January 2020 Practitioner of the month....cal o'neill

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!

Contact Cal!