Email inquiry:
Hello I’m interested in taking the foundation course but I am concerned about my physical condition on my right hand which is my favorite hand that has some nerve damage and I am a little bit limited. Might this affect my ability to massage? I have taken first level in healing touch for animals but this is little or no touch application. Please provide any insight. Jonathan’s (official PetMassageTM) reply: I think you already know the answer. Yes, not having full use of your hand will affect your ability to do canine massage. That said, every one of us who practices PetMassageTM bodywork has some sort of limitation. It could be physical. It could be emotional. It could be from our previous training. It is incredible how training can limit your ability to accept new and better ways of approaching your practice. It could be from our parents’ belief systems. Were you raised in a pet-friendly, pet neutral, or pet-hostile home? We didn’t use fly swatters because the flies were living, thinking and feeling creatures, like our dogs, cats and neighbors. Killing them would just be wrong. When I was little, I remember my mother, waiting until it was dark, shooing a fly buzzing about in our home. She taught me to turn off all the lights except the one by the front door, to attract the fly to his or her escape route. What sorts of physical limitations could affect our ability to massage dogs? Sure, one is the partial nerve damage in your dominant hand. Others might be a temporarily frozen shoulder. If you had plantar fasciitis you couldn’t stand for long periods. You couldn’t focus if you had a migraine headache. You cannot be fully present when you have a cold. Have you ever heard of someone being described as chronologically challenged? Even your age could be considered a limitation. But, that’s more belief system and emotion based, than physical. We all bring baggage. We have our troubles packed up in our old kit bags. We each have something that could be getting in the way of making a perfect connection with dogs. If we didn’t we’d be pure spirit…with no hands at all. We bring who we are and everything we have experienced to the table. The dogs bring their life histories, as well. The PetMassageTM lays it all out, sorts and organizes whatever rises to the surface, and assists the dog to process what she can. This could be an inflamed restricted shoulder or an inflamed memory that is restricting socially responsible behavior. People with just one hand can learn to PetMassageTM, although their body mechanics have to be altered for them to reposition or restrict a dog’s movements on the table. The rest of the body more than compensates for whatever is lacking. If you cannot see, your senses of smell and hearing become more acute. If you cannot palpate with your hands, you learn to feel with your shoulders, or in your throat, in your sinuses, or as your belly turns, and with the rhythms of your heart. You see how compatible PetMassageTM is with Healing Touch. Your healing talents and intentions will more than compensate for the partial lack of feeling in your one hand. I think you knew this answer too. You are welcome to attend the Foundation workshop. Let’s discover that the limitations you think you have are actually opportunities for you to enhance other skills. Let’s discover your personal interpretation and manifestation of PetMassageTM for Dogs.
For those of you who subscribe to Dr. Karen Becker’s – Dr. Mercola’s – Healthy Pets Newsletter, and those who have not yet subscribed, here’s your link to Jonathan’s interview with Karen. See the video and read the August 2014 Healthy Pets Newsletter: Remove Disease from Your Pet’s Body Using Only Your Hands http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2099/12/31/pet-massage-therapy.aspx
This Skype interview and its transcript were released last Sunday and we have enjoyed responding to the enormous flow of questions and comments from Karen’s subscribers.
If you have Q’s or C’s please share them. We are here to assist you to whatever level of canine massage and bodywork training you would like to achieve.
Karen Becker approached me for an interview after my presentation on Canine Massage at the AHVMA conference in Kansas City. I’m thrilled to be recognized and promoted by this holistic Veterinary superstar. It’s an honor to be associated with Dr. Mercola’s website and brand. This interview is about an hour long. I hope you enjoy!
Link To Dr Karen Becker Interview on YouTube @ https://youtu.be/k8hUA2OsNj4
Link To Full Article with Transcript @ http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2014/08/10/pet-massage-therapy.aspx
The practice of PetMassageTM is based on the recognition that all physical, emotional, and behavioral dysfunctions are symptoms of imbalance.
Balance is what we want for the processes that make up the environment of the dog’s body and mind. The goal is for the dog to function easily and fully. Balance can be restored most effectively with the oldest and most intuitive modality in the history of health and wellness care: massage.
Massage helps increase circulation and flexibility for people. Everyone acknowledges that.
