PetMassage™ Blog Archives · PetMassage™ Training and Research Institute

PetMassage on The Dog Face

There are areas on your dog’s face that connect with internal organs and their corresponding meridians. Forehead: bladder and intestines Temples and ears: kidneys Between eyebrows: liver and stomach Nose: heart Under-eye area: kidneys Upper cheeks: stomach Lower cheeks: lungs and liver Nasolabial folds: large intestine Upper lip: hormones, heart, and spleen Chin: bladder, hormones,…

Grieving Cat’s Aquatic PetMassage is Transformative

I just facilitated an in-hand swim session in the PetMassage heated indoor hydrotherapy pool…with Chloe…a cat. Chloe’s mom was nervous, apprehensive about putting her kitty in water. Naturally. For Chloe it was a very new experience, as it would be for most house-cats. Like most cats, she had never swum before. What Chloe shared with…

I can rely on PetMassage as an ongoing resource whenever I have dog care questions.

Those Blasted Research Papers – Awesome Info!

Sharing a message from one of the graduates of our PetMassage program. Hi! One of my own rescued adult puppy mill dogs has just been diagnosed with luxating patellas – yep, both of them. Immediately I thought of those research papers we all have to do. What a wealth of information! Thank you so much…

My hands move through the exact right movements that enable dogs to recover their body love.

Waves inspire canine massage.

Waves tracing patterns in the sand: what could be more inspirational! The water and wind flowing rhythmically along the shore aligns perfectly with the flowing dance of massage. Whenever I stroll along a beach, I pause to experience the ebb and flow of the waves. I watch, close my eyes, and simply observe. The wind…

Note of appreciation from a former PetMassage graduate

Note of appreciation. Every once in a while, we get a note of appreciation for the work we are doing growing and teaching PetMassage. This is one we received last week. “Dear Jonathan – Thanks so much for contacting me. Because I’m fast approaching 80, I’m slowing down a bit. However, I want you to…

Notice how each particle moves.

Notice how each particle moves, Notice how everyone has just arrived here from a journey, Notice how each wants a different food, Notice how the stars vanish as the sun comes up, and how all streams stream toward the ocean. Rumi This applies to dogs too, especially while our senses are heightened during massage. Jonathan

Dogs recognize and accept my touch’s intention.

Let’s Dash to Unify Opposing Camps.

I’ve read that there are 10 kinds of people in this world. Those who understand binary numbers and those who don’t. I remember the moment I made a commitment to align myself with one group as opposed -and be opposed-to another. I was in college. This was back in the late 1960s. I’d been cutting…

For the love of dogs, my colleagues, clients, and I work and live in respectful cooperation and harmony.

My personal vision for providing the best integrative care alternatives for our dogs is shared and supported.

Wishbones: more than you probably wanted to know.

We humans have an innate need to have some sense of control of our futures. We believe that with focus and intention we can influence the making of our dreams to come true. We believe in Karma. We believe in the power of prayer, affirmations, goal setting, and plans of action. The act of wishing…

What happens in Vegas.

What happens in Vegas. We’ve all heard (or said), “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.” Or New York, or Chicago, or Miami, or —-. Canine massage is not like that. What happens on the table (except if the dog is incontinent) doesn’t stay on the table. It stays with, and becomes, part of who…

Each canine massage I give is a special, life-changing event for the dog.

I lead dogs through paths that have never been trod. We go on easy, loving journeys.

Canine massage is therapy for dogs’ minds and spirits.

The more I practice canine massage, the more I appreciate that there is so much more that I am influencing than the anatomical nuts and bolts, fluid dynamics, and interdependent physiological systems. Touch, no matter how structured and clinical, also therapeutically influences the functioning of mind and spirit too. Dysfunction is always a result of…

Inspiration: Where does it come from?

What’s that suggestion? Moving your hands over the dog, you listen. You are open to hearing the faint stream of suggestions that will help you make sense of what you feel and the best way to respond. Sometimes when giving a PetMassage one feels the presence of kindred spirits. These are the vibrations, or emanations,…

I enjoy my personal time with happy, loving, supportive people.

I release and let go of any thought that does not support me or my work.

In times like these we need to learn conscious grounding.

We are inundated with information. It’s coming from everywhere. The content is on so many subjects that it is overwhelming. It’s hard to know what’s true, what’s not; what’s relevant, and what’s inconsequential. It’s confusing and all consuming. This morning during my meditation, I was unable to quiet my mind. Too many thoughts. Each time…

Hey kids: Big price markdowns on the PetMassage Children’s Program.

The prices on all PetMassage Children’s Canine Massage materials have been slashed. We have boxes and boxes of brand new PetMassage produced books, DVDs and CDs. We need the space that we’ve been allocating in our PetMassage School to the PetMassage for Kids Program. We are preparing to install the new Canine Aquatic Massage pool.…

I see children and dogs sharing respectful touch and I am hopeful.

Senior dog massage

One of the good things we’ve learned during the pandemic is that dog owners are maturing in their appreciation of their dogs. Especially their older, more vulnerable dogs. They are demonstrating by their actions that they know how valuable their dogs are to them and their families. They celebrate them. Their companionship. Their emotional support.…

The canine massage I provide dogs ~ especially senior dogs ~ enhances the comfort and stability of that dog’s entire human family.

