Tag Archives: dogs

FitLabPGH Lab Lessons 5:23 Help Keep Us Safe

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Labrador Lesson for 1-27-23:

Help keep us safe.

As Labradors, we don’t always make the best decisions. So we ask our humans to help keep us safe. If we’re not in our fenced in backyard (or in the house), we’re on leash…why? Because, left to our own devices, we might chase a rabbit 🐇, spook a deer 🦌, or encounter a skunk 🦨 or porcupine! We’ve also been known to eat things we shouldn’t eat. Plus, we’re lovers, not fighters, and we’d rather avoid unfriendly dogs.

If you’re a dog who makes questionable decisions, ask your humans to help keep you safe. And if you’re a human with dogs in your life, do your best to keep them safe and healthy!

FitLabPGH’s Movement Tips & Lab Lessons Week 4 of ’23

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FitLabPGH brought to you by Moving2Live promotes the ethos #movement is a lifestyle, not just an activity with 3 movement tips a week and a Lab Lesson aka learn from the Labradors.

For week 4 of ’23 the Labs tell us Remember to Have Fun

Our movement tips for this week make movement #social #commit to 10′ of movement & #besafe when you move #outdoors

 

FitLabPGH Lab Lessons 4:23 Remember to Have Fun

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Labrador Lesson for 1-20-23:

Remember to have fun.

As Labradors, we don’t read the news, but we see just enough television and social media to know that there is no shortage of negativity in the world. Take a tip from us: focus on the positive and remember to have fun. Our fun times include walking with our humans (on leash, for their safety); chewing sticks; and watching deer and turkeys. We also love frolicking in the snow, but even when there’s no snow, we remember to have fun when we get outside.

Whether you have 2 legs or 4, remember to have fun…in your movement practice, and in the rest of your life. Focus on the positive and create fun times whenever possible.

FitLabPGH’s Movement Tips & Lab Lessons Week 3 of ’23

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FitLabPGH brought to you by Moving2Live promotes the ethos #movement is a lifestyle, not just an activity with 3 movement tips a week and a Lab Lesson aka learn from the Labradors. For week 3 of ’23 the Labs remind us Don’t … Continue reading →

Moving2Live Presents Movement is a Lifestyle on PTCT7 – Show #6 – Meredith Wille, Steel City Canine Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine

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After a summer of logistical delays, we’re back with a new episodes of Movement is a Lifestyle on Peters Township Community Television – check out our conversation with Meredith Wille of Steel City Canine Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine because Movement is a Lifestyle for those with 2 AND 4 legs! Steel City Canine Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine offers rehabilitation programs for dogs with injuries, and healthy pet programs to help prevent injuries and maintain or improve your dog’s health. Check out the episode today!

Movement is a Lifestyle Features 1:21 Chica (Repost)

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Moving2Live is a podcast about movement and exercise for professionals and aficionados.  We also have Movement is a Lifestyle Features. Each week, we publish a brief highlight of a 2- or 4-legged mover…someone who understands that movement is a lifestyle…not just an activity.  The questions are lightly edited to allow for easy readability.  Click MIAL Features for more info if you want to be featured/know someone who should be featured.

This Week: Chica

Where do you consider “Home”? Colorado Springs, CO

What are your three favorite movement activities? Trail running, frisbee (although I have been retired from this activity with concern for the jumping/twisting at my age), and playing in the snow

Describe the best vacation you’ve ever taken? Where did you go? What movement activities did you include? Last week I went with my humans to the Never Summer Mountain range. What is nice about that location is that their hut system allows canines (many hut systems do not). We were able to explore the Nokhu Crags and there was so much snow in June! Our cabin was right next to the creek so I had cold water accessible and could wade if I wanted to. We spent all day running and hiking, then when my humans would glissade the decent I could chase them.

What is your favorite pre- or post-workout snack? When I complete long runs (15+) or run on a hot day, my Mom will take me to get a pup cup from an ice cream stand in Manitou Springs, CO. Manitou is the starting point for a lot of our runs, and the owner is a local runner too. He has a pup cup that is one scoop of vanilla ice cream.

What is your favorite thing to eat? Note: it does not need to be healthy. Popcorn. I eat no human food except for the occasional pup cup and popcorn. When I hear the microwave starting, I run into the kitchen.

Do you have a movement activity on your “bucket list”? If not, what’s a movement activity/event you’re looking forward to in the next year? Every year on my birthday I do a new movement activity. Last year, for my 12th birthday, I summited 12 different peaks in Colorado. This year, when I turn 13, we are going to find a 13er to do.