Massage helps people who are coping with cancer treatments feel more comfortable in their bodies and minds. Massage is the therapy that can help these distressed people revive self confidence, self image and self worth. The nurturing and honoring of the body they discover can only be found in hands-on, heart-directed massage.
PetMassageTM is massage for pets. Our focus is on dogs. Actually, all animals benefit. And let’s be clear: PetMassage is more than petting and definitely more profound and long-lasting that mere pampering.
PetMassageTM and touch are basic needs … as important for dogs’ quality of life as quality food, exercise, grooming and veterinary care. In fact, in many veterinary clinics, PetMassageTM is now an integral part of both wellness and rehabilitation protocols.
Dogs of all breeds, sizes, ages, and conditions benefit with PetMassageTM.
That is a pretty broad assertion. What are some of the imbalances that your dogs may present that would be resolved with a PetMassage?
Let’s look at four general categories of dogs, and discover the specific benefits that address their particular needs. Theses are active dogs, inactive dogs, indoor dogs, dogs nearing the end of life.
For active dogs, which include hunting dogs, competition dogs (agility, flyball, dock divers, and such working dogs as police, military, border control, guard dogs, and many farm dogs. Also include service dogs, therapy dogs, and kid’s best playmates. This group includes my dogs. Our boxers, Camille and Lola get a couple of (occasionally brisk) walks every day and lots of backyard squirrel, rabbit, and bird chasing.
The active dogs are movers and shakers. Their lungs are strong. So are their bones, muscles, and spirits. They have jobs to do and they are eager to perform them to the best of their ability. Dogs are very aware of their level of performance. An older dog that had been active and who can no longer function at his/her anticipated quality of movement will present with obvious depression. We saw that during the last workshop with boxer teaching assistant, Lola Ginabrigita, who turns 9 in August. When she attempted to jump up onto a 3 foot high massage table as she had consistently and easily done in the past, she hit the side of the table mid chest and flailed backward into my arms. After I’d assisted her onto the table she stood, steadying herself, head and tail drooped, sad and embarrassed. Her demeanor shifted toward the dark side. She was obviously trying to figure out the ramifications of what just occurred.
When working muscles work they often create tiny muscle tears. These need time and a supportive internal environment to heal. Repetitive movements, such as running weave poles, jumping from side to side, herding at full speed, nose inches above the ground, and twisting while landing jumps, create strains on tissues. Even running in a straight line over even terrain causes these little tears. The fascia sheathes around muscles stretch and relax, stretch more and relax; stretch more, and as they do, partially fray. Our dogs cannot feel the microscopic injuries; they are in the tiny muscle fibrils, deep within the gasters, the bellies of muscles.
PetMassageTM for active dogs.
- Benefits overworked and compensating muscles.
- Increases strength, endurance, and conditioning.
- Encourages balance in the way dogs use their bodies.
The inactive dogs include the canine couch potatoes of the world. Their primary exercise is moving from sleeping spot to sleeping spot. Add to that, the occasional diversion to their food bowls or quick trips outdoors to take care of business. Their pet parents seldom if ever take these dogs for exercise.
Dogs have immune systems similar to ours. Immune systems are dependent on the movement of lymphatic fluid. Lymph fights disease, repairs the little tears mentioned above, and creates a feeling of well being. Much of the lymph is moved through the body by shifts in internal pressure within the skeletal muscles. Consider that all of your dog’s major lymph nodes are in his big joints nestled up against large muscles. Watch the large muscle movement of the jaw when your dog chews and barks, of the shoulder when he walks or plays with toys, the hip and groin with movement of the hind end, and the stifles (knees) when the hind legs bend. The largest lymph node is the spleen, which is massaged by the big muscle fused or breathing, the diaphragm. With increased lymphatic movement, dogs immune systems are stimulated and enhanced. Dogs feel better in body, mind and spirit. Reflect, if you will, on the euphoric high you feel when you exercise. That’s your lymph saying “thank you.” For inactive dogs PetMassageTM
- Stimulates lymph drainage.
- Benefits their skin, coat, and muscle tone.
- Enhances quality of joint movement.
For indoor dogs who spend minimal time outside in the fresh air, there are additional issues. Think of the dogs with elder or incapacitated or unaware parents, who seldom leave their homes. They live close to the ground, where dust, indoor pollutants such as degassing carpets, air freshener residue, and microscopic critters that you really do not want to think about abide. All this is inhaled by the indoor dogs and clings to the surfaces of their lungs. These dogs get no exercise and become shallow breathers. Without movement and exercise that would induce deep breathing, this internal crud (technical term) cannot get pushed out. The TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) term for this is phlegm.
