Name: Jane Schirrmeister

Location: WHOLE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC MOSTLY CABARETE, SOSUA AND PUERTO PLATA AREA

Certifications through Angel's Animals: CERTIFIED CANINE KINEOSIOLOGY TAPE PRACTIONER, CERTIFIED CANINE CRANIOSACRAL TECHNIQUE THERAPIST, CERTIFIED CANINE MYO-MANIPULATIVE FUNCTIONAL THERAPIST

When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals? IN THE BELLY OF MY MOM, MY GRANDFATHER WAS A K9 DOG TRAINER AT THE POLICE IN GERMANY

What animal influenced you the most growing up? DOGS, HORSES, ALL OF THEM UNTIL REPTILES BUT MOSTLY OUR DOGS AND HORSES. I STARTED AT EARLY AGE TRAINING THEM WITH THE POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT OF THE CLICKER AND STUDIED 4 YEARS VET SCHOOL AFTERWARDS

What animals do you currently own? 5 DOGS, 3 DUCKS, 1 TURTLE AND FREE IGUANAS I JUST FEED BUT THEY LIVE IN THE GARDEN AND 1 CAT

What makes your animal bodywork practice stand out? I AM VERY PATIENT AND I EXPLAIN A LOT TO MY CLIENTS AND TRY TO UNDERSTAND THE COMMUNICATION AND BODY SIGNALS OF THE THE ANIMAL, WHICH COULD BE INDICATIONS OR TRIGGERS FOR SOME BEHAVIOR " PROBLEMS" CAUSED BY THE HANDLER. IN MY PHYSICAL THERAPY I AM VERY GROUNDED NEVER STRESSED AND CONNECT WITH THE DOG. THIS SPEECHLESS CONNECTION I THINK MAKES MY SESSIONS SPECIAL AND MY EXPLANATIONS FOR WHY, HOW ETC TO THE OWNER. ITS A FORCELESS TRAINING AND THERAPY FOR THE DOG, THE GOAL IS TO MAKE HIM THE DOG HAPPY AND LOWER HIS CORTISOL, FOR EXAMPLE IN ANXIETY OR AGGRSSION.

What message would you like to share with potential clients? THERE IS NO UNTRAINABLE DOG, JUST UNTRAINABLE PEOPLE, THERE IS NO DOG CALLED " PROBLEM". THE DOG DOESN'T KNOW WHAT HE DOES RIGHT OR WRONG, WE HAVE TO KEEP IN MIND THAT MANY DOGS ARE TRAUMATIZED OR GOT TRAINED A WRONG WAY. AS HOLISTIC AS A HUMAN HAS TO BE A DOG HAS TO BE TOO. BODY, MIND AND SOUL NEED TO BE ONE. JUST WALKING YOUR DOG IS NOT ENOUGH, HIS MIND WITH MENTAL GAMES FOR EXAMPLE NEEDS TO BE WORK TO. THEY NEED SOCIAL CONTACTS AND PLAYTIME AND BREAKS WITHIN TRAINING. THEY NEED A QUIET ATMOSPHERE FOR PHYSICAL THERAPY TO HEAL COMPLETELY NOT JUST THE MAYBE BROKEN HIP BUT ALSO HIS MIND HIS BODY AND SPIRIT.

What message would you like to share with others who are thinking about pursuing a career in animal bodywork? IT IS A GREAT CAREER. ANGELS ANIMALS MADE MY DREAM COME TRUE. MY FURY CLIENTS ARE THE MOST LOYAL AND GRATEFUL ONCE. ANGELIQUE IS ALWAYS REACHABLE WHEN YOU NEED AN ADVISE, THIS IS NOT USUAL. THE PROGRESS TO SEE IN THE ANIMALS IS MORE VALUABLE THAN ANY MONEY

Name: Liza Dietzen

Practice Location: Wallace, MI USA

Certifications through Angel's Animals: Canine Massage and Canine Kinesiology Taping

When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals? I’ve been an animal lover since I was a small kid. My parents joke that I could bark before I could talk. It was always a dream to work with animals. At first I always talked about being a farmer, then a vet, etc. In 2009 I became involved with sled dogs and bought my own kennel in 2012. Sled dogs, like all athletes, are prone to muscle soreness and injury. Mushers constantly have their hands on their animals. After wanting to improve the quality of care I give to my own dogs during training and racing, I decided to look into animal massage in 2019. The other courses I’ve taken and gotten certified in have only added to the general improvement of sled dog care and maintenance.

