My business is mobile, I prefer to see pets in their own home, where they are most relaxed. I can then also assess the home for potential hazards, or just things we can change to make life more comfortable for the pet.
I have a small portable grooming table I usually use for the small dogs, otherwise I can sit on the floor, on the couch, or even stand up for some of the giant breed dogs. If I am working with a cow or a Llama or similar then we might put a halter on them, or put them in a small yard or something, just to keep them from wandering off.
Sometimes I meet people with their dogs, at a mutually agreed venue, if they live too far away or I can't fit them in at a convenient time at their home. This is usually a showground, or park. This can work for some defensive dogs too, who are too protective of their home territory.
I live in Nowra, Sth Coast NSW, so I work in this area, I also visit Canberra regularly, and pre-covid I would visit Darwin twice a year.
For the Canine Bodyworkz clinic, I am happy to teach that anywhere in Australia or NZ, I just need a local person who is interested in organising the details, booking a venue, advertising etc.
My own dogs have always been involved, they are my therapy practice pets, and I watch them too, learning more about biomechanics, movement, lameness etc.
My partner and I have 4 dogs, 3 we have taken into our care because family members can no longer look after them, and 1 that I chose, his name is Happy!
Happy was nearly 8yo when we he came home with us, he had no knowledge of the world outside of a house/backyard, severe chronic ear infections and murderously expensive gut health.
Happy is now ear infection free and can eat most things without dramatic after effects, and that has been a long journey.
But I am so, so proud of his achievements out on the trail, he has gone from a flat-footed bumbling giant puppy to a confident four wheel drive dog, he clambers over boulders and up cliffs, crosses rivers, leaps fallen trees and uses his nose.
Initially Happy didn't use his nose for anything much, that we could see, now his nose goes down and he is off on a scent trail. I did spend a lot of time playing scent games with him which probably helped, but I think the most important thing was having him out in the bush.
Our other dogs, in order of age are: Archie, Ellie and Hairy. They each weigh 6.4kgs (how wierd is that?) but are quite different looking dogs. Our dogs range from nearly 10 to nearly 14 years old.
What's the best thing about what you do?
The best thing about what I do? Everything, except maybe for the driving bit!
I do get a lot of pleasure from seeing a dog that no one can diagnose a lameness and being able to find and fix the problem. I don't diagnose because I am not a vet, but I can feel or see when something is wrong. Unlike our vets who are mostly GP's or Surgeons, All I do, Every Day is musculoskeletal issues, nothing else.
I also love working with senior pets, often their owners have been told there is nothing else that can be done to help the dog or cat. Then I come along and they feel better, move better and with a few changes around the house the pet can live more comfortably, for longer.
Did you know the leading cause of euthanasia of dogs in the UK is arthritis?? So many dogs and cats have gone from not being able to walk and being incontinent, to striding around the block and taking themselves outside to toilet. Usually within 2 or 3 sessions.
What was the last song that got stuck in your head?
I don't listen to much music, I am more a nature sounds and audible book type woman.
What's the most recent photo on your phone?
Ha ha, it's a photo of a picture! A quirky kind of a horse picture that means a lot to me emotionally and is hanging on my office wall.
Tea or coffee?
Coffee, I have my own machine and use organic beans/lactose free milk. I bet that gives the real coffee people the horrors!
Thanks so much to Robyn for taking the time out to talk about her business. Take a look at her website
here.