What do you think is the biggest obstacle to getting people to move more? I think it can be overwhelming for people to start a new activity to create a lifestyle change. When my human, Melissa, started running it was when she adopted me. So she had a structure in place to keep her running since I always wanted to get out. If people don’t have a structure to support their movement, it is difficult to keep going. Additionally, being patient is a big obstacle. A lot of times, dogs, included, we just want to do everything right away. But new movement takes time, training, and patience.

What do you feel is the most adventurous movement activity you’ve ever done? The year I turned 10 was my biggest summer. I summited Pikes Peak (local 14er) 7 times and I had two runs that were over 30 miles. I call that my Banner Summer.

What is your favorite recovery or self-care practice? I love my humidifier. My humans don’t know why. But they set one up in the bedroom and I love to nap right below the mist, especially after a long run. Rest is especially important and I always take a day off after a hard activity.

What is your favorite spot within an hour of where you are currently living? (Bonus points if it is a “hidden gem”) My favorite summit is a peak in Colorado Springs called Cameron Cone. About halfway up (less than one hour run) there are two rock formations called Gog and Magog. There is always a great view up there (see attached picture with the rainbows)

Contact information for Chica:
Chica does not maintain her own social media accounts, but you can follow her through her Mom, Melissa Stapanowich at:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mstapanowich/

Movement is a Lifestyle Animal Features 1:21 Maggie the Black Lab

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Moving2Live is a podcast about movement and exercise for professionals and aficionados.  We also have Movement is a Lifestyle Features. Each week, we publish a brief highlight of a 2- or 4-legged mover…someone who understands that movement is a lifestyle…not just an activity.  The questions are lightly edited to allow for easy readability.  Click MIAL Features for more info if you want to be featured/know someone who should be featured.

This Week: Moving2Live’s Maggie the Black Lab

Where do you consider “Home”? Finleyville, PA because that’s where my person is. I was born in Ohio.

What are your three favorite movement activities? Hiking/Running/Fartlek with my human staff. Wrestling with Puddin the Yellow Lab. Wriggling (snaking) on the floor.

Describe your “Best Day Ever” Breakfast. Nap. A berry and a lick of yogurt. Fartlek with the staff and Puddin in the park. Nap. A bite of carrot or bell pepper. Nap. Dinner. Nap. Sleep.

What is your favorite snack/treat? Tough call…tie between berries, carrots, and bell peppers…oh, pumpkin is great too…

What is your favorite thing to eat? Note: it does not need to be healthy. Plain nonfat Greek yogurt (the Staff lets me have a lick at breakfast time). My Fromm dog food is pretty good too; the staff alternates between 3 varieties.

Do you have a movement activity on your “bucket list”? If not, what’s a movement activity/event you’re looking forward to in the next year? I’m a live-in-the-moment sort of dog, so nothing on my bucket list, but I’m looking forward to many Mt. Mingo Summits this year.

What do you think is the biggest obstacle to getting people or animals to move more? It sounds like humans make things too complicated…scheduling workouts and classes…don’t they realize they can just get outside and move???

What do you feel is the most adventurous movement activity you’ve ever done? Being responsible for leading the staff on a hike in the snow…the humans couldn’t figure out where the trail was, but I convinced them to follow me, and I was right!

What is your favorite recovery or self-care practice? Is this a trick question??? Napping, of course!

What is your favorite spot within an hour of where you are currently living? (Note: it does not need to be outside of your house) Mingo Creek Park…especially when it’s really cold or raining hard, because then we have the park to ourselves

Contact information for Maggie:
Maggie does not maintain her own social media accounts, but you can follow her through Moving2Live at:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_mov2liv/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/movingtoliv

Twitter: https://twitter.com/_mov2liv

Movement is a Lifestyle Features 15:20 We Want Your Pet’s Story

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Moving2Live is a podcast about movement and exercise for professionals and aficionados.  We also have Movement is a Lifestyle Features. Each week, we publish a brief highlight of a 2- or 4-legged mover…someone who understands that movement is a lifestyle…not just an activity.  The questions are lightly edited to allow for easy readability.  Click MIAL Features for more info if you want to be featured/know someone who should be featured.

This Week: We Want Your Pet’s Story – Scroll down for 3 Dog Stories for Inspiration…but we’re not just looking for dog stories…bring us your cat tales, goat diaries, horse lore…you are only limited by your imagination…let the profiles below of Nala Rae, Chica, and Malee inspire you…then submit a questionnaire for your animal friend…

Nala Rae’s Profile:
Where do you consider “Home”? North East, Pennsylvania

What are your three favorite movement activities? Jumping to catch my ball, running with the hooman cousins, and protecting mine house from the stray cats!

