Canine Massage Coming to Noah's Ark

Pam Kasper knows the value of a good massage - just ask her dogs. The Glencoe resident will be bringing her canine massage talents to Noah's Ark in Wilmette by mid-July.

Kasper recently earned her certification from the National Board of Certification for Animal Acupuncture and Massage (NBCAAM). Kasper also attended the Chicago School of Canine Massage, where students learn about massaging animals, as well as animal behavior and anatomy.

The students worked with dogs at Tales of Hope, where Kasper saw first hand how much of a difference massage can make in the lives of dogs.

"There was a bulldog named Little Girl that was used for breeding," she explained. "She wouldn't even look at me the first time [we met for a massage]."

Kasper noted that the dog wasn't mean - just very afraid of people after years of abuse. Dogs like that are especially susceptible to being overlooked for adoptions, as potential owners typically want a friendly pet. Kasper found that massage was a great way to get Little Girl used to human touch, and made her more open to love.

"By the end of of our sessions together, she'd even stand next time and let me touch her," Kasper said. "And I was so happy - I recently got a photo of her and her new dad. Massage got her to open up to people and allowed her to trust them."

Kasper noted that massage can be very beneficial to dogs, relieving them of stress, strengthening their immune systems, speeding up recovery after a surgery, and relieving muscle and joint pain - and that's just the tip of the benefits.

"It's very similar to people," she explained. "Dogs have muscles too, just like we do. The difference is, you can explain your ailments - dogs can't. That's the big challenge. ... Your dog can't just say, 'hey, my neck is killing me.'"

Kasper noted that massage therapy varies per dog - sometimes it takes the canine a little time to warm up to massage, but they do eventually figure out how beneficial it is, and they end up loving it. The amount of massage needed also varies depending on the dog, with some needing massages two times per week, and other needing it only every other week or every month.

Kasper will have a private room in Noah's Ark for canine massage, complete with soothing music and even electric candles. Massages are expected to be available sometime next week.

Those interested in learning more about Kasper's services can contact her at 847-208-0999 or at pamkasper@mac.com.