Balanced Paws

A great lady and dear friend left us unexpectedly behind last night. Diane Wright was a beautiful soul who loved her family, her dog show family, and her dogs beyond measure. She was selfless with her knowledge and I owe her such a debt of gratitude for everything she has taught me over the past decade...about dogs...about people. Her legacy continues through her family, her Keeshonden lines (Jen'N'Di Keeshond), and the hundreds of people she mentored of which I'm blessed to have been one.

I will forever miss our talks, her eye roll when I didn't 'get' what she was trying to teach me (my fault, not hers), watching her enjoy food like nobody I've ever seen, having such fun at our pajama party dog show weekends, and I will always think of her any time I add glitter to an outfit. I know she'll be watching and smiling when I do. My heart is broken. I know Diane is surrounded by all her beloved dogs right now, wearing glitter and looking forward to dinner! I love you Diane.

Day 2 on the road, left at 5am. Molly has been a perfect travel companion! We are learning the difficulties of a 103 # GS with no training, she is strong! Fortunately she is also a pleaser and training has begun!

I have some news to share - we are adopting an elderly German Shepherd named Molly!
Backstory...she was rescued from a shelter approximately 4 years ago by a family member (her 2nd time being rescued!). Devastatingly we recently lost our family member and Molly has been faced with grief, loneliness and poor options as she fights lameness in her back end (possibly due to osteoarthritis) and severe skin infections; at 9+ years old. We will be flying to the west coast and driving her back next week to join our unruly pack of 4 Keeshonden, 2 cats and 15 chickens! She will also have an amazing network of Veterinarian's (local, regional and international!) working on her behalf.

A veteran show dog got some loving massage today at the Rocky Mountain Keeshond Club specialty. Thank you Echo for spending this beautiful moment with me!

Your dog is reading your breath right now.

Not your words. Not your to-do list. Your breath, your shoulders, the tension sitting in your jaw. Pets are amazing nervous-system readers — and they mirror what they sense. Fast, shallow breathing tells them to stay alert. Slow, steady breathing tells them it's safe to rest.

This is co-regulation: two nervous systems settling together, in real time.

Try this tonight —

Sit or lie down next to your pet. Rest a hand on their side if they're comfortable with it. Breathe in for 4 counts, out for 6. Just that. Let your exhale be a little longer than your inhale, and let them feel it.

Give it 5 minutes. Watch what happens to their breathing. Watch what happens to yours.

This is the same principle behind every session at Balanced Paws — your calm and your pet's calm are connected.

📍 Dillon, CO 🔗 balancedpaws.co ✨ September intro offer: $60/session (up to 3 sessions this month)

Happy National Dog Day! Give your pup some extra love with an introductory $60 massage session with Balanced Paws.

Yes, goat's are small animals who can benefit from massage! I rescued this little beauty along a highway near my house, lost and traumatized. After a few minutes of calm, deliberate breathing and massage she became easy to handle and melted into my arms. She was reunited with her owner shortly thereafter although I was already planning a goat habitat on my property. 😆