Heather Wallace- Animal Bodywork

12/26/2025

It's Friday! That means time to answer a Frequently Asked Question. Do you have questions? Ask them below.

12/25/2025

I was at dinner recently when the woman sitting next to me found out what I do for a living. She thought it would be a great idea to bring her dog in, which had a pinched nerve. I later found out much to my dismay, the dog had the injury over a year prior and was now completely paralyzed and atrophied in the hind end. There was no way that dog would ever walk again. Please, please, please if you notice something is off with your dog go to the veterinarian. If the veterinarian believes it is soft tissue related, contact a local canine bodyworker. Even better when they refer them to a chiropractor as well to relieve pressure on the spine slowly and correctly. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to recover muscle tone.

12/24/2025

Your dog may not lay down for massage- and that’s okay.

I call initial visits a first date. After all, we’re just getting to know each other. Dogs are super sweet, but we can’t expect them to show weakness or discomfort upon meeting for the first time.

Usually a dog will stand then sit for the bodywork session, and they may walk away at any time. After three sessions, they may choose to lay down. Regardless, it’s their session so whatever makes them comfortable is what we do!

12/23/2025

My Massage Sessions May Look Different Than Expected: The Dog

Many of my clients have taken a one-day course to relax and massage their dogs at home, something I think is wonderful. The course may required low lighting, a pet bed and long flowing strokes. Sounds amazing!

I can certainly provide that. When I meet an animal for the first time, I ask what the goals for your pet are. If the goal is relaxation, then I will certainly adjust the atmosphere and my energy accordingly.

BUT...

Yes, there's a but. There's another, more effective way to work with your dog. Because, they aren't humans and don't need the trappings we do to relax. In fact, sometimes asking them to lay down and stay sill can cause more tensing and bracing throughout the body, which is the opposite of my goal.

In my sessions, I encourage your dog to move naturally. Often they will be curious and want to sniff me and walk away. I let them. They always come back. Letting them leave gives them a sense of confidence and allows them to feel like they are not cornered. This is especially important when an animal has severe knots or pain points.

They think it's fun and often even the most shy animal walks out with a wagging tail and a pep in their step.

So when you come in for an appointment, let's talk about your goals. I'll introduce myself to your dog on the ground, and make it so enjoyable they can't wait to come back. Maybe we end up on the massage table after a few sessions, but it's optional, never required. Photo by

12/22/2025

I can watch this a 1000 times. Just an amazing example of soft work with big results. Most soft tissue and fascia work isn’t flashy- and it doesn’t need to be!

12/22/2025

The Belly Lift

This belly lift technique is an alternative to the "butt tucks". I prefer not to use butt tucks as many horses have a posterior pelvis (out of alignment) and the tuck will put additional pressure on the lumbar spine and the stifle in this instance.

The belly lift is a one-and-done exercise, similar to a plank.

1. Stand perpendicular to the horse and squat.
2. Hold your arms shoulder width apart.
3. One hand should go underneath the sternum and the other placed on the belly (again- shoulder width apart).
4. Gently stand and press your arms up as you rise, gently and in one fluid motion. (Be careful- some mares like to kick!)

You will not see much of a rise because you are moving with them, but this is a great reminder for them to engage their core prior to saddling. If your horse pins their ears, goes to kick, or seems genuinely uncomfortable DO NOT do this technique and call a professional.

Disclaimer: these gentle techniques are homework for the horse owner and not intended to replace veterinary care or bodywork/massage therapy with a professional. This is simply small tool you can use at home!

12/21/2025

12/19/2025

It's Friday! That means time to answer a Frequently Asked Question. Do you have questions? Ask them below.

12/18/2025

Not everyone has access to, or the budget for a professional massage therapist or bodyworker. That's why I created my video course for horse owners. This intro course gives you ways to spot tension in your horse and improve your relationship by helping them be more comfortable.

This course is not a replacement for veterinary care but as a complement to regular, professional bodywork or if you do not have access to one.

Click the link in my bio now to sign up for only $99 and receive four weeks of videos!

12/17/2025

Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a gentle hands-on technique created by a Chiropractor that uses a light touch to examine membranes and movement of the fluids in and around the central nervous system.

Relieving tension in the central nervous system promotes a feeling of well-being by eliminating pain and boosting health and immunity. This technique focuses on stimulating the Central Nervous System and detecting the cranial rhythm of the body with gentle hands, as well as moving the cranial sutures and bones in the head to their proper place. A chiropractor or massage therapist may perform craniosacral therapy, and it’s wonderful for sensitive or anxious animals!

Craniosacral therapy has great benefits, especially for animals with:

Tension in the head and neck
Poll pain
Bracing in shoulders and back
TMJ or dental issues
Tail misalignment
Senior animals
Sensitive animals

Photo by

12/16/2025

Sweet girl deserves this win. Can’t wait to meet these puppies!

CH Rockycreek & WillOMoor Stone of Destiny ✨

We are thrilled to announce that Destiny has earned her AKC Championship! 🏆
We couldn’t be prouder of this beautiful girl and everyone who helped her along the way.

Next up, we are very excited to be looking forward to Destiny’s upcoming litter by Memo, a pairing we believe will be something truly special. After her litter, Destiny will be heading back to work as she begins training toward her Junior Hunter (JH) title — beauty and brains in action!