fur.therapy

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?

🎄✨ 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

🌼 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.

🐾
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

⛵️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.