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Photo by Sam Harrel

Photo by Sam Harrel

Photo by Sam Harrel

Photo by Sam Harrel

Photo by Sam Harrel

A makeshift table, formed by two sawhorses and a wood plank, was covered with wool blankets and nestled between 2-by-4s and nail guns in a spacious warehouse. Looking out of place in this industrial setting were the massage and aromatherapy books scattered on the table alongside therapeutic oils.

Ten women and their canine companions of various sizes and breeds gathered last Wednesday for the second “Tails A Waggin” dog massage class taught by Tarika Lea, the education director of the School of Integrating Shiatsu. Bonds instantly formed among the women as they recognized each other from walking their dogs at Creamer’s Field, or discussed how raising children compares to nurturing a puppy.

As their pets perched on mats on the paint-splattered concrete floor, the women learned how to massage their pooch. At first, there was a chorus of barking. Soon, rhythmic stroking pacified the dogs.

Fairbanks resident Jamie Marschner came with Bree, a Siberian husky. At 8 years old, the athletic animal is starting to feel stiff, especially after skijoring. Marschner says Bree doesn’t like her paws or legs touched. However, a few minutes into the massage, the husky seems blissful.

“When I massage Bree the right way, she enjoys it,” says Marschner. “Usually, she bites me. She did not bite me tonight.”

Dr. Betsy Rodger of the After Hours Veterinary Emergency Clinic says she incorporates massage into each patient examination because it helps her track the animal’s well being.

“Massage increases your awareness of your animal,” says Rodger, who attended class with her Labrador-Rottweiler mix, Hemi. “I know every lump and bump on my dog, all of my cats and even my reptiles because I touch them on a regular basis. Every animal is different. You have to make sure when you do massage that you respect the animal’s and your own limitations. If the animal says back off or to stop, don’t push it.”

Lea’s first foray into dog massage was last Christmas while visiting her sister. Jake, a springer spaniel, had lumps on his chest. As an experiment, Lea massaged her sister’s pet for three weeks.

“I was amazed that on and off without any specific methodology, the lumps reduced by more than half,” said Lea, who also teaches aromatherapy for pets. “I started massaging him. He would ask for the massage by backing his body into me. Jake’s behavior also started changing; he was calmer.”

After seeing the benefits first-hand, Lea began studying the Tillington Touch and other recognized techniques in canine massage therapy. She refined her skills by offering massages at events like a fundraiser for the Fairbanks and the Yukon Quest. She taught her first canine massage class in Fairbanks this March.

“Every dog became my teacher,” says Lea, who had two dogs who have since passed away from old age and now has two cats. “I had to learn a new way to touch that particular dog, according to age, activity level, breed and injuries.”

During the 2 1/2 hour class, the veteran body worker teaches a 26-step massage sequence, stroking from head to paw. Lea suggests to her students that they arrange a space in their home specifically for massage. She says healing touch is also a preventative measure because a weekly 10-minute massage may help find conditions that would otherwise be overlooked.

“Massaging your pet is more sophisticated than just petting,” said Lea, who has been a massage therapist for 40 years.

Massage may help alleviate physical and behavioral problems in dogs as well as help owners develop a deeper relationship with their pet. Bodywork may ease conditions including anxiety, arthritis, pad and paw problems, indigestion and gas, spasms, muscle soreness and some joint conditions, Lea said.

Some injuries and conditions aren’t suitable for treatment with massage. When in doubt, get a veterinarian’s approval.

Lisa Stuby knows firsthand the power of healing touch and has practiced the technique for years. The Fairbanks resident said massage transformed her relationship with her two rescued Huskies, Bears and Moon.

“I read an article on canine massage,” says Stuby, who brought Killae, a Norwegian Elkhound, to class. “Not knowing exactly what I was doing, I started massaging them.

“The massage broke down the wall with them. It turned our relationship around. Bears went from being a dog that was shy and paranoid to calm. A year later, they were loyal pets. They went from being sled dogs to well-behaved, social pets.”