About Us

I’m an environmental scientist with over 20 years of professional experience gained in consultancy, local government and research. How did I get here, managing an independent massage and rehab practice? This is a brief history:

In 2003, I adopted an English Pointer named Daisy who would become my muse.  She had a myriad of health problems starting with dietary intolerances, then a poisoning from landscape work on our property, followed by arthritis diagnosed shortly after the 2011 Christchurch earthquake and, in the final year of her life, inflammatory bowel disease.

To manage her health, we needed more than traditional veterinary care and I began my path to becoming a professional canine massage and rehabilitation therapist.  Along the way, I’ve studied dog behaviour and training with the Best Friends Animal Society in Utah and became NZ’s first Fear Free certified rehab professional (in 2018).

I am committed to ongoing professional development  and value my professional networks which include professionals from the USA and across New Zealand.

My most recent professional development includes:

• Fear Free^sm Certified Professional, USA (2018)
• Pro-bono therapist for dogs rescued from research facilities, Kindness Ranch Animal Sanctuary, USA (2018)
• Noise Aversion Beyond Thunder & Fireworks, Zoetis online seminar (2018)
• Coaching the Canine Athlete, one-day seminar with M Christine Zink, DVM, in Christchurch (2019)
• Effects and Management of Chronic Pain, Fear Free Pets professional development course (2019)
• The Business of Pain Management, Fear Free Pets professional development course (2019)
• Quantifying Pain, Fear Free Pets professional development course (2020)

My academic qualifications include:

• Canine Therapeutic Massage Therapist (CTMT), 2009
• Canine Sports Massage Therapist (CSMT), 2010
• Senior Canine Massage Therapist (SCMT), 2014
• Certified Canine Fitness Trainer (CCFT), University of Tennessee, 2023

My massage certifications were granted by the Rocky Mountain School of Animal Acupressure and Massage and required me to study hands-on in the USA (definitely not online qualifications!)  It’s important that dog parents understand the difference.  Hands-on care requires hands-on education.

• Diploma of Executive Management, NZ Institute of Management, 2004

I keep track of my professional development.  You can view the entire list here.

In January 2023, I was interviewed by Gina McKenzie of Plains FM for her Thrive – Inspiring Women podcast. This was one of the most thorough interviews I have had during my career, covering my practice and qualifications, Fear Free, anxiety and pain in dogs, diet types and other topics. Click the arrow below to listen to the show.

In December 2019, I was interviewed for the Dogs of New Brighton podcast.  In Part I,  I answer questions about my qualifications and practice and explain what occurred during Jess the Dog’s massage.  In Part 2, I discuss Fear Free techniques, why I use a massage table, and the legal status of physiotherapy on animals in New Zealand.  We also talk about responsible dog ownership and our Birthday Club.

You can listen to the 2010 Radio New Zealand Spectrum documentary about my practice here.