Name: Elizabeth (Betsy) Daniels
Location: CT, USA Certifications through Angel's Animals: Canine Myo-Manipulative Functional Therapist Canine Craniosacral Techniques Therapist Animal Cold Laser Therapist When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals? I have always loved animals of all kinds. I grew up in a large family and we all loved animals, so we had a lot of pets, from dogs, cats, horses, crows, and a few wild animals we rehabilitated. What animal influenced you the most growing up? When I was 12, my dad got our first Irish Wolfhound, Tara. She was 6 months old when we got her and had not had any formal training. I decided to take her for a walk, but instead she took me! That’s when I first became interested in training. With my Dad’s support, I trained Tara in obedience and completed successfully in obedience events. I even trained her to be in a play using hand signals to guide her in her role from the orchestra pit! My high school offered Agri-Science courses, so I was able to learn a lot about animals and agriculture, as well as complete 2 years in veterinary science. I went on to own and train multiple Irish Wolfhounds and other dogs and successfully competed in Breed, Obedience, and Field competitions, as well having multiple dogs as Canine Good Citizens and Therapy dogs. I later enjoyed dog shows and field events with both of my daughters and their dogs. I also owned horses and competed in events with them. In the past I had introduced an animal assisted therapy program within a preschool where I worked. We had resident guinea pigs and a rabbit and the kids loved learning how to care for the animals, as well as having the animals included in classroom activities. We had several children with disabilities and the animals became part of their therapeutic program as well. Because of this experience, I wanted to find a way to work with children utilizing animals in a therapeutic way. I went on to become a Pediatric Occupational Therapy Practitioner, later earning a certificate in Professional Animal Assisted Therapy. I have been blessed in being able to do what I LOVE with all the canine partners and families that I have had the honor of working with and continue to work with. One of the best results in working with children and their families with my canine partners is that often times the families would see the therapeutic value of including a dog in their family and I was often asked to be a resource for them! I decided to go on and become certified in Canine Myo-Manipulitive Functional Therapy and Canine Craniosacral Therapy, because I have seen how much it helps my human patients, as well as my own dogs. What animals do you currently own? Currently I have (in chronological order;) Chrissy, my 41 year old Golfin’s Cockatoo, Doogie, our 34 year old Cockatiel, Pearl, my 13.5 year old Standard Poodle and retired Canine OT partner, Otis Henry, our 11 year old senior rescue Puggle and Barry, my 2 year old dachshund/Shih Tzu rescue and current OT canine partner. What makes your animal bodywork practice stand out? I think I have always believed in the body’s ability to heal it’s self, which is what lead me to incorporate craniosacral within my OT practice. I like the connection I have learned to have with each person and now in my practice with dogs. I believe in co-operative care and in meeting the dog where they are in order to create a therapeutic relationship. I like having the owner/caregiver be part of their dog’s session, so I can work with them to help foster that understanding and in order for them to create a therapeutic relationship with their dog. What message would you like to share with potential clients? There are so many ways to deepen the bond with their dog and to ensure a mutually beneficial partnership for both owner and dog! Just as self care is important for us as people, canine massage is a great resource for preventive care and in enhancing their dog’s health. Canine massage can also help owners be aware of how their dog is responding to activities or aging. I feel it gives owners better insight to how their dog is doing that may not be as evident in routine care. I also believe it’s a way to return their unconditional love for us! What message would you like to share with others who are thinking about pursuing a career in animal health? I love that Angel’s Animals Holistic Care & Seminars offers courses for owners. I would encourage owners who would like to learn ways to enhance their dog’s health and their relationship with their dog, to take a owners course. For those already thinking about a career in animal health, I would highly recommend Angel’s Animals Holistic courses. I think the courses are a great way to get started in finding what area of animal health might be the right fit!
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