Describe the best vacation you’ve ever taken? Where did you go? What movement activities did you include? The hoomans took me to some strange big house once. There were other hoomans and they threw some circle thing for me! There was another dog there too, but she was old and wasn’t happy about how fast I was! The only downside to this place was it took 4 hours to get there! That’s a lot of running for this metal thing we were in!

What is your favorite pre- or post-workout snack? Peanut butter on the bananas is the best!

What is your favorite thing to eat? Note: it does not need to be healthy. Peanut butter and those cold sweet potatoes! Thems are yummy in my furry tummy!

Do you have a movement activity on your “bucket list”? If not, what’s a movement activity/event you’re looking forward to in the next year? I’d love it if my hooman would let me run in the mountains, but she says we don’t have any that’s easy to get to.

What do you think is the biggest obstacle to getting people to move more? A leash really holds you back, somedays!

What do you feel is the most adventurous movement activity you’ve ever done? I once ran as fast as possible from a bee. I left my hooman because I was so scared. That was pretty crazy because I went to someone else’s door and I thought it was mine, until my hooman found me!

What is your favorite recovery or self-care practice? I love to bite frozen peanut butter out of my bone toy while the hooman does my hip therapies! Helps me to ignore her and I get food!

What is your favorite spot within an hour of where you are currently living? (Bonus points if it is a “hidden gem”) I had lots of fun working at this place my hooman’s dad kept calling Pet Supplies. I get to meet all the hoomans, while babysitting mine! She falls a lot, so I gots to be there to help her up or keep others away.

Contact information for Nala Rae:
Nala Rae lives with her hooman, Hallie Buckel, who we Featured on 6/4/20. You can follow Hallie at:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/halbuck2018/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ChristianChronicIlls/

Chica’s Profile:
Where do you consider “Home”? Colorado Springs, CO

What are your three favorite movement activities? Trail running, frisbee (although I have been retired from this activity with concern for the jumping/twisting at my age), and playing in the snow

Describe the best vacation you’ve ever taken? Where did you go? What movement activities did you include? Last week I went with my humans to the Never Summer Mountain range. What is nice about that location is that their hut system allows canines (many hut systems do not). We were able to explore the Nokhu Crags and there was so much snow in June! Our cabin was right next to the creek so I had cold water accessible and could wade if I wanted to. We spent all day running and hiking, then when my humans would glissade the decent I could chase them.

What is your favorite pre- or post-workout snack? When I complete long runs (15+) or run on a hot day, my Mom will take me to get a pup cup from an ice cream stand in Manitou Springs, CO. Manitou is the starting point for a lot of our runs, and the owner is a local runner too. He has a pup cup that is one scoop of vanilla ice cream.

What is your favorite thing to eat? Note: it does not need to be healthy. Popcorn. I eat no human food except for the occasional pup cup and popcorn. When I hear the microwave starting, I run into the kitchen.

Do you have a movement activity on your “bucket list”? If not, what’s a movement activity/event you’re looking forward to in the next year? Every year on my birthday I do a new movement activity. Last year, for my 12th birthday, I summited 12 different peaks in Colorado. This year, when I turn 13, we are going to find a 13er to do.

What do you think is the biggest obstacle to getting people to move more? I think it can be overwhelming for people to start a new activity to create a lifestyle change. When my human, Melissa, started running it was when she adopted me. So she had a structure in place to keep her running since I always wanted to get out. If people don’t have a structure to support their movement, it is difficult to keep going. Additionally, being patient is a big obstacle. A lot of times, dogs, included, we just want to do everything right away. But new movement takes time, training, and patience.

What do you feel is the most adventurous movement activity you’ve ever done? The year I turned 10 was my biggest summer. I summited Pikes Peak (local 14er) 7 times and I had two runs that were over 30 miles. I call that my Banner Summer.

What is your favorite recovery or self-care practice? I love my humidifier. My humans don’t know why. But they set one up in the bedroom and I love to nap right below the mist, especially after a long run. Rest is especially important and I always take a day off after a hard activity.

