fur.therapy

24/03/2026

Maxi 💛
This beautiful girl is a tripod, and honestly… she’s incredible.

After losing her hind limb as a puppy, Maxi has grown into a strong, active, beach-loving dog who absolutely makes the most of life. But like many tripod dogs, her body works a lot harder behind the scenes.

Over time, that extra load can show up as:
• Tightness through the back and hips
• Increased strain on the remaining hind limb
• Compensatory patterns through the shoulders and front end

This is where therapeutic massage becomes so valuable.

Since starting her sessions, we’ve been working on:
• Releasing deep compensatory tension
• Supporting her remaining hind limb
• Improving mobility through her back and hips
• Helping her body move more comfortably and efficiently

And the best part?

She is doing SO well.

She’s moving more freely, settling beautifully into sessions, and (my favourite part) completely melting into the work — often falling asleep halfway through 💤

Her parents have also been amazing, continuing her home care in between sessions, which is making a real difference to her progress.

This is what canine massage is really about:
Not just relaxation… but supporting the body through real, everyday demands — especially in dogs who are working a little harder than most.

Maxi, you’re an absolute superstar ✨

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04/03/2026

I recently had the pleasure of meeting this beautiful Labrador for his first therapeutic massage session, following a referral from his veterinary team to help support his comfort and mobility.

Tippy came in to support movement through the hip flexors and lower back. When we take the time to observe a dog’s movement closely, we can often notice subtle changes in stride length, flexibility, or posture that may indicate areas of muscular tension or compensation.

During his session we focused on gently releasing tension through the lumbar muscles, hip flexors and hamstrings, while also improving soft tissue mobility through the thoracic region. These areas play an important role in how dogs generate power through their hind limbs and maintain balanced, comfortable movement.

One of the things I love about therapeutic canine massage is that it doesn’t have to wait until a dog is injured or struggling. It can also be a proactive way to support healthy movement, reduce muscular tension, and help dogs stay comfortable in their bodies as they move through life.

Tippy settled beautifully into the session and allowed me to work calmly and methodically while remaining relaxed and engaged. His family were also shown some gentle techniques they can use between visits to help maintain his comfort at home.

I’m looking forward to seeing how he progresses over the coming sessions.

Welcome to the FurTherapy family, sweet Tippy 💛

Have you ever noticed subtle changes in your dog’s movement or stride?

26/02/2026

Post-operative recovery doesn’t end with surgery — that’s when rehabilitation really begins. 🐾

Ruby is currently recovering from CCL surgery.

Surgery stabilises the joint.
Rehabilitation supports the body’s response.

After cruciate procedures, many dogs develop compensatory loading, muscle guarding, and secondary tension — especially through the spine and opposite limb.

In Ruby’s sessions we are focusing on:

• Lymphatic support for swelling
• Scar tissue mobilisation
• Passive range of motion
• Releasing compensatory thoracolumbar tension
• Supporting the non-surgical limb

Post-operative massage is not relaxation work.
It is clinically informed and adjusted to tissue healing timelines.

As an NBCAAM-certified practitioner, my approach is grounded in rehabilitation principles and collaborative care.

When integrated alongside veterinary guidance, therapeutic bodywork may help support safer return to function and overall comfort.

If your dog is recovering from CCL surgery or managing a cruciate injury, feel free to reach out to discuss a tailored post-op care plan.

13/02/2026

One of the most rewarding parts of my work is seeing dogs truly relax — not just physically, but emotionally too.

After this session, their lovely pet parent shared:

“Thanks so much for the session last night, we learned so much from you! The girls slept like babies afterwards. We’re especially glad BaoBao finally managed to wind down before bed instead of getting all hyped up.”

Therapeutic canine massage supports the muscles, joints, and nervous system — helping dogs release tension, settle more easily, and feel comfortable in their bodies.

If your dog struggles to relax, carries tension, or needs extra support as they age, this work can make a meaningful difference.

📍 Mobile sessions across Auckland
📩 Message me to book or ask questions

20/01/2026

💛 “Massage” vs. Massage Therapy — What Every Dog Parent Should Know

I love seeing how many people want to support their dogs’ comfort, mobility, and wellbeing.
That intention matters — and your dog absolutely feels it. 💛

But here’s something important to understand:

Massage therapy is not the same as simply rubbing or petting your dog.

