Canine Healing Hands 2.36

Animals of all shapes and sizes, be it horses, cats or dogs have been a central part of my life from a very young age, managing to wrangle Mum at a very early age, to keep a stray kitten, was the beginning of it all. After several years breeding Thoroughbred racehorses I went on to attain my Certificate in Veterinary Nursing, working in a small animal and equine clinic based in Drury. I remained at the South Auckland clinic for a few years before returning to Stud work.

Almost 15 years ago the opportunity to train as a Professional Detector Dog handler presented itself, one which I enjoyed immensely and found to be a fulfilling role – with the best colleagues!.

Dog have always been part our my family. We have been fortunate enough to enjoy time with beautiful German Shepherds, Kon, Hudson, Brooklyn and Delta. Each, with unique personalities and stories (You can just imagine!) to tell. Building trusting, respectful relationships with my dogs allowed for three successful Championship Obedience and Agility sports dogs. Key to this was ensuring the balance of team work and fun.

My journey to Canine Massage Therapy began with ,Delta - diagnosed with Spondolyosis and Myleopothy, my first shepherd to suffer this. We were fortunate to encounter some alternative therapy with her, which showed immense improvement. This is when my curiosity with other treatments, for dogs, be it complimentary or as an alternatives to heavy medications, began. At this point the path to Canine Massage was inevitable.

The Chicago School of Canine Massage was recommended and I applied and immediately was accepted. The level of course content was exceptional and the world of benefits to dogs via the use of 'touch with intent' opened up to me.

Now my dream of working with dogs has developed to again assisting them be as healthy and mobile as they can be, regardless of age. Massage provides such varied applications from pre/post surgery, pre/post event ( obedience, showing, agility or even just going for a walk can be an event), relaxation, anxiety, trust building, behavioral issues, flushes toxins from your dogs, reduces stress, decreases chronic pain patterns in arthritis or degenerative disease, relieves muscle soreness from overuse, compensation or inactivity and increases blood and oxygen to tissues and organs.