What is your favorite spot within an hour of where you are currently living? (Bonus points if it is a “hidden gem”) My favorite summit is a peak in Colorado Springs called Cameron Cone. About halfway up (less than one hour run) there are two rock formations called Gog and Magog. There is always a great view up there (see attached picture with the rainbows)

Contact information for Chica:
Chica does not maintain her own social media accounts, but you can follow her through her Mom, Melissa Stapanowich at:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mstapanowich/

Malee’s Profile:
Where do you consider “Home”? Central Coast NSW Australia

What are your three favorite movement activities? Running, Swimming (if there is a stick to rescue and destroy), and more running

Describe the best vacation you’ve ever taken? Where did you go? What movement activities did you include? Gee, I think nearly every day is a vacation for me. When we do go to another house there’s always either a beach or a forest nearby to explore (and room to run

What is your favorite pre- or post-workout snack? What is this question? Am I supposed to get treats? Rob doesn’t feed me before or after I do any running. Can you please tell him I need more energy

What is your favorite thing to eat? Note: it does not need to be healthy. It’s probably easier to answer what I don’t like……. ahhh nothing really. Rob makes my meals and puts in all sort of yummy stuff (which is all pretty healthy). I do really like Kefir or yogurt with fruit.

Do you have a movement activity on your “bucket list”? If not, what’s a movement activity/event you’re looking forward to in the next year? Covid sucks, I want to camp in the forest and race against the fluffy dogs again

What do you think is the biggest obstacle to getting people to move more? They need to live for the moment a lot more and not worry so much, also they only have two legs

What do you feel is the most adventurous movement activity you’ve ever done? I’m a sled dog. Last year Rob and I were rookies of the year at our club. I get to run through the forest as fast as I like and Rob is there just behind me. He’s much better now since he got the scooter thing cause before it was just like dragging around an anchor (he’s sooo slow just using his legs)

What is your favorite recovery or self-care practice? Massage, I get all my human friends to do it to me. I like sharing this so when one stops I go to the next one.

What is your favorite spot within an hour of where you are currently living? (Bonus points if it is a “hidden gem”) Strickland forest is just 5 minutes away and I love running the trails there (and occasionally I get to chase a wallaby).

Contact information for Malee:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therelaxeddog/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therelaxeddog

Website: https://www.therelaxeddog.com

Movement is a Lifestyle Features 14:20 Mia and Puddin

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Moving2Live is a podcast about movement and exercise for professionals and aficionados.  We also have Movement is a Lifestyle Features. Each week, we publish a brief highlight of a 2- or 4-legged mover…someone who understands that movement is a lifestyle…not just an activity.  The questions are lightly edited to allow for easy readability.  Click MIAL Features for more info if you want to be featured/know someone who should be featured.

This Week: Moving2Live’s Mia the Cat and Puddin the Yellow Lab

Where do you consider “Home”? Finleyville, PA…it’s South of Pittsburgh

What are your three favorite movement activities? Mia the White and Black Cat (M): Climbing the stall bars; Chasing the gray cat around the house; running up and down the stairs

Puddin the Yellow Lab (P): Wrestling with Maggie the Black Lab; sprinting laps around the back yard; hiking in the woods with my Staff (especially if there are fallen trees to jump over);

Describe the best vacation you’ve ever taken? Where did you go? What movement activities did you include? P: I’ve got this one. I’ve read about Staycations on the internet…that pretty much describes our lives…every day for the cats is like a day at the spa, and Maggie and I go on hikes, eat healthy food, and the Staff tends to our needs…it’s like living at a resort!

What is your favorite pre- or post-workout snack? M: I’m not picky…I enjoy all of the snacks the Staff provides…if I had to pick a favorite, I’d say the Itty Bitty Pumpkin dog treats

P: I agree with Mia; the dog treats are good, but my favorite snacks are plain Greek yogurt and blueberries

What is your favorite thing to eat? Note: it does not need to be healthy. M: This might sound weird, but I LOVE olive oil…I used to try to lick the bottle, but the Staff caught me, and now they keep it in a stainless-steel container that doesn’t have drips down the sides.

P: I just love food…but I’m going to go with canned pumpkin…

Do you have a movement activity on your “bucket list”? If not, what’s a movement activity/event you’re looking forward to in the next year? M: I’d like to perfect my dismount from the coat rack…I’m really good at climbing to the top, but sometimes I get stuck and have to ask the Staff to help me get down.

P: A winter hike with at least one stream crossing and several fallen trees.

What do you think is the biggest obstacle to getting people to move more? M: I’m borrowing Gracie the Cat’s answer from last week. People seem to think movement needs to be scheduled, organized, and/or complicated. They need to learn that all you need to do is get off the bed and move…I get daily cardio and strength sessions, and I don’t ever leave the house.

P: I agree…except that I like to get outside…but movement doesn’t need to be complicated…just go for a walk!

What do you feel is the most adventurous movement activity you’ve ever done? M: It’s a tie between the first time I climbed the Stall bars and the time I climbed the highest coat rack and couldn’t figure out how to get down.