What animal influenced you the most growing up? I’ve had many animals over the years. Growing up I had hamsters and guinea pigs and later in adolescence had cats. I’ve always called myself a dog person but didn’t own my first dog until 2009. I would have to say that growing up my cat named Pickle was the most influential and unforgettable. She came into our lives at a time where I really needed a friend and since she was feral and needed a lot of patience and time, she gave me something to work towards every day.

What animals do you currently own? Currently I own 15 dogs and 4 cats.

What makes your animal bodywork practice stand out? I think my background in working dogs sets my practice apart.

What message would you like to share with potential clients? Don’t be afraid to ask questions. I’m a visual and hands on learner. I love talking about what I do and what I am doing. So if you want to know what I’m doing and why with your pet, just ask!

What message would you like to share with others who are thinking about pursuing a career in animal bodywork? I’ve found it very rewarding. There is nothing much more awesome than being able to identify a problem, implement a plan, and see the result. The littlest things can have the biggest impact.

Name: Destiny Goble

Practice Location: I currently practice in Waverly and surrounding areas including Auburn in Alabama. I’ve recently joined with Dr. Debra Taylor’s veterinary practice there to be more involved in specialized Hoof Care Rehabilitation. 

What certification did you earn through Angel's Animals? I earned my Equine Myo-manipulative Functional Therapy certification first and am currently working to finish my Equine Kinesiology Taping and Craniosacral Therapy courses. My future and ultimate goal is to add ANMR to my practice. 

When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals? I've always wanted to, as a kid it was often how I earned money for the things I needed. I was working my first real W2 job for a corporate sales store when I realized not having horses in my day to day life as a career was something I couldn't live with. It was then that I attended Lookout Mountain School of Horseshoeing in 2007 which led me to Auburn Veterinary College where I feel in love with Hoof Rehab and the barefoot hoof philosophies. I can remember all of the chronic and acute laminitis horses that came into my life for hoof help and spending time just rubbing their tired muscles that were hard as rocks. I always wished I could do more for the whole horse in my whole horse business approach. I had played around with massage for several years just to make the  horses more comfortable to stand for longer hoof care procedures and began to see the value and proof of what I was doing. This led me to Angel's Animals LLC. the course was laid out in a manner of kinetic learning that I could take to work and learn. It was exactly what I needed to learn to put the puzzle together on horses I couldn't go any farther with on the Hoof Rehab side. Without correct and balanced movement, your hoof care is only as balanced as the body.

What animal influenced you the most growing up? Horses. My best friend was always a horse from a young age. I would disappear all day with just my horse and snacks. 

What animals do you currently own? Two horses, a dog and a cat.

What makes your animal bodywork practice stand out? ​All professionals have the things that make them feel good about the work they do and mine is having two different professions that work seamlessly together. Being a CEMFT and a Hoof Rehab Specialist, I feel like I make more of an impact on horses in need. Horses with chronic hoof issues over long periods end up with so many secondary ailments. Just knowing that I can bring them overdue reflex from that stand point of hoof AND body, I feel like I've made a difference. I no longer feel helpless for them.

What message would you like to share with potential clients? My focus is on the horse, and I want to advocate what's best for them. It's not just the body, just the feet, just the diet, it's the WHOLE horse. Generally when horses get to me, owners have been in a battle for sometime and feel like they're loosing. I'm no miracle worker by any means, but when you approach a cases that's slipping down hill with a collaborative, open minded team approach that attacks the war tactfully from every corner success happens. Much of this success, I feel like comes down to owner's willingness to follow the new plan and stay the course with an open mind. Another part that goes along with tough cases is to have an immense support group of colleagues in your corner with a shared mindset to help horses overcome the obstacles in their path. I'm thankful everyday for the outstanding group of colleagues that I've found myself surrounded by in my career.