Therapeutic canine massage works directly with your dog’s soft tissue, nervous system, joints, and movement patterns — and when done incorrectly, it can unintentionally cause discomfort, inflammation, or even injury.

Where things can go wrong:

• Applying pressure in the wrong areas
• Working over inflamed or injured tissue
• Missing subtle signs of pain or stress
• Stimulating tissue that actually needs rest
• Masking pain instead of addressing the cause

Dogs are incredibly stoic. Many will tolerate discomfort quietly — especially when it comes from someone they love.

Why professional training matters

Becoming a canine massage therapist involves:
• Detailed anatomy & physiology
• Understanding pathology and contraindications
• Learning to read canine body language in real time
• Knowing when not to work on tissue
• Adapting techniques to each individual dog

Massage therapy is clinical, intentional, and highly individual — it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach.

The good news?

You can support your dog at home — when you’re taught how.

I teach pet parents safe, appropriate techniques tailored specifically to their dog, so they can confidently support comfort and mobility between professional sessions — without risk.

✨ The safest, most loving thing you can do for your dog is:
✔️ Learn from a qualified professional
✔️ Understand your dog’s unique needs
✔️ Combine at-home care with professional therapy

👉 Book a professional session to learn how to support your dog safely and effectively.
Your dog deserves informed, intentional care — not guesswork.

31/12/2025

🎄✨ Meri Kirihimete & Happy New Year ✨🎄

To all my wonderful clients and their dogs — thank you for trusting me with your dogs’ care this year. It’s been a full, meaningful year of listening hands, quiet moments, progress wins, and supporting dogs exactly where they are.

You may have noticed I’ve been a little quieter online lately — not because I’ve stopped working (quite the opposite!), but because the past few weeks have been incredibly busy hands-on with dogs who needed extra support. When things get intense, I choose to put my energy where it matters most: being fully present in sessions, respecting client privacy, and giving each dog my complete attention rather than pulling out my phone 📵🐾

Over the last few days, I’ve also taken a short pause to spend time with my family — getting outside, adventuring, and soaking up some much-needed downtime with my own little tripod, Lilibet 🐶💛
(If you know, you know — she keeps me grounded and reminds me why this work matters.)

✨ Looking ahead to the New Year ✨
January is one of the best times to start or recommit to therapeutic massage — especially for:
• senior dogs
• dogs recovering from injury or surgery
• dogs with arthritis or chronic tension
• anxious or sensitive dogs who benefit from nervous system support

I’ll be opening new booking spaces for the New Year, and if you’ve been thinking about supporting your dog’s comfort, mobility, and quality of life in 2026, now is the perfect time to get started.

Thank you again for being part of this community. Wishing you and your dogs a peaceful holiday season and a New Year filled with comfort, movement, and connection 🐾✨

📩 Bookings & enquiries are now open for January

13/11/2025

🌼 Welcome little Saffron 🌼

This sweet rescue girl has recently found her forever home — and her mum is already doing everything right to help her settle in. With Guy Fawkes fireworks adding an extra layer of stress, her mum wanted to support Saffron in feeling safe, calm, and connected through therapeutic canine massage. 💛

Rescue dogs often carry layers of emotional and physical tension from their past experiences. Science shows that gentle, intentional touch can help lower stress hormones like cortisol and increase oxytocin — the “bonding” hormone that fosters trust and safety.

In our first session, Saffron was given full choice and control — the most important foundation for building trust. We worked at her pace, letting her explore, observe, and decide when she was ready to engage. This slow, consent-based approach helps the nervous system regulate and creates a positive association with touch, paving the way for deeper work later on.

Massage is not only about the body — it’s about communication, safety, and relationship. For rescue dogs like Saffron, this gentle approach can be life-changing in helping them decompress, integrate new experiences, and truly settle into their new home.

💛 Huge credit to Saffron’s mum for being so proactive and understanding that rescue dogs need time, patience, and support to feel secure. By choosing therapeutic massage, she’s giving Saffron the best start to her new life.

