Canine Massage, Chinese Style!

I had the first opportunity to incorporate some new acupressure techniques in today's canine massage. Beau is a mixed breed rescue that Elizabeth adopted from Houndhaven. Houndhaven is located in Mineola, Florida near Orlando. I've volunteered at their events and been extremely impressed by their facility, philosophy and honest concern for large, hard-to-place dogs. So it was a treat for me to work on shy and timid Beau (pictured on the left). Beau's 'brother' Buddy, wanted to get in on the massage, so Elizabeth showered affection on Buddy while Beau got his acupressure. Within minutes, Beau relaxed and let me show Elizabeth some healing strokes. We all were energized and feeling great at the end of the session. Elizabeth is interested in my 'Doggie Party Package' for doggie birthday parties and will be in touch soon!

Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine

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My certification course has officially ended, but my journey into Chinese Veterinary Medicine has just begun. Every day of instruction was a jewel in my life introducing me to Chinese philosophy and animal care. Restorative techniques including acupuncture and tui na (Chinese acupressure using meridian concepts) were taught by holistic vets who are professors at the renowned University of Florida Veterinary School. 'Wet labs' using both horses and dogs to practice, were highlights of the week. Also included were Tai Chi & QiGong movements. This has been a week of life-changing experiences, including networking with both veterinarians and students from all over the world who are now contacts and friends for life. Click on the arrow on the picture to start the show.

Surviving Day One!

Okay, so it's only been forty years since the last time I sat in a classroom environment for nine hours. But, with hourly breaks and a lovely catered lunch, I survived my first day at the Chi Institute in Reddick, Florida. The sheer 'ton-age' of philosophical, historical and application-oriented information was truly mind-boggling. Tomorrow, eight greyhounds will join us for practice in accupuressure. Props to my loving husband who is taking time out of his life to drive me to and fro for all but one day.

Monster Truck!

Well, not really, but it sure seems that way to me! David rented this Chevy Trailblazer (complete with North Carolina license plate!) to take me up to Gainesville for my certification class this week while our Infiniti is being serviced. Of course, my vote was for the cute navy blue Miata convertible in the Hertz parking lot. But I got overridden as David will be doing the bulk of the driving on every day except Saturday, when he will playing golf with his Saturday group. I'm a sports car, low to the ground kind of girl, with luxury overtones, so this Monster Truck/SUV isn't really working for me. I drove it from Home Depot back to the Hertz parking lot to pick up our Infiniti. And I felt like I was driving a freight train! How the heck do you back up in this thing? It's as long as a city block! We shall see how it goes on Saturday, my only driving day. Meantime, David is happy and we already loaded in some new flowers for the garden. Maybe this "cruise ship" isn't as bad as I thought it was!

Canine Massage and Acupuncture

Getting ready for my coursework this week. Here's a good example of canine massage and acupuncture. My classes this week will enhance my current knowledge, plus give me an insight into the holistic perspective of canine health. A new client called from Orlando and booked a March 22 massage. Her 'baby' (a big lab) will be the first to get the benefit of my newfound knowledge!

Canine Acupressure & More!

To enhance my current knowledge of canine massage, I'm so excited to be participating in a certification class for TCVM - Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine. The class starts next week. The instructor is a professor at the renowned and nearby University of Florida Vet School in Gainesville, Florida. Classes include herbalogy, equine and canine accupressure, acupuncture techniques and more. Located on more than forty acres in rural central Florida, it's an animal lovers dream.

Where the buffalo roam....

Who would believe it? In our very own home town of Lady Lake/the Villages, a few precious buffalo still roam...Even the Villages High School honors them as their official mascot. The buffalo are quite the tourist attraction and easily approach you from the fence. As you can see, they also love the camera! Thanks to our friend Bob Brownfeld, Photographer Extraordinaire for this up close and personal look at our favorite local attraction. Click on the picture for a closer view if you dare!

Release the Hounds!!!

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On Sunday, January 21, our friends the Ellis' invited us join them for a fox hunt! Actually, no animal is hunted. Instead, a bag with 'fox scent' is spread around the woods and then hidden. The bloodhounds lead the riders and their horses to find the bag. This is done three times during the hunt.

It was an amazing experience for us to take photos amidst the fifty riders and their stunning horses. Of course, when the hounds were released from their trailer, the excitement really began! We thanks the Ellis' so much for including us in this animal-lovers Dream Day!

Featured above is Bravo, one of the two Ellis horses. Bravo is twenty-two years old and has been hunting twice a week since he was very young. Click here to view additional photos. Don't forget the second page! To find out more about the hunt club, click here. Use your back button to return.

New At Petco!

Today we were pleased that our vet gave us "paws up" on Bailey's tail. It's been almost three months since it became infected and had to be surgically repaired, not once but twice!! He is healed and all stitches and staples have finally been removed. Bailey is doing great. We went to Petco to celebrate with both Bailey and Brandee-Cherie today. Baby Brandee insisted on riding in Daddy's cart. After picking out her toy, we proceeded to checkout. The clerk tried to "scan" our baby!! Fortunately, we were allowed to take her home even though her price didn't come up on the register!

Last Year's Evacuees

Last year's evacuees...Click on the picture for a closer view.

The Birds of Harbor Hills

Birds gather beside the lake near the picturesque sixteenth green at Harbor Hills. It's the toughest Par Three on the course. There is a lake in front of the narrow green, with traps in front and to the right. The winds from nearby Lake Griffin can make this one a real challenge. Click on the picture for a closer view.

Not to be Outdone...

Not to be outdone by his baby "sister" (no blood relation), here's a portrait of Bailey Brie, our black and white pekingese. He's known far and wide for his superior watchdog skills. Bailey is the ultimate guard of all things unfamiliar as he perches on his high rise bed by the window in the front door. Luckily (?) Bailey is on guard 24/7. Woe to the burglar who darkens our door. (Or the Federal Express guy!!)

Pretty in Peke...

No blog would be complete without sharing a picture of our precious pekingese. When the kids grew up and found their way in the world, our pekes bounded into our hearts. Here's Brandee~Cherie, our youngest at six years old. She was born on Valentine's Day. We will always be grateful to our friend and breeder Anne Doll of Peke4ADoll in Williston, Florida. Her dogs are unequalled for beauty and temperament. See for yourself!

Gator Watch

This six footer was relaxing in the sun on the 9th fairway of the North Course in PGA Village when I snapped this pic with a Big Zoom lens!

We may be saying goodbye to this fellow, but hello to some of his cousins. There are gators galore in Lake Griffin, right across the street from our new home!