What message would you like to share with others who are thinking about pursuing a career in animal bodywork? Just go for it. You aren't going to understand every bit of course material in your studies right away, some things will go over your head at first, but just keep going. Those teachings that confuse you in the beginning with ring true on certain animals in need at the right time. Position yourself into local rescues whether it be shelters with canines and felines or equine based organizations before you even begin a course. Those animals will be forever grateful for your time spent learning on them. They can even be your certification cases allowing you to have full histories without scrambling for case histories at the end of your courses.

Off topic, but be sure to set your business up as a full fledge business. Meet with a CPA to discuss proper filing and reporting. They have valuable advice on how to run a successful business without it running you. Familiarize yourself with your state laws. Not every state will allow you to legally practice. FORMS,  having your own forms for each client and each horse puts  you so far ahead in many ways.

Lastly, and most importantly, get ride alongs with any professional that will take you, massage therapist and chiropractor. Local AND distant to you. Let them know your aspirations. There is ALWAYS something you can learn from another professional. This was one of the most important things I did for myself to further my education.

Name: Rhonda Tennant

Practice Location: New Bern, North Carolina and the surrounding area of eastern North Carolina 

What certification did you earn through Angel's Animals? Canine Myo-manipulative Functional Therapy

When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals?  In 2019, I decided to work with dogs because of a past vocal cord injury that could not be fixed after 5 surgeries. I always had a love for animals all through life, but not until my 1st rescue in 2018 of a senior blind poodle, did I realize I wanted to help canines in a therapeutic way.

What animals do you currently own?  I have a standard Dachshund, Tucker, a Malteagle, Rudolph, a blind Poodle, Marlee, and a Collie/Siberian Husky rescue named Sophie. 

What makes your animal bodywork practice stand out? Healing Paws Canine Massage Therapy is unique to Eastern NC because I am the only one and I am a mobile company so I make house calls.

What message would you like to share with potential clients? Massage works!!! Not only on a physical level, but also mental. Animal bodywork has its place in the realm of holistic approach to physical and mental ailments. 

What message would you like to share with others who are thinking about pursuing a career in animal bodywork? I believe that if you want to be relevant in the animal world and have the intent to help animals in a very important and life changing way for them..... animal bodywork could be your answer. I do not at anytime regret my career choice at all.

Name:  Jeanette Bingley

Practice Location: I am based in Sutton NSW, Australia and practise in the Sutton and Canberra regions. I only have a small clientele base and therefore can get to them within a few days of them requesting an appointment (my preference).

What certification did you earn through Angel's Animals? Equine Myo-manipulative Functional Therapist (EMFT), Certified Equine Craniosacral Practitioner, Certified Equine Kinesiology Tape Practitioner, Certified Animal Neuro-myofascial release Practitioner (ANMR)
Would definitely recommend ALL these to prospective students!... I cannot remember any client that I have not been able to help using at least one of the modalities have learnt through Dr Barbara's courses. Probably the most surprising to me at first was the positive reactions and releases shown by using Craniosacral Therapy.

When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals? As far back as I can remember I have always wanted to be working with animals, and lets just say that that means quite a number of years!. Initially I wanted to be a vet but life got in the road and then as the years went on I realised that there is just soooo much more to a healthy body that is free of restrictions then just Vet Science--- dont get me wrong though, vets are important and are irreplaceable in many situations.

What animal influenced you the most growing up? As a youngster I grew up with the usual dogs, cats, chooks, budgies, guinea pigs and rabbits, but all I ever wanted was a horse. so from 14yrs old I have always had at least 1 horse and have NEVER looked back. Coming from a definitely 'non-horsey ' family there was a lot of learning to do.

What animals do you currently own? I currently own 10 horse/ponies, a very enthusiastic 3yr old Labradore, 2 stable cats, a very talkative Cockatoo and the enevitiable chooks. We do live on a property so luckily room for all!

What makes your animal bodywork practice stand out? Thats a hard one. I would like to think that I take a particular interest in each and every client, their horse/ponies issues and treatment for their chosen disipline and most importantly I like to give (and follow through with ), a management plan for each of them that should change and develop over time as they improve. I am more than happy to put time into researching further any issues that are being tricky to fully to resolve. I am confident to use a diverse range of modalities and find the one that suits that client for that issue best. I always carry with me Redlights, PBM light, Level 3B Laser, rocktape and massage equipment so can cover most issues at all visits.

