Bella
When my active, athletic, 13 year old Dalmatian was diagnosed with a ruptured disc less than a year ago I was told she would become paralyzed within a few months to a year. Surgery was unaffordable and possibly unsuccessful. Fortunately, ten months later she is still walking thanks to therapeutic exercise and more recently massage treatment. I could actually see improvement after her first session with Lisa. Bella’s back, normally hunched up from the injury, becomes more flat and her coordination seems improved for many days afterward. Best of all, during her treatments Bella moans and groans with pleasure stopping often to thank Lisa with heartfelt doggy kisses.
Sara Umberger
Higgins
We brought Higgins, a beagle-jack russell mix, to the Pet Rock Fest in Worcester. Higgins loves people but is quite shy around other dogs. As soon as we brought him through the gates of the festival, he made a bee-line to the exit… twice; he was so uncomfortable with the hundreds of other dogs around, he truly wanted to leave.
We had almost decided to take him back to the car when, thankfully, we saw Lisa’s booth offering massages and Reiki and that it would specifically help anxious, fearful, stressed out dogs. If it would help Higgins enjoy what should have been a dog mecca, we would try it. The moment he went on the table and Lisa sat next to him and started her massage, he was a different dog. He leaned into her and allowed her to work out all his worries and stress. She took her time and didn’t touch any part of him that he wouldn’t willingly give her so he felt comfortable.
After the 15 minute treatment we took him back into the milleu of barking dogs and crowds of people and he happily walked next to us, enjoying his time there, allowing other dogs to greet him without shying away and snatching toys out of every bin within his reach (it became quite expensive!). It really was an amazing transformation! Thank you Lisa for allowing us to spend a fun day with our beloved friend without worrying that he hated ever minute of it and that we would pay for it later when he would destroy our couch!
Shawnna McLaughlin
Timber
Thank you for the wonderful massage & Reiki treatments you gave
Timber. Given his injury and age, we were quite concerned for his well being.
He seemed to thoroughly enjoy his session with you and he came home very
relaxed! I firmly believe he was wanting ME to continue his
very relaxing, hands-on therapy. You have "golden hands" in our minds! I will
certainly highly recommend your therapies to everyone.
Cali & Mir
As an agility competitor on a national level, I believe that regular massage sessions are an integral part of maintaining the canine athlete. Many agility athletes perform the physically demanding sport with such enthusiasm that sore muscles are inevitable. Furthermore, constant soreness can lead to more serious injuries when a dog attempts to protect and compensate for aches in other parts of his/her body.
That’s why I am happy that I have found Lisa Ruthig of Lively Dog Animal Massage & Reiki. Regular sessions with Lisa, along with consistent warming up, cooling down and regular chiropractic care, help keep small soreness issues from becoming big injury issues and help my 2 Australian Shepherds perform at their physical peak.
Lisa is also very flexible, providing in-home visits and a willingness to work around a busy schedule. She takes her time and works with your dog and both my dogs love her.
Susan Kraus
ADCH MACH4 ATCH Cali – Twin Oaks Lil Surfer Girl
8th place 2006 AKC Nationals 20”
6th place 2007 AKC Nationals 20”
USASA Top National Agility Australian Shepherd 2005, 2006, 2007
Mir NA OAJ AD – Twin Oaks Lil Jet Mirage
Alfie
Alfie, my border collie, is 9 years old and has dealt with numerous
health issues over the last 5 years. He had had a "spine stroke" which
left him with a weakened left hind leg, and has suffered two bouts of
lyme disease as well as hypothyroidism.
Lisa has worked with Alfie over the past three months, utilizing
various massage and Reiki techniques. Before Alfie began his treatments
he was obviously uncomfortable, demonstrating an inability to negotiate
stairs without difficulty and had lost his spirit of fun.
Alfie has responded well, with incremental improvements, and seems
happier. The secondary benefit is his positive response and apparent
friendship with Lisa.
Strider
Strider
is a Border Collie/Aussie about three years of age. Much of his
history is unknown except for growing up on a farm in KY. Since he was
a rescue, much of the years we had him have been used to help his state
of mind. He has a wonderful personality but he is very sensitive and
shy. We have worked with him in various capacities trying to socialize
him and relax him.
We met Lisa at a farmer�s market where she saw the anxiety in him. We began to have her over for pet massage sessions with a little of her Reiki. The first time she came, he was tentative but did settle sooner than I anticipated. He was on alert, but after a bit he did seem to get into it.
The next few times she came to the house he wanted to bark as he always does but also started to whimper as he recognized her. Normally it takes many more meetings for him to get ultra-excited to see someone. He will very excitedly get into the location where she massages him, looking at her, and waiting for her touch.
Since we have begun the sessions, I have seen him relax and even get more invigorated. I noticed after the first time she came, when I brought him to where I work and the owner called him over, he actually went (though sort of slinking), and let Mike pat him on the head. I was shocked and amazed (proud too). Lately, he has been feeling better about being among strangers. He likes to sit behind the desk at Pack and Ship.
After one more session he actually came to sniff a couple that came to the house and let them throw his Frisbee to him. I believe I have never before seen him truly comfortable, without any rigidity in his body, with people he does not know.
The last two times Lisa came, Strider was not at all anxious and there was no ambivalence. He was entirely happy to see her, and she got such a greeting. He now comes to her when she calls, etc... I thank the massage and Reiki for helping him get over his stranger anxiety in less time than ever had been. I have seen so much improvement in such a short time. I am grateful to have met Lisa (so is Strider).
The more massages we had, the more I saw him go up to strangers, still a bit reticent, but letting them pet him, if only for an instant. I believe he is getting much more confident in himself as he starts to feel better. I believe very much that the state of mind and the state of physical health is highly connected. I have seen his recent scar improve as well. I believe any toxins that may be in his system may be coming out with this work, as well, which to me is important. I think that he has benefited emotionally, behaviorally, and physically and will continue to.