Brandy and Val

One minute I think that Brandy and Val would benefit from it, other times, not.  What to do?  Brandy is getting arthritic hips and, after a long afternoon of chasing squirrels, she clearly feels it.   Our pet sitter is a big advocate of massage, having used it on her horses, where it was popularized in the ’70 and ’80s.  Also, if massage benefits humans, too, it makes sense that it would also help your pooch.  Yet, the evidence is murky and I am starting to think it couldn’t hurt but maybe it won’t help all that much either.

If you look online at all the websites out there demonstrating the techniques for pet massage, it gets kind of scary.  Who are the people behind these sites and what are their qualifications?  Searching the American Medical Veterinary Association website offered no further help.   Hmmm….maybe it’s not such a great idea then to start experimenting on your own.  As usual, I am a big advocate of discussing matters unfamiliar to me with our vet.   So I did and got a pretty mediocre response:  ”it couldn’t hurt.”  Rather than taking my tips from YouTube, I asked our pet sitter for a demo and proceeded to practice on Brandy.  She thought it was kind of weird, actually.  She didn’t mind it but I’m not sure she liked it as she kept turning around to figure out what was going on.  I suspect she was feeling something odd, much the way we often get that “good hurt” feeling when a sore muscle is being massaged.

I found a pretty balanced article on the subject from the NEW YORK TIMES which bolstered my on-the-fence sentiment, along with the recommendation to as your vet.   Next week, our local pet store, Bentley’s Corner Barkery, will be having a K9 Pet Massage afternoon so I’ll likely saunter over with Brandy and Val to see what tips I can pick up.   If I learn something earth shattering or if I learn some techniques that, over time, my pups respond to, I’ll report back with the findings.

At Brandy and Val, LLC our mission is “to do good where good is needed.”  If we can benefit someone’s achy pet by sharing a positive massage story, tell us how you do it.  Did you know that Brandy and Val also star in their own children’s board book series:  BRANDY AND VAL, REAL DOGS WITH REAL TALES with profits benefitting animal shelters throughout the country.  With the Holiday season upon us, consider one of our books or toys — it’s a feel good gift that kids love and helps others.

On December 9, I wrote about the growing need and number of food banks that are supplying food for pets as well as people.   Apparently, this need has reached critical levels and Petco is expanding its Petco Foundation to help build a national network of food banks.  That’s GREAT!   While I generally try not to link “big box stores” in favor of small, family run operations, the Foundation and its’ resources are so important to helping animals and families who have them that I encourage all to read more about what they do.  Use it as a resource for where to go if you need help or if you wish to help.  The Mayor’s Alliance in New York City is working with the Petco Foundation in its’ expansion efforts.  Food bins will be put in Petco stores for donations so, if you can, help lend a hand and donate some food.  If you have a local pet store that you like to support, urge them to help a food bank by donating some food.  I know that one of our favorite local stores, Bentley’s, in Arlington Heights, IL, is always working on some project,  helping shelters and donating food in the area, giving them an A+ in our book.  PAWS Chicago will also distribute Petco food and products through its spay and neuter clinic.     If you  know local stores in your area who also help out, please comment our Facebook page or here so we can start our own resource list!  Some other resources are noted back in our December 9 article, as well.

The temps are steadily falling in much of the Country as we head into the height of winter.  It is REALLY cold for me, Valenti, who grew up in New Orleans and was transported to Chicago after Hurricane Katrina where I live now.  Mom and Dad try hard to keep me as warm as possible and I’d like to share some things they have done that help me out.  Mom really understands since she really hates the cold, too!

I hate the cold and snow but I LOVE my down coat!

I still need my exercise and walks, even in winter and that means having to go outside even if it’s just for a little while.  When it’s super cold out, I love when dad puts on my down coat!   I highly recommend one for everyone, although my sister Brandy laughs at me and doesn’t have one.  She likes it the colder, the better, but not me!  I’d love to be a spokesperson for Joy Pet Products who makes the coats.  They can call me anytime to model.  My dad thinks I look like an inside out hot dog in the coat (the bun is the coat!).  I think I look pretty handsome.  This is also the same coat you see me wearing in our book, Brandy and Val’s Special Story.

Brandy's rushing to get her coat off!

Now, sometimes it gets so cold that dad makes Brandy put on a coat, too!  This one isn’t as warm as the down coat, but it does have fleece, is water repellant and has reflectors for night walking.  I have this one, too,  but I wear it when it’s a little warmer than it is now.   They’ve updated the styling, but we got it from Land’s End a few years back.

Ice and extreme temperatures are especially bad for our feet so our parents found a product that works wonders on protecting them.  It’s called INVISIBLE BOOT and not only does it provide protection but it also moisturizes our pads, is 100% natural and we can lick it off without getting sick.  What a great find and we can thank our local pet boutique, Bentley’s Corner Barkery for steering mom and dad to it.

Please remember, too, to wipe our feet off when we come inside.  Road salt can get stuck in our pads and can make us sick and antifreeze is poisonous to us.  We also think antifreeze tastes sweet to us so even if we don’t lick it off our pads, it can be on snow when we lick.  Also,  PLEASE do not leave us in the car  or outside for prolonged periods of time when the temperature goes below freezing.  Yes, we have fur and probably can endure the cold a little longer than you,  but most of us did not grow up in the wild and are not bred to be outside.  Even for temperatures above freezing and into the 40s caution should be executed.  Please consult with your vet about what breeds can handle certain inclement conditions.  When in doubt, leave us home!

Thanks for listening to us and everyone have a safe and healthy Holiday Season and New Year!

Happy New Year!