About Me

My involvement with and love for animals started as a child. For the majority of my life I’ve had dogs and cats. The last 4-legged family member was Peatie, a Boston Terrier who came to my husband and I in 2004 when our daughter was deployed for a year in Iraq. Peatie was only supposed to stay for that year, but in the end he was with us for over 5 years until his death.

The very morning that Peatie “crossed the rainbow bridge,” I signed up with The Humane Society of Tampa Bay and have completed over 2,000 hours of volunteer service time as a dog companion, assistant with the shelter dog playgroup training program, and massage therapist helping dogs, cats and other small animals become more adoptable.

In 2012, I left my 31 year career in the newspaper industry looking for a new chapter in my work life. I decided to combine my love of animals with my belief in massage therapy to become a Certified Small Animal Massage Practitioner.

In 2013, I earned my first certification which includes:
• Massage Techniques for Maintenance & Rehabilitation
• Animal Kinesiology
• Animal Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology
• Behavior and Handling
• Animal First Aid and CPR
• Hands-on Case Study Training

In 2017, I earned my second certification which includes:
• Massage Techniques for Rehabilitation
• Manual Lymphatic Drainage
• Massage for Immune Support
• Massage for Inflammation
• Circulatory Massage
• Massage for Scar Tissue
• Pain Management
• Balance of Body Systems
• Intuitive Touch Therapy and Energy Work
• Hydrotherapy Applications
• Swim Therapy
• Support for Orthopedic Conditions, Soft Tissue Conditions, Neurological Conditions, Surgical Conditions
• Canine Cancer
• Senior Canine Conditions including Cushing’s Disease, Canine Cognitive Dysfunction
• Hospice Care

In 2019, I received my certification in Canine Kinesio Taping, which provides the following benefits for your pet:
• Increased Proprioception
• Increased Lymphatic and Blood Circulation
• Pain Reduction
• Reduction of Inflammation
• Supports Muscles and Joints

Learn more about me and my services through this video, courtesy of The Penny Hoarder: