About Me

I feel incredibly lucky to have found my passion and purpose in life. Growing up in Northern Ireland, the natural world was my playground and my affinity with animals deepened with each pet that arrived in our home. Dogs were always my firm favourite, I couldn't imagine a home without one!

My first baby was a rescue greyhound cross called Valley. She had a pretty rough start in life and needed lots of love and care to be able to trust humans again. When I saw this broken soul in the shelter, I knew I could help her and that she still had so much to give. She taught me the meaning of unconditional love and became my saviour during some pretty dark times. She travelled with us all around the UK and even moved with us to the United States, where we lived for a couple of years. She was the most gentle dog I've ever known and I was blessed to have 10 years with her. I wish I had known about Canine Massage Therapy all those years ago, I believe it would have been an incredibly healing tool in Valley’s recovery journey.

Fast forward to the Covid-19 lockdowns of 2020 which brought the decision to start homeschooling my two children, leading us all on a path of self-discovery. At the end of 2022, we boarded a plane and began our new life in New Zealand, happily coming to rest on the beautiful Kapiti Coast. Here I get to combine my love of dogs, nature and also cold water swimming!

I had felt for a long time that I was headed in a new direction, one that would allow me to give back, to heal and to comfort dogs in need. In my searching, I stumbled upon Canine Massage Therapy and immediately knew that this was my calling. I researched courses and decided that the Rocky Mountain School of Acupressure and Massage most fitted with the direction in which I wanted to take my canine massage service. I have travelled to the school in Colorado to train hands-on with passionate and gifted instructors and a multitude of canine friends.

I love to learn and have added PBM (laser) Therapy and Pet first aid qualifications to my skillset as well as training in therapeutic strength and conditioning exercises through my contract work as a Rehabilitation Therapist with Black Dog Physio.

My passion is to help your dog to feel their best in body, mind and spirit. Whether they are healing from an injury or surgery, struggling with anxiety or fear, transitioning out of this life, or just looking for some relaxation, I can help you give back to them as they have given to us.

Qualifications

I am certified in Canine Therapeutic Massage and have completed the case studies for my Advanced and Senior Canine Massage qualifications, just waiting to receive my certifications for these additional specialisms. I am also Pet First Aid certified and can offer cold laser therapy and therapeutic strength and conditioning exercise programmes to help your dog recover from injury or surgery.

“It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them, and every new dog who comes into my life gifts me with a piece of their heart.

If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are.”

―Annonymous