Location: Brightlingsea, Essex
Tel: 07841 472082
Email: canismassage@icloud.com
Website: www.canismassage.com
About the Therapist
I was first introduced to Canine Massage in 2013 when I attended a course for home use, I felt there had to be so much more to Canine Massage so researched the subject and found the 2 year Diploma course offered by the Canine Massage Therapy Centre, My rescue girl Gracie suffered a partial tear to her cruciate ligament and conservative management, which included Massage and Hydrotherapy as well as extensive rest ensured she was able to recover well without requiring surgery. I had decided to take a career break from my role as Operations Manager for an Ambulance company, and was enjoying being a stay-at-home-mum to my 3 Newfoundland rescues, this meant I was able to dedicate my time to completing the extensive diploma course and becoming a Clinical Canine Massage Therapist.
I offer Massage for your dog at your home address; I cover all of Essex (including parts of East London & Suffolk, upon request).
As a member of the Canine Massage Guild, we are required to complete 25 hours per year of continued professional development, this means that you can be certain that I am constantly renewing my skills and keeping ahead of new developments in the industry. Since achieving my Diploma I have also completed a number of continuing education courses, which I am able to use in practice.
Level 2 Qualification: Canine First Aid
Advanced Deep Tissue Massage (CMTC)
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (CMTC)
Facilitated Stretching for the Canine Patient (CMTC)
Canine Conditioning Academy – Foundation level
Ventral Aspect (CMTC) 2 day training course
Psychopharmacology: Nando Brown & JoRosie Haffenden (School of Canine Science)
Introduction to Accupressure: Ana Joti Low
Canine Self Healing: Kachina Canines
Introduction to T-Touch: Hannah Wilkinson
T-Touch: How Posture Affects Behaviour: Sarah Fisher
Canine Behaviour Training Diploma: CoE
Recent Seminars:
Dogs in Motion: Dr Martin Fischer
Canine Body Language: Brenda Aloff
Dog Law: Trevor Cooper
The Roles of Pain & Nutrition in (Mis)behaviour: Robert Falconer Taylor
Understanding & preventing aggression: DogsTrust Dog School
I have 3 rescue Newfoundland dogs, 2 are 12 and one is 10, I’ve been owned by the breed for over 20 years. Newfies are a wonderful working breed and I train with my dogs to take part in Water Rescue, Carting, Nosework & Obedience events. I am an active member of the Working Newfoundland Club of Great Britain and I spend a great deal of time soggy, hairy and covered in slobber, and that’s just when I’m at home! I have a huge amount of experience with big dogs and I have found it to be such a useful tool for maintaining their working abilities and keeping them in top physical condition so they can enjoy life. Newfoundlands, like so many Giant breeds have a propensity for certain conditions such as Cruciate problems and Hip Dysplasia, all three of my dogs have various problems but I am so lucky to be able to maintain their health using Massage. They are able to continue with an active and happy life and there is no better feeling than knowing I am keeping them comfortable.
I am currently studying to become a Canine Conditioning Instructor, which will also enable me to give your dog exercises to aid their rehabilitation. In my spare time I’m also training to become a Pilates instructor.
Costs
The initial consultation appointment takes around 90 minutes and includes a thorough palpation of your dog, This will enable me to ascertain any problem areas which I can then focus on in my massage. This session also includes gait & postural analysis and a one hour full body massage. This session is £55, subsequent sessions if required, take one hour and cost £50. Out of area costs are charged an additional rate (agreed prior to session)
Client Comments
Austin has had quite a bit of investigation work and treatment for back pain and stiffness. All costly treatment revealed nothing, except good bone structure. We tried hydro, the people there were very good at what they do but I didn’t see a change in Austin. Months later I spoke to a lady about canine massage, then booked him an appointment. After an assessment she gave him a good massage and I was unsure what results it would achieve but can honestly say I’m pretty amazed. After just one session Austin’s twitch in his back which he has had for ages has gone and he generally looks less tense… I’m really positive we’ve found the right therapy for him.
I am so happy with the results of Mel’s massages, highly recommended, she has a lovely soft nature about her, which Austin loves. He has benefitted so much from just 3 sessions thank you.
Austin, Collie
Jessie is like a different dog after 3 sessions with Mel. We feel like we have the dog we had 3 years ago back she’s so full of life and joy. Amazing. Wish Mel did humans too!!
Jessie, Collie
When my older rescued Newfoundland Angie had problems, with bad hips and knees, I had no problems asking Mel to have a look at her. Angie was on a lot of medication, but was starting to struggle, and not able to walk very far, this started to result in muscle wasting. There was a good improvement after her first session with Mel, so I decided to continue. She went from strength to strength and is so keen to have her treatment that she literally throws herself at Mel and can’t wait to get started. Angie has been having maintenance treatment every 4 weeks for some time now. She is almost 10 years old, which for a rescued girl, who didn’t have a good start in life is amazing, thanks to Mel. She is able to go for walks with my 2 other dogs, still loves to muscle in on a game with the others and can now freely and without pain roll about on the lawn, which is lovely to see. I would highly recommend Mel, she is passionate about dogs, and this shows with the care and attention she puts in.
Angie, Newfoundland
I can’t thank you enough for all you have done for Kyla. Her regular massages make the world of difference to her life! At 11 years old (which is fairly old for a GSD) she is still living life to the full, playing ball & chasing squirrels. She still goes training & thoroughly enjoys it & comes to work with me & helps me walk other people’s dog! We no longer have any limping or dragging of her back feet & we can give her lovely back scratches without the shuddering …I would recommend canine massage to anyone with an older dog as I can see everyday what a difference it makes. We’re so glad we found you Mel
Kyla, GSD
One month later and such a difference!
Previously Buttons my black lab couldn’t lift his head in standing position or barely walk. He’s not been on any painkillers for over 3 weeks now. Mel has worked wonders on him.
Buttons, Labrador
You work miracles! Jackson is an absolute king to how he was! He’s no longer lame and completely back to normal… He is like a new dog.
Jackson, Working Labrador, Gundog & Working Trials
Mel has had one (long!) session with my Tibetan Spaniel Daisy, helping her with problems walking due to an misaligned knee-cap. Daisy can be quite stubborn but Mel demonstrated great patience and care. She’ll need at least one more session but I can see improvements already and given that Daisy’s 12.5 years old, I’m very happy to be going down this route rather than invasive surgery. I highly recommend Mel.
Daisy, Tibetan Spaniel