Bodies change as we age, and the same is true for dogs, cats, and other small animals. Muscle is lost, joints get worn, and some animals can develop pain, arthritis, and other chronic conditions. It's not true that your pet must slow down and be in pain. I stand against pain. I stand against saying, "he's an old dog, that's just the way it is." In conjunction with good veterinary care, massage and passive range of motion can go a long way to bring your pet back toward graceful movement and enjoying life.

Maintaining muscle tone and healthy function: My twelve and a half year old dog Fergus, who has a steel plate in his thigh, has lost some muscle, but can still run up steep hills, sprint around a field, and swim forever. He is the reason I learned massage and I credit it for his athletic later years.

Delaying arthritic changes: Arthritic joints cause pain, pain causes lack of movement, and lack of movement leads to further arthritic changes. Massage relieves pain temporarily and relaxes muscles that are clamping tight on painful joints. Passive range of motion moves synovial fluid throughout the joint, bringing nutrition to damaged cartilage and flushing out inflammatory factors. It can maintain and even improve range of motion. When the body malfunctions, it compensates by taking the load elsewhere, which can lead to further problems. Massage keeps this compensation from affecting other parts of the body. (Please see Baby Kitty's testimonial and video below.)

Emotional health: Massage can't help every condition. But I can, through massage and Reiki, help almost every animal cope with their challenges and be happier with their lot. I will also teach you a massage routine you can use to help soothe your pet's pain and brighten their days.

End of life care: When it is growing close to your pet's time, massage and Reiki can make that time more meaninful, through all the ways mentioned above. (Please see Largo's testimonial below.) If I can be of service during your pet's last visit to the veterinarian, I am happy to accompany my clients to help make that time more peaceful.

It's time to give your senior pet the best life possible.

Email me or call me at 671-413-9086 today.

Age Better than Gracefully

Baby Kitty, who has arthritis in his back and hips: “For the past year Baby Kitty has been favoring his hip area. For the past several months his pain increased and he is moving less. He cried if I picked him up or when I would pet him. His veterinarian recommended I try massage therapy with Lisa. His first visit

she located the areas most painful and he did not hesitate to respond with hissing/growling. By his third massage he was more relaxed, hissing a little. The next massage he was relaxed with her and seemed to welcome her help.

He has not needed an aspirin in 13 days. He is getting more active- he actually jumped three feet from one cat tree to another. He can jump down as well. Baby still does not jump up on anything but will climb up on his cat trees and the bed. He goes out on the enclosed porch and runs up and down-- he has not done that since last summer. I would not hesitate to bring any of my pets to her if they are having muscle and/or joint pain. - Sandra Decubellis

Help my pet!

In his prime, my dog Largo was a powerful Chesapeake Bay Retriever brought from rescue to guard my veterinary clinic. The last year of his life was marred by

degenerative myelopathy. He adjusted to the cart that brought him a few more months of ambulation. But his greatest pleasure was massage.

When the end is in sight, but a few good days remain, massage gives us all a chance to feel we are providing care and connection. Both the receiver and the giver of massage can enjoy the peace of the moment. When it was time to euthanize him, Lisa used massage to make his last moments on this earth joyous. What a gift! - Mary Elizabeth Norris, DVM

Alfie, my border collie, is 9 years old and has dealt with numerous health issues over the last 5 years. He had a "spine stroke" which left him with a weakened hind leg.

Before Alfie began his treatments he was obviously uncomfortable, demonstrating an inability to negotiate stairs without difficulty and had lost his spirit of fun.

Alfie has responded well, with incremental improvements, and is happier. He looks forward to long walks with Lisa before each session and no longer has trouble with stairs. - Judith Kennedy