P: One of my first hikes with Maggie and the Staff in South Park. There was a huge tree blocking the path and we got to crawl through it!

What is your favorite recovery or self-care practice? M: I believe I speak for both of us when I say: NAPS…especially naps on the heating pad…naps curled up in a blanket, or naps in a sunny spot are also excellent.

What is your favorite spot within an hour of where you are currently living? (Bonus points if it is a “hidden gem”) M: Wrapped up in a fleece blanket that the Staff keeps in a laundry basket on top of the clothes dryer. It’s white and black like my fur, and sometimes the Staff doesn’t even see me when I’m in there.

P: The single-track trails in Mingo Creek Park. Sometimes I walk off to the side of the trail and pretend I’m a lone wolf (a lone wolf on a leash…but still a lone wolf)

Contact information for Mia and Puddin:
Mia and Puddin do not maintain their own social media accounts, but you can follow them through Moving2Live at:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_mov2liv/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/movingtoliv

Twitter: https://twitter.com/_mov2liv

Movement is a Lifestyle Features 13:20 Gracie and Maggie

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Moving2Live is a podcast about movement and exercise for professionals and aficionados.  We also have Movement is a Lifestyle Features. Each week, we publish a brief highlight of a 2- or 4-legged mover…someone who understands that movement is a lifestyle…not just an activity.  The questions are lightly edited to allow for easy readability.  Click MIAL Features for more info if you want to be featured/know someone who should be featured.

This Week: Moving2Live’s Gracie the Cat and Maggie the Black Lab

Where do you consider “Home”? Finleyville, PA…it’s South of Pittsburgh

What are your three favorite movement activities? Gracie the Cat (G): Chasing the white and black cat around the house; jumping up to windowsills and bookshelves; pacing while waiting for my staff to serve breakfast and dinner

Maggie the Black Lab (M): Hiking in the woods with my staff (I’m a trail dog); running downhill; wrestling with Puddin the Yellow Lab

Describe the best vacation you’ve ever taken? Where did you go? What movement activities did you include? M: I’ve got this one. Our lives are pretty much a vacation, and I’ve heard the cats don’t like to ride in cars. I did have a road trip with the staff a while ago…we drove to Ohio. On the way, I visited a pet store. People told me I was a good dog. While we were in Ohio, we met Puddin the Yellow Lab and brought her home with us. On the drive home, we stopped at rest stops and a park to stretch our legs. It was great!

What is your favorite pre- or post-workout snack? G: Until recently, I only had an interest in chicken flavored cat food…then I discovered pumpkin…wow…best snack ever!

M: I agree with Gracie about the pumpkin. I’m also a big fan of berries, plain yogurt, and carrots.

What is your favorite thing to eat? Note: it does not need to be healthy. G: Chicken or turkey…I’m not sure why the staff doesn’t make it for me more often…they seem determined to give me chicken-flavored cat food, which is fine, but…real turkey breast is better

M: That’s a tough call…frozen fruit…probably strawberries, but mango is also delicious

Do you have a movement activity on your “bucket list”? If not, what’s a movement activity/event you’re looking forward to in the next year? G: I’d like to jump from the floor to the top shelf in the office in one leap…so far, I’ve had to stop at the desk on the way up

M: I don’t have a bucket list item, but I’d like to do another hiking challenge where we get a medal at the end.

What do you think is the biggest obstacle to getting people to move more? G: I’ve got this one. People seem to think movement needs to be scheduled, organized, and/or complicated. They need to learn that all you need to do is get off the bed and move…you don’t even need to leave the house.

What do you feel is the most adventurous movement activity you’ve ever done? G: I have explored every shelf in the house…even the ones close to the ceiling.

M: Long single-track hikes in Mingo Creek Park…sometimes we even have to jump over or crawl under fallen trees that are blocking our path.

What is your favorite recovery or self-care practice? G: I believe I speak for both of us when I say: NAPS. It’s important to get enough rest. Bonus points for varying your napping location throughout the day to maximize the ability to nap in a sun spot.

What is your favorite spot within an hour of where you are currently living? (Bonus points if it is a “hidden gem”) G: A folded up comforter in the windowsill of the utility room. It’s usually quiet, and it gets the morning sun.

M: The blacktop outside the Observatory at Mingo Creek Park. When we summit Mt. Mingo, the staff gets on the ground and hangs out with me while I scratch my back on the blacktop.

Contact information for Gracie and Maggie:
Gracie and Maggie do not maintain their own social media accounts, but you can follow them through Moving2Live at:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_mov2liv/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/movingtoliv

Twitter: https://twitter.com/_mov2liv