Thursday, June 25, 2009

Upcoming Classes

INTRODUCTION TO CANINE MASSAGE
SAT. - JULY 18TH - 3:00-6:00PM
@ Fuzzy Buddy’s Daycare
10907 Aurora Ave. N., Seattle


How many times have you noticed your dog running or walking with an odd gate, getting up or lying down slowly or stiffly, not wanting to go up or down stairs? Are there times you have thought your dog may be in pain or sore from too much exertion or old age?

Wouldn't you like to be able to safely and effectively massage your dog? There are many good reasons to massage a dog, things we don't think about usually. If you have a dog that works hard, plays hard, is older, has a physical problem, has had surgery, they would benefit from massage.

This class Taught by J Linn Henline, a LMP (licensed massage Practitioner) and SAMP (small animal massage practitioner), teaches you how to help. Learn some of the techniques the professionals use to help your dog achieve their optimum health and well-being.

You bring your dog, a mat or blanket to sit on the floor. You receive lots of hands-on practice time and instruction and hand-outs to help you continue your practice at home.

$40 per person/dog

Call 425-286-3513 or email jlinn@jlinn.net to register.


CANINE FIRST AID AND CPR CLASS
SAT. - JULY 25TH - 3:00-6:00PM
@ Fuzzy Buddy’s Daycare
10907 Aurora Ave. N., Seattle

Informative and fun, group class teaches important first response
techniques for common first aid situations as well as rescue breathing, CPR, disaster preparedness and pet first aid kit information.

A sample of first aid emergencies reviewed:
Choking, burns, poisoning, cuts, bone injuries, auto accident, and more

Taught by J Linn Henline, a Red Cross certified pet first aid/CPR teacher, these classes are hands on taught with pet manikins and each student receives a Red Cross first aid book and dvd to keep.

$50 per person (dogs do not attend this class)

Call 425-286-3513 or email jlinn@jlinn.net to register.

Friday, May 29, 2009

Tip for Shorter Bath Time for Dogs with Heavy Undercoats




Brooklyn's Mom, Cate has found a way to cut Brooklyn's bath time in half and save water and shampoo. Brook has a very thick coat, with thick under coat. It used to take a long time to get the shampoo worked down to the skin and Brook was not a happy pup about that. I'm sure it wasn't a picnic for Cate either.
So Cate had this idea of trying to work the shampoo in before wetting her down. Since the undercoat repels water the shampoo got worked into the skin before the coat had a chance to fight off the water.
Cate says it is much more efficient this way, saving time, shampoo and pout time:-)
Have fun with it! Let me know if you have a time saving or helpful hint for your dog's health and happiness, oh, and yours too!

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Spirits in Transition - A weekend seminar

This upcoming seminar in Seattle, June 19, 20 and 21 focuses on end of life care for animals with Holistic Veterinarian Ella Bittel.

A sample of topics covered:
-Re-evaluate common reasons for euthanasia
-The stages of the natural dying process and its spiritual and subtle energy aspects -Supporting ourselves and grieving animals
-Geriatric care and reducing the cancer risk for your pet

All important issues for anyone who has a dog or cat in their family or any other animal they love. Also very important for those of us who work with animals.

See their website for more information:

Saturday, March 28, 2009

They are not Children

I've heard people say it. I've read it, but the last time it was directed at me and it was my Achilles heal I guess. While in session with a physical therapist, chatting about my work, she blurted out that she has a dog, she loves her dog, but she would not spend "that kind" of money on him After all, he's not a child.

This statement brought up several uncomfortable issues for me. First being the feeling of a personal attack. I mean, she basically just invalidated my work, what I believe in. Second, why did she think it was appropriate to tell me that at all? I am her patient for crying out loud. We weren't on a personal level. Quite unprofessional. Third, what does that statement really mean?

