Stacey Iverson, California
December 12, 2012
Dear Jenny,
Enclosed are my Case Studies for Canine Massage 1. While working with the dogs, I learned more than I expected, and am not quite sure how to put it all into words, but I know you understand that. Although I learned a lot in my studies and class, dogs are the best teachers. My case study dogs were all seniors, so they showed me how to massage with patience and an open mind, and to listen carefully to their signs and signals. I couldn’t have asked for better teachers. All were generous and patient with me, as were their people.
I found myself carefully finding my way through conversations with their people, discovering that I actually did know what I was talking about (confidence boost) and also learning when to just listen and also say “I don’t know†or “you might want to talk with your vetâ€.  It was also interesting to see how quickly all three dogs figured out who I was and why I was there, greeting me so happily after just 2 or 3 visits, not as a regular visitor but as that nice lady who massages me! They knew why I was there. At the beginning, I didn’t realize how good it would feel to help these older dogs improve. It was so rewarding to see them happy, move more easily, and also see their people so happy. One thing I noticed with their people was a more intense awareness of their senior dog’s situation. I think both people were somewhat in denial or unaware of how their dogs had aged. By talking about it and showing improvement with massage, they became more involved in finding ways to help their dogs to be more comfortable, even simple things like putting rugs around the house and beds by the fire.
A few things that I will change for next time:
1. A new note-taking system during massage. I will make up my own dog diagram and massage note sheet, now that I have done this once and know what works for me.
2. A key to mark different things like tension, knot in muscle, a reaction to touch.
3. I’m considering buying a table.
4. Have muscle diagrams in plastic sheets with me for easy referral if needed.
Overall, this was a great experience. I have learned a lot in a short time, but I know this is just the beginning and there is so much more to learn, both in class and through real-life experience. I feel much more confident in my abilities, and am so inspired by the people and animals that I meet. I learn something from animals every day, and this experience was one more example. Helping animals is what drives me, and I have learned through this experience that I am not a healer, but can assist dogs to become healthier and more balanced, so that they can live better lives.
I am committed to learning as much as I can. It’s important to me to maintain very high standards for all the dogs that I work with and for the profession in general. When I am ready to start my business, hopefully early 2013, I want to feel fully competent and worthy of calling myself a professional. Thanks for your help and feedback so far.
All the best,  Stacey Iverson
Stevi Quick, Florida
Stevi sent us this interesting email about a new client. Stevi took RMSAAMs Essential Oils and Aromatherapy Correspondence Course as well as Canine Massage Levels 1-3.
“I just wanted to let you all know that last weekend I had an incredible session using aromatherapy and massage techniques which I have learned from RMSAAM.
I have been struggling for several years to gain the respect of local agility competitors and veterinarians; as I have discussed with Kelly since 2008.
Well, recently I have been doing some work on myself and really studying.
Last weekend I was at a huge agility competition in South Florida and a woman was watching me work with another dog without me realizing.
She approached me and asked if I would work with her and her dog. Trixie is a 4 year old smooth fox terrier, who stresses so badly at competitions,
she would refuse to run the course, and try and run out of the ring. I offered several essential oils from your aromatherapy course to Trixie to begin work.
She was so stressed she was trembling and circling. She chose carrot seed, lavender and sweet marjoram, we connected for a brief time,and when she was ready we ended the session. The next morning we met again for a fifteen minute session, using the same oils,and I felt her energy change, the release of anxiety was almost colourful. Trixie’s eyes softened and she lied down. The muscles of her spine and thoracic limbs melted in my hands and she fell asleep. It was the most powerful session I have ever had.
Her mom began to cry.
Later that day, not only was Trixie able to run the courses, but she actually placed 2nd in one of them.
I just had to contact all of you to thank you for giving me this gift to pass along to the dogs I meet and connect with. I have been a student of RMSAAM for since 2009,
and finally I am doing what I am supposed to. THANK YOU for giving me these tools, but especially THANK YOU Kelly for taking the time to talk with me and support me before I have even taken your course.”
Jane Lo of Pokfulum Hong Kong
Jane sent us these pictures of a full day dog massage class she taught to pet owners! Jane did a great job outlining her Class Agenda and developing a flier to promote her class.
