January 2018 Practitioner of the Month - Leah Batchelor

Name: Leah Batchelor

Location: Sexsmith, Alberta, Canada

Certifications Through Angel's Animals: Certified Equine Myo-manipulative Functional Therapist, Certified Canine Myo-manipulative Functional Therapist, Certified Equine Kinesiology Taping Practitioner, Certified Canine Kinesiology Taping Practitioner, Certified Equine Craniosacral Therapist, Certified Canine Craniosacral Therapist, Certified Animal Neuro-myofascial Release Technique Practitioner

When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals? I was about 12 years old when the dog we had took ill and I wanted to do everything I could to save it. Later a friend took me horse back riding and my passion for animals burst threw similar to busting an over filled balloon!

What animal influenced you the most growing up? I would have to say there was no one animal; it was a collection of wild and domestic.

What animals do you currently own?  Wow... we have gone from rescuing almost everything 4 legged and furry.. we currently care for 14 horses, 3 dogs and a moose as well as several deer that come back every winter, which I guess basically are on loan from mother nature. George the moose grew up here as we saved him after he got caught in a fence. He has come back every year so I guess that would be 17 years; he kinda adopted us.

What makes your animal bodywork practice stand out? I started as a rescue some 20 years ago .. so people understand my love , compassion and understanding and that I am willing to do whatever is necessary to help the animal.

What message would you like to share with perspective clients? I am honest, hard working, loyal and dedicated to helping you and your horse form a loving and compassionate balance and will explain things to you in manner in which you will understand. I will be there should your loving companion have to be laid to rest. As after month or years of working together he or she becomes a part of my life with unconditional love.

What message would you like to share with others who are thinking about pursing a career in animal bodywork? Our work is not unlike a vets ; we have to listen carefully  and most of all be PATIENT and UNDERSTANDING and COMPASSIONATE. Even with that being said, there are times when it can be frustrating when all an owner is trying to do is help and yet is getting in the way. This is their fur child ; their companion. IF you can devote every ounce of your being and humanity when working on each and every special case then you have a fighting chance at making a difference when working with the animals and becoming a good animal bodyworker.

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