101  Small Animal Anatomy and Introduction to Pathologies (Distance students take this online.)

102  Small Animal Behavior, Handling and Management  (Distance students take this online.)

103  Animal Health/Bio-Security  (Distance students take this online.)

104  Species and Breeds  (Distance students take this online.)

The following classes are taught in-person at Doggone U for all students:

105  Animal Massage Techniques I

106 Animal First Aid/CPR

107  Passive Range of Motion

108  Introduction to Biomechanics and Gait Analysis of Small Animals

109  Animal Massage Techniques II

110  Regional Massage Applications

111 Sports Massage

112  Introduction to Energy Healing Modalities for Animals

113  Business Practices, Marketing, Presentation Skills/Ethics

114  Internship- 39 hours, performed in your local area

Marlene J. Narrow

Lisa Ruthig, BS, CSAMP, CEMP 

Director of Animal Programs, Pricncipal Anatomy and massage instructor.

After graduating from University of Delaware with a BS in Biology, Lisa worked in molecular biology and immunology laboratories for a number of years before following a meandering path to her career in animal massage.

A traumatic injury to her puppy, Fergus, led Lisa into the realm of complementary healing techniques. Attempts to treat his resulting structural problems and anxiety quickly led to a passion for working with all animals.

A graduate of Doggone U Small Animal Massage and Equine Massage Programs and a Level II Reiki practitioner, Lisa uses her scientific mindset, along with her natural affinity for the emotions of animals, to guide her in treating various behavioral problems, injuries, and movement disorders in small animals. She also works with agility dogs in between events to keep them in peak condition. A combination of massage and Reiki has been successful in improving behavioral issues stemming from anxiety. Learn more about Lisa at Lively Animal Massage.

 Carol Mossa, CEMP, LMT  

Massage instructor

Carol Ann Mossa is a Licensed Massage Therapist in private practice serving clients in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. After graduating from Bancroft School of Massage Therapy in April 2011, she went on to earn her Equine Massage Therapist Certification, graduating from BSMT in November that same year. Carol is the founder and director of The Well Healing Arts Center in Rumford, RI. More information can be found at www.facebook.com/TheWellRI.        

 Cherie Aldrich, CEMP, LMT  

Cherie graduated from both the human and small animal programs at Bancroft and practices in Rhode Island.

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Founding Instructors

The Animal Massage Program at Doggone U was co-founded by Marlene Narrow, who created the massage techniques, writing the curriculum, and developing the program.

Marlene is a pioneer in the canine massage therapy field and has been involved in animal massage since the early 1980s. She originally trained with Jack Meagher, the founder of Equine Sports Massage in the United States. She has led numerous canine massage workshops to sled dog racers, agility dog competitors, dog groomers, and other animal groups. Marlene’s family includes her own horses,  cats, rescued bovines and a pig. They are all living testimony to the healing power of massage and the contribution to animal health and well-being.

Ilene H. Segal, DVM, CCRP

Dr. Segal is a 1987 graduate of Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine and the owner of Parkway Veterinary Hospital and Pet Rehabilitation in West Roxbury, MA where she practices as a veterinarian. She completed the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society Course in 2001 and has received her accreditation as a certified canine rehabilitation practitioner from the University of Tennessee in 2003. She is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture.

Dr. Segal is on the Advisory Board for the Small Animal Massage Certification Program. She also helped develop the canine anatomy course. Parkway Veterinary Hospital