Spent the morning with the Spokane Police Department and the Sheriff Department K-9 Units. The dogs got a spa day with full bath and groom and a full body massage. These were great dogs and I thoroughly enjoyed giving these dogs massages!with Debbie Wing, Tina Valdivia, Lindsey Smith and Anna at Lynndee’s Dog Training Center.

On March 10th of this year a very sweet lady passed away, Joan Jensen. I had known her for several years. I met her when she and her husband Bil were looking for a beagle. I didn’t have anything for her at the time and sent  her to another breeder. She found a beagle and they became great friends. After a few years she tragically lost him and wanted another beagle. I had a young male from one of my breedings that just fit the bill for her and she adopted Zeus . They became best buds and did everything together. Last April I found out that she had been diagnosed with Lou Gehrigs Disease (ALS). I was familiar with the disease but I really was not aware of what ALS can do to a person. Joan had always been very active in life and even had a career with the Secret Service. The toll of this disease is so heartbreaking. It robs you of everything and traps you in your body leaving you unable to do the simpliest of things like eating, talking, and just taking care of yourself until you can no longer move or communicate and yet, you are completely aware of what is going on around you. Last June, Joan requested that I take in her two beagles as she could no longer physically take care for them. Her husband had also developed Alzheimers. When I went to pick them up, Joan could no longer talk, but the pain in her eyes and the sound coming from her throat was the most heart wrenching sound I had ever experienced. I was taking her heart away, her two dogs meant everything to her. It was the saddest day of my life and there was nothing I could do to ease her pain. Over the months Joan kept a diary that she shared online of her struggle with ALS. Zeus stays with us and Darby was adopted into a family. Many times she wrote on how much she missed the company of her dogs. Her struggle was a brave one and she did it with grace and dignity and even at times with a sense of humor. Her one wish was to make it until her wedding anniversary which was March 10. She passed away on March 10th.   I sit here this afternoon, with Zeus laying at my feet and I tell him that his great lady friend has gone on a new journey but she will be there to meet him at the Rainbow Bridge when it comes time for him to take his journey. Until then he will be here and I will care for him and love him. He looked up at me and licked my hand, somehow I think he knows. Yesterday Joan was laid to rest. Godspeed Joan, safe journey and peace to you. Love always from your friend and Zeus

Since my last post I had written about   studying for my Washington state small animal massage license exam. I am scheduled to take the national exam that the state of Washington requires for consideration for a license. Well I am going to take a short break from reviewing anatomy and physiology to explain what it takes to be an Animal Massage Practitioner. 

I found out about this profession one day surfacing the internet and came across animal massage. My first response like most people, was to laugh and say ”you got to be kidding me!”  But after going back and really checking it out, my response was ”Why not?”   Human massage has done so much for people and improving their quality of life, therefore massage for animals should do the same.

After reading about all the benefits of massage for animals I was intrigued about what it took to be an animal massage practitioner.  Here is what I found.  There are actually several schools in the US that are just about learning animal massage. If you google ‘animal massage schools’ you will find several available listings. I chose the Northwest School of Animal Massage, currently located on Vashon Island, Washington.  I picked NWSAM (www.nwsam.com) because of its curriculum and its credentials. Be sure that when you choose a school, find one that follows the guidelines and requirements of your state for licensing should you ever want to pursue a career in animal massage.

The Animal Massage profession is broke down into two categories. Small Animal Massage that includes dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits and other pocket pet varieties.  Large Animal Massage includes horses, cattle, goats, sheep, other farm animals and large exotic animals such as big cats and hoofed animals such as giraffes.  (Can you imagine massaging the neck of a giraffe!)  You can learn massage in small animals or large animals or you can choose to go in both directions.

Depending on the school you choose, you need to start out with the Maintenance or Beginners Massage Course. This will acquaint you with the basics of anatomy and physiology, biomechanics and  kinesthesiology, and basic massage theory and strokes.  This course will usually include training in handling animals, animal behavior,  and first aid.  All courses include a lot of book work and  a hands on practical to give you more experience on the animals themselves.  From there you can advance to Sports and Performance Massage or Rehabilitation Massage or you can do both.  Again the courses are designed with the focus on either small animals  or large animals.

In Sports or Performance Massage, studies will include more learning on different breeds and different breed groups, sport events, challenges of animal athletes, more in-depth anatomy and physiology,  more advanced kinesiology and biomechanics, advanced massage strokes that are geared to the animal athlete, and studies on sport injuries and first aid.