What message would you like to share with potential clients? During my career as a trainer, coach , breeder and competitor I identified the need for Bodywork intervention to assist my team of equine athletes to be able to train and compete at their best. I am now delighted to be able to provide this service to others. I am passionate about being able to put any horse in any discipline in as best position possible to be able to train and perform at their best without any pain or physical restrictions. From ‘paddock pony’ to Grand Prix dressage horse, they all deserve to be pain-free and as comfortable as possible. My other great aim is to educate owners/riders how to best manage their equine partner on a daily basis and how to tell when they are in need of practitioner intervention.

What message would you like to share with others who are thinking about pursuing a career in animal bodywork? DO IT--- you will never look back!. You soon realise just how much your animals are actually trying to tell you and just how much they appreciate your new found knowledge. NEVER give up on an issue whether it be with your own animals or your clients, just think a little as to what else they could be hiding that is actually the primary cause.... it may take you working through a number of layers first though. Each and every horse/pony is an individual with their own set of issues, treat each one as a challenge and opportunity to learn more! It is an AWESOME feeling to go back to a client and see improvements, and to note just how much the animal thanks you! Know that if you are doing the best you can on that day, with that horse/pony, then it is always going to be better then it would have been without you.

Name: Suzanne O'Brien

Practice Location: Dallas, Texas

What certification did you earn through Angel's Animals? CMFT, REIKI, Craniosacral, ANMR and Kinesiology Taping

When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals? ​I have always been inspired by interspecies communication but my old life was as an Implementation Project Manager in telecommunications. Within a week of being laid off my 115lb European Doberman, who was so healthy and powerful, suddenly couldn’t walk without stumbling and falling down. He lost his bark, his motivation, shook and whined, unable to get up into his favourite chair unassisted. The E Vet suggested a wait and see approach and if not better in a few days, MRI, surgery or Put to sleep over life quality. During my corporate time I was also very holistic in my wellness approach and I believed acupuncture was the route to take for my boy.  I have always loved animals and had them in my life as part of the family since childhood. Rhett was my son.  It was during an acupuncture session that the veterinarian, Dr. Lisa Molidor, advised Rhett needed weekly massage therapy which would allow for the acupuncture work to be more powerfully received too.  A light went off.   After gaining skills and being able to not only help him heal further but keep him balanced, while other pets were being put down because folks couldn’t afford an MRI and surgery and realizing in so many cases all of that is completely unnecessary, I knew I had to help other pet parents. I watched a miracle of healing that has to be shared.   

What animal influenced you the most growing up? Cashes Clay Muhamad Alley Cat ; my black cat soul mate. I picked him out when allowed to have a kitten, he fell asleep in my lap. We went everywhere together, building forts, running around in the yard. We shared ice-cream cones, sandwiches and cashews.  He waited for me at the window to get off the school bus. He walked on and off leash in a heel, would sit on command, came when I blew a whistle or called, slept either curled up in my hair or like a human with his head on a pillow right next to me.  And, of course, he stood up on his hind legs and boxed!  

What animals do you currently own? We have a Doberman puppy, Artemis Lilith, and 4 groovy kittehs, two orange and two gray tabbies all about 3-4 years old.  Rhett regained full power and as I like to say it, he went out with his boots on after skiing me across a neighbor’s yard last September to play with his friend Stella.  He was playing and suddenly expired.  I rendered CPR training from the class, brought him back 3 times but each time he crashed.  It was his time to leave this plane but we all meet up again across that rainbow bridge. His job was done, he got me on this path of healing and helping the fur kids.

What makes your animal bodywork practice stand out? A few things: I take all the training of the various modalities and craft that into sessions tailored to the individual dog.  I work with a few fearful dogs who need to learn to trust so many of those sessions begin with distance reiki until I can get my hands on them, work some acupoints and soothe their muscles and joints.  I send some patients home with exercises to help them recover in-between appointments, and run a BioScan on each patient which helps identify what they are looking for emotionally to get them into emotional balance  and physically as it runs a body system scan from the immune system to structure to digestion etc. Aromatherapy is included with each session and I love how the scan essentially confirms what I have already intuitively chosen as the oil blend for the session♥.  

