About Lisa Ruthig

Video: Fergus, Age 11

My massage career began when my puppy Fergus (pictured at age 16) escaped from his sitters and was hit by a car. His broken femur was repaired with a steel plate, and I knew he would be more prone to arthritis as he aged. I also remembered how helpless I felt after his surgery, trying to soothe his pain and do passive range of motion with no training. I completed the Small Animal Massage Certification program from Bancroft School of Massage Therapy in 2008, and later the Equine Massage Certification, to help Fergus age gracefully, and to help other animals like him, and their owners, who suffer alongside their animals. You can see in the video to the left how well Fergus did in his old age. He lived to 17, still walking trails.

I am nationally board certified in both canine and equine massage. In 2009 I began teaching Equine Anatomy & Physiology at Bancroft and later taught massage and other courses, and became Director of Animal Programs and lead instructor for both the equine and small animal programs. I love teaching the next generation of animal massage practitioners their craft. I am the Past Chair of the National Board of Certification for Animal Acupressure and Massage (NBCAAM), a group dedicated to setting high standards for animal practitioners and making animal massage legal in all states.

I was a small animal veterinary assistant for 4 years and was certified in Pet First Aid and CPR by PetTech. I believe in honing and expanding my craft through continuing education and have taken a Level 2 Certification in Reiki, as well as classes in TTouch, canine and equine Myofascial Release, Shiatsu, Touch-Associated Clicker Training, nerve work, Facilitated Movement, and Animal Communication. I am certified in Equine Manual Lymph Drainage.

To expand my knowledge of behavior, I took certification in dog training through Pack of Paws Dog Training, with my mentor, Donna Savoie. I developed a canine fitness and massage class for Pack of Paws, and taught classes for dogs reactive to other dogs or people, as well as fearful dog classes. I have found massage and Reiki to be incredibly helpful for both canine and equine behavioral problems.

My service area is NE Connecticut, Central Massachusetts, and Franklin, MA.
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My vet diagnosed Jake, a german shepherd, with hip dysplasia as well as arthritis last year and suggested surgery in the spring of 2013, at the age of 6. I didn’t want to put Jake through surgery and opted to try massage and chiropractic. I started out with a once a month appointment with the chiropractor and every week for Lisa to work on Jake. I have since had Lisa come to the house every other week. She gave me some things that I have tried my best to do, working with Jake, i.e., using a yoga ball each day with treats to help him stretch his back legs and to massage him as best I could using what she taught me.

He is a mild, loving animal who follows me around the house. He loves to see Lisa and has improved very much with her visits and the once a month visit to the chiropractor. They both communicate with each other to keep up-to-date with Jake's progress. He hasn't lost any function to walk or chase his beloved large tennis ball.

I can't tell you how much I have appreciated Lisa's work with him. He is now 9 years old, and I want him to have the best that I can do for him while he is with me. - Jeanne Thompson [Jake is maintained with massage and PROM every other week, NSAIDS and supplements from his veterinarian, and monthly chiropractic.]

My Bernese Mountain Dog Koda loves his massage sessions with Lisa! He is usually a super nervous boy with new people but he warmed up very fast to Lisa and her calm energy. I have noticed a huge difference in my dog both physically and mentally. Lisa is extremely knowledgable and always has great advice to give me about my dog as he is getting older. Will definitely be using Lisa’s services for my future pets as well!- Joely Silverman

Lisa has been working with Jackson, my 12 year old Boxer/Boston Terrier mix. Jackson started limping a few months ago. After a few sessions with Lisa, he no longer has a limp! She’s also working on his back issues. He can be a difficult client as he has trust issues, but she is always patient with him. Along with the massage, she points you in the direction of any other resources that may be helpful. She also teaches you techniques to incorporate in between sessions. My goal for him is to grow into his older age as pain free as possible. He is my best friend and a huge part of our family, but so we are thankful Lisa takes such great care of him. -Molly

Serving NE Connecticut, Central Massachusetts and Franklin, MA,