Rehabilitation Massage  includes advanced studies of rehab massage, how tissue responds to trauma, the pain cycle and managing pain, osteopathic, soft tissue, pathological, neurological and post surgical conditions that pertain to massage. Geriatric and Hospice massage care may also be covered.

Depending on your time schedule each course can be completed within 6 months time. I completed all three in 11 months.  I studied the book portion on-line and I completed assigned reading  materials, book reports, case studies and passing required exams. I spent 5 days on average attending a hands on practical and taking final exams at the end of the practical.  The experience was very enjoyable. My instructors were very knowledgeable and worked hard to be sure the material and concepts was well understood by all students. They worked hard to make sure each student succeeded. The passion of their chosen profession could be felt and seen in every aspect of the massage courses.  It is so wonderful to say that school was such a fun and rewarding experience.

Having completed all of my courses in late 2008, I can’t tell you enough at how rewarding being an animal massage practitioner had been .  The animals really enjoy the time you spend with them.  It is so rewarding personally,  to see over time, how much they benefit from your skills to help them feel better or perform better. 

I do need to point out that as an animal massage practitioners, we are not allowed to diagnose, prescribe medications, offer medical advise, perform surgery or manipulate bony structures.   Animal massage is meant to be a compliment to veterinary care and not as a replacement for proper or regular veterinary care.

So if you love animals and want to have a career that would allow you to help them and improve their well-being, then take the time to explore the profession of animal massage.  Large animal massage  has only been around about 10 to 15 years with small animal massage even less.  It is a rewarding career choice.

More later on the requirements needed for obtaining a license in animal massage  and the animal massage profession. In the mean time, back to studying for that license!   

Here we are again, January, a new year. Again I am looking at following up one of my resolutions and that is to blog. NO MORE EXCUSES!  (Another new year resolution) I really am going to follow through this time.

Last year was tough. Too many hurdles to get through. While I did get most of the tasks finished, mainly walking again and getting back to work. This year in 2012 I am expecting more and have a good feeling about this year.

Presently, I am getting ready to retake my Small Animal Massage (dog, cats, rabbits ect) in mid January for my Washington State license. Yes, it finally went through last August. They posted the requirements in September. I started doing some heavy-duty studying in October. Took my first stab at the test on Dec. 1, 2011. It was a tough, five hour exam! I had high hopes that I would pass the first time around. There are 5 sections. I passed 3. Dang it!  The other 2 were so close it was maddening. Missed one by one question and the other by 2 questions.

So to retake the test I must wait one month minimum.  In the meantime, I finished up an order of sandblasted crystal for a kennel club in Texas. Got through the holiday festivities. Now it is back to the books. Because in order for me to move on to my plans for 2012 I need to get through that test, pass it and get my license. Getting my license is the number one resolution of mine for 2012.

Sixteen and a half years ago, at 5 months of age I met a wonderful beagle named ‘Applegate’s Mr. Bo Jangles. He was a 15 inch beagle from a well-known kennel in Oregon. Little ‘Bo’ was very handsome but also very shy. My husband was skeptical because of his shyness and did not think it would be wise to purchase. I on the other hand fell in love with this handsome boy and felt that with time I could get him to be more confident.

Bo did grow into a very handsome young male. He did get a little better with his shyness, but really never did achieve the confidence I would have liked.  We did show him in many shows. He did not like showing one bit. It got to a point that we had to enter him in at least a 3 day show because it took 2 days for him to feel comfortable enough to look good in the ring. After 21 points and no major we finally let him win and retire from the show ring. He was very happy to just be at home.

Bo did sire some champions. He was my first male beagle and Miss Molly’s companion.  His puppies were beautiful and they did well in the shows.  At 7 years of age he went to live with a wonderful lady named Judy. Judy became’s Bo’s love of his life.  He joined his daughter Foxy, and his granddaughter Bailey and later great-granddaughter Casey. Bo was very happy with his beagle mom and his little harem of girls.

In the past year Bo suffered a stroke, but took it all in stride. With massage and acupuncture Bo surpassed many obstacles and continued to enjoy the sunshine, the grass, loved to eat and curl up with his best friend Judy.

Yesterday, despite everything that could be done, Bo had finally reached the end of his long life. Judy, myself, and Sam  was with him to say good-bye to this wonderful dog. Although we knew our time with him was coming to an end, and knowing that what we were about to do, is never easy. Growing old  is not kind.  It is so hard to say good-bye to a good friend. And Bo you were the best.  So my Prince, as you go the rainbow bridge, please wait me,  for I wish to see you again, hug you, love you, and just be near you once more. All our love and peace to you.   Your loving Friends.

