Your Pet Really Kneads You

Even though I was born and raised in Santa Barbara , I never tire of strolling along our magnificent waterfront. I revel in the scent of the salt air, the sunshine bouncing playfully off the water, and the feel of warm sand squishing between my toes. For me, however, watching the canines cavort in the surf is the best part of the day. I can sit for hours and watch these creatures running and jumping and barking and basically having the time of their lives.  

I can’t help but notice that the plethora of pups parading by me often sport fancy collars and leashes, freshly groomed fur, and neatly trimmed nails. Some are eagerly chomping on new tennis balls or brightly-colored Frisbees. They even bring along a human companion to gingerly hold a plastic bag for those moments when, um, nature calls. These dogs have got it made.

I happened to look down at my own nails and realized that these pups are more pampered than I am. One of my nails is chipped, I can’t see through my sheepdog bangs, and my muscles are sore from hunching over a keyboard all day. Boy, I could really use some spoiling and I can think of no better way than succumbing to a luxurious massage. Which makes me wonder: couldn’t our pets benefit from a relaxing rub in much the same way we humans do?

Mary Jean Ballner thinks so. Ballner is a staunch supporter of pet massage and in fact has created a cottage industry out of the concept. Her videos and books, Cat Massage and Dog Massage, teach people simple techniques for massaging their own pets at home. “Massage,” she notes, “is a fantastic way to express love for our pets. Fancy food bowls and cute collars are nice, but what your pet really wants is affection and attention.”

Don’t have time to massage your pet? Don’t worry; someone else will do it for you. For about $50.00 an hour, a licensed pet massage therapist like Jessica Bosard of Santa Barbara will treat your tabby or terrier to a robust rubdown.

So, the next time your dogs are barking, so to speak, take an hour to treat yourself to a massage – and make sure to include your four-legged friend as well.

Karen finally treated herself to a massage and a manicure and feels like a new woman. She and her pampered pooch can be reached at karenleestevens@cox.net.

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