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. 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 service. I have travelled to the school in Colorado to train hands-on with passionate and gifted instructors and a multitude of canine friends.

Well, it's just grown from there! I love to learn and am now a certified Canine Mobility Therapist and PBM (laser) Therapy Practitioner. I continue to deepen my experience and understanding through Coastal Canines and my contract work as a Rehabilitation Therapist with Black Dog Physio.

Owner education and empowerment is also very important to me. It has been incredibly rewarding to help owners to understand their dog’s body and feel that they are able to be part of their care, building stronger bonds and better outcomes.

My passion is to help your dog to feel their best in body, mind and spirit, but this doesn't end with me. I will support you, their guardian, to be able to feel confident to improve their fitness, mobility and quality of life. Dogs bring so much love and joy to our lives, together we can give back to them.

Qualifications

I am certified in Canine Massage, Canine Mobility Therapy and Rehabilitation Exercise, Laser Therapy and Pet First Aid. I offer customised therapeutic massage, laser therapy and strength and conditioning programmes tailored to suit your dog. I work in partnership with you to help your dog recover from injury or surgery, or to achieve and maintain fitness and mobility, particularly as they age.

“Tara is a taonga! My beardie cross and myself have benefited greatly from her skills, knowledge and her excellent massage, exercise and laser treatments.

I now have carefully researched information and an exercise programme that fits well into our busy week. Thank you for the work you do Tara."

―Rob Browne, Otaki