"He is not a child". As in; a person between birth and full growth; a boy or girl: a son or daughter; a baby or infant? No. But in the sense that many people feel the emotional bond with their dog, the important relationship they have with their animal means the world to them.

Our 'pets' are dependent on us for nearly everything, food, water, shelter, companionship, the basics of life. Quality of life for them is where the biggest differences arise, between 'pet ownership' and our dog being an equal member of the family. Most people I know equate love with the emotional bond and level of closeness they feel with their animal. For instance, it is hard to believe that a person who leaves their dog outside, rain or shine, hot or cold has the same level of loving relationship with the person that sleeps with their dog.

My point is that we have 'adopted' this living, breathing being, brought it into our home and family. By doing so we have committed to caring for it. The level of care is open to interpretation, just as it would be for a human child, as long as the basics are met. But it was a decision we made and it was a life changing decision. Much more so for this animal than for us. They are our dependents, who rely on us and want nothing more than to please us and be with us. For many people that is the difference. Their dogs love them unconditionally. I can't say that for a biological child. So why is that not important enough to some people?

Many of my clients have children but they had their dog first. Others have children who have grown and moved on, living their own lives. And there are others who have no children. Many of these people, men and women, have confided in me that they love their dogs more than they can express. The dog is their 'child'. That does not mean they love their biological children less, but that these amazing animals bring a kind of love to their lives that no one else has.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

New Address, Map and Directions

As of Monday, March 23, I will be seeing clients at my home. The office on Main street is closed.

The new address is: 19525 Stone Avenue North, Shoreline, 98133.
The link below will take you to a Mapquest map:
http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Shoreline&state=WA&address=19525+Stone+Ave+N&zipcode=98133-3626

The phone number remains the same: 425-286-3513

An exciting Move



Beautiful even on a foggy day

I can not tell you how excited I am to be moving my business to my home. Once you see the setting and have a massage in this beautiful place you will understand. My office in Edmonds was a nice location. Downtown was a fun diversion when I had breaks. Devi enjoyed walking around down there and the shop owners are friendly people. I will miss the downtown Edmonds energy.

Energy is the key word of this post. I am realizing the feeling I have when looking out at the lake from my windows is that of Nature's energy and the spirit of life lifting me, reminding me of the importance of each moment.

Echo Lake is a small, humble lake that is spring fed. It is a natural wonder tucked away in a bustling suburban neighborhood. At the moment and until the deciduous trees leave out again, I can see a peek of Highway 99's traffic flash by between two buildings across the lake. Once in awhile a little traffic noise comes through. Mostly though, it is the sound of ducks, geese and children playing that I hear, sometimes punctuated by a neighbor floating by in a canoe or kayak saying "HI".

My sincere hope is that even though I have a small space to accommodate massage and Reiki sessions, the people receiving them feel as comforted as I am by the natural beauty and the warmth and spirituality of my home.

An added bonus is the Interurban Trail runs along my street, leading to sweet little Echo Lake park about a hundred yards from my house. It is a small park with a little beach, benches, a grassy area and lots of ducks. In the summer it is full of neighborhood kids all squeezing together on the itty bitty beach with their Moms or guardians lying in the grass catching sun and warmth. All together a lovely park. Be sure to allow some extra time to take a walk after your session with me.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

I RESCUED A HUMAN TODAY by Janine Allen, as posted on the web

Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering
apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew
I had to help her.

I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid.
As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little
accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn't want her to know
that I hadn't been walked today. Sometimes the overworked shelter
keepers get too busy and I didn't want her to think poorly of them.

As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about
my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make
a difference in someone's life.

She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I
shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to
comfort her. Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate
for companionship. A tear fell down her cheek and I r aised my paw
to assure her that all would be well.

Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I
instantly jumped into her arms.

I would promise to keep her safe.
I would promise to always be by her side.
I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile
and sparkle in her eyes.

I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are
out there who haven't walked the corridors. So many more to be
saved. At least I could save one.

I rescued a human today."