Sacred geometry of Reiki Power Symbol Cho Ku Rei

During a recent dinner with friends, I heard the term “sacred geometry.” It was spoken in reverence. Sotto voce. So it got my attention. As soon as I had an opportunity I looked it up. I learned that sacred geometry ascribes symbolic and sacred meanings to certain geometric shapes and certain geometric proportions. It is…

I stand strong in mountain pose. My core remains quiet and calm as my world spins and swirls around me.

Sumi-e PetMassage

Japanese Ink Painting I had an intriguing lesson last weekend. I attended a short workshop on Sumi-e painting. I rediscovered and reclaimed a freedom that I had nearly forgotten. I was so eager to take this class. This was something that I’d wanted to learn since my age was still in single digits. I knew…

My intuitive observations and choices are correct. I know, right?!

Hey Rocky, want to see me pull a rabbit out of my hat? Again Bullwinkle?

Last week I was massaging a sweet senior dog. I could not walk her during her PetMassage assessment because her hind legs kept crossing and getting tangled beneath her. She was unable to stand unassisted. Her eyes, still and dull, stared unfocusingly into space. Here and not here, she was Stuck in a dispirited, uninspiring…

I am thrilled and inspired when I see how massage is helping dogs and their people.

Gait Observation For PetMassage

We can only know for sure what effects our massage is having on the dogs if we’ve first established a baseline for their movement. Then, we can recognize changes from day to day, and over the span of several massages. Although throughout the massage, we are constantly evaluating and assessing, adjusting what we are doing…

I can easily see how my massage is helping dogs in body and mind.

Canine massage enhances dogs quality of life. The word “ameliorate…

Does canine massage really enhance dogs quality of life? In a word, yes. The word “ameliorate” describes the intention, the purpose, the rationale, the function of massage for dogs. Speak it aloud. Ameliorate. It’s beautiful. Savor the syllables as if you were tasting wine. Roll them slowly around in your mouth. Feel your palette, your…

I love myself for being who I am and doing what I do.

What’s a PetMassage workshop?

At the beginning of our last Foundation Level workshop, I asked the 5 people who had traveled to study with me if any had ever taken a workshop like this before. No one had. This group included a vet tech, a physical therapist, 2 massage therapists, a registered nurse, and a dog agility trainer/groomer. For…

Positive, optimistic, and life-affirming, the PetMassage workshop helps me as I learn to massage dogs.

Presence within Presence within Presence. Breakthrough Session.

A Graduate of the PetMassage Foundation Level Program writes: Fascia wonders I had the honor to administer some love on an absolutely gorgeous Doberman by the name of Jochen yesterday. He was almost as tall as me (though that is not saying a lot). He is 8 years old and has DCM and Arthritis. As…

My life’s purposes: to do good and be my best, are reaffirmed during each canine massage.

Ear bone’s connected to the lip bone.

Ear bone’s connected to the lip bone. Massaging dogs is a kind of meditation for me. I’m aware of my breathing, my heart rate. I’m open to what’s going on in the dog’s body and her body language signals. My self-awareness is activated. I’m open to any unconscious cues that my own body might be…

I am open and responsive to the dogs inner voices.

Protests for Canine Massage

Protests all over the planet are revealing a lot about us and our culture. We’re learning that there are disconcerting versions of our history, our education, our culture, even our unconscious narratives. This is a very different world from the one I knew when I was a History major in college. Our civilization is evolving.…

I treat each thought, each conversation, each client with respect, appreciation, and love.

Pandemic Insights and Opportunities

The Covid-19 pandemic has revealed a lot about us and our culture. One thing it has shown us is just how much we depend on our dogs for our basic human needs i.e., companionship, love, and protection. The pet care industry is more essential than you can imagine. All of us in it are busy,…

I recognize that now is the perfect time to learn the massage skills that enhance dogs’ quality of life.

PetMassage practices can grow in many directions

We are always interested in the progress of our students. Please indulge me as I share an email that we just received. It describes how she is applying the information from our workshops in veterinary context and also – and this is exciting— how learning PetMassage is still functioning as a pathway to another career!…

I am open to expand on my ability to care for dogs in ways I have yet to discover.

Have you ever wondered if dogs have sacroiliac problems? And if they do, can massage help?

As part of their training, students must write a short paper on a topic suggested by the instructor. This is one of the post-workshop requirements for them to earn their Foundation Level Certification in canine massage from the PetMassage School. These papers are organized into categories and published; and they are all available to you…

Every canine massage I give enables a dog to be more comfortable moving forward in their life.

Let’s figure this out and learn ways to play with each other. Life…

Let’s figure this out and learn ways to play with each other. Life lessons from a tiny dog. At the beginning of our stay at home and shelter in place orders I was full of enthusiasm. I was eager to use this time to get projects done. I was going to read, write, paint, organize,…

The thoughts I dwell upon determine the quality of the life I’m experiencing. I am safe. I am secure. I am love.

