Jennifer Gibson showing Julius some love.

By Meredeth Barzen

The dog moms at Sidewalk Dog are always on the lookout for ways to make our pooches more relaxed, comfortable and happy, so when we heard about the pet massage movement, we decided to get the scoop from an insider—Jennifer Gibson, owner of Bits of Love Pet Massage.

First, the question on everyone’s mind: How is pet massage different from the belly rubs, ear squeezes and bear hugs I give my dog at home?  “I hear a lot of ‘I pet/rub/massage my dog,’” Jennifer says. “Of course, I think this is fantastic. Everyone should touch their dogs. We are our dogs’ first line of defense. However, having someone specially trained in dog anatomy, with a special understanding of their bio mechanics and different massage techniques can help your dog in so many more ways. There are times when massage is inappropriate, places where dogs shouldn’t be massaged and a trained pet massage therapist knows all about the contraindications.”

Even more so than your own (though still very valuable) affection for your dog, pet massage by a trained therapist can have some clear health and mood benefits for elderly, injured or terminally ill dogs, Jennifer says. “Massage releases endorphins for pain relief, helps nutrient absorption into the blood, maintains muscle tone, boosts the immune system, and massage can even help your dog with a transition, like welcoming a new family member, losing a family member, and even letting go of themselves. Dogs aren’t afraid of death, but they hang on for the sake of their owners even when it means they are living a non-quality life. Massage helps encourage them to let go and transition on,” she says.

Jennifer got into pet massage a few years ago when her rat terrier, Julius, was injured after jumping out of a car window. “Needless to say, over the next couple of years, his mobility diminished,” Jennifer says. After his accident—which Jennifer says was motivated by jealousy over a new dog in the family—Julius was having trouble walking, and couldn’t go up stairs or jump up on the bed anymore. Jennifer took both dogs to the PetMassage™ school in Toledo, Ohio, where students practiced massage on them, “Massage made all the difference in Julius’ life. He’s been running around ever since like nothing was ever wrong with him,” Jennifer says.

Though there are currently no laws in place to regulate pet massage, Jennifer says it’s important to seek out a reputable, trained pet masseuse if you’re going to fork over your hard-earned cash for Fido’s well-being—there are a handful in Minnesota, she says.

And misconceptions still abound in this growing field. “I think many people just think about massage as being relaxing and de-stressing for people. I don’t think people have ever really thought about how beneficial it is for our pets and so many times they just blow off the idea as being frou-frou. In reality, massage for animals not only de-stresses them, but it boosts their immune system, restores range of motion and flexibility, maintains muscle tone, can correct behavior issues and much more,” Jennifer says.

Here’s a pet massage tip you can try at home, courtesy of Jennifer Gibson, Bits of Love Pet Massage:

“Just like humans, dogs have many acupressure points that send signals to the body. The ears contain a calming pressure point, usually near the tip. Massaging circles near the tips of the ears should get them nice and relaxed.”

Attendees really got into the "spirit" of the event at last year's Monster Dash 5K-9.

By Meredeth Barzen

Looking for a fun way to celebrate Halloween with your dog? Team Ortho is holding its annual “Monster Dash” 5K-9 on the spookiest day of the year—this Saturday, October 31.

The 5K-9 is the dog- and costume-friendly (for people and their pets!) portion of the Monster Dash race, which also includes a half-marathon, a 10-mile race and a regular 5K race—more than 7,000 runners are expected to participate this year. The 5K-9 will take place around Lake Harriet, and for your noble exercising efforts, you’ll receive a long-sleeved tech shirt and a collar or leash from the event’s sponsor, Stunt Puppy. Sidewalk Dog will be enjoying the festivities from Stunt Puppy’s tent. Plus, Fetch Delivers will be there to refuel your dog with treats and free one-pound sample bags of Go! Natural Grain Free Endurance dog food (great for active dogs) and to hand out coupons for any food in the the Now!/Go! lines, which can be redeemed at any retailer. ScoopyPoo will take care of anything your dog—ahem—leaves behind, Bits of Love Pet Massage will be providing mini-massages for your four-legged athletes and Pampered Pooch Playground will be on hand to simply love up all the pups.

Registration is $47 for one adult and one dog. If you haven’t pre-registered, registration for the 5K-9 opens at 8:45 a.m. Saturday morning, and the race starts at 10:35 at the Lake Harriet Bandshell.

There will be three water/trick-or-treat stops along the way, and remember: There’s no shame in walking if you get tired—you can always blame it on your dog.

Here’s some important info from the pooch lovin’ people behind the race:

1. Race Guide: The entire guide can now be downloaded at www.teamortho.us. In the guide, you will find detailed schedules and start locations for runners, information on parking, great suggestions for spectators and where you can pick up awards for running and costumes. We encourage you to read this document.

2. Packet Pickup is Friday, October 30 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Please note that packet pickup has moved from Marathon Sports to the Minneapolis Convention Center. Time for packet pickup: 10 a.m.- 8 p.m. in Ballroom B. Please bring a valid ID and your confirmation card. If you didn’t receive a confirmation card yet, never fear; come to packet pickup with your photo ID and we’ll get your bib number for you. Note: There will be no packet pickup on race day for the Half Marathon and the 10 Mile.

3. Registration is still open for the 5K-9: Online registration (highly encouraged!) shuts down Wednesday night. You can register at packet pickup on Friday or on race day; registration fee will be $47.