From People to Paws: My Journey into Canine Massage Therapy

Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of working with people from all walks of life. Whether helping athletes improve performance, supporting individuals living with chronic pain, or guiding women through pregnancy and postpartum, one thing has remained constant: I am constantly inspired by the body's incredible ability to adapt, heal, and find new ways to move.

My passion for movement and healing naturally expanded in 2019 when my own dog, Harley, began experiencing health challenges that affected his mobility.

Harley was our family dog — a tiny Yorkie weighing just over five pounds, but with a personality far bigger than his little frame. Full of love, curiosity, and plenty of spice, he brought so much joy into our lives.

When Harley turned 14, he was diagnosed with kidney disease. Over time, I began noticing changes in his movement. His hind legs would twitch more often, the natural curves of his spine became more pronounced, and he developed a fear of navigating stairs, even a single step down. While diet changes became an important part of supporting his health, I knew there had to be other ways I could help him feel more comfortable in his body.

Around the same time, a longtime Pilates client of mine had opened her home to several rescue dogs and shared the unique challenges each of them faced. When I would visit her home to teach Pilates, I found myself observing the dogs in the same way I observed my human clients — watching how they moved, how they compensated, and how their bodies communicated with us.

I began to realize just how much our canine companions tell us through their movement. They may not be able to tell us where something hurts, but they show us in countless ways: in the way they stand up from the floor, hesitate before climbing stairs, shift their weight, or become less eager for walks or the activities they once loved. The more I learned, the more I felt drawn to understanding how I could support Harley and other dogs like him. What began as a desire to help my own dog soon grew into a deeper passion for canine wellness. A year and half later, I graduated as a Registered Canine Massage Therapist.

Harley joined me as a practice body during the massage therapy course. In many ways, he became my first teacher. He taught me to be patient, to listen without words, and to appreciate the subtle ways dogs communicate through movement, posture, and touch. Animals have always held a special place in my heart. They ask so little of us, yet give so much in return. There is something profoundly humbling about earning the trust of a dog – especially one who is anxious, recovering from trauma, adapting to life with a disability, or simply slowing down with age.  Rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach, I meet each dog where they are.

Some dogs experience arthritis or osteoarthritis. Others are recovering from injury or surgery, adjusting to a new home, living with vision loss, missing a limb, or simply finding their footing as energetic puppies or gentle seniors. No two dogs arrive with the same experiences, personalities, or needs, and that's truly one of the things I love most about this work.

My sessions blend Swedish massage techniques, gentle mobility exercises, and the calming principles I've learned through Qi Gong. While each treatment is unique, my goal is always the same: to help each dog feel more comfortable, move with greater ease, and experience a better quality of life.  Some sessions are active and movement focused, while others are quiet, slow, and centred on helping a nervous dog feel safe enough to soften into relaxation. 

Looking back, it's no surprise that this is where my journey led. What began as a passion for movement and healing has become a way to care for the animals that have always meant so much to me.  Our dogs give us some of the very best years of their lives. Whether they're chasing tennis balls as puppies, navigating life's unexpected challenges, or growing older with grace, they deserve to feel as comfortable and supported as possible.

If I can play even a small part in helping them move with greater ease and enjoy more time with the people who love them, then I know I'm exactly where I'm meant to be.