The big benefits that PetMassageTM provides indoor dogs are
- Increases their rate depth of respiration.
- Increases their flexibility and blood circulation.
- Enhances their body awareness.
- Enhances their bonding and socialization.
End of Life Care is a topic that is the giant mastiff in the room. The fact is, these marvelous creatures have short life-spans. A lot briefer than ours. Often, when our dogs are nearing the end of their trails; pet parents feel helpless and vulnerable. No one wants to accept that their beloved dog is dying. We are told to comfort the dog and wait for them to give us “the sign” that they are ready.
Scheduling a PetMassageTM at this time as part of your dog’s end of life care is a way for you to be proactive with your dog’s progressing situation. It is also a way for you to be proactive with your evolving relationship with your dog. It is also a time for you to consider your questions, concerns and beliefs with regard to your own mortality. In my book, “Transitions, Energy Work for the Aging and Dying Do.” I included a vignette about my mother’s reaction when we lost our dog Pepper when I was a teenager. When my mothers parents died, she assumed the role as the pillar of strength of our family and she didn’t cry. Same, with her brother and several friends. When Pepper died, his loss was cathartic. All the grieving she’d repressed was released. With Pepper, she threw herself on the bed and wept for days.
The are profoundly impactful benefits of PetMassageTM Transitions, or End of Life Care
- While your dog may be accepting of his fate, he/she still needs reassurance and nurturing that Transitions PetMassage can provide.
- Dogs also have the need to know that their people are going to be alright. PetMassageTM End of Life Care is a beautiful and fulfilling service, as much for the pet parent as it is for the dog.
Full Title: Canine Frontal Bone / Third Eye Chakra
Author: Tina Hayden
Date of Publication: July 30, 2014
PDF: http://petmassage.com/wp-content/uploads/Canine-Frontal-Bone-and-Third-Eye-Chakra-by-Tina-Hayden-2014-07-30.pdf
Research Paper Text:
The canine frontal bone is a paired structure joined by the interfrontal suture between the cranium and the face and enclosing the frontal sinuses. It is bordered by the nasal and lacrimal bones to form the lateral portion of the zygomatic process. The muscle that covers the front bone is the frontalis. This muscle draws the skin forward over the head, elevates the eyebrows and wrinkles the forehead.
There is also a different aspect of this area of the canine skull, one that is not physical. This is where the third eye chakra resides.
Canines, just like all other living beings, have a chakra system. Chakra’s are spinning vortices of energy located within the body and emanating outward. Their function is to receive, accumulate, transform and distribute life force energy.
Animals have 7 chakras in common with humans, which are:
Root (red), Sacral (orange), Solar Plexus (yellow), Heart (green), Throat (turquoise), Third Eye (indigo blue), and Crown (violet).
In addition to these, animals have one additional charka called the Brachial chakra (Black).
Each chakra has its own function and governs specific parts of the body. An imbalanced chakra can manifest into physical and emotional problems.
For the purpose of this paper, I will be focusing on the specifics of the third eye chakra.
The third eye chakra is energetically located between and slightly up from the eyes. Physically this is part of the canine frontal bone.
This chakra governs insight and visualization. When balanced, your dog will be intuitive and go easily between the dog and people world. If underactive, he may be too dependent on you, unable to think for himself, and get easily confused. If overactive, he may wish to only play or be easily distracted. It also governs the head, nose, eyes, pineal gland, natural body rhythms and higher mental self.
An example of an overactive third eye chakra that I personally encountered involved a dog who became over sensitive to shadows. She would be so distracted by the shadows that all she would focus on was chasing them. This created a problem, as her owner was training her in agility and she was simply not able to perform successfully. I theorized that this may be caused by her third eye chakra being too open and through a mediation session with this dog, I “tuned” the third eye down to a more normal setting. Immediately after that session, dog and owner competed perfectly in an agility trial.
Each chakra has gemstones/crystals & essential oils that aid in balancing. Gemstones and crystals for the third eye include Blue Sapphire, Clear Quartz Crystal, Tourmaline, Lapis Lazuli, Fluorite, and Amethyst. Essential oils include Geranium, lavender, rosemary and spearmint.