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If you’ve recently welcomed a rescue or have a dog who’s feeling the stress of fireworks season, therapeutic canine massage can make a world of difference.
📍 Learn more or book a session at www.furtherapy.co.nz

28/10/2025

🐾Welcome Sid! 🩶
Sid is a beautiful senior who’s just begun his therapeutic massage sessions — and he’s already showing how much difference gentle, targeted touch can make.

As dogs age, they often experience stiffness, muscle tension, and reduced mobility. Therapeutic massage can help:
✨ Improve circulation and flexibility
✨ Ease joint and muscle discomfort
✨ Support balance and confidence in movement
✨ Enhance overall comfort and wellbeing

Every senior dog deserves to move with more ease and feel their best — and I love empowering pet parents to be part of that journey. I teach simple, safe techniques tailored to each dog’s individual needs, so you can confidently support your dog between sessions.

If your senior companion is slowing down or showing signs of stiffness, now’s the perfect time to start their therapeutic massage plan.

📍 Auckland | 🐾 NBCAAM-Certified Practitioner
💻 www.FurTherapy.co.nz
✨ Helping dogs feel better — one gentle touch at a time.



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22/10/2025

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟
A warm welcome to our newest Canis Bodyworks Mentorship student, who has officially begun their journey toward becoming a Certified Professional Canine Massage Therapist! 🐾💆‍♂️

This intensive mentorship is part of the internationally recognised NBCAAM-accredited programme — a gold standard in canine massage education. Students dive deep into anatomy, physiology, behaviour, biomechanics, and clinical techniques, gaining the skills to assess, treat, and support dogs through every stage of life and recovery.

💡 Why does this matter?
Because professional canine massage isn’t just “patting the dog” — it’s evidence-based, anatomy-informed therapeutic work that supports the musculoskeletal system, nervous system, and emotional wellbeing of the dogs we love.

Having trained, certified therapists ensures every massage session is safe, effective, and tailored to each individual dog’s needs — whether for rehabilitation, performance support, or everyday comfort.

🐶✨ Each new student means another step toward raising professional standards and expanding access to skilled canine bodywork across New Zealand.

If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your love for dogs into a meaningful, science-based career, find out more about the next intake of the Canis Bodyworks Mentorship Programme → Contact for mentorship details
Or to book a therapeutic massage for your own dog → Visit www.FurTherapy.co.nz

Together, we’re raising the standard of canine care across New Zealand — one skilled touch at a time. ❤️🐾

10/10/2025

🐾Meet Louie — the sweetest little 3-year-old Border Terrier who reminded us how teamwork between owners, walkers, and therapists keeps dogs feeling their best. 🐾

Louie’s regular dog walker noticed a slight change in his gait — a perfect example of why having attentive people in your dog’s life makes all the difference. His mum acted straight away and booked a therapeutic massage assessment with me.

During our session, we found tight hamstrings and several trigger points along his back (epaxial muscles) — areas that can easily cause discomfort or compensatory movement if left untreated.

Louie took to massage like a duck to water! 🦆 He relaxed beautifully and responded so well to the techniques. I also showed his mum a few simple, targeted massage techniques to use at home to support his ongoing comfort and mobility.

✨ Regular massage can help detect and address small issues before they become big problems — especially for active dogs like Louie. ✨

If you’ve noticed your dog moving differently, slowing down, or just not seeming themselves, now is the perfect time to book a therapeutic massage assessment.
Let’s keep those muscles happy, healthy, and pain-free.

📍 Based in Auckland | 🐶 Specialising in Canine Therapeutic Massage
📲 Book now via www.FurTherapy.co.nz

04/10/2025

⛵️After an epic overseas adventure, there’s nothing better than being welcomed home by this kind of enthusiasm 🐾💛

And now—it’s your dog’s turn to feel this good!
My booking calendar is officially open again for therapeutic canine massage. Whether your pup is dealing with stiffness, recovering from injury, or just deserves a little TLC, I’d love to see them back on the mat.

📅 Spaces are limited and filling fast, so secure your spot today.
✨ Returning clients—let’s get your pups back on track.
✨ New clients—now’s the perfect time to give your dog the gift of massage.

👉 Message me or head to www.furtherapy.co.nz to book your session now.

06/04/2025