Applegate’s Mr Bo Jangles.  (Bo)  June 15, 1993 – December 30, 2009

To Residents of Washington State.

We are  soliciting your help from anyone living in the state of Washington that have animals. This is to establish licensing for Animal Massage Practitioners in the state of Washington.  Under the new law set up 2 years ago, a person can become licensed as an Animal Massage Practitioner if they have received a minimum of 300 hours from an accredited school in animal massage. We now need the Department of Health to implement the program to start licensing animal massage practitioners.

If you’re willing to fill in a few blanks on a letter template and send it to your legislators, you will help in providing animal massage services, and in the livelihoods of many people ready to sit for this exam.

If we can get this passed, your dog will be able to receive massage from a licensed practitioner if you desire.

I’ve included the links below to these PDF templates provided by Joyce Biethan of Unsinkable Dogs,  which will make it easy for you to follow-through. You’ll need to print-out a form, fill it out, and mail it in (or scan it and email it). I know we are all busy these days and it shouldn’t take you more than a few minutes and . . . you can send the following link to any friends that might be interested too. The link to get here for the PDF forms is: 

www.UnsinkableDogs.com/animal-massage/

Everyone, please click here to get the “General Instructions PDF.”

Click here to get the PDF template if you are an “Animal Owner.”

Click here to get the PDF template if you are a “Family or Friend” of a massage practitioner waiting to be licensed.

Click here to get the PDF template if you are a “Practitioner Waiting to be Licensed.”

If you don’t have Adobe Acrobat to read these files, click here to get it.

Thanks in advance for taking a bit of time to do this. It means a lot to the animal massage practitioners,  and to many others with an interest in the health of our dogs and . . . the livelihoods of our friends.

Over the years I have developed a very strong love and understanding of animals.  From a very young age, I have handled dogs around the US. I have breed and showed Great Danes for 26 years and currently beagles for 16 years. In my breeding program I follow the breeders code of ethics and instill the need to produce dogs that are sound in mind and body. I spend a lot of time socializing dogs from birth to become better companions.

 Already a Veterinary Technician,   I recently  felt the need to broaden my skills. After some extensive research I came across an article on animal massage. I have to admit that when I first read the title, I did a little eye rolling. But after reading about it I became very interested in the benefits of massage and how it could improve the lives of pets, horses and other animals. 

I found a school in Redmond, Washington called the Northwest School of Animal Massage. (www.nwsam.com) After talking with the director, Lola Michelin, I enrolled in the Maintenance Massage Program for Small Animals (dogs, cats, ferrets, ect). Their courses were very extensive and had hands on training as well. Eventually I also enrolled in the Sports Massage and Rehab Massage Program for Small Animals. I also signed up for Reiki I, II, and III.

In November 2008,   I graduated from the Northwest School of Animal Massage. I am certified in small animal massage in general maintenance massage, performance and rehabilitation massage. I am also certified as a Reiki Master from the same school. I have  completed courses in Raindrop Technique with essential oils. Recently I completed and updated certification in Pet First Aid from the American Red Cross.

Over the next few years I plan on continuing my studies in other therapeutic modalities and becoming certified in Hydrotherapy for Animals, Animal Nutrition and Fitness, T-Touch and in Animal Acupressure.

As in humans,  the benefits of animal massage are tremendous.  

Benefits of Animal Massage:

Facilitates quicker healing.

Increases joint flexibility and range of motion. Helps prevent injury and relieves soreness in pre and post performance events by focusing on key areas that effect performance.

Aids in detecting illness at an early stage such as lumps or soft tissue changes.

Rids body of Toxins.

Increases function of the immune system.

Strengthens tendons and ligaments.

Relieves pain.

Decreases nervousness and anxiety.

Improves proper circulation and flow of lymphatic system.

Immediate and long term benefits, increased tolerance for handling and it feels good.

Promotes healthy skin and coat.

Improves digestion.

Decreased blood pressure.

Reduces arthritic stiffness in geriatric animals.

Improves alignment without using blunt force.

Puppy massage, especially in large breeds, can improve social aspects of developement, increase flexibility, stretch muscles, release endorphins to reduce aches and pains associated with rapid growth of muscles and bones.

As a Small Animal Massage Practitioner, our goal is to help each animal reach a natural healthy state by adapting to any physical injuries or limitations and to enhance performance.  Massage techniques are used in a gentle relaxing environment to empower the animal with calmness, comfort and confidence.  A massage plan is always based on the animals medical history and gait analysis is done on a first time consultation. 