While understanding the anatomy and physiology of canines is important in order to effectively massage and help with physical discomfort, equally important is understanding the energetic aspect. Balancing both the physical and energetic is essential in achieving a happy, well-adjusted dog.
References
Full Title: Affects of Aging on the Hamstring Group
Author: Sharon L. Johnston, RVT
Date of Publication: July 29, 2014
PDF: http://petmassage.com/wp-content/uploads/Hamstring-Group-Affect-of-Aging-by-Sharon-L-Johnston-RVT-2014-07-29.pdf
Research Paper Text:
As a dog ages significant changes occur which affect the function of their mind and the form and function of their body. Goldston & Hoskins (1995) wrote “elderly animals seldom have a single disease, but instead have a unique combination of multiple organ disease with varying levels of dysfunction” (pp. 3). (see table 1-2).
One of the most obvious and life altering examples of this process is deterioration of the musculoskeletal system.
Metabolic and degenerative diseases become more prevalent and muscle atrophy; a weakening or wasting away of muscle mass begins. While a small amount of atrophy occurs naturally due to reduced hormone production and changing metabolic rates, the two major causes are disease and disuse.
Diseases such as Cushing’s, neurotrophic atrophy and lactic academia are examples of processes that weaken the muscles and tendons, cause inactivity and hasten muscle atrophy. Painful conditions such as arthritis, hip dysplasia and intervertebral disk disease may also inhibit normal activity such as walking, running or playing. The longer movement is restricted the more detrimental it is to the rest of the body, most importantly the circulatory system.
Muscle tissue has a very high metabolic rate. A long term decrease in blood supply and nutrients seriously compromises the ability of all muscles and groups to function properly. One such group of muscles is the hamstring group.
Lateral muscles of the hip and thigh, the hamstring group is made up of three muscles; the biceps femoris, the semitendinosus and the semimembranosus. (see fig. 1.) A significant weight bearing group of muscles, actions of the hamstring group include extension of the hip joint, flexion or extension of the stifle and extension of the hock. Coupled with the longissimus group located in the front limbs, they are the most important muscle groups in relation to straightaway running.
The muscles of the hamstring group have shared and individual origins, insertions, innervations, blood supplies and actions.
All three muscles originate from the tuber ischiadicum with the biceps femoris also originating from the lower part of the sacrotuberal ligament. The biceps femoris inserts at the cranial portion of the tibia, the patella and the patellar ligament; the semitendinosus at the medial tibia and the semimembranosus at the distal femur and medial tibial condyle. Tendons from the femoral biceps and semitendinosus join tendons of the digital flexor and gastrocnemius to form the common calcanean tendon. Kainer & McCraken (2003), (plate 31).
Both the nerve and blood supplies to the hind limbs are extensive and complex. The nerve supply to the hamstrings arise from the lumbosacral plexus and include the caudal gluteal, common peroneal, tibial and sciatic nerves. The abdominal aorta which branches into the external and internal iliac arteries then to a network of veins is the vascular supply to the pelvis and hind limbs.
While the primary action of the hamstring group is extension of the hip joint, each muscle has its own function and action. The largest muscle of the group, the biceps femoris acts to extend the hind limb when rearing, kicking or propelling the body. The actions of this muscle affect all joints except those of the digit. The semitendinosus extends the hip and hock on a weight bearing limb while flexing the stifle of the non-weight bearing limb. The cranial aspect of the semimbranosus works to extend the stifle while the caudal aspect flexes the stifle. Both aid in hip extension.
When the muscles of the hamstring group are compromised whether due to injury, nervous system disruption or atrophy the impact is often immediately evident. The inability to bear weight on one or both limbs is the most common presentation. This weakness compromises a dogs’ ability to get up and down, climb stairs, walk or run. A stiff or unsteady gait, complete collapse and loss of proprioception are other common occurrences. Without intervention to delay the progression of symptoms, loss of hind limb muscle function greatly decreases a dogs’ lifespan.
Massage is a powerful, appropriate approach to intervene and prevent musculoskeletal damage. Using techniques to increase circulation and eliminate toxins we have the ability to help the dog achieve whole body wellness. While nothing can stop the inevitable decline of health due to aging, massage may provide an increase in our dog’s quality of life and optimistically a longer lifespan. It would be recommended to start massage sessions at early puppyhood and continue throughout their life.