What message would you like to share with potential clients?  Understanding that massage therapy is a vital part of ongoing maintenance just as  getting regular vet checkups are and patience is their pup has a chronic condition, that will probably mean a few weekly or bi-weekly sessions to get them balanced before reverting to an ongoing maintenance plan for the life of that animal. This means patience to know that more than likely, several sessions will be needed and also, patience to wait, observe and allow space in-between these sessions for the body to respond and the healing to take shape ourwardly. Folks get very used to pharma and taking a pill and *boom* pain goes away or some other symptom to an underlying condition is masked.  What I do is open a space for the animal to heal himself by clearing blocked energy and providing a quiet place to balance. Using my Doberman, Rhett, as an example, it took us 3 months of bi-weekly and weekly sessions to get his bones stacked properly. He had cervical and thoracic pain, tight spasming muscles, severe mobility issues, a lot of imbalance in the beginning.  Each dog is going to heal differently and at a different speed.  I am currently working with a paraplegic who is just beginning to regain his proprioception.  In these cases, it takes loving kindness and patience on both sides.  Healers also can get in a hurry to see results!

What message would you like to share with others who are thinking about pursuing a career in animal bodywork? I get energized working with the animals, they typically don’t have the mental emotional road blocks to healing that we humans many times do have.  This makes it very exciting because we often times see great results after just a session or two that would take a human a very much longer time typically to see.  They want to heal and feed off our energy, our intention. Prior to each session, I ask to be the conduit of patience, love and divine healing; to provide the healing that they wish for.  I have been lucky so far, every creature I have worked on has shown progress and while this is great, I also realize that we each have plans and that the plan is not always to heal.  So I meditate on this truth prior to my sessions and accept my role as a conduit of love, light and abundant healing on all levels, mind, body and spirit.  This work is so rewarding. ♥

Name: Jeremy Gilliam, Quarter Circle TD Equine Massage & Therapy

Practice Location: throughout the state of Montana

What certification did you earn through Angel's Animals? I earned 2 certificates for Equine Myo-Manipulative Functional Therapist and Equine Kinesiology Tape Practitioner.

When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals? About 2 years ago I was watching a Equine Massage Therapist work on my wife's horse and I thought I could do this and why do I need to pay someone to do it for my wife. So I started to look into this and found out that I could learn Equine Massage and help others too. I have enjoyed the trip in Equine Massage education.

What animal influenced you the most growing up? Growing up I had a black Lab and he was my best friend when I was a toddler. Ever since I have enjoyed all animals and know horses help me a lot with PTSD.

What animals do you currently own? We currently own 7 gaming horse, 2 dogs and 2 cats.

What makes your animal bodywork practice stand out? What makes my bodywork practice stand out is that I am very patient with the animals and treat them like one of my own animals. I also listen to the owners and never tell them they were wrong. I also have taken additional course in Laser Light Therapy and purchased a class 3 laser. In addition, I have also purchased a traveling EquiVibe Plate for therapy on horses. I have also been working with a Equine Vet clinic and also am one of the only few in Montana with Equine Massage Therapy Insurance.

What message would you like to share with potential clients? I will listen to every client and treat each horse with respect as if it was my own. I have over 10 years of experiences competing on horses and understand what it takes for them to compete healthy. Every horse should have time to relax and be pampered.

What message would you like to share with others who are thinking about pursuing a career in animal bodywork? I say if you are thinking of pursing a career in animal bodywork do it. It is the most satisfying reward to complete the certifications and to see the results you provide to the animals. I waited 6 months and I should not have. Holistic Animal Studies by Angel's Animal LLC. had lots of great information and was very educational. I would recommend this courses to anyone that was interested in animal bodyworks. ​

Name: ​Megan Wos

Practice Location: My Client base is primarily in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan but I also travel to lower Michigan and Wisconsin.

