PetMassage Team

Jonathan Rudinger, RN, LMT

Jonathan “AquaMassage Man” Rudinger is a creative, with a degree in fine arts history from The Ohio State University, an RN, and a licensed massage therapist for humans. He is a teacher, a seeker of wisdom, a believer in the Akasha, a practitioner of Nicherin Buddhism and Energy Work, and an entrepreneur. Jonathan has devoted the last 40 years of his life to developing massage forms to help dogs and their people rediscover balance and happiness.

Jonathan’s career along with painting led him to open art galleries in Chicago. His hobby was horseback riding and in 1982 when his Morgan horse was injured he was introduced to the concept of equine health care massage. He developed his equine massage practice in the Chicagoland area and practiced for 15 years until at age 45, he closed his Chicago art galleries and returned to school to become a registered nurse. After nursing for a few years, and feeling too much restriction of his creative energies, he returned to school to learn human massage therapy. He became even more creatively nurturing with his touch and energy practice of Healing Touch and Orthobionomy.

When he applied human massage techniques to horses and dogs, he discovered that the Swedish techniques that he’d learned did not translate well. Incorporating neuromuscular, and myofascia energy work he developing a new method that was much more effective. These are the skills that eventually evolved into the courses in the PetMassage workshops. The books and videos he’s created reflect his inspired interpretation of bodywork therapy.

In 2000, on a vacation to Miami, Jonathan experienced MDMA, Multi Dimensional Movement Arts, and WATSU. He trained with Sandy Friedland, an aquatic massage expert and pledged to bring the modality of hydrotherapy to the dog world. He installed his first indoor pool for dogs in 2001 and has been practicing and teaching aquatic massage ever since. In 2014 Jonathan studied WaterDance with Minakshi to add concepts of Watsu to his repertoire.

“I am now primarily a practitioner and teacher of Aquatic Massage for dogs and people. I continue to mentor my students, write articles and post Instagram videos promoting aquatic massage. The PetMassage School celebrated 25 years in July, 2023. I am pleased that we have developed a fine reputation for our coursework.

I am humbled by the spread of PetMassage and Aquatic PetMassage Hydrotherapy. It shows just how much one person can do when he follows his passion. The PetMassage version of canine, or dog massage is now practiced all over the world.”

In 2000, he and his wife, Anastasia founded the International Association of Animal Massage and Bodywork / IAAMB, a professional organization for practitioners and schools of animal massage and bodywork. In 2010 he included The Association of Canine Water Therapy, ACWT. The IAAMB/ACWT defined standards of practice, a school credentialing program, and a venue for creating professional support. As president of the IAAMB/ACWT, he gives interviews, lectures, contribute articles and works to help assure that state level legislation is aware of our industry and understands what animal bodyworkers do and how much our members’ work benefits animals.

Jonathan could not have developed The PetMassage Institute without the support and companionship of his wife, Anastasia and assistant, Beth. While he’s the creative, they are the grounders and doers who make the school successful.

Jonathan sees private clients, both animal and human and teaches aquatic massage training workshops. He also gives off-site demonstrations, lectures, and interviews.

 

Anastasia Rudinger

PetMassage Vice President & Co-owner

Anastasia Rudinger is a Certified Massage Therapist, graduating from the Chicago School of Massage in 1988. Anastasia is also a Breathwork Practitioner. She received her professional training at the Chicago Rebirthing Center in 1989. She is a graduate of Loving Relationships Training. Her private practice has given her the privilege of assisting numerous clients through their breath work process. Breathwork truly assisted her to become more positive about herself and her entire life. Equally as helpful, affirmations and a gratitude list on a regular basis helps her to help others to remain empowered.

Anastasia’s greatest gift to others, especially to our PetMassage students/graduates/clients is to encourage them to be their very best at what they truly want to do. Anastasia is partnered with her husband, Jonathan in the PetMassage Training and Research Institute and IAAMB/ACWT in Toledo, Ohio.

Beth Farkas

Office Manager

Beth Farkas joined the PetMassage family in 2002. Beth saw the vision right away. She understands the great opportunities PetMassage offers for people and the dogs they care for. She is the voice, the smile, and the enthusiastic first-person-you-talk-to when you call, and the primary one to read your email. Even after all these years of managing the PetMassage office, Beth gets excited when she has an opportunity to provide guidance and insight to assist future PetMassage students. Beth has helped the PetMassage company grow from a tiny computer desk in the Rudinger’s rec. room, to its current 2,000 square foot facility. She has seen the growth and evolution of the workshops and the growing register of canine massage students. She has seen PetMassage for dogs, canine massage, gain international acceptance as a recognized and respected profession. Beth is also membership coordinator of the IAAMB/ACWT

Beth is happy to answer any questions about PetMassage, PetMassage workshops, travel arrangements to Toledo, or accommodations while attending workshops. Please see our Contact page for contact info.

Nancy Housley

Nancy Housley, has an associate’s degree in business, and held a Restorative CNA license for 11 years. Nancy worked in physical therapy for 6 years working with the elderly. She retired in February of 2023 and started her dog sitting business. When asked by one of her clients to take their dog to PetMassage, she was amazed at how Jonathn did therapy in the pool with dogs. It was an extraordinary experience. Nancy asked him if he was hiring and he hired her to be trained to offer Aquatic Canine Massage. “What a fantastic feeling to work with dogs in the water. I haven’t felt this kind of happy and exciting emotions in a long time. Working with the dogs in water is very satisfying.”

 

Ilaria Rudinger

Official PetMassage Teaching Assistant

Ilaria Due (pronounced doo-eh) is our newest TA. Ilaria began as a demo-dog in her first workshop when she was just 3 months old. She loves any contact with people and dogs. She is very attentive to her surroundings and thrives on attention. Her hobbies are running with the big dogs, cuddling and laying in the sunshine.

 

 

Lily

Lily recently joined the PetMassage family at 9 weeks of age. Her primary preoccupation is developing her puppy skills. When asked, she expressed her intention to follow in the formidable paw prints of her predecessors as Teaching Assistant / Greeter / Company Representative and Demonstrator Model for Canine

Aquatic PetMassage. Watch for her delightful progress and antics on Facebook and Instagram: PetMassage_Aquatics