Bibliography
- Birchard, Stephen J., DVM, MS and Robert G. Sherding, DVM. Saunders Manual of Small Animal Practice. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, W.B. Saunders, 1994. pp 1022-1023 1065, 1171.
- Blood, Douglas C. , Virginia .P. Studdert and Clive C. Gay. Saunders Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Elsevier Limited, 2007. pp 155, 200, 1185, 1604.
- Colville, Thomas, DVM and Joanna M. Bassert, VMD. Clinical Anatomy and Physiology for Veterinary Technicians. St. Louis, Missouri, Mosby, 2008. pp 196-197.
- Ettinger, Stephen J., DVM and Edward C. Feldman, DVM. Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Diseases of the Dog and Cat, Volume 1. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, W.B. Saunders, 1995. pp 138.
- Gillette, Robert L., DVM, MSE, Optimizing Performance and Preventing Injuries of the Canine Sprint Athlete. College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, North American Veterinary Conference 2007. pp 132.
- Goldston ,Richard T., DVM, MS and Johnny D. Hoskins, DVM, PhD. Geriatrics & Gerontology of the Dog and Cat. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, W.B. Saunders, 1995. pp 3, 297, 302, 314.
- Horowitz, Aaron, DVM, PhD, JD. Pelvic Limb of the Dog: Structure and Function. Retrieved on April 1, 2014 from www.veterinaryanatomy-horowitz.net. pp 3, 14, 16.
- Kamer, Robert A., DVM, MS, and Thomas O. McCracken, MS. Dog Anatomy A Coloring Atlas. Jackson, Wyoming, Tenton New Media, 2003. Plates 31-34.
- Ojais School of Massage. Educational Documents. Canine Muscle Origins, Insertions, Actions and Nerve Innervations. Retrieved on March 24, 2014 from www.ojaischoolofmassage.com. pp 26-27.
On the last day of the Foundation Workshop, we take a field trip to the ASPCA where students practice their newly acquired PetMassageTM skills with the dogs temporarily residing there. The dogs benefit profoundly from the focused, intentional experience of PetMassageTM. Dogs get their PetMassage sessions one at a time. So, one student gives a PetMassage while the rest of the class observes. This is the first time students are able to see what the others are doing, as each has been focusing on her own development during their individual hands-on instruction. Each person, they find, is developing and applying her own unique interpretation of the techniques.
Students take their time during their introductory assessment touches and strokes. They close their eyes and, with their hands resting quietly on their dog’s bodies, listen with all their senses. Their very pores are open and available for any informative responses the dogs express through movements, breathing patterns, heart rates, and subtle shifts of the skin and coat.
As one of the students in our last class was stroking over the dorsal (top) line of a Rottweiler-lab mix, she noticed that the tail was tucked under the buttocks. Tail tucked under is a signal for fear and submissiveness. As her hand moved back over the croup, she gently pulled the tail out so that it rested straight out on the table in a more open, relaxed position. There was no hesitation. She was clearly asserting that this was the countenance that was expected in the PetMassageTM. The dog appeared to immediately adapt to the new posture, gentling. The face shifted. Eyes softened, mouth opened, tongue
expressed, and panting ensued at a comfortable rate. The dog assumed the behavioral properties of the posture he’d been placed in.
Application for you: To become more confident while PetMassaging your dog, you can also keep
a “Buddha Smile” on your face. The Buddha Smile is the iconic image that you see in Buddhist statuary forming the mouth with a straight line separating the lips with the edges turned up. This facial – and yes, fascia – controlled posture actually shifts your mood, making it lighter and happier. Your mood is
referred through your touch. It is also reflected in the aroma of your perspiration and breath. When your mood is uplifting, dogs will be more receptive to your PetMassageTM. They lift up their level of perception to match yours.
