March 2024 Newsletter

Message from Jim:

Hello All,

It is time to start packing up for the Super Pet Expo in Edison, NJ this weekend. We have a booth (#431) and I’ll be there Friday afternoon and all weekend to chat with you, answer questions about The Masterson Method and your dogs. I’ll also be doing demos every day on the Main Stage (see schedule below in Super Pet Expo information).

National Reading Month

The big news in March is that it’s National Reading Month! I went online to see what it’s all about and found this:

“National Reading Month is an important opportunity to encourage reading every day and to foster a love of books for children across the country. To celebrate reading throughout March, take a look at the ideas and resources on this page…”

So, if you were to read “children across the country” to include “adults with child-like curiosity”, and the admonition to “take a look at the ideas and resources on this page” to include "this" page, then this would be a list of important books to read:

Pride and Prejudice Jane Austen

The Catcher in the Rye JD Salinger

Moby Dick Herman Melville

War and Peace Leo Tolstoy

The Brothers Karamazov Fyodor Dostoyevsky

Beyond Dog Massage Jim Masterson and Dr. Robin Robinett, DVM

(Tip: You don’t have to read them in exactly that order!)

I also looked up the history of National Reading Month. I skipped the temptation to go to YouTube and went straight to the following:

“March was designated as National Reading Month to celebrate Dr. Suess. He was born on March 2, 1904. Interestingly enough, Dr. Suess was not a doctor at all, he was a writer and an illustrator of very popular children’s books including The Cat in the Hat and How the Grinch Stole Christmas. He received a Pulitzer Prize in 1984 for his contribution to the education of America’s children and their parents.”

Again, if you take "parents" to mean, well… "more mature people like us". And take The Cat in the Hat to include other pets such as, well… dogs, or even foxes, then Beyond Dog Massage would be right in there with such inspirational titles as:

Fox in Socks

Yertle the Turtle

On Beyond Zebra, and

On Beyond Dog Massage (which has yet to be written)

AND, if you looked further then you might find we fit in with such classics as:

Call of the Wild Jack London

Animal Farm George Orwell, and

Beyond Dog Massage Masterson and Robinett (available wherever classics are sold)

So, if you have any time left after all that reading - or don’t have time for all that reading – you can take a look at our Beyond Dog Massage - Read and Release live online (Zoom) classes.

We’ve just finished our first round of classes and are scheduling a second round. These first-ever classes went very well. Instructor Amelia Nalli just emailed me:

“I’m a little sad that we are at the last class for me this week. The students have been amazing and among many things I’ve learned about grounding or earthing (which might be similar to Sure Foot pads?). Also, students have been noticing differences in the way their dogs move, respond, relax and release tension. Very cool stuff!”

After reading all the classics above and there’s time for travel in your schedule, then come to the Super Pet Expos in New Jersey and the D.C. area in March.

I’m inspired!

And, I have to go pack, so until next month,

Jim

It began in 1994…

As Jim mentioned above, the National Reading Month was started to honor Dr. Seuss. Today it encourages reading for all ages for learning, social and professional development, and improving communication.

If you’re looking for a new book to celebrate this month of reading, then here is a suggestion for you… the Beyond Dog Massage book!

Are there times you wonder what your dog is thinking? Do you notice that your dog’s body language changes in different situations or with different people?

You can improve your level of communication with your dog. How? The Beyond Dog Massage book is your answer!

Not only does Jim help you understand how your dog is communicating with you, he guides you through learning The Masterson Method® techniques demonstrated in the book. Invaluable is Dr. Robin Robinett, DVM's content! From the Vet topics are sprinkled throughout the book. Dr. Robin also has dedicated chapters for solving mobility and performance issues, bodywork for individual breeds, competition and different sports, understanding your dog’s personality, contraindications for bodywork, and her recommended reading. (More books to participate in National Reading Month!)

With over 300 pictures and 20 instructional video codes in the Beyond Dog Massage book, your learning will be enjoyable and enlightening!

New Read and Release Courses Available!

Our next set of courses have just opened, and spaces are limited. If you were not able to catch a spot the first time, be sure to sign up now!

Current Schedule

Thursdays 12:00 pm CT, March 7, 14, 21, 28 with Coralie Hughes

Saturdays 11:00 am CT, March 9, 16, 23, 30 with Amelia Nalli

Mondays 11:00 am CT, March 25, April 1, 8, 15 with Stef Watts

Tuesdays 5:00 pm CT, March 26, April 2, 9, 16 with Valissa Willwerth

Fridays 10:00 am CT, April 5, 12, 19, 26 with Robin Robinett

Tuesdays 4:00 pm CT, May 7, 14, 21, 28 with Kalin Finsand

Read and Release Courses

What are students saying about the Read and Release Courses?

From Pamela and Roku: “Attending the course provided insights and techniques that have resulted in some surprising and delightfully gratifying results."

"I loved the convenience and the intimacy of the format. Viewing other classmates practicing with immediate instructor feedback were very helpful by providing examples of what was described in the book. The book shows how to do the technique. The online instruction helps me see real life, and those things that do not go by the book, and to benefit from suggestions from the instructor that encourage me to think outside the box to help reach the responses I am looking for."

"The advantage of being able to 'gather' and interact as a group without the challenges of our dogs being distracted and stimulated by the sudden presence of each other was a huge plus. I was happy with the opportunity the Zoom format provided for me to attend this class and participate with Roku.”

From Bridget and Bonnie: “I think that doing an initial online course, rather than just reading through the book (even though the QR video clips are very helpful), is a good motivator to get started on working with dogs!"

"The group had a relaxed atmosphere. Having the instructor do the demonstration first and then our practice with instructor feedback worked very well.”

From Jo and Snacks: “It is so easy to be in a rush day to day, not really noticing all the little subtle things. This course has helped me interpret Snacks on a deeper level, which is just incredible.”

From Rich and Banner: “There is more of an overall connection with Banner, with him understanding that I can help him relax more. A lot of what we do is bite-work, obedience, agility, building muscle and tone. Now there is a different side that I can help him calm down and relax. It is another aspect of where we have improved our relationship overall. Just understanding each other a little better."

"The Read and Release was great course and I look forward to using the Masterson Method with the dogs I have in for training.”

Are you ready to emBARK with your learning?

Start your journey of learning Beyond Dog Massage Canine Bodywork by attending a Read and Release course. You will be amazed to see how trust grows while helping your pooch with mobility and comfort. Your dog will be tail-wagging happy you did!