What certification did you earn through Angel's Animals? Equine Kinesology Taping, Equine Craniosacral, Animal Reiki, and Animal Neuro - Myofascial Release. My plan is to add small animal body work next! :)

When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals? I have always worked with animals and began training and worked alongside my trainer to start horses when I was 12. I have always worked towards continuing my education, to learn new or better ways of working and communicating with horses. I have always aspired to become a better horsewomen and rider. I had a good background in horse management through my time as a Pony Club member, during this time I first learned of equine chiropractic from our Veterinarian. I went on to a Chiropractic clinic where I first learned of Equine Massage through trigger points. I skimmed through the book unsure of it all and I ran across one trigger point I couldn’t pass on. It was a point just behind the horses front legs, and it stated horses would have a hard time with flying lead changes. This hit home as I was working on my horse’s flying changes at the time, and one lead was always easier than the other. So I went home and looked at my mare and sure enough she had a small knot in that exact spot! I worked it out as the book said, and the knot diminished. The next ride I worked like normal and as I asked for the flying change it was an effortless transition for my mare! Since then I have been hooked! I went on to become a CESMT and continued my education from there, always adding new ways to help my clients horses and my horses become happier and better athletes!

What animal influenced you the most growing up? Every horse I have had the pleasure of working with or on has influenced me and my knowledge in one way or another. However the one who gave me the hardest time, who would keep me awake at night, is also the one who taught me the most, Howie! He was an egyptian bred black Arabian! He was originally started as a 3 year old stallion, he sat and was gelded at the age of 9. I then helped restart him at age 11. This horse had given me so much! He would give me his all and he made me realize that horses will do anything that is asked of them if only they trust you. We also dabbled in many different disciplines, from endurance rides, eventing, dressage, speed, pleasure shows this boy did it all for me! It was because of him I now let the horses tell me what they like and want to do. For every horse I have owned or had in training I will gear their training in a direction the horse will enjoy! As their happiness means more to me than the ribbon or title that comes from performing the disciplines or achieving levels I want to accomplish! I also have to add Cherokee and Ike. Cherokee the mare that gave me everything she had!! The War mare who would be stubborn and mare-ish but had the biggest heart and would always give it her all! Ike is a beautiful Arabian gelding with a troubled past. He was once sold with a “if he kills anyone we are not liable” clause. This gelding took lots of time to gain his trust and to let him realize he didn't need to be guarded or scared. Now this beautiful boy is my lesson horse, and gives lessons to children who have never been on a horse before! So each horse teaches me something new, but one thing is certain! I would not be who I am today if it wasn’t for these amazing creatures that have allowed me to be in their lives!

What animals do you currently own? 

I currently own 9 horses! Three are semi-retired, one is a rehab project that I received last fall, and so far he has made great progress! My stallion was a homebred and I also own his sire who is now gelded. I have three main riding horses based on discipline and I also have a small breeding operation. I am known as someone in our horse community who is good with horses and takes good care of them, as last year I was given three horses. Although you may find 9 horses to be a big number I find it hard to turn down a great horse just because their past or current situation may not be perfect. My job is to do the best job I can, to work with them and one day find them a perfect home, or like so many others, retire them out and give back to them a small part of what they have given to us!
We also currently own 3 dogs and 2 cats.
What makes your animal bodywork practice stand out? I have a vast variety of knowledge, having ridden many different disciplines, from starting and retraining horses, to working with abused or misunderstood horses. I take pride in bringing an understanding as to why the horse is acting the way they are. Besides having knowledge of why or how to fix something I am always learning! I do all my own farrier work, training, bodywork and I have fed and cared for as many as 40+ horses in one day. But what makes me stand out is the fact that the horse always, ALWAYS, comes first! This is why I travel to help clients even if it is a few hours drive to help one horse. I love the reward of seeing a change, to hear from the owner a positive outcome. I have had so many clients frustrated and lost, many have been told by vets that nothing is wrong with their horse, or they have no idea what's wrong, and after a few body work sessions their horse is sound and moving so much better! This is why I love this job, and if I can give back just a little to these amazing animals after they have given so much to me then it is worth it!

What message would you like to share with potential clients? If you ever have a question please ask!

What message would you like to share with others who are thinking about pursuing a career in animal bodywork? If you truly love animals and want to help them become happy and healthy then don’t hesitate for one second! If not, simply add more knowledge to help your own horses, the more you learn the closer the partnership you will build with them!

Name: Alison Anderson

Practice Location: I practice all over the State of Montana and travel with the cutting horse circuit across the Pacific North West and in the winter Arizona.