Fake it and make it. Pack up your troubles in your mouth’s kit bag and smile, smile, smile
The blood in the heart is either oxygen depleted or oxygen rich. The depleted blood is drawn
toward the heart via the venous system. It moves slowly. Shifts in pressure, from high to low, pulls it into the chambers where it is in a position to be shunted to the lungs. The veins have valves in them, in order to maintain flow in one direction and keep the blood from backing up. It then journeys to the lungs, where it releases toxic chemicals and collects fresh air. Pumped from the heart, fresh oxygen rich blood flows powerfully, via the arterial system, so that the fresh body water can replenish the all the cells in the body. It’s value is strong and healthful. However, it is moving so forcefully that it needs to be slowed to the rate where it can make its exchange at the cellular level. Each and every cell in the body is nourished by the blood. Your touch and your intention transfer your personal frequency to the tissues.
The blood’s composition value and available rate of movement depends on where it is in its
process. Each has a frequency.
Yesterday evening I slumped into my chair exhausted and would have rested there if not for Camille, our boxer puppy, who insisted that it was a perfect time for us to go for a walk. Licking my hand, pawing my shoes, bouncing back into a play bow, climbing on my lap, squirming and jumping down…repeatedly. She drew me from my lethargy. Her frequency trumped mine. I arose sighing, which makes me a groan up. The excited puppy danced wildly around my ankles as I led her and her sister Lola outside. Once out and I began to move, my frequency shifted; lightened. I actually skipped halfway down the block. When was the last time you skipped? Joyously gravity defying. Skipping evokes youthful thoughts and sweet kid sweat. Camille showed me that when someone’s frequency gets depleted she has the capacity to power it up with her breathing exercises. I suppose that if your frequency is uber-effusive, you could also power back, again with conscious yoga breathing. But that didn’t seem to occur to Camille.
What frequency are you contributing in your canine massage sessions? Where is your energy level in its process? Is yours depleted or rich? Where is your intention level in its process? Whenever you notice yours is depleted you can power up.
When your dog’s is depleted you can power it up, as well. You may want to employ
signals other than the ones Camille used, though. Although, you are communicating with a dog…
When I was a child I’d get my haircuts at a local barber shop called Chuck’s. When it was my turn to mount the big leather chair, Chuck would hold his hand up, signaling me to wait; and I watched, enthralled, as he picked up his towel and slapped it on the seat of the chair. The previous customer’s hair was snapped off the seat, settling in soft clumps on the floor. And the chair was refreshed.
Once I was seated, with my little paper collar wrapped snugly around my neck and the cape secured, Chuck whistled as he swept away the hair clearing his area. Recalling it with my current understanding of energy, he was smudging!
How do I clean my canine massage table during events? Snap goes the towel. Four or five slaps and we’re good to go. The table is cleared of hair, debris, and sticky tenacious energy. The space brand-spanking ready for the next critter.
Sometimes we learn the lessons we need to know in the most unremarkable circumstances. Somehow though, I knew then that what he was doing was significant. I knew to pay attention. So, thank you, Chuck, wherever (whatever) you are. You were one of my first masters. And I miss having my neck lathered with warm shaving cream, and listening to the rhythmic slapping of the straight razor sharpening on a leather strop, bracing myself for the hot towel. I even miss the barbershop scent of the aftershave.
I watched a kid go by with his hand out the car window; hand surfing up and down through the wind. We’ve all delighted in this simple pleasure. I thought of all our dogs who love to have their faces out the car window when we’re driving. Eyes slit, nostrils flaring, ears and tongue flapping in the wind. My attention has been drawn to all the recent media images of people in convertibles (hair in the eyes happy) and on motorcycles (bugs in teeth happy), flying in old open cockpit “aeroplanes” (scarf in the wind happy) and even skydiving (—– to the wind happy). This blog usually offers information. This time, a request for your input. There’s something therapeutic in the action of the wind on our bodies, minds and spirits. There is physical stimulation, in the way the skin and surface fascia is stretched, in the extra g-force, the increased pressure. There’s emotional stimulation. Facing into the wind is cleansing, exhilarating, refreshing. Consider the iconic image from “Titanic.” I know that blowing into a dog’s ear can be mildly irritating for them. If a dog is not immediately giving me his “integration shake,” I jump-start it by gently puffing into his ear. The shake starts and progresses down the body, head to tail. I’m not sure about the spiritual. I would think that if a skydiver’s parachute doesn’t respond immediately, there is most likely a deep awareness of experiencing in the moment.
What are your thoughts about how and why wind affects a dog’s life condition (NSA happy)? There could be something very significant here that we’ve been missing that we could incorporate into PetMassageTM or canine therapeutics.