As beneficial as massage is, one has to remember that massage is not a substitute for proper veterinary care, pharmaceutical maintenance, or physical therapy. A massage practitioner can not prescribe a specific treatment or provide a prognosis on a condition. A massage practitioner supports  the effort of all individuals involved for the maximum benefit of the animal.

 

 

 

 

Well 2009 has almost reached the end. I still have not managed to get blogging. Something most of my generation has not grasped. I am trying! One of my resolutions for the upcoming year is to stop with the excuses and finally get my blog going.  Technology has always been a challenge for me, I do finally figure it out. But only after a lot of swearing, some blood spent and maybe a few tears. Then I finally get it and wonder what all the fuss was about. So no more excuses, time to ‘just do it’!

It has been a rough year for us but not all bad. We are surviving in this economy. Though at times one wonders! I am still waiting to get my license from the state of Washington so I can legally practice ‘animal massage’.  I am providing a link for anyone who is interested in helping out.  A couple of years ago the state of Washington signed into law that anyone who had completed 300 or more hours of formal education from an accredited school could practice animal massage. (I have over 500). We were just waiting for the Department of Health to set up the licensing program, exam requirements, and licensing fees so we can finally obtain our license. So far we are still waiting.  Until then, practicing massage reverts back to the old law, meaning I have to be a veterinarian or a licensed human massage therapist with 100 hours of animal massage. I am neither.  So with out a license I can not work,  hence the pocket-book struggles.

So then you might think, why not be a veterinarian or go back to school and take up human massage. Well 6 years of vet school at my age is out of the question. Going back to human massage school means another 12 months and a hefty $10,000. to $12,000. of tuition. I have already spent that to get to this point.  So not a good solution in my case, although a few of my colleagues have taken the latter route.  It has been frustrating to say the least. I am just itching to get out there and start helping animals.

As in humans, animal massage is a great benefit to animals rehabilitating from surgery,  geriatric animals, performance animals, and for your own animals. Please see the post on benefits of massage for animals. 

Sometimes you find as you travel down life’s road, just what the heck are you doing here?  Is there some plan for you? What were you meant to be? You want to have some meaning for your life. Well I had a moment while I was studying at the NW School of Animal Massage.  As part of the curriculum we spent a day at a dog spa called ” Heavenly Spa”. This company provides water and land massage therapy for dogs. The spa’s owner graciously loaned her massage therapists and her pool to us for the day so we could experience ’hands on’ practicing therapy to these wonderful dogs. 

We had a class of about 10 students and throughout the day clients with their dogs arrived to let us practice are new found skills for these dogs. They came in many shapes and sizes, all with physical impairments and or health issues.  One particular client I had, had been a beagle (I was thrilled!). This girl was a doll. She was very patient with me as I learned water massage therapy. This particular beagle at one time was very obese. So much so that she could no longer use her hind legs. The veterinarian could no longer help her and it was suggested that she be put down.  The owners could not let her go and set about helping this girl recover. After some research the put her on a very strict diet. She also received physical therapy, acupuncture, land and water massage. The journey was not easy and old habits are difficult to break. But this girl ended up losing over 20 lbs. She is now able to walk for the most part. She still is receiving therapy and is still making progress. All of it which was hard-earned. But the key word here is “she is making progress”.   She swims once or twice a week and loves it.

As a therapist, we help her in the water. She is wearing a life vest.  We are teaching her to use her legs again. The water is easy to manuever in with the least amount of pain. She loves it.

During the day’s session, I watched several dogs come in for their therapy and each time I saw the same reaction. One dog in particular was a very large Newfoundland mix with a cart. (much like a wheel chair). This dog was paralysed in the rear and would not recover. However the owners brought the dog in once a week for the mental and physical therapy he received from the swim.  Once they took the cart off and helped this dog in the water, I witnessed a total transformation. This dog became a new dog. Full of life, oblivious to any disability. He was swimming in the pool, playing with a ball, and acting like a young puppy. The light just shown on him. That is when I had that ‘ah-hah moment’. There was no doubt. I was where I was supposed to be, and this was what I was meant to do. In all my years I have always questioned “what am I supposed to be, why am I here’? Not then and never again will I seek the answer. I just knew. I eyes filled with tears and  my heart burst with so much joy to watch those dogs.  And why not. This kind of therapy helps so many humans, why not animals. 

So as I end this year, I am looking forward to the new year and the new adventures. Here’s hoping the license problems will be resolved and I can finally begin to help animals.  In the meantime I plan on continuing my education of animal therapy so I can have the best tools available to give the best care. 

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday and the best wishes toward health, happiness and success for the upcoming year.

