Two paws up: Massage, laser therapy not just for humans

Sometimes, our furry four-legged friends also deserve a massage.

Sarah Wheeler, the masseuse behind Love Bug Pet Massage in Coupeville, is in the business of providing relief for the various cats and dogs of Whidbey Island who may be struggling with chronic illness or injury.

Many of her feline and canine clients have arthritis, including 14-year-old border collie Piper, who comes in weekly for massage and laser therapy. The latter treatment utilizes energy from low level light waves to stimulate cell repair in muscle, tendon, nerve and blood cells.

While some may think massage is only for older dogs with aching joints, Wheeler sees several younger pets with overuse injuries from being too active. During a recent session, Piper patiently waited his turn while his younger sister, Tess, received her treatment first. Her owners, Ellen and Larry Rose, started bringing her in when she began limping during playtime.

“It’s hard because she likes to dive for the ball,” Ellen said. “It’s her favorite thing in the world.”

From his comfy position on a twin bed mattress, Piper quietly woofed in affirmation during his massage and laser therapy, living up to his name as a talkative dog, Larry said. In his younger days, Piper damaged both anterior cruciate ligaments while racing the neighbor’s dog. He wears a Velcro brace on all four legs, and walking on slippery floors or stairs is a challenge.

“I know a handful of acupressure points that help with pain and comfort and giving them a little boost of energy, so I do a lot of that on Piper,” Wheeler said.

After treatment, owners like Piper’s often find that their dogs can go on longer walks or aren’t as tired the next day.

“It’s nice to hear that feedback because it matters to me that I’m making a difference for them,” Wheeler said.

It’s all about maintaining quality of life, which Wheeler sees in clients as regular as Piper and Tess.

In 2016, Wheeler left behind a career in publishing to attend the Northwest School of Animal Massage on Vashon Island.

“I was extremely bored by it,” she said of her former job. “I always wanted to work with animals. That was my first plan.”

When she learned that somebody in her family had switched careers to massage therapy, Wheeler wondered if she could do that for animals. After some googling, she found out it was a legitimate, certified trade.

After receiving her certification, she started making house calls around Seattle for pets. In 2020, she moved to Langley with her family. Shortly after, veterinarian Stephanie Garlichs contacted her about joining her team at Whidbey Canine Conditioning & Rehabilitation.

“It’s just been like one of the luckiest things that’s ever happened to me,” Wheeler said.

Garlichs, who retired in 2022, had been looking for someone to provide massage as a service to her patients. She also introduced Wheeler to laser therapy.

Today Wheeler shares the space at 302 N. Main St. in Building B with Michelle Kordupel, a veterinarian who specializes in acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine through her business, Island Holistic Pet Care.

Calming music pours out of a speaker while a diffuser lends a gentle scent to the room. Nervous animals who may have trouble relaxing can try some pate or lick up some frozen peanut butter from ice cube trays.

Wheeler sees clients by appointment on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and some Saturdays during the summer. Half hour sessions – recommended for cats and small dogs – cost $58, while bigger dogs or those with high energy may prefer the full hour, which is $110.

“I love that Whidbey Island is such an animal-loving place,” Wheeler said. “I think Seattle gets the reputation of having more dogs than kids, and it’s kind of true here, too. There’s a lot of people with multiple dogs and the demographics are kind of fluctuating between young families and retirees.”

For more information, visit lovebugpetmassage.com.