Mindy offers a supportive environment using warm water assisted swimming and energy work to get your pet's Paws In Balance. 

Her mission is to provide a safe and nurturing atmosphere in which pets and their humans can find spiritual, physical, and emotional balance on their journey together. As our companions move through the aging process, warm water swimming can help the young athlete, the overweight and/or middle-aged pooch, the arthritic senior, or the terminally ill dog to maintain the highest quality of life as they move along their individual paths. 

Mindy was led to this work by her last great dog, Mike, who died in 2000 at age 13. He instilled in her the desire to increase the quality of life for geriatric and injured pets, as well as to support their humans during those stressful times. She started with Small Animal Massage, but was truly inspired when she saw the impact swimming had on a 17 year old German Shepherd. Her path led to Cindy Horsfall of La Paw Spa, “the canine water-therapy pioneer”.  Mindy completed Level 1 and Level 2 Heart of Canine Water Therapy training with Cindy. This training shaped not only the techniques she uses but also the intention of her heart centered work.

When your dog is resting between swims, Mindy uses Reiki to work with your animal's energy system to restore balance and to improve energy flow. Reiki may also ease your animal's pain or stress. This can be a very powerful tool, especially when combined with the benefits of swimming in warm water!  Mindy is in the process of working toward her Small Animal Massage Practitioner licensure in Washington and looks forward to adding bodywork modalities to her “toolbox” when that is achieved. 

Mindy brings a solid background with human rehabilitation to her practice combined with an abundant knowledge in canines.  Her work with humans has focused on pediatrics and geriatrics.  She is an Occupational Therapist with additional training in Massage, Reiki, Craniosacral Therapy, Sensory Integration, and Aquatic Therapy. Mindy also has a Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling; this training is helpful as she works with people who are adjusting to the changing needs and abilities of their pets as they go through the aging or disability process.

Relevant Professional Memberships, Certificates, and Other Canine Work:
International Association of Animal Massage and Bodywork (IAAMB)
Association of Canine Water Therapy (ACWT)
Level I and 2 Heart of Canine Water Therapy from La Paw Spa~ Cindy Horsfall
Reiki I and 2 from Tonglen Healing Arts for Animals~ Polly Klein
Introduction to Acupressure for Small Animals from Tall Grass Institute
Introduction to Acupressure Toolbox Clinic from La Paw Spa
Level 100 Massage for Small Animals from Northwest School of Animal Massage
First Aid and CPR for Animals
Canine Behavior Academy I and II from Marin Humane Society ~ Trish King & Tricia Breen
Craniosacral Therapy I at the University of New England
Behavioral Rehabilitation Volunteer: Peninsula Humane Society

Mindy is fully insured through the International Association of Animal Massage and Bodywork.

It is important to note that the services at Paws In Balance are not considered medical procedures. It is highly recommended that you visit your veterinarian for a complete diagnosis of your dog's condition and to discuss warm water swimming and exercise options before starting at Paws In Balance.  Mindy will work with your veterinarian to customize a program to meet your specific needs.   

If your dog is limping or injured, or if you suspect any type of health problem, please contact your vet immediately!