Laura Riley, Ph.D.
Having a life long love of dogs has lead me to my dream job. My background working as a Psychology Professor, and research specialization in sport psychology, lead me to understand some of the psychological dynamics between canine athletes and their owners. I have trained our own pets to be therapy dogs, worked as a Pet Gal pet sitter, and have several pets who have benefited from holistic healing methods. These experiences have given me a unique background that has lead me to pursue training in canine massage.
Yeager was my heart dog (that special dog that becomes your soulmate) and the inspiration for “Heart Hound Massage”. Yeager had a heart of gold and for years gave back by being a therapy dog and provided comfort to the sick and to at risk students in a reading program. For many years, Holistic healing methods helped Yeager’s elbow dysplasia, giving him a better quality of life, and enabled him to bring joy to others well into his senior years. In honor of Yeager's memory, I would like to dedicate my abilities to help other amazing dogs live a longer quality life to spend with their owners by providing therapeutic massage.
My training is from the Rocky Mountain School of Animal Acupressure and Massage (RMSAAM) which is accredited by the National Board of Certification for Animal Acupressure and Massage (NBCAAM). I am certified in basic massage and advanced massage techniques for sporting dogs, and am completing my certification in advanced massage techniques for senior dogs. I'm a member of International Association of Animal Massage and Bodywork (IAAMB). I have also completed a couple TTouch courses, which I incorporate into massage. I am certified in Canine CPR.
Why Canine Massage?
The Canine Journal (November, 2017) provides several benefits of canine massage:
· Reduces muscle pain and stiffness and improves muscle tone
· Increases energy, concentration and alterness
· Helps animals learn to relax, reduces stress and anxiety
· Promotoes circulation
· Helps immune system functioning
· Aids in helaing from surgery or injury
· Provides better well being of your pet by slowing degenerative processes
Puppies to senior dogs can benefit from massage. Canine athletes, service dogs, and working and hunting dogs also receive great benefits from massage. I hope to be able to help your special dog feel better and perform at their best.
How It Works...
This is a mobile service and I come to your home for pet therapy, where your dog is most comfortable. Texas law requires Veterinarian approval prior to any dog massage, and I have attached the Veterinarian form at the bottom of this website, under "Required Forms." Service rates are listed on the contact form.