“After just two sessions Basel was moving better” - Tracy.
It was heartbreaking when Basel, my 4 year old Spoodle was diagnosed with Degenerative Disc Disease. With surgery not an option it was recommended that we have a change of lifestyle with no more off lead walks or play with other dogs. As Basel is ‘Mr Social’ I looked for a way for Basel to still live his life with his friends in the park without compromising his health. After a few sessions with an animal physiotherapist we got to the stage where they said Basel could slowly work up to off lead time and play. His Physio recommended ongoing massage sessions with Helen to continue easing the muscles along his spine.
Basel had his first massage at the end of May and it was incredible to watch his continued improvement. Helen is amazing with Basel and after just two sessions he was moving better and not stiff and walking tentatively after a walk in the park. Although he obviously still has one rather sore area on his spine, Helen manages to work on it so slowly that she eventually manages to ease it so much that he relaxes and gets the full benefits of the massage.
And of course Basel loves the end when he gets his special hypo-allergenic treat that Helen purchased when she learnt that Basel has allergies - and of course a cuddle with his new friend.
“He is noticeably better…mischievous, like he was as a pup.” - Ronnie.
Buddy has arthritis in his shoulders and legs and this, together with a few other bone related problems, means that at the age of 13 years his comfort has been ensured by a team of veterinarians and a very special canine masseuse.
Though hesitant at first with s stranger wanting to constantly touch him, Buddy has become enamored with Helen due in large part to her empathy and understanding of the nature of dogs and the obvious comfort she brings to him.
Although he can’t tell me how he feels, the manner in which he moves after enjoying a massage with Helen is noticeably better and his demeanor more mellow, if somewhat mischievous; like he was when he was a pup.
Personally I think the massages make him feel younger. Whatever the case Buddy’s mobility visually improves following a massage and provides him with soothing, non-intrusive therapy that promotes good circulation and much needed relaxation to some of the muscles that have to compensate for his impaired movement.
I have no hesitation in recommending Helen as a canine massage therapist and will continue to use her for as long as Buddy needs her, the benefits for Buddy mean I could not do otherwise.
“Increased mobility, more relaxed & eager to play” - Mark & Liz.
At the age of eleven and a half, our German Shepherd, Mischa, still has the spirit and attitude of a much younger dog, despite the pain and limited movement resulting form teh arthritis in her hips.
Our priority is to keep her as mobile and pain free as possible so that she can still enjoy life. We decided to try canine massage as part of her treatment programme and we are so grateful that Helen was able to treat Mischa in our home. Right from the first visit, we felt confident with Helen - her professional and friendly manner put both of us, and Mischa at ease. Helen listened and gained a thorough understanding of Mischa’s history and current condition, and gradually gained Mischa’s trust, always gently encouraging Mischa during the sessions and never pushing her of making her feel uncomfortable. We felt informed throughout the sessions with Helen, she often offered additional resources or references for us to greater understand Mischa’s condition and progress.
Following her sessions with Helen, Mischa has increased mobility and is more relaxed and eager to play. The improvement is noticeable and she behaves like the playful happy dog she is in spirit, much less limited by the stiffness and pain in her hips. We would recommend Helen’s canine massage to anyone looking for a caring, professional solution to maintaining their treasured dog’s quality of life.
“3km’s are nothing to him now!” - Deirdre.
Six months before finding Helen, Bailey had a fall down the stairs and compressed two discs in his spine. On top of arthritis in both feet, hips and shoulder, this new injury made walking virtually impossible. He was mobile when Helen first started working on him, but walks and any strenuous exercise were generally not an option for him.
When Helen first started, I began to wonder if it was going to work. Bailey simply wasn’t interested in sitting still long enough for Helen to get any significant hands on work. After 3 sessions, I hit upon offering him a Kong stuffed with sweet potato and soggy dog biscuits (thanks to allergies peanut butter was not going to work). Well, what a new dog! He is now happy to sit and receive his massage,
What a difference. He loves Helen (I secretly think it’s for the food she represents to him!) and I love Helen for the wonderful work she’s been able to do with Bailey. When she arrived for tonight’s session we were running (aka sprinting) up and down the street to try and burn off some energy. And it wasn’t his first run, 3kms are nothing to him now!
Not bad for 15.
I’m truly indebted to the wonderful work Helen does for Bailey. Thanks Helen, you have changed Bailey’s life for the better.
“Helped Benny settle easier into his new home” - Jackie.
Benny had only been with us for a couple of months when Helen first met him. On his first session Benny just wandered straight over to Helen and within minutes he laid down on his side and even fell asleep during that session. He pretty much slept the whole day after that.
Being a typical Beagle he is into everything so he tended to wander off a bit in some of his sessions but Helen was very patient and so he always came back to finish his massage. He became less distracted over time and built up the time he could take with hands on work.
With us, Benny was on his fourth home in three years so I do think having this benefit when he first arrived with us has helped him settle easier into his new home.
“Jack is enjoying improved mobility.” - Lynne.
My boy Jack has been seeing Helen once a week for the last six weeks. Jack is an 11 year old Border Collie who had a Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) procedure done on both back legs approximately 9 years ago.
He has gradually been losing the use of his back legs and becoming quite unhappy.
Since his visits to Helen, his range of movement is steadily improving and he has a smile back on his face.
Helen has been a godsend and I am so grateful for the care and affection she gives to Jack . She takes the time to explain exactly what she is doing to Jack and what she believes she can accomplish with him.
I would recommend her to anyone who has a dog with mobility issues.