September 2020 Practitioner of the Month....Liza Dietzen

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.

Visit Liza's Website