Our Friends & Testimonials

ARTICLES & TESTIMONIALS

Click here to view most recent articles:

Suffolk News Herald: "More Than a Belly Scratch"

Suffolk News Herald: "Masseuse Turns Her Talents to the Dogs"

Smithfield Times: "It's a Dog's Life - Canine Massage"

I am so grateful to have learned about Amy Hines of Pawsitive Paths. I feel fortunate that I understand the importance of massage in the health and well being of my now, happy and comfortable dog! Like you, I love my dog and want only the best for her. After her massage it’s so obvious Dutchess is relaxed and can move about more freely. Her stiffness and stress is gone. In the office, following Dutchess massage, Amy always gives her a bottled water in her “own” bowl that’s kept there at the office just for Dutchess.  She drinks and drinks! In the car ride home her eyes glaze over, she falls into a deep sleep and snored most the afternoon. She has more flexibility, you can see this in the way she walks, runs and goes up the stairs. Following a session, her tongue instantly turns a healthy, rosy pink, showing she is getting more oxygen and blood throughout her body. I can already see a huge difference in her. What’s really nice, is it’s so evident Dutchess’s well being is important to Amy. It really shows in the way Amy works with my dog that she enjoys what she does.
Deborah S.

My 18-month-old Goldendoodle pup, Yogi Bear, takes his job as a therapy dog very seriously! When we visit the hospital each week, he usually greets about 100 patients, their visitors, and the staff.   He stretches and strains to get into the right position to love on everyone of them.

The Bear is an eighty pounder, so I keep a tight rein on his harness which, in turn, makes his muscles sore.  I didn’t realize just how sore he was until Amy gave him a therapeutic massage.   He went from wincing when she first touched his muscles to total relaxation within a few minutes.  He was one mighty happy fellow when Amy had finished – so much so that we’ll continue having her work her magic after Yogi Bear makes his hospital rounds.  After all, this dog gives so much of himself, it’s the least we can do to repay him.
CH

I have a dog (Champ) that I rescued , not sure what all he had been through, before I got him. We tried everything to get him to relax, but he continued to jump and flinch at the slightest strange sound or movement. We were considering putting him on some medication to relax him, although we did not want to medicate him, we felt very sorry for him.We heard of a place called Pawsitive Paths and decided to try it. We were very excited to see this animal so relaxed that he was smiling when I picked him up! Amy is excellent with animals. We will definitely recommend this to everyone.

Thanks again,
Becki D.

Phanny, our 11 year-old Australian Cattle Dog/Border Collie, is a very strong minded, independent dog. After a few minutes of Amy's touch, her herding instincts were significantly relaxed and she was "all smiles" through the whole joyful experience."
M.H.

Greta's Story

In 1992 I purchased the last puppy of the litter from a Rottweiler breeder in Virginia Beach. I soon discovered why this gorgeous creature was the last to be placed. Every time someone approached her she would let out a blood curdling scream, thrash her head back and forth and snip at anything in her path. Understanding that this pup was growing by the minute, my concern grew by the second. My head was telling me that I was headed for BIG trouble but my heart told me that there had to be a reason why an 8 week- old puppy was dangerously neurotic. She was evaluated by 3 different veterinarians who said they could find nothing physically wrong. I spent hours researching animal behaviorists and other professionals knowledgeable about dogs. They all said, "Bring her here....We'll figure it out". No one figured it out....until one special day that I will NEVER forget.

I started a new job working in telecommunications. I drove by a vet clinic on the VA beach/ Norfolk line. I stopped in and met an energetic and non-conforming vet who started to ask me about my pup. These questions were different. She asked non "clinical" questions like how many puppies were in the litter, were the puppies kept inside or outside, etc. The light bulb quickly went off in my head and we figured out the problem within minutes. My beautiful baby was simply not used to human touch. She was the last of 14 puppies and had not been handled. "How do I solve this problem", I asked. "Simple", she replied. MASSAGE.  There you have it. One 7 letter word and months of despair went out the door.

Greta was massaged from head to toe three times daily. In the beginning I used treats and a lot of positive reinforcement to divert her tension and the "evil eye" that she would give me. Within two months I had a totally different dog. She was becoming social, trustworthy and starting to show just how amazing she was.

Years passed and so did any shred of fear for humans. She became a second mother to my children alerting me if they cried or had a dirty diaper. She became a neighborhood favorite with her soccer and basketball skills. She was obedient, stunning and was a true inspiration to everyone who knew her.

On Friday, January 13th 2006, Greta died in my arms after suffering a series of seizures resulting from a brain tumor. It was a tragic day for the whole family. We miss her dearly but the lessons she taught me will be forever present within every massage that I give. Please remember this story if ever you see an animal that seems to have an insurmountable issue. Don't give up. Sometimes the answer is right at your fingertips.

"Dogs' lives are too short. Their only fault, really."
Agnes Sligh Turnbull