almost falls asleep!

My daughter came along with me this time, so she was able to snap some pics of bathtime for good boy!

He looks pretty chill here… don’t mind the li’l bandages on my arms, I’d just been to have my bloods taken that morning 😊

I give him a good scrub down with the shampoo, comb it through his fur and rinse… then he rewards me by shaking water and shampoo all over me 😂

Then it’s the baby wipes to clean his eyes and ears and a vigorous rub down with the towel.

Then we are done! Much to his relief!

I usually take him for a walk to the park to air-dry him further, less likely to have my place smell of wet dog! 😂 Not that I mind…

He’s a happy doggo and everyone loves him. He brings so much joy to people’s lives.

Love to you all and I hope you have a fabulous day 🥰

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My dog is a ball thief!

By 60plus&lovinglife March 7, 2023 0

Took my Georgie-boy to the park this morning for our usual morning meander.

He played with a cute l’il mini Schnauzer. I am always happy to see my dog play like a puppy. He’s nigh on 12 years old and he still thinks he’s a pup! But then don’t we all? Don’t be telling us we old! No such thing! 😂

I’ve mentioned before that George is a semi-retired therapy dog. He has spent hundreds of hours making folk feel better, calming them down in times of stress and anxiety. Helping people overcome dog phobias. He loves all people, from the tiniest of toddlers to the very old and infirm. He literally has endless patience with people wanting to pet him, talk with him, play with him and take photos of him (I swear he has more photos on his social media than I will ever have!) – you can check out his FB at George_the_Therapy_Dog (click the link). He’s on Insta as well and you can see all his gorgeous photos! @george-the-therapy-dog

He has the best traits for this type of work. He is calm, gentle, patient and sweet natured.

He is also my best friend.

Everybody loves him.

His only vice is stealing other dog’s tennis balls! Check that photo…. is he looking guilty? or is he looking pleased with himself?

I was just about to leave the park to head home and I called him over and he came trotting along with his latest acquisition! I let him happily and proudly trot one more time around the park with the ball (by this stage, there were no other dogs or people in the park – so I have no idea who owned the ball). I then placed the ball on the park bench in case the owner returned.

Usually I apologize for his cheeky behaviour if the ball owner is around, most times people end up throwing the ball for him and their own dog. That’s the thing with dog people, they are a nice mob. We get it. We love our dogs.

We also know that people who don’t like dogs are a little bit peculiar (I’m not talking about people who are scared of dogs – but for sure we can help you with that!), but when I come across a non-dog person I wonder what is wrong with them, often they are emotionally cold and have no empathy for dogs or people. They are the ones to avoid!

Peace and waggly tails to you – love and hugs from George and I to you and yours! 🐾 🤗

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