Josh Neufeld ensures every dog has its day.
Through his hands, he forms a unique, special connection with his canine friends, and through his business offers massage therapy for dogs of all breeds and sizes.
The idea to form the business - A Dog’s Day Canine Massage Therapy - came about a few years ago when Neufeld completed the animal care aide program at North Island College.
“You go over so many different things with that program and at the end, there was a chapter talking about a different types of therapy. They talked about massage therapy. I wasn’t really thinking about it too much at the time, but it really stuck in my head.”
There are a variety of reasons why dogs can benefit from massage therapy, he explained, but compared the overall feeling to that of regular (human) massages.
“If you think about how you feel when you come out of one, sometimes we call it ‘massage drunk.’ It’s the same with the dogs - it’s the release of the endorphins and the increase circulation and range of motion - pretty much the same things apply.”
In addition to preventative therapy, some of the canine benefits includes an elimination of toxins, increase range of motion, reduction of inflammation, assistance in the healing process and help with emotional issues.
“Sometimes dogs are apprehensive - or have a fear of men - or some have been abused. So what I like to do, is have that first meeting, let everyone know about that consultation, we can get familiar, we can go over any problems that could come up and just hang out. We just start with just some pets and gradually bring in some massage sequences.”
Neufeld offers a complementary consultation, and offers sessions of one hour. Because it is a mobile service (he travels within an approximate 100 km radius of the Comox Valley, but can travel further), he finds flexibility when working with owners, and the mobility allows dogs to feel more comfortable in their own home.
His goal is to treat each dog from head to tail, and by performing a full body massage promotes balance by not only focussing on the area which is ailing, but on all the body which can be compensating for a single ailment.
Neufeld said his biggest challenges so far have been getting the word out and dispelling myths about canine massage.
“Some people see it not so much as a therapy but more as pampering - which it could be - or perhaps it’s not seen as a real therapy. My goal is to provide an education of what it is and what the benefits are.”
For more information, contact Neufeld at 250-792-9427, visit his Facebook page or email adogsdaycaninemassage@gmail.com.