It has been tremendously fulfilling the moment I made the decision to give-up 11 years of Public Relations and Marketing to study Canine Massage Therapy. My immediate desire to study a profession to keep me close to animals I love very much, has given me a new power. . . to return to dogs unconditional love they have always given freely . . .
Maui Canine Massage Therapy, has been an excellent profession to start an entrepreneurship, as my clients demonstrate so much appreciation! Therapeutic massage for dogs is somewhat new here on Maui, quite a different response on the mainland, Asia and Europe where canine massage continue to increase in popularity.
Often when introducing this alternative health-care for dogs on Maui, expressions of surprise, questions, and pondering are the responses! These pauses has given me the opportunity to "talk shop" about my profession as a Certified Canine Massage Therapist. Interestingly people have always been receptive to the care of dogs, and have been good and interested listeners with great questions that has helped me learn more about peoples' respect for dogs. Yes, all contacts have been positive.
My education as a therapeutic massage therapist has been thorough.
It has led me to an inevitable deeper appreciation, respect, and love
for dogs. My certification was successfully completed and approved
by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB). In addition, my credentials offer me membership with the highest known organization to certify an adherence to code principles, The International Association Of Animal Massage Therapists (IAAMT). my protocol "watch-dog" which keeps me accountable to achieve the ultimate benefits of canine massage therapy.
Although there are strict codes and techniques to administer canine therapeutic massage, I tend to make it simpler by making reference to "my purposeful touch." Why? Because therapeutic massages depend not only on physiological/biological knowledge, quick appropriate responses, and excellent assessment reporting, it depends on my inherent compassion, patience, and keen senses to exercise this well-deserving discipline Canine Therapeutic Massage. This profession an intriguing animal health science, is very dog friendly!
Churchill Graham . JudithCatherine . Francesca Le Bon Bon
A Sad Beginning & Successful Ending
Canine Massage Therapy a health-care regimen for dogs was discovered by JudithCatherine during her search for helping both Churchill Graham and Francesca Le Bon Bon recover from serious debilitations after staying at the Humane Society Shelter where it lacked health care and cleanliness. As tragic as the situation was, patience, perseverance and faith were the sustenance to move-on beyond what Maui at the time, could offer. The search continued with mainland resources, and it was during this stage, many discussions, serious reading, testimonials from other animal therapists, convinced JudithCatherine these documented benefits proved to be the correct path to follow. The path led her to study Canine Therapeutic Massage as a full-time student. She decided to master this subject by first selecting who she thought would be her mentor with excellent experience and professionalism. She found Mary Schreiber, President of Equissage, and a pioneer in the developing of Canine Massage Therapy. During her studies, Churchill Graham and Francesca Le Bon Bon were laboratory experiments. These tests of practicing therapeutic treatments on her dogs offered a long lasting concentration on canine massage therapy. Every turn reaped improvement and made logical and comfortable sense.
JudithCatherine became proficient with the language to understand dog anatomy and all its boundaries, and mastering massage treatments. Soon the essence of her "touch" was natural and purposeful, experiencing a different "closeness" with each dog. The closeness was more than endearment, but rather, every touch may it be the strand of fur hair, bone structure, or muscle, became a connective sensation with each dog conveying to her what was happening, and what they needed. Unusual? Well the onset of all this happening, is unusual! She allowed this sensitive feeling to be her lead, and was satisfied each time.
The constancy of practicing efficiently on each dog resulted in recovery for Churchill Graham after several months. A long haul, but he regained proper weight and resumed natural activities with long deep strides and athletic endurance particularly demonstrated with ocean swimming, a returned favorite. His circulatory system clearly showed improvement with better eating habits, healthier elimination of fluids and wastes, and hence a happier dog!
What could not be recovered was Churchill Graham's blind eye. Every visit allowed to be made at the humane society shelter after each one-day stay, JudithCatherine had to remove many ticks from their bodies. This tick infestation on each dog went on for months! Churchill Graham being the oldest seem more susceptible, and acquired anaplasmosis a red blood cell parasite carried by ticks. The Veterianrian ran many tests, and confirmed the disease to be related to the frequency of ticks received at the shelter. Blood pushed against his retina causing blurs and soon loss of sight. Eventually this caused him his eyesight on one eye. ional medical order to have the eye removed because of the pain he may receive. Questioned and researched by JudithCatherine, this option was not approved by her, hence was not pursued. Until today, JudithCatherine is confident she made the right decision, as there has never been any evidence of pain for Churchill Graham.
The actual discovery of Churchill Graham's eye issue was soon after the dogs were released, from the humane society shelter, JudithCatherine observed Churchill Graham bumping into things. It was thought because he was so weak due to extreme weight loss and depression. But, without hesitation, had a Veterinarian examine him. Hence the diagnosis of blindness unfolded. There are yet more unanswered questions, not only about the shelter's lack, but most importantly the processing of getting the dogs well. An eye specialist from Oahu was called-in for a second opinion. The diagnosis was confirmed, with an additJudithCatherine moved-on with one thing on her mind, recovery for her dogs.
Francesca Le Bon Bon, who also had regular therapeuthic massages regained normal weight. The main recovery was her intense anxiety. She too had better muscular and circulatory improvement with increased range of motion. Most importantly, was delivered from being a fearful dog. Socialization with other dogs and people became easier for her. She maintains yet, a "possessive behavior" particularly with her toys, food, and family. But this is not considered an issue, but rather an understandable behavioral change.
For informed closure, Churchill Graham and Francesca Le Bon Bon was released because we WON their case in Circuit Court against the Humane Society Shelter, with the approval of the Animal Control Board. The Circuit Court Judge removed all issues against the dogs. This indeed, was a moment of happiness for the dogs, JudithCatherine, and the multitude of witnesses, all who helped prove the innocence and character of each dog.
JudithCatherine's studies to be a Certified Canine Massage Therapist, has become a reality due to compassion, patience, and perseverance...this emotional struggle turned-out to be a positive recovery as well for Churchill Graham and Francesca Le Bon Bon. Together, their valuable experience with Canine Massage Therapy has proved to be a successful journey.
Churchill Graham and Francesca Le Bon Bon continue to have
therapeutic massages regularly, in order to keep their body in constant good circulation, musculature movements, and emotional stamina.
