I am a Certified Small Animal Massage Practitioner through the Northwest School of Animal Massage. I am also a Certified Reiki Practitioner, and have over seven years of experience in veterinary medicine. My background includes
allopathic and naturopathic modalities, as well as extensive physical
therapy and rehabilitation experience, both for my own animals and in
my veterinary work. I have specialized experience with post-op, rehab,
Senior, and special needs dogs, including ambulation and incontinence
issues, administering medications, PT and rehab exercises, diet,
nutrition, flower essences, homeopathics, and hospice care.
I grew up with dogs, rabbits, fish, salamanders (and other creatures from the creek in the woods), occasional horses, and later, cats. From Head to Tail Canine Massage grew from my passion for all animals as well as the express needs of my own dogs and cats. The sole purpose of From Head to Tail is to improve the quality of life of all animals by providing loving and intuitive massage and Reiki.
I share a home with Patrick, our dog Hunter, and Queen of the Felines, Fiona.
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| Hedgehog Snow Dog |
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| Too handsome! |
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| Always the last word! |
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Blue Austin, 12/25/1996 - 10/7/2006
From Head to Tail Canine Massage grew from and was inspired by our experiences with Blue, our Bernese Mountain Dog. Blue was diagnosed with Degenerative Myelopathy when he was about 6-1/2 years old. From that point on, each day held new lessons and challenges for us in ways we never would have imagined. For almost 10 years he brought us never-ending joy and taught us innumerable lessons about the true meaning – and value – of life. His playful and loving spirit continues on to touch our lives each day. He taught us all many lessons, touched many lives, and lives on in many hearts.
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| Lexi helped get things going too! |
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Lexi (aka Lexi Lu, Lu Lu, Lu Lu Pie, etc.) came to us in 2005 after a fibrocartilaginous embolism left her paralyzed in the hind end. We were fortunate enough to adopt her from her owners after the incident, and continue the physical therapy they were unable to manage. After 5 months of intensive therapy (underwater treadmill, E-stim, physical exercises, walking in a cart, etc.) Lexi was able to walk again ~ although some say she walks like a "drunken sailor"! Her therapy is an on-going process, and will continue throughout her lifetime as the nerve damage may never completely heal. She was a wonderful companion to Blue in the last year of his life, and is a constant inspiration to us ~ her determination has never waivered, and she, like Blue, continues to live her life with joy despite her physical limitations (what physical limitations? says she!)
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| Maddie in one of her favorite places |
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Maddie became a member of our family in February 2007. I spent 5 days at
the Oregon Humane Society during my practicum for certification through
the Northwest School of Animal Massage, and on the second day, I turned
the corner in the "Yellow Pod" and there she was ~ I knew immediately
that she would be part of our family! Maddie was a Vizsla mix, and was
chocolate brown. She was very thin and had been transferred from the
Salem Humane Society; she reportedly had problems with separation
anxiety and trying to escape (she was constantly kenneled and tied out
~ I'd try to escape too!) She adjusted beautifully to our family and was a very happy, joyful, playful girl! She always had the squirrels on the run! Unfortunately, we lost Maddie to Hemangiosarcoma in the autumn of 2009, but her loving and joyful spirit will remain with us forever.
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| Zu Zu & Fiona snoozing in the condo |
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Fiona and ZuZu came to us just after we adopted Lexi in 2005. Fiona had been up in a tree for 5 days during some of the hottest weather we had that summer. Fortunately, that tree was in a friend's yard, and when Fiona finally came down, my friend and her husband rushed her to their veterinarian. She was very very thin, but they slowly nursed her back to health over the next month. Much to their (and their vet's) surprise, she presented them with one kitten (ZuZu) after about 5 weeks! But because their dogs were pretty crazed about having the cat and her kitten in the house, they decided to find a home for them once the kitten was weaned. We were so lucky to happen upon the entire situation, and decided to adopt both of them sight unseen! They moved in with us before ZuZu was weaned, and they've taken over the house (they sound like a herd of wild horses galloping down the hallway!) They're orange tabbies with wild and loving personalities ~ what more can I say? Lexi is especially close to ZuZu, but they all get along wonderfully!
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Call or e-mail today to schedule an appointment for your special pet!
Laurie S. Austin
Certified Small Animal Massage Practitioner
Certified Reiki Practitioner
head2tail@laurieaustin.com ~ 503.332.1965
Portland, Oregon
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