Gentle Persuasions was launched in 1998 by equine and canine bodyworker Lauri Rusk. Her services for dogs and horses include traditional massage, pulsated cold laser therapy, and Masterson techniques.
“I originally trained horses and discovered that most behavioural issues stemmed from physical pain or discomfort,” says Rusk. “The only way an animal can tell you they're hurting is through changes in behaviour, or obvious pain reactions. I've always had a great love of all animals, so I wanted to help them have a better quality of life while educating owners on being aware of what was going on physically in their animal's bodies.”
With that in mind, she opened Gentle Persuasions.
“Massage can really benefit animals,” Rusk continues. “It aids in promoting circulation throughout the body, repairs damaged muscles, helps with joint pain, and keeps muscles working to their maximum, thus avoiding more serious injury to tendons and ligaments. It is good for the relief of arthritis pain in older animals and for maintenance of our equine and canine athletes to keep them in peak performance shape.
“Laser is an extremely effective tool which can speed up healing of wounds by a third to half the time. It is especially effective for tendon and ligament repair. Cold laser works at the cellular level, helping to boost the body's healing cycle. It is also good for arthritis and deep muscle injury.”
Rusk notes massage and laser therapy are also important for older horses and dogs to improve their quality of life and provide comfort as they near the end of their lifespan.
“My greatest challenge is working with animals towards the end of their lives, and helping their owners before and after the transition,” Rusk notes. “I become so attached to all my clients, (animals and owners) that it takes a piece of me when one crosses over the rainbow bridge. My greatest reward, however, is when I see animals improve with these therapies. Nothing is better than seeing an older dog playing again, or a horse coming back from a leg injury!”
Rusk offered her services in Ontario for 25 years before moving to Okotoks. In both provinces she was happy to give back to the community by volunteering at the PrimRose Donkey Sanctuary (Ontario) and at Opening Gaits Therapeutic Riding Society (Alberta). Rusk was also honoured to work with a group of officers and their horses from the Toronto Police Mounted Unit; an experience she calls, “amazing.”
“I would like to thank all of my Ontario clients for their support and loyalty over the past 25 years. They are the ones who made me who I am. I'd also like to thank the large and small animal vets (especially Dr. Kelli Gilson) I had the honour of working with in Ontario, and the animal chiropractors, Bowen therapists, PEMF practitioners, etc. who all made up the best team anyone could hope for. I am looking forward to continuing this here in Alberta,” says Rusk. “I am starting now to take on more clients here, working within an hour radius of Okotoks. I'm looking forward to getting involved with the dog and horse communities, meeting new animals and their people.”
If you are interested in Gentle Persuasions’ services for your dog or horse or want to learn more about the benefits of animal bodywork, send Rusk a message through her Facebook page. She works weekdays, evenings, and weekends in accordance with what is best for her clients.
