Doggie Massage

Now I have to admit there is some snickering when Poky goes to get her massage. People always stop and ask “Is this for real?” And they laugh. But it works. Dogs have muscles and joints too, and they can be just as troublesome as the human ones. They become tight as one grows older and doesn’t exercise as much, they can be injured and cause a lot of pain. They can make it difficult to walk, or jump or just find a comfortable way to lie down.
Our team was fortunate to find Ed Oliver, who does Sports Massage, and sets up a booth at the Farmers Market in Scottsdale on Saturdays. Ed used to do massage for a member of the Diamondbacks and his family, and they happened to have 2 Rottweilers. One day he was a bit early and while waiting decided to give one of the dogs a quick rub down. The next time he came the dogs expected a massage too, and after that the dogs had to have their massage first, before he could work on anyone else. He bought some books and learned a bit about dogs and their bodies, and his dog massage business was born.
Poky can get excited if real food is involved and had twisted her back leg a while back, while leaping to show interest in a burrito. At least that’s what we think happened, because a dog can’t really tell you. We go to the Farmers Market most weekends to buy organic veggies and see what other goodies are out there, and noticed this guy who was massaging a dog. Helen talked to him about it and brought Poky the next weekend. I have to admit that I thought it was a little wacko myself.
Ed put her up on the table, he has a separate table for the dogs that’s just a table, and gently started to work on her. He found some very tight muscles, with knots, around her hips. He’s worked on her for a couple of weeks now, and she’s back to jumping for snacks and walking a mile every day. She gets excited now when we get in the car to go to the market and last weekend was giving Mr. Ed kisses to show her approval.
I decided that if it’s doing the dog so much good I might try it too, so last weekend I had a massage. It’s kind of weird, lying on the table under a plastic tent and having people stop and stare, but it felt really good. Loosened up stuff that I didn’t even know was tight. I think my next appointment will be in the office though, just because. I don’t mind promoting the dog massage business by telling the people who stop how much good it’s done for Poky but I feel kind of strange when they’re talking about me. They pretty much ask the same questions. ..
Alex thinks this is all a waste of time and effort. Any cat knows more about relaxation than 20 humans.