Winter can be a difficult time for dogs, especially for those who may be sick, injured, or are experiencing the aches and pains of aging. But an in-home massage by Jenn Schaaf, owner of Pampered Paws K9 Massage, is the prefect way to promote healing, longevity and performance in your best friend. Recently we interviewed Jenn about the wonderful work she does as a Certified K9 Massage Therapist.
LWAG: What is the inspiration behind Pampered Paws K9 Massage?
Jenn: I started my business, Pampered Paws K9 Massage in 2012, during a break from employment after trying to complete my course for 7 years and having no time to do so. I took the opportunity to follow my dream, one that my Boxer (Cheyenne) helped me realize I was meant to do. From when Cheyenne was a pup I was constantly petting her, it wasn’t until later in her life I realized what I was doing was more of a benefit to her than just gentle love pats, what I was doing was massaging her and moving the blood flow and fluid through her body to help her heal any ailments she could not tell me about.
LWAG: What would you like our followers to know about your K9 Massages?
Jenn: I know firsthand the benefits of canine massage. I’m also the foremost choice for canine massage in the New Hampshire area and have extensive experience helping canines recover from sports injuries, accidents, arthritic pain and surgeries. This is a must for those looking for a canine masseuse. The added benefit is that I feel it’s best to travel to my clients to ensure the most comfortable experience in their own environment. This is something highly recommended on your canine masseuse check list.
LWAG: We wish we knew about your in-home services when our first Golden, Lemmy, was battling Cushing’s Disease. He received massages from a certified masseuse as part of his treatment. Although they helped immensely, the stress of traveling to the appointments did take its toll on him. Please tell us more about the benefits of massage.
Jenn: The golden benefits of regular pampering are:
- Stimulates circulation
- Releases endorphins (the body’s natural pain relievers)
- Reduces muscle spasms and creates a positive effect on the movement of the muscles…releasing tension and relaxing muscles
- Enhances muscle tone and increases range of motion
- Promotes healing by increasing the flow of nutrients to the muscles and assisting in carrying away excessive fluids and toxins
- Promotes longevity
- Reduces inflammation and swelling in the joints, alleviating pain
- Helps to maintain the whole body in better physical condition
LWAG: Please tell us about your specialized training, and your work with local veterinarians to create a plan for treatment.
Jenn: My training started as an online course, which took several years for me to complete while juggling life as a new mom. However when free time was available I packed up my SUV, son and parents and we drove to Virginia where I completed my hands on training with the instructor in person and gained my certification on a 3 month old Golden Retriever, named Annie. I was trained and certified by Mary Schreiber, owner of Equissage.
If a client is referred to me by their veterinarian, I will work with the veterinarian to customize a treatment plan and regime based on their suggestions for the clients pet and pet’s condition. K9 Massage is a holistic alternative to medicinal medicine and sometimes works best in conjunction. As the medications work from the outside to inside of the body, the massage works from inside to out, thus completing a full circle to help aid in quicker healing time and gaining strength after surgery.
LWAG: How can our readers contact you to learn more?
Jenn: Pampered Paws K9 Massage can be contacted via Facebook, email at pamperedpawsmassage@gmail.com or by calling/texting 603.661.1409. I would be happy to meet clients at their home if they wish to purchase a half hour or hour long massage.
LWAG: We met you at the NHSPCA Paws Walk. Are there other events our readers may meet you at?
Jenn: My Facebook page is the best way to find out about events that I will be at in the upcoming months. But at this time of year I do not have any events scheduled.
LWAG: Please tell us about your pets.
Jenn: We have a Rhodesian Ridgeback named Nitro (short for Nitromethane) who is 2.5 yrs old and full of energy. Within the last week we have adopted a 1.5 year old Boxer from Mississippi, her given name was “Bella,” however we changed her official name to “Cabella” (like our favorite store), who has way more energy than Nitro at this time. They are adjusting and settling nicely. Nitro is a gentle giant to Bella and they are already able to coexist on the couch together. We also have a turtle named Speedy. He was hatched in our front yard 4 years ago and we kept him but released the others to the wetlands on our property. Mumma turtle comes back every year to lay her eggs in our yard.
Thank you Jenn Schaaf for taking the time to tell our readers about Pampered Paws K9 Massage. Jenn travels to homes within the seacoast New Hampshire and Manchester area. Prices vary based on the dog’s comfort level, and times are approximate based on the enjoyment level of your dog. If you would like to learn more or to schedule a massage, please visit Pampered Paws K9 Massage on Facebook.