What certification did you earn through Angel's Animals? Completed the Equine Massage Certification Course, currently working on the Cranial Sacral Course

When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals? I have an extensive Animal Science background. God has continuously provided me opportunities to learn from wonderful mentors throughout my career. I have ridden my whole life and grew up on a hobby farm with a variety of farm animals. I showed horses and rodeoed growing up. In college I got my BS in Animal Science and Masters in Agribusiness Management. I worked 10 years as a Vet tech, worked weekends for cutting horse trainers Bill Peirce, Allen Crouch, TC Scheer, and Will Nuttall. I have also had my veterinary illustrations published in a Theriogenology Textbook and JAVMA. Currently I still compete in NCHA cuttings and try to continue to learn as much as I can.

What animal influenced you the most growing up? Horses, I am the only horse lover in my family and I am so thankful my parents encouraged and supported that passion. After horses I have extensive cattle experience and am a big dog lover also. I love all other critters as well but those three are my main passion.

What animals do you currently own? I own an 9 yr old Quarter horse gelding, Reyv, that I cut on, a 25 yr old TN Walker gelding, Curly, and a 7 year old female Catahoula named Nola, who is deaf. Reyv, Nola, and I haul all over the country together while Curly enjoys semi retirement.

What makes your animal bodywork practice stand out? Having a lot of experience in the veterinary world and the performance horse world really allows me to understand what these horses are being asked to do daily and what injuries they are prone to. I also have developed a offering of products that I have tested and love and offer them for retail sale. ex. Back on Track products, Equiflex sleeves, etc.

What message would you like to share with potential clients? Bodywork is about so much more then just doing something relaxing for your horse, it can help prevent injuries, supplement traditional medicine, strengthen weaknesses in the athlete, and increase the longevity of your horses career. Be open minded but do your research and ensure you are getting quality bodywork.

What message would you like to share with others who are thinking about pursuing a career in animal bodywork? You have to earn your knowledge and be willing to work hard to get the experience you need to be able to contribute to the industry. Find great mentors and soak up all the knowledge that you can. Don't be scared to make mistakes and realize that failures are just part of life and don't determine your success in the future. ​

Name: Cal O'Neill

Practice Location: South Florida, USA

What certification did you earn through Angel's Animals? Canine Myo-manipulative Functional Therapist

When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals?  As a child, I remember my miniature Doberman Pincher getting hit by a car. Although she survived the accident, seeing the hurt in her eyes broke my heart. I would sit with her for hours and massage her joints and muscles to make her feel as comfortable as possible. I knew at that moment that I would someday work with animals.

What animal influenced you the most growing up?  I've had all kinds of pets growing up. Rabbits, ferrets, mice, turtles, fish, birds, cats and dogs. All have influenced me in one way or another. But I have always had a connection with canines.

What animals do you currently own?  Our rescued Black Lab "Missy". She's starting to show signs of age. But physically we can't keep up with her. Even at the age of 13 she is just as physically active as a  2-year-old puppy. I realized the daily therapy sessions she has been receiving through the years, have positively contributed to her physically active well-being. She is a perfect example of the many benefits of myo-massage therapy.

What makes your animal bodywork practice stand out?  While working on my case studies I've learned to video some of my session and record gaits. I play back and study the footage in slow motion which helps me tailer my bodywork techniques on my next visit.

What message would you like to share with potential clients? The biggest misconception about canine massage therapy is that most think it's a luxury. But in fact, some of my patients have been through some sort of trauma and are physically challenged. I will often work with your veterinarian requesting medical history that will help me in coming up with a long or short-term treatment plan for your pet. Remember that dogs suffer in silence. During palpation, I will also look for areas of concern and report them back to you and your veterinarian. At the very least, your pet will have an amazing experience!

What message would you like to share with others who are thinking about pursuing a career in animal bodywork? Angel' s Animals studies provides you with all the necessary tools you will need to start a successful career. After you receive your certification, don't expect your phone to ring right away. Market yourself, volunteer your time, attend humane society fund raisers, prove your knowledge, and continue to educate yourself with additional studies. It took 5 months before I got my first client. But I'm now working with local veterinarians who are referring some of their patients over to me. I can guarantee you that there is nothing more satisfying than working on a dog who's been suffering from lameness and after a few sessions, they're up and running. That to me is priceless!