December 2023 Newsletter

Message from Jim:

Hello All,

The change of seasons is upon us with our first snow of the year.

Last week the ponies were laying around in the sun (sleeping on the job) and this week the dogs are playing in the snow. At least until this coming weekend, when mother nature plans to bump the temperatures back up into the 40’s… in which case they’ll be playing in the mud. Great. Thank goodness the horses don’t ask to come in and sleep on the couch.

Last Week:

This week:

Speaking of being thankful, this Thanksgiving marked the closing of a year that we have a lot to be thankful for. It’s seen us expand our mission of bringing animals and humas closer together to include our canine partners and their humans. What a joy that is, and something that we’re very thankful for.

In May, in collaboration with our wonderful publisher Trafalgar Square Book, our book Beyond Dog Massage hit the cyber-shelves. I’m also very thankful for Dr. Robin Robinett’s collaboration on the book.

Dr Robinett has been using Masterson Method principles and techniques in her veterinary and vet-chiro practice since 2018 and provides much-appreciated veterinary and technical perspective.

And finally, I’d like to dedicate this award to my parents, who without…

oops, wait…

That might be a little premature (sorry!)

(That’s Lee Marvin BTW. Not me.)

Back to business - Getting “the Book” out was only the start of it. Keep an eye out in the first part of 2024 for “the Course” - live, online classes in Beyond Dog Massage (teaser alert!) - to be available. More on that next month.

In any case, we have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.

Dogs? Horses? What’s up with that?

The Masterson Method is a method of “bodywork” that works with the animal’s nervous system to release accumulated muscular tension that may be causing pain or discomfort. I first discovered how this works when I was working with competition horses on the show jumping circuit. It was a practical way of using very light levels of pressure, while paying close attention to visual feedback from the horse to get the horse’s body to release tension.

The value to competitive owners and trainers was an improvement in mobility and performance, but what eventually appealed to owners was 1) it was something they could do themselves to help their horses, and 2) the bond of trust that developed as a result of this interaction.

As most horse people also have dogs, I began to do this work with dogs and found to my surprise, that similar survival instincts and principles apply to both predator and prey, just on different ends of the spectrum. This is something that you do with your dog, not to your dog. Your dog benefits, your relationship benefits, and it’s teachable! Win, win!

So long, Popper

We had another change of seasons this month with the loss - after 14 years of joy - of our little red aussie, Popper; and the addition to our family of a poodle puppy named Jupiter. (Popper’s the red Aussie in the photo at the top of the newsletter.)

Jupiter’s color pattern is known as Phantom, and her medium size is known as Moyen.

My wife, Conley, loves poodles but has always raised them as farm dogs. Which you think might be genetically confusing for them, but it always seems to work out.

Our spotted dog, Nellie, has now stepped into the role of big sister.

Popper has always been there for us at home, in the office, at rest, or at play. She will be missed.

Until next month,

Jim

Did you know December 2nd is National Mutt Day?

National Mutt Day was established in 2005 to celebrate mixed-breed dogs, and to raise awareness of the high number of these dogs waiting to be adopted into their forever homes.

Approximately 75% of adopted dogs are mixed breeds. Chances are that if you adopt a dog, you will be bringing home a mixed breed.

National Mutt Day brings attention to these wonderful furry family members that sometimes get overlooked.

Is this the right time for you to own a dog?

With the holidays just around the corner, you may be thinking this is the time to adopt a new furry family member.

The American Kennel Club gives the following advice: “There are a variety of sources from which you can get a great pet. But responsibility starts with carefully selecting the right pet for your lifestyle so that you can care for it appropriately and have a rewarding lifelong relationship”.

According to The Kennel Club, the most important factor to consider is whether or not the dog suits your lifestyle. But only 10% of new dog owners checked the dog would match their lifestyle.

Listed below are just a few (of many) points from The Kennel Club to consider:

Some breeds can live 15 – 20 years. Are you able to commit to daily feeding, care, and exercise?
All dogs need to be exercised daily… rain, snow, and sleet! When not exercising daily, dogs can become bored and overweight, which can impact their physical and emotional well-being.
The cost of maintaining a healthy dog can be expensive. Veterinary care, medications, illnesses, grooming, training classes, etc.
Dogs are pack animals and do not like being left alone for too long. Consider a pet sitter, friend, or family member if you are consistently gone for long periods of time.
Some dogs adjust easily to their new home while other dogs are more anxious. Do you have the time and patience to help your dog adjust to life with you?

How can The Masterson Method help?

Whether or not you have a mixed-breed, purebred, or designer breed, The Masterson Method® Canine Bodywork can help you and your dog start developing trust in your relationship. As you learn how to “read” and then respond to your dog, the foundation of trust begins.

Every dog deserves to have a life-long loving home and live a healthy life. We hope that The Masterson Method Canine Bodywork will be part of your dog’s life!