My name is Viv McDonnell, I have always had a love of animals, dogs in particular and I have owned a dog since I was young. I currently own 3 rescue Lurchers who keep me on my toes. I volunteered at a local animal charity for a number of years helping take care of the dogs and this gave me a real sense of purpose. I also gained a qualification in dog behaviour to help me understand more about them.
I knew I always wanted to work with dogs but didn’t know in what capacity until I attended a canine massage day workshop run by Natalie Lenton of the Canine Massage Therapy Centre. I had spent 16 years working in accountancy and a further 12 years as a Practice Manager in a successful Criminal Defence Law Firm but knew that that this was the career I wanted.
I applied and under Natalie Lenton I completed the 2 year Clinical Canine Massage Practitioners Programme which covers:
- In depth Anatomy & Physiology
- Advanced Palpation Skills
- Gait & Posture Analysis
- Orthopaedic Conditions
- Massage Techniques – Deep Tissue, Swedish, Sports
- Myofascial Release Techniques
- Bodymapping