Covid19 update

Hi, This is one more message that you’re getting because of the Covid19 pandemic. We affirm that you and your loved ones are healthy. We affirm that you are maintaining your emotional well-being. We’d like you to know that we are offering 6-month extensions for completion of PetMassage Foundation and Advanced Level Certification Programs and…

I so appreciate the many ways my dogs enhance the quality of my life … I enhance theirs in the best ways possible with canine massage.

My message is simple and direct.

It is important to stay in a place of believing in yourself, especially during times of change. I suggest that you Begin your new career in canine massage with taking PetMassage workshops and home study courses Continue your love of helping animals Trust that there will be continued growth of professional massage in the care…

I share the epicenter of my senior dogs’ world. Every moment’s better with PetMassage.

Canine massage instruction with a PetMassage

Check out the new PetMassage home study course, “Senior Dog Massage for the Canine Massage Practitioner.” This expands on the book “How to Massage My Senior Dog.” Or, if you are not interested in continuing ed, you can just get the book. It’s an easy read. PetMassage books, DVDs, and charts are no longer available…

When you’re stressed, massage therapy can help you.

Check out the new PetMassage home study course, “Senior Dog Massage for the Canine Massage Practitioner.” This expands on the book “How to Massage My Senior Dog.” Or, if you are not interested in continuing ed, you can just get the book. It’s an easy read. PetMassage books, DVDs, and charts are no longer available…

Helpful Poem

Hello Everyone: I decided to post this blog to help you feel more secure during this challenging time. I’d like to share this poem with you. Hopefully, it will help you reflect on some positives in life. Conversations will not be cancelled. Relationships will not be cancelled. Love will not be cancelled. Songs will not…

Meditate with your Dog(s)

Meditate with your Dog(s) Hello Everyone I am writing a blog, perhaps once a month, (sounds very feminine) to share my experiences in my on-going healing arts practice. When I dedicate myself to a spiritual practice, on a daily basis, just as many of us do with a daily exercise program (walking, biking, weights, etc.),…

When you’re stressed, massage therapy can help you.

I usually use this forum to share my thoughts on the importance of massage for our dogs. That is important; and, just like the preflight instructions when you fly, when putting on oxygen masks in the case of an emergency, you, the caregiver have to put yours on first. So this week, I’d like to…

I take excellent care of myself and ask for help when I need it.

Your next career is helping animals.

I thought someone might identify with this Facebook request for help. This person was deciding whether or not Vet Tech school was the best venue for her to help animals. I offered advice and encouragement. Here’s the (edited) transcript: Help. I need advice…..so I was all about going to school and getting my degree to…

My lifelong dream to have a career massaging dogs is now my happy reality.

Tending a meditation garden. Use a reik.

You’re massaging a dog and your attention is drawn to something unusual. It could be in the coat, like a burr, a matte, or a clump of organic matter. It could be on the skin: a rough patch, a bump, or a critter. It could be under the skin: a lump, a hot spot-heat, or…

I infuse each touch, each breath, with love and appreciation.

I release and let go of any amoring that is restricting my progress.

Dog massage for rigid top lines

The tension we see and feel in dogs is always protective. They may be self-restricting their movements for several reasons. They may be experiencing a pain that is at a tolerable level but any addition to what they are doing would be too uncomfortable. So, they’d act like they are stuck in quicksand. They’d breathe…

The ebb and flow of waves inspire canine massage innovations.

Waves tracing patterns in the sand: what could be more inspirational! There’s an organic sensibility to water and wind flowing along a sandy shore. It aligns perfectly with the nonverbal flow of canine massage. Whenever I stroll along a beach I pause, and empathically experience the ebbs and flows of encroaching waves. Mysterious ancient salty…

My intuition guides my hands to enable dogs to recover their body love.

Toning the spirit of your distant or deceased animal.

There is another application for toning; one that I thought I’d save for another of my Helpful Hint blogs. Add it to your energy work. Charge your palms by rubbing them together. Cup them to form an energy ball. Charge the energy ball by breathing with your hands; pulling them slightly apart and feeling them…

Hmm…Toning in Canine Massage.

When I was very young while visiting my grandfather, I learned a valuable lesson. I recall being in a sunlit porch with him and a couple of his buddies. One of the men clasped his hands against my ears and faux-whispered a secret to the others that I was not supposed to hear. I heard…

My hands are alive with the sound of music. I hum songs I have known for a thousand years.

When thoughts and feelings arise.

One minute of relaxed uncontrived sitting is better than an hour of forced “no thought” posturing. It is natural for thoughts and feelings to arise. Let them pass without feeling the need to follow. Clouds pass on their own. When we are massaging dogs, our ideal state is to be completely present and available for…

I easily maintain my focus on – oh sweet, a rainbow – the dog in my hands.

Best massage ever.

Bliss. You’ve heard the Joseph Campbell admonition to “follow your bliss.” That’s exactly what I get to do in every PetMassage. Just last week I described my excitement every time I get to massage a dog. I used the term “giddy happy.” The dogs and I share waves of endorphin rushes together. It’s addictive for…