A Dog Day Afternoon: Inca's Day of Pampering By Carol Perkoski

    Consciousness about the well being of our own bodies and the world around us has led to an increasing number of us extending the same values to our pets. A number of holistic treatments available to humans for wellness and treatment of pain, illness and injury now are available to animals – along with natural, chemical-free grooming products. More and more pet owners simply feel that their beloved pets deserve some pampering as a thank-you for their unconditional love and companionship.

     My dog Inca recently indulged in an afternoon of holistic treatments. Our pet-pampering schedule began with a visit from Aimee Jordan for a Reiki treatment and later that day Doggie Diva brought its fully equipped, holistic-grooming service – which was housed in a van that was modified just for that purpose – right to our driveway.

    Aimee is a Reiki Master who specializes in treating pets. As a child, she learned compassion for animals because her father worked for the Animal Protective League (APL). When her childhood pets were sick, Aimee intuitively touched them and found that their health improved. About five years ago, she learned Reiki, a treatment in which the practitioner deliberately channels universal life-force energy through his/her hands and into the receiver. Aimee explains, “Reiki supports the body's natural ability to heal itself and revitalize the soul.” Reiki rejuvenates energy and promotes healing. Animals respond differently than humans, and it is recommended that as soon as a pet appears lethargic or sick, it receive a treatment.

    My dog Inca initially appeared apprehensive as she sat on Aimee's massage table awaiting her first Reiki treatment. Aimee began by opening up Inca's auric (energy) field, sweeping her hands a few inches above Inca's body from head to toe. Next, she applied gentle pressure behind Inca's ears and at the base of her skull. Inca's body noticeably relaxed and she closed her eyes as she gave Aimee's hands loving, wet dog kisses. Aimee then incorporated a light massage using circular motions with her fingertips all along Inca's body.

    Aimee told me that she also works on cats, including her own. She shared, “My cat is an aggressive outdoor cat. He broke his pelvic bone, and the vet told me that it could not be fixed. I felt differently, so I began a regular routine of placing my hands over my cat's pelvic area. When he went back for another x-ray, the vet could not find anything broken. Now my cat's jumping around again.” Aimee notes that since cats tend to be hypersensitive, she generally places her hands about four inches above his body during Reiki treatments.

    Aimee makes “house calls” to provide Reiki treatments to pets. She charges from $30 to $45, depending on the type of animal and length of the treatment. For more information, call her at (216) 341-8772 or (216) 287-4698.

    Calm and relaxed from her Reiki session, Inca was ready for her full-service holistic grooming from Doggie Diva. Owner and certified groomer Lisa Arstone offers her convenient, professional dog grooming in a pet owner's driveway by arriving in the Doggie Diva van in which a full-service, natural dog-grooming service is provided. The van is decked out with a 55-gallon water tank, a grooming table and a full-size stainless-steel tub with a massaging-shampoo system. I chose Doggie Diva's most popular treatment for Inca, the Diva Makeover Spa Package, along with the tooth-brushing service.

     Doggie Diva Lisa began the treatment with a full consultation. She does this because she tailors the treatment to each dog. She asked Inca's age, breed, history of grooming and skin problems. She also checked Inca's fur for mats. After thoroughly brushing Inca's coat, Lisa placed Inca in a bath with soothing hydro-massage jets. She added lavender essential oil to the organic shampoo to relax Inca during the shampooing. Following this, Lisa gently massaged a silk-protein shampoo into Inca's coat with a lava stone to help the shampoo penetrate and remove dander. Finally, she applied a leave-in organic conditioner and air-dried Inca with a blower. Lisa finished off the treatment by brushing Inca's teeth. Lisa noted that dogs, like humans, should have their teeth brushed daily in order to minimize the build up of tarter.

     Doggie Diva services begin at $32. The specialty services include flea and tick treatment, color-enhancing shampoos and tooth brushing. Fees range from $5 to $15. For more information, call Doggie Diva at (216) 403-0851.

     Inca's day of pampering was fun and interesting for us both. Inca emerged from her treatments relaxed with a clean coat and fresh breath for future wet kisses. As her proud owner, I was overjoyed to watch my dog respond to the lovingly given treatments. I highly recommend offering your pet a day of pampering.

Photos by Bob Perkoski - www.Perkoski.com.