If you are a resident of Washington, please take a moment to write to your representative and ask them to support the Animal Massage Community. Help up get to work to help animals in need.  Below is a link and there is information on that site on how to figure out who your representative is along with instructions and templates to send them.  Thank you for helping out the animals.

http://www.unsinkabledogs.com/animal-massage

If you would like to learn about animal massage check out www.nwsam.com .

Happy Howlidays!

Lorna

Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. Reveals Top Ten Plant Poisoning Claims of 2008

Raisins, Mushrooms and Marijuana Top List of Toxic Plants Most Often Ingested BREA, Calif., March 18 /PRNewswire/ – The wrath of grapes was, unfortunately, all too familiar for many dogs and cats in 2008. Veterinary Pet Insurance Company (VPI), the nation’s oldest and largest provider of pet health insurance, recently analyzed the more than 400 claims it received last year for toxic plant ingestions to find which plants and plant products proved most likely to poison pets. Raisins and grapes topped the list, followed by mushrooms and marijuana. In 2008, the average amount claimed for plant poisoning was $427. Top Plant Poisoning Claims of 2008 1. Raisins/Grapes 2. Mushrooms 3. Marijuana 4. Lily 5. Walnuts 6. Onion 7. Sago Palm 8. Macadamia Nuts 9. Azalea 10. Hydrangea   “Almost all plant poisonings in pets can be prevented, but prevention depends on knowledge, thus it is important for pet owners to become familiar with which items can be toxic if ingested,” said Dr. Carol McConnell, vice president and chief veterinary medical officer for VPI. “Prevention is a simple matter of keeping these hazards out of a pet’s environment. To avoid plant poisonings, try not to give a dog table scraps that contain raisins, onions or nuts, and make sure that a new pet is introduced to a backyard free of sago palms, wild mushrooms or other toxic plants.” Pet owners have good reason to take the threat of grape/raisin ingestion seriously. Even in low doses, ingestion can place pets at risk for acute renal failure. Symptoms include anorexia, lethargy, depression, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. The exact cause is unknown, but some experts think that there may be a toxic component in the skin of the grape/raisin. Treatment by a licensed veterinarian may include inducing vomiting and/or administration of intravenous fluids. Immediate treatment is essential. The mushrooms most responsible for poisoning pets are the common “backyard” variety. These often grow in grassy places, especially after a heavy rain, and contain toxic components that disrupt the functioning of the digestive tract and liver. If ingested, mushrooms can cause salivation, dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, and liver failure. The best way to prevent an accidental ingestion is to regularly scan a yard, or any other grassy area a pet may occupy, and pull wild mushrooms up when they appear. Most mushroom ingestion claims were submitted in late summer and fall. In fact, half of the plant poisoning claims received in October were due to mushroom ingestion. In addition to the top 10 plant poisonings, VPI received claims for ingestion of the following plants or plant products: delphinium, crocus bulbs, hemlock, rhododendrons, gladiolus, tea tree oil, poison ivy, nightshade, tobacco, poinsettia, oleander, brunfelsia, hibiscus, almonds, scarlet pimpernel, potpourri and kalanchoe. Nearly all claims for lily ingestion were submitted for felines. While not a plant or plant product, fertilizer is another garden variety toxin often ingested by pets. The strong smell of fertilizer can motivate dogs to taste or eat it. Unfortunately, some fertilizers contain organophosphate pesticides which impair the nervous system. In 2008, VPI received 60 claims for organophosphate poisoning. Pet owners can avoid accidents involving fertilizer by not using pesticide-containing fertilizers in an area frequented by pets. As with plant poisonings, prevention of fertilizer poisoning is primarily a matter of observation and knowledge of a pet’s environment. About Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. Veterinary Pet Insurance Co./DVM Insurance Agency is the nation’s oldest and largest pet health insurance company and is a member of the Nationwide Insurance family of companies. Providing pet owners with peace of mind since 1982, the company is committed to being the trusted choice of America’s pet lovers and an advocate of pet health education. VPI Pet Insurance plans cover dogs, cats, birds and exotic pets for multiple medical problems and conditions relating to accidents, illnesses and injuries. Optional Pet WellCare Protection(SM) for routine care is also available. Medical plans are available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. More than 2,000 companies nationwide offer VPI Pet Insurance as an employee benefit. Policies are underwritten by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company in California and in all other states by National Casualty Company, an A+15 rated company in Madison, Wisconsin. For more information about VPI Pet Insurance, call 800-USA-PETS (800-872-7387) or visit petinsurance.com.

SOURCE Veterinary Pet Insurance Co.