Jaquay Ashford

I live on the edge of the North York Moors with my four Shetland Sheepdogs and my partner. There have always been dogs in my family and for the past thirty years and I have owned and bred Shelties and as well as being my gorgeous furry companions I have successfully competed with them in agility and hoopers.

It was my second sheltie, Alfie, who started me on my journey to becoming a Galen Myotherapist. Following surgery on his hocks he was given a prognosis of recovering only 65% of mobility in his joints but after I was shown some massage techniques I could use at home he regained 97% of his movement. I also used some of the techniques on my older sheltie who, like many older dogs, suffered with arthritis and had really good results. I began to realise what a powerful effect massage could have , improving the life of dogs and I wanted to learn more.

I discovered Galen when I attended a workshop and was immediately drawn to their ethos, particularly Positive P.A.C.T. which allows the dog to have choice in their treatment. Several years later, after retiring from teaching I had the time to study for the Diploma. I now feel extremely privileged to work with dogs and their families, helping to ease chronic pain and discomfort, improve mobility, and enabling dogs to enjoy a happy and more pain free life.